My sister had just returned to the country, the prodigal daughter arriving home to reclaim her throne. I should have known. The very next day, my husband handed me a divorce agreement, his face cold and unreadable. “Our marriage is over,” he said, as if discussing a business merger gone wrong. My heart felt like it was being torn apart, shredded into confetti, but I signed it through the pain, my hand trembling. Then, carrying his child—a secret I held close like a hidden dagger—I walked out of his life and married his arch-enemy.

Four years later, he looked at the child standing behind me and was suddenly shocked. The boy was a mini version of him—same sharp jawline, same intense eyes—but he was clinging to his rival’s leg, calling him “Dad.” David’s eyes turned red, and for the first time, I saw the crack in his perfect armor. But it was too late. The supporting character had rewritten the script.

Chapter 1: The Contract and the Con

The pregnancy test showed two faint pink lines. A surge of hope, fragile and terrifying, bloomed in my chest. Before I could even process the joy, David threw a piece of paper in my face.

“Rachel, let’s get a divorce,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion. “Sign this agreement, and I’ll give you an extra twenty million.”

I looked at the well-dressed, cold-faced man in front of me. He was impatience personified, checking his watch as if he had a more important meeting to attend.

“When we got married, we signed a contract,” he reminded me, his tone sharp. “Our marriage term is three years. It ends in one month. If you don’t agree now, the contract will end automatically, but you won’t get a dime of the extra twenty million.”

I took a deep breath, my hands instinctively moving to my flat stomach. “David… what if I told you I was pregnant?”

I admit, I was desperate. Even at this point, I was trying to use the child to keep him. David’s family didn’t have many heirs, and for the kid’s sake, maybe he’d reconsider. Maybe he’d finally see me.

But David’s next words chilled me to the bone.

“I had a vasectomy,” he sneered. “The kid can’t be mine.”

My mouth opened, but no sound came out. David was the only man I had ever been with. If it wasn’t his, whose was it?

“Don’t insult my intelligence, Rachel,” he spat, turning on his heel. “I’ll have the lawyers send over the revised papers.”

When someone doesn’t believe you, any explanation is useless. I stared blankly at the divorce agreement, the ink blurring before my eyes.

My marriage to David was messy from the start. Three years ago, the one supposed to marry David was my sister, Jane. She was the family jewel, the one who shone brightest. But she left the country close to the wedding to chase “true love” with some artist in Paris. To keep the business cooperation between our families alive, my parents had me marry in her place. David’s family agreed for the sake of face.

I had crushed on David for seven years, so I didn’t refuse. The only unwilling person was David.

On our wedding night, David tossed me a contract. “Three years,” he said. “After three years, no matter your wishes, the marriage ends automatically.”

I felt lost and pained, but I didn’t give up. I thought if I treated David well, he’d warm up to me. For three years, I was the perfect wife. He had stomach issues; I studied recipes. He had headaches; I learned acupuncture. I was his shadow, his caretaker, his safe harbor.

In hindsight, I was too naive. Who falls for a nanny? We were just torturing each other.

I picked up the pen, my hand trembling. Suddenly, my phone rang. It was my mom.

“Rachel, your sister is back!” she chirped, sounding unusually happy. “She’s on the afternoon flight. Come home with David for a family dinner tonight.”

“Why did she come back suddenly?” I asked, my voice hoarse.

“Oh, that guy was no good,” Mom sighed. “Fooled around with other women, even when she was pregnant. She had a miscarriage, poor thing. She’s back, so she must have figured it out. That’s good, right? Don’t bring up the past when you see her.”

I suddenly realized why David was so eager for a divorce. Jane was back.

My head spun, flooding with strange thoughts. I felt like I was living in a book. Jane was the main character, the heroine who overcomes obstacles to find true love. I was the supporting role, the placeholder who keeps the seat warm.

Was I losing my mind? In that moment, clarity washed over me like ice water. I realized I no longer loved David. I put down the pen, refusing to sign.

Why should I step aside just because Jane is back? Why should I let them have their happy ending at my expense? Before the divorce, I decided I’d make them uncomfortable. I’d be the villainous supporting character they never saw coming.

Chapter 2: The Villainess Awakens

I took a cab to my parents’ house. David and Jane arrived together. Jane looked worn out compared to three years ago, less vibrant, but she was still the center of gravity in any room. Mom and Dad surrounded her with concern, cooing over her like she was made of glass.

