I Was Never the Wife

I'd been "married" to Zachary for two years—until I tried applying for a loan and the bank's system flagged someone else as his legal wife. Our wedding? Just a private show. The real marriage license had his name next to hers. So yeah. I wasn't the wife. I was the other woman. Crushed, I went home—only to hear Zachary talking to his friend, Ethan, by the door. "Man, watching you stress is exhausting," Ethan said. "You clearly love Sierra. So why marry Cathryn?" Zachary looked torn. "At first, she was just a stand-in. But when she left, I couldn't stop thinking about her. So I brought her back—as my assistant." He paused, then muttered, "I can't live without Sierra. But I can't let go of Cathryn either. So I gave Sierra my love in public and kept Cathryn hidden with the title. That's fair, right?" I stood frozen, heart splitting open. He loved us both. Me—his childhood sweetheart. Her—the hidden wife. I thought I was the one. Turns out, I was just the game. He didn't break my heart. He shattered my whole world. But I didn't cry. I didn't scream. I walked away. And started planning two things. Chapter 1 In year two of my so-called marriage to Zachary Jurg, I tried applying for a joint bank loan to launch a business. The bank guy kept flipping his eyes between our marriage certificate and his screen, looking more confused by the second. Finally, he said, "Ms. Arden, this marriage certificate's not valid. You're showing up as single in our system." I blinked. "That can't be right. We got married—registered everything two years ago." He leaned in, frown deepening. "The system has you as single. But Zachary Jurg? He's married." Then he spun the monitor toward me. "His spouse is listed as Cathryn Sludd. Because of that, I can't approve your loan." I stared at the screen, frozen. "Cathryn Sludd"—her name cut through me like a knife. Every breath felt like it was slicing me open. My head spun. Everything went black. When I came to, the staff had already helped me into a chair. I choked out a plea for them to double-check. They did. And that broke me. It was like drowning in ice-cold darkness, everything else just...gone. Eventually, I got up and walked out. Somehow. I wandered the streets like a leaf caught in the wind—empty, lost. Then my phone buzzed. It was Zachary. [Baby, I skipped a big meeting just to see you. Got your favorite strawberries 'cause I missed you like crazy. Did you miss me?] That was it. I broke. Tears just poured. Two years of texts like that. Two years of 'I love you.' But now? I couldn't tell if any of it was ever real. Zachary and I had history—like, childhood-level history. Everyone knew I was his girl. The one he loved. The one he was supposed to wait for. Cathryn? She was just a placeholder while I was overseas. Or at least, that's what I believed. But he married her. Married her. In secret. Was it all one big lie? I don't even know how long I wandered before I finally made it home, still dazed. Just as I reached for the door, I heard voices inside—Zachary and his best friend, Ethan Chase. "Is it serious?" I peeked through the crack. Zachary was sprawled on the couch, looking slightly worried. "It's just a stomachache. Some meds will fix it," Ethan said. "You should stay here with Sierra." Zachary let out a breath, yanked off his tie, and kicked his feet up on the table like the weight of the world had just slid off his shoulders. Ethan shook his head. "Man, watching you stress is exhausting. You clearly love Sierra. So why marry Cathryn?" Zachary's face clouded. "At first, she was just a stand-in. But when she left, I couldn't stop thinking about her. So I brought her back—as my assistant." He paused, then added, "I can't live without Sierra. But I can't let go of Cathryn either. So I gave Sierra my love in public and kept Cathryn hidden with the title. That's fair, right?" Ethan sighed. "What if Sierra finds out? You know how she is. Even if you begged, she'd never forgive you." Zachary's jaw tightened. "She won't. I can't lose her." Chapter 2 The second the truth hit, I crumbled. Everything went dark. Hope? Gone. I stood outside the door, lips shaking, but no sound came—just tears. Zachary's words cut deep, like a thousand stabs, stealing my breath. My chest burned, then went cold. I kept seeing him that morning, kissing my cheek like nothing was wrong. Saying he couldn't live without me. Pressing my hand to his chest like his heart only beat for me. But it was all fake. When I got home, I still held on, thinking it was some stupid mix-up. Then he said it—he couldn't live without both me and Cathryn. That's when it clicked. Zachary didn't fall for one woman. He fell for two. And he never planned to