The CEO's Plus-Size Ex-Wife Returns

Emeline’s POV.

I stood in the middle of the market, picking out the freshest Mackerel fish for my son. Mackerel was his favorite, and it’s his sixth birthday. Just the thought of him brought a smile to my face.

His birth hadn’t been easy. I was only nineteen when I found out I was pregnant. Life got rough, but Grayson—my husband—stood by me.

Grayson wasn’t my first love. That title belonged to someone else—my college crush. Shockingly, he liked me back. We could have had our fairytale ending, but just when things were starting to click, his parents sent him abroad to learn their family business.

We promised to keep in touch, but the moment he left, his number became unreachable. Everyone said he had ditched me. I was heartbroken. Humiliated.

That’s when Grayson came into my life, asking me to be his girlfriend. He was my knight in shining armor.

Grayson... he was the love of my life.

When I first learned I was pregnant at nineteen, it felt like the end of the world. My parents disowned me, and Grayson’s parents didn’t support us either. But somehow, we made it through the years managing to get married shortly after I conceived. It wasn’t easy—raising a child so young, juggling marriage, and putting my dreams on hold, but I was still happy because I had Liam. And I had him with Grayson. They were the best thing that ever happened to me.

At nineteen, with what people called "perfect features," I had dreams of becoming a model. But everything changed after I gave birth. My body changed, and people started calling me things like—

“Move out of the way, fasto!” A harsh voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

Right—I had been standing in the middle of the market, lost in my head.

I turned to the man and sneered. Sighing, I tugged at the hoodie I had thrown on, hoping it would hide my size. But it didn’t. I was still plus-sized, and people still noticed, like the man who had just glared at me in disgust.

I wanted to yell, “You should watch where you’re going, old geezer!” But instead, I forced a smile. “Sorry,” I muttered.

After picking out all the ingredients for Liam’s special birthday meal, I was about to leave the market when something caught my eye—Grayson's favorite wine. The local brew he loved so much.

I glanced down at my remaining cash. It was just enough for a cab ride home. But without thinking twice, I bought the wine.

So, I walked home.

Sweat dripped down my face. I was breathing heavily, grunting in discomfort. My pants felt too tight, and earlier, I had spent thirty minutes in the bedroom trying to pull them up. I should’ve worn something more comfortable, but I wanted to look presentable, for once. Grayson had been complaining that I looked bigger so I wanted to do something.

When I finally got home, I was drenched in sweat. my chest heaving from the long walk. My hands were full—bags of groceries, a bottle of Grayson's favorite wine, and the birthday ingredients I’d carefully picked out for Liam. My shirt clung to me, my pants pinching at the waist. I felt like a mess But I smiled anyway. I was happy I got something for my family.

I stepped into the house, ready to be greeted by the usual chaos. Then, I noticed the silence.

Our home was never this quiet. Liam was usually busy with video games, and Grayson was always handling business calls, and I was gone for hours. I had expected to be bombarded with calls because they felt my absence, but staring at my phone there was no single one.

Where were they?

Trying to brush off the unease, I dropped the groceries in the kitchen. But something felt off. Some of the things had been moved.

Ignoring it, I called out, “Grayson? Liam?” No response.

Then I heard voices coming from our bedroom. I hurried toward it but stopped when I recognized a familiar laugh.

Sophie.

There was no mistaking her soft, solemn voice.

I stood frozen, heat rising in my chest. For a moment, I wanted to turn around—pretend I hadn’t heard anything. But I couldn’t. I had to see.

The door was slightly ajar. Just enough for me to peer in. I peeked through the slightly open door.

There they were.

The three of them were sitting on the bed. Liam was in the middle, laughing. Grayson’s face was flushed, smiling as he talked to Sophie. His arm was around her waist. And worst of all, his arousal was obvious, even through his pants.

I stared at Sophie. Her perfect features. Long, slim nose. Beautiful eyes. A small red mole on her chin. Dimples that deepened when she smiled. She looked nothing like me, she was just so perfect. Everything about her seemed effortless. The kind of effortless I used to be, before motherhood, before marriage.

I had always known about Sophie Bridgeton, Grayson’s childhood sweetheart. She’d always lingered in the shadows of our relationship. Whenever I asked, Grayson would laugh it off. “We’re just friends, Emeline.” And foolishly, I believed him. But today... it felt different.

Sophie pulled out her phone and held it up. “Let’s take a picture!” she beamed.

Grayson

They leaned in, Grayson closer than he should have.

Click.

“See this? It came out so nice,” she said, gasping like a teenage girl. Grayson chuckled and leaned closer to see.