It had rained. Jane was dry, but David’s sleeve was wet. I could imagine him sheltering her under the umbrella, letting the rain drench him. With me, he always walked ahead while I followed.

I pushed down my disappointment and walked to David, my face a mask of worry. “Honey, how did your clothes get wet?”

I clung to David’s arm affectionately. Jane’s gaze shot over, her eyes vacant but sharp. David tried to pull away, but I hugged him tight.

“Your clothes are wet. You’ll catch a cold,” I fussed loudly. “You’re the backbone of the company; you can’t get sick. Let’s go upstairs and change.”

Watching the vein pulse on his forehead, I could see his struggle to maintain his composure while preserving his image as a loving husband in front of my parents. He followed me upstairs, stiff as a board.

The moment we were in the guest room, he shoved me away. “Stop clinging to me.”

“You’re my husband,” I said innocently. “Why can’t I hang onto your arm?”

David took a deep breath. “Did you sign the divorce agreement?”

“No. I’m pregnant.”

“I told you I had a vasectomy.”

“Are you sure the doctor didn’t scam you?” I countered, crossing my arms. “You’re the only man I’ve been with these three years. Don’t try to weasel out of it.”

David looked at me with a livid face. “Rachel, what happened to you?”

For the past three years, I’d always been the perfect wife—gentle, considerate, submissive. He had never seen me this harsh, this prickly.

“What’s wrong with me?” I asked coolly. “At least I’m better than someone who doesn’t even recognize his own trousers.”

David was so angry he couldn’t speak.

Downstairs, I reverted to being gentle. I sat next to David, acting cute.

“Honey, I want some fish, but it’s too far. Can you get it for me?”

“Honey, my water’s empty. Get me more, please.”

I kept bossing David around. David and Jane both looked upset. Maybe Jane realized that the guy who used to follow her around like a puppy was now someone else’s husband.

Jane made an excuse about being tired and went upstairs halfway through dinner. David couldn’t take it anymore and went to the bathroom.

“Rachel,” my mom scolded me quietly. “Your sister just went through a breakup. Acting like that with David might upset her.”

I almost laughed. This family has always revolved around Jane. When Jane ran away, they made me marry in her place, never caring about my happiness. Now that Jane was back, she was all they cared about.

“Mom, Dad,” I said loudly, hiding the sadness in my eyes with a pitiful look. “I’m pregnant. That’s why I’m so needy.”

Before I could finish, I heard the sound of glass breaking. Raising my head, I saw Jane standing on the stairs, empty-handed, her face filled with shock.

David ran out of the bathroom, saw the scene, grabbed my hand, and rushed us out.

Back home, David glared at me furiously. “Why did you say that?”

“I really am pregnant. Isn’t it worth mentioning?”

Ignoring David’s murderous glare, I went to the bedroom. Recalling Jane’s shock and David’s anger, I suddenly felt a strange satisfaction. Maybe I do have a knack for playing the villainess after all.

Chapter 3: The Rival

The next day, I slept in until it was bright outside. It was already 8:00 AM. I walked out of the bedroom and saw David sitting on the sofa, looking furious. David is a really picky guy, especially with his coffee. Normally, I’d prep his breakfast and coffee for him, but now I didn’t feel like catering to him.

“Hungry?” I asked.

David didn’t answer, but his stomach growled loudly.

“I’ll order some food for myself,” I said cheerfully.

David looked at me in disbelief. Before the delivery arrived, he slammed the door and left.

In the afternoon, while getting a spa treatment, I got a call from David’s assistant. “Rachel, David’s been hospitalized. Stomach issues.”

I smirked. David doesn’t eat spicy food, but Jane loves it. I bet he took her out for hot pot last night to comfort her.

I made some plain porridge—using leftovers from my own breakfast—and went to the hospital.

David was in a VIP room. When he saw me, his face turned sour.

“Rachel’s here,” the assistant said, relieved. “David was so eager to see you.”

“I brought leftovers,” I said, placing the thermos on the table. “Didn’t want to waste them.”

David’s face turned a lovely shade of purple.

I turned to leave and almost bumped into someone at the door. He was tall, with a face that rivaled David’s in handsomeness, but with a roguish glint in his eyes.

It was Simon. David’s arch-enemy.

