The Wife he threw Away (Claire and Lucian) novel Chapter 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN_ Claire’s POV

Lucian told me about the gala four hours before it began.

“There’s a charity event tonight,” he said, not bothering to look at me as he adjusted his cufflinks. “We need to appear united.”

‘Need’

Not ‘would you like to?’

I waited foolishly, for him to ask if I wanted to go.

He didn’t.

I looked up from where I sat. “Will Eva be there?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

Lucian hesitated before answering.

“She was invited separately,” he replied. “As an actress. But it makes sense for us to arrive together.”

The invitation, I later realized, had never been meant for me at all. It was traditionally addressed to Mr.

and Mrs. Dhark.

I was still his wife on paper, and that was the only reason I was invited.

And it was my obligation to attend.

The mansion’s staff prepared Eva openly.

She stood in the sitting room while a stylist adjusted her ivory dress. Her hand rested constantly over her stomach as if she was reminding everyone why she mattered.

Her dress was designed to soothe the eye. The color softened her; made her look saintly and maternal.

I watched from the doorway, unnoticed.

One of the staff offered her water, while another asked if the heels were comfortable enough.

I dressed alone.

My dress was black. Structured and elegant, like a woman attending her own funeral.

Eva glanced at me once, her eyes taking in my dress with curiosity and judgment. She scrunched up her nose, like she was irritated by the mere sight of me.

I ignored her.

Camilla entered with coats.

She moved to Eva first. “Are you warm enough?” She asked, carefully draping the wrap over Eva’s shoulders. “You shouldn’t get chilled.”

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Eva smiled softly. “I’m fine, thank you.”

Camilla nodded, adjusted the collar of Eva’s coat, then finally turned to me. “Your coat is by the door, Mrs. Dhark.”

That was it.

No question. No concern.

Even the house knew who mattered now.

The moment we stepped out of the car, flashes exploded.

Voices called out eagerly.

“Mr. Dhark!”

“Eva!”

“How are you feeling?”

“When is the baby due?”

Lucian moved instinctively towards Eva.

His hand settled at her back protectively, guiding her forward. He offered her his arm, and she took it

without hesitation.

I walked behind them. No arm, no introduction.

No one said my name.

I became part of the background the instant we stepped on the carpet. I felt like an accessory that no longer matched the outfit.

Inside, the room glittered with crystal and silk. The ballroom was filled with familiar faces_ board members and investors. People who had once smiled warmly at me.

Now, they didn’t even notice me.

They only saw Eva; the famous actress, the woman who carried the future of Dhark Holdings.

She was ushered forward immediately, and of course people turned toward her with reverence, as if they were in the presence of a goddess.

“This must be such an exciting time.”

“You look radiant.”

“We’re all so happy for you.”

The compliments just kept rolling in.

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Eva accepted it all graciously, thanking people for their kindness. She spoke about privacy and gratitude, about how unexpected blessings should be protected.

She also praised Lucian publicly for his strength and his sense of responsibility.

She never acknowledged me, not even once.

When people managed to turn their attention my way, it was pitiful.

“This must be… a lot for you,” someone said.

Another woman offered a sympathetic nod_ like a nod you give to a widow at a funeral.

I wasn’t a person here.

I was collateral damage.

At one point, a donor smiled broadly and said, “Lucian, you must be thrilled.”

Lucian nodded. “Of course.”

The man gestured toward Eva. “The future of Dhark Holdings.”

Lucian didn’t correct him.

Instead, he spoke confidently, “Yes. Eva is carrying the future of the company.”

It felt like someone had stabbed me and twisted the knife.

Lucian had humiliated me publicly. Irreversibly.

He didn’t even look at me when he said it.

Lucian didn’t need to choose Eva out loud.

It was obvious to everyone present that he had already placed me behind her.

When the event was finally over, we returned to the car in silence. Eva exhaled softly, as if she was tired.

Lucian asked if she was okay.

She nodded. “I am now.” She said, smiling sweetly at Lucian with admiration and devotion shining in her

eyes.

I looked away, in an attempt to hide the tears gathering in my eyes.

The drive to the house felt longer than usual. When we finally stepped inside the mansion, Eva lingered beside me while Lucian spoke to someone on the phone.

Eva tilted her head, studying me curiously.

“I know this must be hard,” she said. “But it helps if you don’t think of it as if you’re losing anything.”

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She placed a hand over her stomach, then continued.

“I’m just stepping into what was always meant to be mine.”

She paused, as if waiting for me to finish absorbing what she had just said.

“You don’t need to wait anymore, Claire. Sign the papers. Leave with dignity.”

I said nothing.

Eva smiled. “Goodnight.”

She went back inside, certain the decision had already been made. She was wrong.

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