“Let me see!” Liam clapped his small hands together, excitement radiating from him. He took the phone and squealed.

Liam suddenly giggled. “I like Auntie Sophie so much!”

My heart cracked.

Not once had I heard my son say that about me.

I turned to leave, trying to escape the ache in my chest.

But then Liam said something that stopped me cold.

“The three of us look more like a family than Mommy!”

My heart raced. It hurt. Deeply. Like I was being erased from my own family.

Emeline’s POV.

I walked back to the living room, lost in thought.

After a few more minutes, I finally heard their voices grow louder as they approached the living room.

They kept talking—light and teasing—completely at ease with each other, like a real family.

No one noticed my presence until I heard Sophie sniff loudly.

“What’s this foul smell?” she asked.

I knew it was coming from me—the market smell, the fish smell, the drenched sweat. I got to my feet, ready to head to the bathroom for a bath.

They finally noticed me. Grayson looked shocked. “Emeline, you’re back?”

“Yes,” I hummed, without sparing him a glance. Or maybe I just didn’t have the courage to look at their faces.

Sophie suddenly stepped in front of me. Ever so innocent, she smiled. “Hi, Emeline. I stopped by for a while to drop a little gift for Liam. You don’t mind, right?”

I looked down at Liam and noticed the new bracelet on his wrist. It looked expensive. It must be the gift Sophie brought.

“Yeah, thanks,” I said, emotionless.

I wanted to leave, but my eyes caught the heart-shaped necklace around her neck. My eyes narrowed at its familiarity. It was the same necklace I had seen in Grayson’s study a few days ago. I had hoped it was for me, but then it suddenly vanished. I thought maybe he was waiting for the right time to give it to me. But it was for Sophie?

I let out a quiet breath, keeping my face unreadable. I walked past them, heading for the stairs, but Liam—who had pretended not to notice me all this while—suddenly spoke.

“Mom, you stink!” He blocked his nostrils with his hand before running to hug Sophie.

I froze, emotionless.

If only he knew I was out there for him... If only he knew I reeked because I wanted to make his favorite meal.

Then, without a word, I walked into the bedroom and shut the door behind me.

But the walls were thin.

I could still hear their voices, their giggles.

“How can you say your mother stinks?” I heard Sophie’s voice, with soft laughter in between. She was delighted by my humiliation.

“I doubt she had a perfume. I told her to wear one, but she won’t,” Grayson sighed.

Sophie laughed even harder. “She really doesn’t have one?”

I was hurt. Devastated.

By the time Sophie left, I had taken my bath and was already in bed.

I heard the bed creak lightly as Grayson came to lie beside me. I was surprised—he didn’t usually sleep here. He always preferred his own room and only came when he needed something.

“What about Liam?” I murmured, half-asleep.

“He went to bed,” he mumbled, moving closer to me and bridging the distance between us. I was even more surprised.

Maybe he knew what they did was wrong and was trying to make it up to me? I smiled a little, forgetting all the pain.

“Emeline,” Grayson said suddenly, “remember your grandfather’s inheritance you told me about? I want you to transfer it to me. I need some money for my company.”

My face dropped instantly. So I was right. He was only here because he needed something, not because I was hurt.

I didn’t reply. I moved away, my body stiff.

Grayson moved closer. “What’s wrong?” he asked, pretending everything was fine.

“What was Sophie doing here?” I asked, gathering a little courage.

Grayson chuckled lazily. “Why are you making a fuss over that? It’s not her first time here. She and Liam get along well.”

Hearing that, I pressed my sweaty palms against my thick thighs. They get along? But I don’t get along with her.

“I told you, I don’t feel comfortable with her here.”

“Then am I expected to throw her out?” Grayson’s voice hardened.

Those words shocked me. This was our house. I paid more for the lease than he did.

“What about the money I’m asking you for?” he asked instead. “I need to pay—”

I didn’t let him finish. I threw off the covers and stood abruptly, stepping away from the bed.

“I’ll sleep in another room,” I said coldly and left.

To my surprise, he didn’t come after me. My heart ached.

What was I actually expecting?

Deep down, I already knew the truth, but I kept making excuses, telling myself Grayson loved me and that he would change.

The next morning, I woke up to faint chuckles and voices coming from downstairs.

The first thing I saw when I entered the kitchen was Sophie and Grayson, cooking together like a perfect couple.

As if last night wasn’t enough, Sophie had the audacity to return to our home.

She stood by the stove, flipping pancakes with practiced ease, while Grayson leaned against the counter beside her. Liam was playing his video games, running around the kitchen.

Grayson laughed at something she said, his eyes warm and relaxed in a way I hadn’t seen in a long time.