choose. He just wanted his childhood sweetheart and his side piece. Our "wedding"? Just a private show. The real marriage certificate? It had her name. I wasn't his wife. I was just the other woman. What a twisted game he played. So this was the love behind all those sweet vows? I remembered when Zachary climbed that huge tree just to pick me apples. Fell, broke both legs, still handed me one with a smile. "Sierra, don't cry. If you eat it, it won't hurt anymore." On my sixteenth birthday, he waited all night in the freezing cold, just so he'd be the first to give me the gift. "Happy birthday, Sierra." At my coming-of-age ceremony, he rented out the entire town square. Had drones spell out a message in the sky. Got down on one knee, holding flowers. "Sierra, when you turn twenty, let's get married, okay?" The day I flew overseas for college, he hugged me tight, eyes red, voice shaking. "If you're not back in two years, I'm flying out to kidnap you." After that, we FaceTimed every day. One time, I got swamped with school and missed his call. Ethan sent me a clip—Zachary, wasted, getting patched up in the ER. He was lying there, broken. "Sierra, I love you. I can't live without you." I was so freaked out, I booked the next flight home. Wanted to surprise him, so I kept quiet. But when I opened his office door... he was kissing a girl who looked just like me. I ran, crying, and he chased me for blocks. Called nonstop. When I ignored him, the texts kept coming. When I shut him out, he camped outside my place for three days, begging. "Sierra, I was drunk—I thought she was you. "I missed you so much, I found someone who looked like you. "I swear, it was just a kiss. Nothing else. "I screwed up. But I love you so much, I saw you in her." When he finally collapsed, weak and refusing to leave, I broke. And I forgave him. After that, things went back to normal—at least, that's what I told myself. But once we got married, I noticed his assistant had changed. Cathryn was back, even though she'd quit ages ago. I was pissed. He smoothed it over. "Her parents died. No degree. She had nowhere to go. She reapplied like everyone else. I couldn't just turn her away." I let it slide. Because I loved him. But all that patience? It just made me the idiot. The side chick in a fake marriage. I gave him everything— And he left me with scars and a heart that'll never be whole again. Chapter 3 That night, I came home to find Zachary pacing the living room, totally on edge. The second he saw me, he rushed over and grabbed my hand. "Baby, where were you? You didn't answer your phone or text—I was losing my mind." I stared at him, heart a mess. His panic felt real. It reminded me of that college trip—my phone died, and he showed up hours away, frantic. Back then, he loved me like I was his whole world. But now? That love wasn't mine alone. If I once had all of his heart, 90% was already gone. The ache hit hard—every breath burned. But I held it in. I dropped my gaze, shoved everything down, and shrugged. "Just went shopping. Phone was on silent." Truth was, I just didn't want to pick up. My head was a mess. He visibly relaxed and pulled me in. "You scared me. I thought something happened. Just check your phone next time, okay?" I nodded. He kissed my neck, voice low. "Come try the strawberries I got you—and the glazed ribs I made." Then he let go and led me to the table. I sat down and watched him pile ribs into a plate and set it in front of me. I took a bite. It was really good. I used to be super picky, so he—once a hotshot CEO who'd never touched a spatula—spent half a month learning from a private chef just for me. He picked up a strawberry, held it to my lips, face soft in the glow. I opened my mouth and took it. Every move was so gentle, so full of love. Then his phone buzzed. One glance, and his face changed. He stepped back. "Baby, something urgent came up at work. Gotta handle it. Don't wait up, okay?" I nodded. Watched him rush out the door, and let out a quiet laugh. I'd seen the screen. It was Cathryn. He lied—to go see her. All those late nights at the office? They were never about work. After a pause, I followed him. He didn't head to the office. He went to the hospital. Outside the room, I peeked through the window. He was holding Cathryn in his arms. Furious, he snapped at the doctors. "How do you treat my wife like this? You give her meds and she ends up vomiting?" The doctor bowed, shaking. