I walked into the conference room, my heart pounding in my chest. Claire sat at the table, her arms crossed tightly, staring daggers at the stack of divorce papers in front of her.

"I need someone who can take me to the next level—someone like Max," she declared. as I was surprised.

I was stunned, "You don't know what you're getting into," I pleaded, but Claire was resolute.

"Are you sure about this?" I added, trying to keep my voice steady, but I could feel the weight of despair pressing down on me.

"Oh, I'm sure, Ryan," she snapped, her tone cutting. "I'm done living in your shadow."

"Living in my shadow?" I echoed, disbelief flooding my mind. "I've supported your dreams—"

"Supported?" She interrupted, her voice rising.

"You mean you've stifled them! While you played the humble husband, I was out there fighting for every inch! Max sees my potential!"

Her words hit me like a punch. "Max? Really? You think he cares, you didn't even know him"

"Of course he does, and so what if I don't know him!" she shot back, her anger palpable. "At least he believes in me—unlike you, who just wanted to keep me in a box while you played the nice guy."

I felt a surge of frustration. "I never wanted to hold you back! I sacrificed everything for you! But this... this isn't the answer."

She leaned forward, a fierce determination in her eyes. "I'll regret nothing! You've been nothing but a crutch, Ryan. I'm finally breaking free from your mediocrity."

With that, she picked up the pen and signed the divorce papers. The sound of the pen scratching against the page felt like a death knell. She slid the documents across the table to me, her expression unwavering.

"Sign it," she commanded, her voice firm.

I hesitated, searching for any sign of doubt in her eyes. "You believe what you want?" I asked, my heart aching.

"Just sign," she snapped, her impatience clear.

I picked up the pen, my hands shaking as I signed my name. Each stroke felt like a final farewell. I pushed the papers back toward her, feeling the weight of my defeat.

"If you find what you're looking for, Claire. But know this: you're making a choice based on an illusion," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

A bitter smile crossed her lips. "And you'll always be the man who couldn't keep up. Goodbye, Ryan."

As she said those words, I felt something inside me shatter. I turned to leave, my heart heavy with the knowledge that I had lost her, not just as a partner but as a part of my life.

I walked out of that room, feeling the cold air hit me like a wave. Claire had chosen ambition over love, and all I could do was hope she wouldn't regret it. But deep down, I knew there was no turning back for either of us now.

Or maybe there was no love, I was Ryan Hayes, often seen as the unsung hero behind a successful marketing firm. To most, I was just Claire's supportive husband, quietly funding her business aspirations while managing my role as a marketing manager.

Some of my colleagues knew the truth—I was the silent force behind Claire's successes. But Claire herself had no idea.

As I watched her chase after Max Donovan, a billionaire known for his ruthless ambition and charisma, I felt a mix of anger and despair.

In reality, I was Max—the powerful figure she was infatuated with, the one she believed would elevate her career to new heights.

I had crafted the illusion of a simple life, supporting her dreams while hiding my true identity. But now, Claire was captivated by everything I had built, completely oblivious to the fact that I was the very person she longed for.

I had believed in her potential and sacrificed my ambitions to elevate hers, and yet here I was, overshadowed by my creation.

I needed a moment to breathe when my phone buzzed urgently in my pocket.

"Mr. Hayes!" Collins' voice crackled through the line, a sense of urgency lacing his tone. "There's a situation at the estate."

"What's going on?" I asked, my heart racing.

"Is it about Claire?"

"No, sir. It's about two children—twins—who are here claiming to be your children," Collins explained, each word striking me like a blow.

"Twins? What do you mean?" I felt a wave of confusion wash over me.

"They're seven years old, and they say their mother died. They mentioned you specifically and that they needed to find you. They've been waiting here," he continued.

"Collins, this doesn't make sense," I said, my mind racing.

"Claire and I don't have any kids. How can they be mine?"

"I understand this is overwhelming, but they are adamant. They look exactly like you, sir. Anyone could see the resemblance," Collins pressed.

"They even have birth certificates. Their mother… she told them to find you before she passed."

"Find me?" I repeated, feeling the ground shift beneath me. "Who are these kids? I've never heard of any twins. Is this some kind of prank?"

"I assure you, it doesn't seem like a prank. They seem genuinely frightened," Collins replied.

"I've kept them in the parlor. They just need some comfort. They mentioned you were their dad, and they're waiting for you to come home."

"Home?" I echoed, a mix of disbelief and anger surging through me.

"How could I have children I didn't even know about? This is impossible!"

"Sir, I also think you should know that I'm aware of Claire's… activities. It's evident she's been unfaithful," Collins added carefully. "Perhaps there's more to this than you realize."

I felt a rush of emotions—anger at Claire, confusion about these children, and a strange curiosity. "What do the kids look like? Are they… real?"

"They appear to be very real, sir. They're small, frightened, and they look remarkably like you," Collins explained. "It's clear they need reassurance from their father."

Suddenly, I heard a small voice in the background. "Is Collins talking to our dad?" It was one of the twins, their voice trembling with hope.

My heart sank. "Yes, I am is," Collins responded gently. "But your dad is on his way." He added,

"Dad?" I whispered to myself, overwhelmed by the implications. "I—I need to see them. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Take your time, Mr. Hayes, but I think you should come quickly," Collins urged. "They're scared and deserve to know the truth."

As I hung up, my mind raced. I had spent years trying to build a life with Claire, and now it felt like everything was crumbling. I rushed to my car, determined to confront this bizarre reality, knowing I was about to meet children who might change everything.