No one noticed me despite how big I was until I cleared my throat.

They turned to me. “You’re awake,” Grayson muttered. I ignored him and stared deeply at Sophie, who didn’t seem to be bothered by my intense glare.

“Good morning, Emeline,” she beamed at me.

“What are you doing here?” I asked. I had cried myself to sleep. I had planned to wake up early, prepare for Liam’s birthday, and surprise him—but clearly, I was too late.

“What do you mean by that?” Grayson immediately snapped, siding with her. I ignored him and kept my glare on Sophie.

“Oh… sorry,” she said. “I was in a hurry last night and accidentally left my bag. I only meant to grab it, but since Liam was hungry and it’s his birthday, I had to grant his little wish.”

She turned to Liam, smiling. “Happy birthday, son.”

Son? I froze.

“Right. I made him some extras. Do you want some too?” she added.

“You should try it—Sophie is so good at making pancakes,” Grayson said, coaxing me.

“Don’t flatter me,” she chuckled.

In the end, we sat down at the dining table for breakfast.

I took a bite of the pancake and chewed softly—but I nearly gagged. It was the most disgusting pancake I had ever tasted. I knew I disliked Sophie, but I wouldn’t lie about that.

“This is…”

I looked at Grayson and Liam, but surprisingly, they kept eating as if nothing was wrong. It was like they were enjoying it.

“It tastes so great, right?” Sophie beamed at Liam.

“Yes! It’s the best pancake I’ve ever had!”

I sighed. Even if I made the slightest mistake with my food, they would complain and waste it, preferring to eat out. But now, they were treating this gross meal like a delicacy.

Since Sophie had made breakfast, I decided to handle the dishes.

Liam usually volunteered to help, but this time he stayed with Sophie.

The two of them sat on the sofa while I did the dishes.

Afterward, I wiped my hands and walked outside.

Sophie opened her bag and called Liam.

“This is your birthday gift, Liam”

Liam gasped. “Thanks so much, Auntie Sophie! I love it!” he giggled excitedly.

“I bought you a game console,” Grayson added proudly.

“Thanks, Daddy!” Liam jumped into Grayson’s arms.

Then, Liam pulled out of the hug and turned to me.

“What about you, Mom? What did you get me?” he asked.

“I—” I stuttered, lowering my gaze.

Liam immediately frowned. “Don’t tell me it’s those mackerel fish I saw in the kitchen?” His tone shifted.

Sophie chuckled lightly.

“I was hoping to make your favorite food with it,” I smiled brightly, but Liam only frowned more.

“Why is your life always about food, Mom?” he suddenly screamed.

I froze, struggling to hold back tears.

Liam used to love it when he was little. I thought it would make him excited.

“Even Sophie was thoughtful enough to buy something extravagant for your son—but a fish?” Grayson scoffed.

“It’s fine. It’s not that bad,” Sophie chimed in. “Good food is healthy. You’re still so young, Liam—you have to eat well.”

Liam immediately calmed down. His expression even improved. But if I had said that, he would’ve gotten angrier.

“And I understand why your mother loves cooking so much,” Sophie said with a sly smile, eyeing me from head to toe.

I wanted to walk away, to go back to my room until Sophie was gone, but her voice stopped me.

“Should we start cooking now?” she suggested. “I’d be so happy to help out.” She smiled brightly.

She was joining us for Liam’s birthday?

Sophie helped out in the kitchen—but helped? I did everything. All she did was taste the food and take pictures for her page, posting as if she made it.

When I was finally done, Sophie stretched her arms lazily. “I’ll freshen up in the bathroom,” she announced, walking off like she belonged here.

I sighed. I knew there was nothing I could do.

Grayson suddenly walked into the kitchen.

“Where’s Sophie?” he asked immediately.

“She went upstairs to shower,” I replied. He nodded.

I was a little angry. The only thing he asked about was her, not me.

Trying to stay calm, I murmured, “I hope you haven’t forgotten my doctor’s appointment this evening?”

Grayson, completely oblivious, nodded. “Sure. We’ll go after the little party.”

I’d been feeling tired and unwell lately, so I made an appointment.

He placed his hands around my waist from behind, pulling me into a warm hug, as if he had all the time in the world.

“I don’t want you to get sick. I can’t bear that,” Grayson whispered into my ear.

I was taken aback.

Maybe he still cares... even if he doesn’t show it.

But just as we began to chat casually, a sudden scream echoed from the direction of the bathroom.

“Sophie!”

Grayson didn’t hesitate. He bolted from my side, completely forgetting I even existed.

I stood frozen.

The warmth of his embrace still lingered on my skin, but the person who held me moments ago was already gone.