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Jurg. It's a side effect. We'll be more careful next time." Zachary's voice cut like ice. "If it happens again, this hospital's done." They scattered. My chest tightened. He'd rented out an entire hospital for her over a stomach issue. He really cared. I waited in the shadows till the hallway cleared, then stepped closer. Cathryn looked so fragile, face streaked with tears, curled into his chest. He gently rubbed her stomach. "Feeling better?" She winced, full of guilt. "I'm sorry, Zachary. My body's such a mess. Now you missed time with Ms. Arden because of me. I must be a curse." "Don't say that," he said softly, even as he scolded her. "If you're sick, I should be here." "But... what about Ms. Arden?" His voice went cold. "Don't mention her. Just get better. I'll handle it." Then came the dagger. "She's only my partner in name. You and I... we're the real thing. Of course I should be with you." Chapter 4 I froze. Every drop of blood turned to ice. My heart sank like it was full of lead. Zachary had said it. Cathryn was his wife. I was just... a game. Disposable. For the first time, I was scared. Too scared to keep watching. I ran. Later, he texted. [Baby, I have to go on a business trip for a few days. Don't be mad—I'll make it up to you when I'm back.] I stared at the screen, tears falling, hands shaking as I typed— [Are you really on a business trip? Or just spending time with your wife?] But I didn't send it. I just cried. Then deleted it. One word at a time. What was the point in exposing him? Could I really take back someone who betrayed me? No. I couldn't. But still... My heart was wrecked. And I'd never felt so alone. *** Four days later, Zachary showed up with a massive bouquet and that fake-soft smile. "Baby, I'm home." I stared at him, blank. He stalled, then shoved the flowers into my arms. "Don't be mad. Work's been insane. I wouldn't have bailed otherwise." I dropped the bouquet on the table. "Not mad. If you've got work, go do it." He blinked, thrown off by how chill I sounded. Then he brushed my cheek and grabbed my hand. "I've got a surprise. Let's go." Didn't wait for an answer—just pulled me straight to the car. Ten minutes later, we pulled up at a theater. The second I stepped inside, it hit me—the whole place was reserved. And every face there? Familiar. Whispers kicked in fast. "There she is. Perfect couple, huh?" "Mr. Jurg really went big—rented out the whole theater for Mrs. Jurg." "She's into plays, so he flew in some international troupe just for her." "Everyone knows he spoils his wife. Classic Jurg move." The room buzzed with envy. Zachary clutched my hand like he was the dream husband. All I could do was laugh inside. My chest felt iced over. Frozen solid. This grand public love story? Total act. Behind the scenes, the real title belonged to someone else. He gave me a fake name, a fake life—while legally tying himself to another woman. What a sick joke. As soon as I sat down, a sharp cramp hit my lower stomach. I pressed a hand there. Zachary clocked it. "Period? Hurting bad?" I nodded. "Need some stuff." He didn't miss a beat—hand on my stomach, rubbing gently, then pulling out his phone to order painkillers and hygiene stuff. The whole time, he kept massaging, handed me warm water, acting like I was still his world. Then someone came rushing up behind us. We both turned. Cathryn. She was smiling, but she looked like a wreck—soaked clothes, pale face. "Mr. Jurg, I brought what you asked for." Zachary frowned. "Why you? I told someone else. It's pouring out—and you're not well. Why push yourself?" She bit her lip, all soft and wounded. "Everyone else was busy. I didn't want you and Ms. Arden waiting too long... so I came." Then she handed me the bag, tone icy, eyes throwing shade. "Ms. Arden, maybe next time bring your own stuff. Kinda overkill to send the company scrambling for something so minor." Chapter 5 Zachary shot her a light warning. "Cathryn, tone it down." I stared at her, blank. Hesitated. Then said nothing and headed to the restroom. Zachary trailed after me. "I'll go with you." But when I came out, he was gone. I turned to leave—and then I heard soft moans coming from the lounge next door. Something in me just knew. I eased the door open. Zachary had Cathryn pinned on the couch, kissing her like he couldn't breathe without it. Neither of them noticed me. "Stop... Ms. Arden's still waiting," Cathryn whispered, barely resisting, voice all breathy. "Forget her," Zachary said. His eyes were wild with want, hands all over her. "But she'll worry if you're gone too long," Cathryn said, pushing him off—barely. He cupped her face. "You ran through the rain just to see me. You're drenched... I hate seeing you like this." Her eyes shimmered. "I just wanted a glimpse. That's enough for me." His face softened. He pulled her into a hug. "I missed you too." Then he unclasped the pendant from his neck and slipped it around hers. "It's