Simon was the definition of a chaotic variable. Whatever David liked, Simon had to take. He had tried to pursue Jane years ago just to annoy David. After I married David, Simon had flirted with me relentlessly.

“Eavesdropping?” I asked.

“How is it eavesdropping when I’m listening out in the open?” Simon replied with a grin. “Rachel, making that man so mad feels good, huh?”

“Stop calling me that. It’s disgusting. Get lost.”

“Rachel, why are you suddenly so hot-headed?” His eyes filled with an inexplicable tenderness. “That’s the you I know.”

I stepped right on Simon’s expensive Italian leather shoe. Hearing him yelp in pain, I left satisfied.

A few days later, I went to the hospital again, this time for myself. I had hesitated, but ultimately decided to keep the baby. The doctor said my physical condition made abortion dangerous, potentially life-threatening. Besides, this was my bloodline. I would raise the child alone.

As I walked out of the OB-GYN clinic, I saw Simon leaning against the wall.

“Rachel, you’re pregnant,” he said, looking at the sign behind me. “Why didn’t you tell me? I could have come with you.”

“None of your business.”

“I’m busy, but I’d always make time for you and the baby,” Simon said with deep emotion.

I stepped on his foot again, grinding my heel this time. He hissed but didn’t move away.

“Be careful,” he said softly as I walked past.

I was so flustered by his weird behavior that I missed a step and tumbled down the stairs. Instinctively, I curled around my belly.

“Doctor! Doctor, come quickly!”

It sounded like Simon’s voice, frantic and terrified. Then darkness took me.

Chapter 4: The Tables Turn

When I woke up, Simon was sitting by my bed on a low stool, his long legs awkwardly folded.

“Awake, Rachel?” he drawled. “Do you have an underdeveloped cerebellum or something? Can’t even walk without falling.”

“Shut up.”

Suddenly, his demeanor changed. He leaned in close. “Your face looks terrible. Are you hurt? Let me blow on it for you.”

In that instant, a figure stepped between us. David grabbed Simon’s hand, his face twisted in jealousy.

“This is my wife,” David said coldly.

“So Rachel has a husband?” Simon retorted, yanking his hand back. “I thought she came alone for a checkup because her hubby was dead.”

“Get lost,” David snarled.

“David, all you can say is that one word. Are you a broken record?” Simon mocked him, pushing David to the brink of explosion before finally sauntering out.

David glared at me. “Simon wants everything of mine. He’s only good to you because you’re my wife. Don’t flatter yourself.”

A brilliant idea popped into my head. I put on a troubled expression.

“What should I do, David? I think I’ve fallen for Simon.”

David’s face turned ashen. “What?”

“I’ll sign the divorce papers when I get back. You and Jane can be together, and I’ll be with Simon. It works out for everyone.”

Back home, I searched for the divorce papers, but they were gone. I called David.

“Where are the papers?”

“I… I don’t know,” he stammered. “I might have lost them.”

He was lying. He hid them. For the sake of his pride, he wasn’t going to let his wife leave him for his rival.

In the following days, I carried on with life, eating and drinking as I pleased. But then, my mom called me home.

When I arrived, Mom, Dad, and Jane were sitting in the living room, looking like a tribunal.

“Rachel,” Mom said, grabbing my hand. “I know you haven’t been happy these years with David. Maybe you should get a divorce.”

I glanced at Jane. She looked smug.

“Yeah, David never liked you anyway,” Jane said. “Why torture each other?”

“So, Jane, you mean we get divorced and you marry David?” I asked directly.

Jane didn’t respond, but her silence spoke volumes.

“If we get divorced, what happens to my child?” I asked, rubbing my belly.

“Rachel, stop pretending,” Jane snapped. “The child isn’t David’s. David didn’t call you out to save your face, so don’t push your luck.”

“Five million,” I whispered.

Jane froze. “What?”

“Give me five million, and I’ll divorce David immediately.”

Jane gritted her teeth and nodded. “Deal.”

She called David. He arrived quickly, looking confused.

“David, where’s the divorce agreement?” I asked.

David glared at me. “You’re in such a hurry to be with Simon?”

“Yeah. I can’t wait. Even if I could, the baby can’t wait.”

“David, since Rachel insists, just go through with it,” Jane urged him.

David called his secretary. Soon, the papers arrived. I signed them swiftly.

