My Husband Threw Me Out For Being Poor — He Didn’t Know My Grandfather Was A Billionaire

Part 1

The sound of a slap echoed through the gilded ballroom of the St. Regis Hotel.

Three hundred of the city’s elite fell completely silent.

Everyone watched as Greg pointed a shaking finger directly at my face.

His features twisted into a mask of pure rage.

Get out of here.

You are nothing but a stain on my reputation.

I should have left you in the gutter where I found you.

My eyes stayed dry.

I simply straightened my spine as the security guards grabbed my arms.

Greg thought he had just discarded a piece of trash.

He didn’t realize that in exactly five minutes a fleet of black Phantoms would pull up to the curb.

He had no idea the man inside was about to bring his entire empire crumbling down.

His foundation’s charity gala was easily the most anticipated event of the year.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the grand ballroom ceiling and sparkled brightly overhead.

Their warm light illuminated the custom tuxedos and expensive silk dresses worn by the city’s elite.

My husband commanded the center of the room.

He was gripping a delicate glass filled with champagne.

He threw his head back in charming laughter at something a nearby senator said.

I should have been standing right next to him.

Instead I hovered a few feet away with my fingers digging into a cheap beaded purse.

The accessory only highlighted how embarrassing my department-store gray dress was.

Stand up straight.

A harsh whisper cut into my ear.

I jumped slightly.

Glancing back I saw my mother-in-law Brenda adorned in heavy emeralds.

She gave me a look usually meant for a stray animal.

Make sure you don’t ruin this evening for him.

She slowly drank from her martini glass.

Tell people you feel unwell and wait quietly by the wall if anyone questions you.

My stomach knotted up but I gave a small nod.

I stole another glance at my husband.

He appeared so confident and accomplished.

Three years prior I was just serving tables at a local diner when we met.

Back then he claimed I was a refreshing change of pace.

As soon as we married that refreshing change became a liability.

Greg.

A seductive tone caught my attention.

I saw Heather sauntering up to him in a bold red gown.

Her father was one of the biggest bankers in the city.

She rested her palm intimately against his arm.

He gave her a warm smile that I hadn’t seen directed at me in months.

You are breathtaking this evening.

Will you introduce me to the senator.

Gladly.

He held his arm out for her.

I stepped up instinctively since we were supposed to mingle as a couple.

He halted and shot me a glare.

His charismatic smile vanished instantly.

The surrounding chatter dulled as icy frustration took over his expression.

Megan.

He spoke quietly but his tone was sharp.

Look at your appearance.

You have a water mark on a cheap department-store dress.

Do you honestly believe you should be speaking with a senator.

I glanced at the tiny droplet from the rain outside.

It’s barely noticeable.

This isn’t about the dress.

His voice rose enough to silence the guests standing closest to us.

It’s about your presence.

You do not belong in this world.

You never will.

Go find a quiet place out of sight.

Heather’s bright red lips curled into a malicious grin.

Go on.

There are some hors d’oeuvres being served near the kitchen.

A hot flush of embarrassment spread across my face.

My fingers gripped my small purse tightly enough to hurt.

I am your wife.

Regrettably.

He whispered back.

He pivoted away from me and escorted Heather across the room.

I stood completely isolated among the crowd.

I backed away until I reached the heavy velvet drapes at the perimeter.

Without warning Heather left his side and marched directly toward my spot.

She carried an expensive antique vase she had picked up from a display table.

Well well.

She paused right in front of me.

Greg and I had a little chat.

He is completely exhausted by your pathetic lifestyle and lack of status.

He is planning to divorce you.

You are lying.

My pulse pounded violently in my chest.

Am I.

She let out a mocking chuckle.

He’s closing the Archer Industries merger tonight.

My dad sits on their board of directors.

Do you honestly believe he’d risk a billion-dollar agreement for a former waitress.

A cruel light danced in her eyes as she glanced down at the ceramic piece.

Let’s make his choice a little easier.

She suddenly thrust herself forward.

She slammed her shoulder hard into mine.

Then she released her grip on the vase.

I let out a gasp and tried to grab it mid-air.

I wasn’t fast enough.

The antique shattered against the marble tiles.

The deafening crack echoed like a weapon firing.

The background music cut off.

Conversations died instantly.

Everyone in the room stopped moving.

She jumped back with a dramatic gasp.

What is wrong with you.

She screamed for the whole ballroom to hear.

You threw it at me.

I did no such thing.

I stared blankly at the broken pieces.

Greg pushed his way through the onlookers with Brenda trailing him.

What is the meaning of this.

He demanded angrily.

Greg.

She clung to his arm and hid her face against him.

I tried to compliment her and she completely lost her mind.

She destroyed the vase.

She screamed that she hated you and everyone here.

That’s not true.

I scanned the crowd of judgmental stares.

She let it fall on purpose.

He glared at me.

His expression was entirely devoid of pity.

I saw only ruthless calculation in his stare.

He took in the shattered porcelain and the mocking whispers of the elite crowd.

He realized his pristine image was being ruined by the woman he regretted marrying.

You are a complete disgrace.

Please.

I reached for his hand.

He slapped my hand away with such force it made a sharp crack.

Keep your hands off me.

He spat.

I have put up with your uselessness for three long years.

You are nothing but garbage.

That’s all you will ever be.

He motioned to the bouncers nearby.

Remove her from the premises.

He gestured toward me.

Toss her out and ensure she is permanently banned from this establishment.

All the color drained from my cheeks.

It’s pouring rain out there.

My coat and purse are still in the cloakroom.

I do not care.

He replied with absolute ice in his voice.

Walk back to whatever ditch you crawled out of.

Two massive guards seized my arms.

I took one final look at the man I had married.

Whatever love I had left turned into solid rock.

The wealthy attendees stepped aside to watch me get dragged toward the exit.

Go back to the slums.

A voice mocked from the audience.

I was violently pushed out the front doors.

I stumbled onto the slick concrete of the driveway.

The heavy brass doors closed securely behind me.

I stood shivering uncontrollably in the icy downpour.

My cheap dress was instantly drenched.

I was left with absolutely nothing.

My pockets were empty.

I had no phone to call for help.

My marriage was over.

I wrapped my arms around myself.

My jaw shook violently from the cold.

I stared down the empty flooded avenue.

There was nowhere for me to hide.

Then a pair of headlights appeared.

Bright white beams pierced the gloom.

An entire motorcade turned onto the street.

Six blacked-out SUVs drove in formation around a massive custom Rolls-Royce.

The vehicles approached with quiet menace.

They gradually rolled to a stop right in front of me.

I took a hesitant step backward.

The procession halted completely.

The door of the lead vehicle swung open.

Four armed men in tactical gear emerged.

They unfurled massive black umbrellas.

They formed a dry tunnel leading to the rear door of the Rolls-Royce.

The rear door opened, and the man who stepped out wasn’t just a savior—he was the ghost my mother had run away from fifteen years ago.