been blessed. I've worn it for years. Now it's yours—to keep you safe." Cathryn lit up. She tilted her head and kissed him. He kissed her back, deep and full of feeling. My fists clenched so tight, my nails dug into my palms. Nausea rolled through me. Everything blurred. My chest burned like a storm was ripping it apart. I had to grab the wall to stay upright. That pendant wasn't just some gift. It was a talisman. I'd climbed Mount St. Helena for it—fought through freezing wind just to reach that old chapel. Hours of hiking. Hands torn up, knees scraped raw. I barely made it before sunset. The priest said it needed a real prayer to work. I gave it blood, breath, everything I had. When I handed it to Zachary, he saw my busted-up fingers. His voice shook. "Sierra... why would you do this for me?" I smiled and looped it around his neck. "Because it'll keep you safe. That's all I want." He'd held me close, kissed me like I meant something. "I'll wear it forever." And he did—until now. Now he handed it off like it was nothing. He gave her the safety I bled for. He never saw the weight behind my gifts. The pain in my chest was suffocating—like something had its hand wrapped around my heart, squeezing harder with every second. So much for Zachary's promise of forever. Guess "forever" meant a few years, max. His love? Never real. They were still tangled up, kissing like they couldn't get enough. His hands were under her shirt, all over her. She let out a soft moan. "Feel good?" he smirked, speeding up. She blushed, voice teasing. "Mm... I want you to touch me." Then she reached down, grabbed him—and he lit up. "You little minx," he murmured, slipping his hand deeper. Kisses weren't cutting it anymore. Clothes hit the floor. They didn't stop. Zachary's voice dropped low, almost tender. "Be good... give me a baby." Chapter 6 Cathryn gasped, trying to catch her breath. "Okay." I couldn't watch another second. Their bodies, tangled up like that—it made me sick. Hit me so hard I almost dropped right there. The pain wasn't just in my chest anymore. It ripped through me, like a thousand blades carving me open. Every cut raw. Every wound refusing to heal. I thought about our wedding night—how careful he'd been, so gentle, holding me after and swearing I'd be his one and only. In our two years together, I begged for a child. He always blamed my health, said it wasn't safe. Even when I cried, begged—he still said no. And now, here he was, loving someone else with that same tenderness... ready to have a baby with her. So it wasn't my body. It was me. I was never enough for him. That's why, when it came down to me or her—he chose her. She was the real wife. Zachary... you betrayed me, after all. The hit was too deep. Pain exploded in my chest, and I coughed up blood. I slapped a hand over my mouth, gasping, nausea clawing at my throat as I stumbled away. Almost collapsed more than once. My tears soaked through my collar long before I hit the exit. Enough. After all that heartbreak, I was just... done. If he loved her, then what was I still doing here? I started planning my escape. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere I could fall apart in peace, patch up these invisible wounds on my own. Not long after, Zachary came back—with Cathryn at his side. He gave me that soft look. "Baby, it's raining. She's into performances too, so I let her stay." I nodded. Said nothing. Didn't call them out. The whole show, he kept me tucked close, rubbing my stomach like always, fussing like I was still his world. But I knew his right hand was laced with Cathryn's the entire time. One arm wrapped around me, the other holding her. Guess he liked having the best of both worlds. Whatever. Just a little longer. When the show ended, he pulled out a jewelry box. Inside was a stunning necklace. "You like it?" Cathryn gasped. "Oh my god, that's the 'Forever and Always' necklace he had custom-made! It's literally priceless!" I gave a small nod. Played along. Zachary clipped it around my neck, smiling like he just hung the moon. "It's gorgeous. Looks amazing on you." I glanced at Cathryn. Something shifted in her eyes—dark, sharp. Jealousy, maybe. Out of nowhere, Cathryn swayed and stumbled, slamming into a metal stage prop. "Watch out!" Someone yelled, but it was too late—the metal door came crashing down. Zachary lunged, grabbed Cathryn, and pulled her out of the way. I wasn't so lucky. I watched it fall, powerless. Bang. The impact crushed me to the floor. Pain exploded through my skull as blood spilled down my face. My vision blurred. Right before everything went black, I heard Zachary's voice, frantic. "Sierra..." But I already knew—in that one second of danger, she was