“David, remember, I’m the one who doesn’t want you,” I said, standing up. “Also, remember to send the breakup fee to my account.”

I walked away without looking back. “David, goodbye.”

Outside, I wandered aimlessly down the street. I thought I wouldn’t feel sad, but my heart felt empty. I had lost David, and I had realized my family never truly cared about me.

Suddenly, a Maybach stopped in front of me. The door opened, and Simon stepped out.

“Divorced?” he asked, grinning.

“How did you know?”

“Jane told me. Rachel, now no one can stop us from being together.”

“You’re crazy,” I muttered. “You’re doing this to get back at David. I’m pregnant.”

“Do you want to be a stepdad?” I challenged.

“David’s kid calling me Dad? Just thinking about it feels good,” Simon said, rubbing his chin.

All right. Simon is indeed crazy.

Chapter 5: The New Life

I left the city and moved to a small town thousands of miles away. New people, new places. A fresh start.

But as soon as I got to my new apartment, the door opposite mine opened. Simon’s face appeared.

“Rachel! You’re living opposite me? Still saying you’re not stalking me?”

I slammed my door.

Simon was persistent. He opened a branch of his company in this small town just to be near me. He visited every day. He bought me flowers.

One day, a car veered out of control and came straight at me while I was crossing the street. My mind went blank. Then, someone pushed me hard.

I hit the ground. When I looked up, Simon was lying there, groaning. His leg was twisted at an odd angle.

“Simon!” I screamed, rushing to him.

“I’m fine,” he gritted out, his face pale. “Black belt… remember?”

At the hospital, it was confirmed: a broken leg. I stayed with him, hiring a nurse, bringing him soup.

“Rachel, feed me,” he whined. “Rachel, massage my shoulders.”

I was massaging his shoulders when the door burst open. David stood there, looking disheveled and exhausted.

He grabbed my arm. “Come with me.”

“Let go!” Simon shouted, trying to get up.

“Stay in bed!” I ordered Simon. “I’ll talk to him.”

Outside, David looked at me with pleading eyes. “Rachel, let’s get back together. I realized I love you. Losing you made me see it.”

“Did you marry Jane?” I asked.

“No. I realized it was you all along.”

“Sorry, David,” I said coldly. “I don’t love you anymore. I have someone I like now.”

“Don’t trust Simon,” David said desperately. “He doesn’t love you. He’s just competing with me.”

“When I was sick, you worked overtime. When a car almost hit me, Simon jumped in front of it. Who loves me more, David?”

David stood there, speechless.

“Go find your Jane,” I said, turning back to the room.

Inside, Simon was grinning. “My leg hurts, Rachel. Kiss it better.”

I pinched his ear. “I’m not kissing your leg.”

Chapter 6: The Ultimate Revenge

Simon stayed by my side through the pregnancy. He learned to change diapers. He learned to make formula. When my baby was born, Simon was the first to hold him.

When the baby turned one, his first word was “Mama.” His second was “Dada”—looking straight at Simon.

When the baby turned three, Simon and I got married.

It was a low-key wedding. As Simon put the ring on my finger, I saw a figure in the crowd. David. He looked older, tired.

After the ceremony, I walked out with my son holding my hand. David was standing in the corner, holding a piece of candy out to the boy.

My son, a mini version of David with his chubby cheeks and serious eyes, shook his head. “Mommy and Daddy said not to take things from strangers.”

David stiffened. His eyes turned red.

Simon walked over and picked up the boy. “Hey, buddy. Who’s this?”

“Stranger,” my son said, burying his face in Simon’s neck. “Daddy, let’s go play.”

Simon looked at David, a flicker of triumph in his eyes, but mostly just protectiveness. He nodded once at David and walked away with our son.

“That kid…” David’s voice trembled.

“It doesn’t matter anymore, David,” I said softly. “Don’t show up in front of me again.”

I turned and walked toward my husband and my son. Behind me, I heard a sob. I didn’t look back.

David never married. Jane went back abroad. And me? I found the love I deserved, in the last place I expected.

Simon told me later that he had loved me since college, but I had only had eyes for David. He had waited years for his turn.

“Miss,” he whispered that night, kissing my forehead. “Didn’t we know each other in a past life?”

“Maybe,” I smiled. “But I like this life just fine.”

So, did David deserve his fate, or was it too harsh? Tell me in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of second leads getting the happy ending.