the one he chose to save. Not me. *** I drifted into a long, aching dream. In it, I saw everything—Zachary and Cathryn, wrapped up in their perfect love story. His soft touches. Her glowing smile. He gave her a big, beautiful wedding. She gave him a child. And me? He threw me out like trash. I begged him to stay. He turned his back. Told me to leave. They built their picture-perfect life while I sobbed, broken and alone. When I finally woke up, my pillow was soaked through. The first thing I saw? Two silhouettes in an embrace. "Don't cry. She'll be fine." Zachary was holding Cathryn, gently patting her back. Chapter 7 Cathryn looked wrecked. "I'm sorry. It's my fault—I felt dizzy and lost my balance. Ms. Arden got hurt because of me." Zachary brushed her tears away. "You're not well. It's not your fault. You're my wife—how could I ever blame you?" She kept crying. "Really?" "Of course. Don't beat yourself up. Say 'hubby,' come on. That'll cheer me up." He kissed her tears. She blushed. "Hubby..." He grinned, pleased. "Good girl. I'll handle this. Don't stress. Go on." She gave a sweet nod and walked off. I shut my eyes, silent, but the pain crawled through me like ants under my skin. I couldn't stop the tears. There I was—bruised and broken—while he doted on her right next to me. What a joke. I wanted to scream, to call them out for what they'd done. But why? What would it even fix? Cathryn caused the accident. She crashed into the prop. Yet somehow, she got a free pass. He didn't even flinch—just cradled her like she was made of glass. Even if I exposed her, it wouldn't matter. He'd never let her take the fall. I finally saw it. They were the real couple. I was just the extra. I'd loved. I'd hated. I'd broken down. I'd hoped. But yelling? Crying? That's for people who still care. With Zachary... I felt nothing. A few minutes later, I pulled myself together and opened my eyes, shifting a little. He rushed over, voice full of fake concern. "Sierra, you're awake. How do you feel?" I didn't bother answering—just rubbed my forehead. He grabbed my hand, sounding all sorry. "I panicked... grabbed the wrong person. It all happened so fast." "It's fine," I muttered. I wasn't about to call out the lie. Didn't care enough to dig. He exhaled, clearly relieved I wasn't making it a thing. Then he picked up the cream soup and said softly, "You must be hungry. Let me feed you." I just nodded. Calm, cold. *** Zachary had been hovering around the hospital for days, playing the doting guy like some overpaid butler. I felt nothing. Just cold. After I was discharged from the hospital and returned home, he pulled me into a hug, all dramatic. "You're mad at me, aren't you?" I shook my head. He didn't buy it. Hand up like he was swearing in court. "I swear, I grabbed the wrong person. Please, baby, forgive me. I'll do whatever you want—just say it." I smiled, sharp. "Cathryn caused my injury. If I asked you to fire her, would you?" His face dropped. "I already punished her. I can't fire her." I laughed—cold and hollow. One second he'd do anything, the next he's shielding her again. That 'punishment' was probably just a pep talk. Watching him stand there, selfish and fake, all I felt was done. Right then, his phone rang. He answered, and Cathryn's panicked voice blared out. "Honey, help me! Someone sent thugs after me! Hurry!" His face flipped. "What? Where are you?" The call cut out. He tried calling back—nothing. Panic hit. Then he spun toward me, eyes sharp, fury bubbling under the surface. "Sierra, where's Cathryn?" My chest tightened. I stared at him, stunned. He looked like he was barely holding it together. "Just... leave her alone, okay?" I let out a bitter laugh. He seriously thought I'd done it? No—he was sure. He grabbed my arms, grip tight. "Someone's after Cathryn. I thought about it—she hasn't ticked off anyone but you." "You think it was me?" My voice cracked. He hesitated, gaze faltering. "No, I'm just... guessing." I shot him a glare. "One call and you're already blaming me? Who is she to you, really?" He looked away, like he suddenly remembered he was supposed to lie. "She's my assistant. Don't be jealous. She's in danger and I'm worried. Just tell me if it was you." I sucked in a shaky breath, eyes stinging. "I'm not jealous. I don't know where she is. I didn't do anything." But he kept staring—like he already had his answer. Doubt and frustration were written all over his face. He kept redialing. Still nothing. Then he snapped. Grabbed my arm so hard I thought it might crack. "I told you I punished her. Why are you still going after Cathryn? Smearing her name like this? I don't have time for your games. Just leave her alone—or tell me where she is."