Hell Hath no fury like a billionaire's Ex-Chapter 56: Bitter Reminders

Diane’s POV

The gentle Monday afternoon sunlight filtered through the kitchen blinds as I worked at the counter, preparing a cup of herbal tea. Dr. Chen had recommended it for relaxation...something I desperately needed these days. Steam rose from the kettle as I poured the hot water over the tea bag, releasing the soothing floral scent into the air.

I was just about to add a touch of honey when my phone vibrated on the counter next to me. A notification banner slid across the top of the screen, and for a moment, I froze, teaspoon suspended midair.

"Reminder: Liam’s birthday in 2 days."

The tea suddenly lost its appeal.

I set the spoon down with more force than necessary, my jaw tightening as I picked up the phone. Three years ago, I’d created this reminder—set to alert me three days before Liam’s birthday so I’d have time to plan something special. Back then, I’d throw elaborate surprise parties, coordinate with his friends, spend days selecting the perfect gift. Back then, I’d thought we were happy.

Back then, I hadn’t known my husband was sleeping with my sister.

With a swipe of my finger, I opened the calendar app and stared at the notification. For a brief, disorienting moment, I felt the ghost of excitement I used to experience—the thrill of planning, of seeing his face light up with surprise. I remembered how I’d rope Sophie into helping me, the two of us giggling as we arranged decorations or hid presents.

Sophie. The memory soured instantly.

"Delete," I muttered, jabbing at the screen with unnecessary force. The reminder disappeared, but the bitter taste in my mouth remained.

I went a step further, scrolling through my calendar for any other remnants of my life with Liam that might ambush me in the future—anniversaries, joint appointment reminders, dates that had once meant something. One by one, I deleted them, each tap on the screen a tiny act of liberation. By the time I finished, my tea had grown lukewarm.

I was about to pour it out and start fresh when my phone rang in my hand. The screen lit up with a name I hadn’t expected to see: Elizabeth.

I hesitated, momentarily confused. Elizabeth was the office cleaner at Synergy Sphere—a kind, older woman who had always greeted me warmly whenever I’d visit Liam at the office or help him with difficult tasks. We weren’t close, but there had always been a mutual respect between us.

Curious, I answered. "Elizabeth? Is everything okay?"

"Mrs. Ashton—Diane," she began, her voice hushed as if she were afraid of being overheard. "I hope I’m not disturbing you."

"Not at all," I assured her, leaning against the counter. "It’s good to hear from you. And please, just Diane is fine."

"Right, Diane." She cleared her throat. "I just wanted to check on you, dear. After that day you came to the office... well, I’ve been worried. You seemed so upset when you left."

The day I’d confronted Liam in his office—wearing my red power dress, dangling Sophie’s lingerie in his face. Heat rose to my cheeks at the memory. It had been empowering in the moment, but I hadn’t considered who might have witnessed the aftermath.

"I’m doing better now, thank you," I said carefully. "It was... a difficult day."

"That’s good to hear." Elizabeth paused, and I could sense her hesitation through the phone. "I’ve been wanting to call, but I wasn’t sure if it was my place. Mr. Ashton has been in quite a state since your visit."

I couldn’t help the small, satisfied smile that curved my lips. "Has he?"

"Oh yes. Terrible mood. Shouting at everyone, firing people left and right." She lowered her voice further. "Between you and me, no one can stand to be around him these days."

"I’m sorry to hear that," I said, though I wasn’t sorry at all. "But I doubt you called just to update me on Liam’s temper tantrums."

Another pause, longer this time. "You’re right, dear. There’s something else."

I waited, sensing she was gathering her courage. When she remained silent, I prompted gently, "Elizabeth, whatever it is, you can tell me. Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong, exactly," she said slowly. "It’s just... I feel like I shouldn’t be telling you this, but then I think about how he’s treated you, and I can’t help feeling you have a right to know."

My heart quickened. "Know what?"

She took a deep breath. "They’re planning a surprise birthday party for him at the office. The executive team—well, what’s left of it—and that new secretary of his. It’s supposed to be this Wednesday, from what I’ve overheard. Catering, decorations, the works."

I gripped the counter edge, unsure why this news affected me so strongly. Of course they would celebrate his birthday.

The thought of Liam enjoying himself, being celebrated, while I was pregnant with his children and fighting for what was rightfully mine—it made my blood boil.

"Wednesday?" I asked, my voice surprisingly steady.

"Yes. They’re clearing the main conference room against wednesday." Elizabeth hesitated again. "I probably shouldn’t be telling you this. If Mr. Ashton found out—"

"He won’t," I assured her quickly. "I appreciate you letting me know, Elizabeth. Truly."

"I just thought... Well, I don’t know what I thought. Maybe that you should know. What that man did to you—it isn’t right. And now everyone’s acting like he’s some kind of hero, planning this fancy party when he..." She trailed off, then added firmly, "Some things shouldn’t be rewarded."

A slow, calculated smile spread across my face as an idea began to form. "No," I agreed softly. "They shouldn’t."

"Diane?" Elizabeth’s voice turned concerned. "What are you thinking?"

I shook my head, even though she couldn’t see me. "Nothing specific yet. But information is power, isn’t it?"

"Just be careful," she cautioned. "Mr. Ashton is not a man to cross lightly."

I laughed, a short, sharp sound. "I think we’re well past that point, don’t you? He crossed me first, remember?"

"I remember," she said quietly. "That’s why I called. No one should be treated the way he’s treated you."

I felt a sudden rush of gratitude for this woman who had always been kind to me during my occasional visits to the office, who was now putting herself at risk to help me. "Elizabeth, would it be possible for you to keep me updated? If you hear anything else about the party—or about Liam in general—could you let me know?"

"I could do that," she agreed. "I clean his office after hours. People don’t notice cleaners much, you know. We become invisible after a while. You’d be surprised what I overhear."

"I would be incredibly grateful," I said, already thinking of the possibilities. "And of course, I’d compensate you for your time and effort—"

"Absolutely not," Elizabeth cut me off firmly. "I’m not doing this for money, Diane."

"But the risk—"

"Is worth it," she finished for me. "You’ve always treated me with respect. Like a person, not just someone who empties your husband’s trash. Not many in that office do the same." She paused. "Besides, I have a daughter about your age. If any man treated her the way Mr. Ashton has treated you, well... I’d want someone looking out for her too."

Her words warmed me, genuine human connection in a world that had lately felt cold and treacherous. "Thank you, Elizabeth. That means more than you know."

"You just take care of yourself," she said, and I could hear the smile in her voice. "These days, it seems like looking after yourself is a full-time job, especially with everything going on."

I laughed genuinely this time. "You can say that again. But I’m managing, one day at a time."

"That’s all any of us can do," she agreed. "Now, I should go before someone notices I’m on a personal call. But I’ll be in touch if I hear anything useful."

"Thank you again, Elizabeth. For everything."

After we hung up, I stood in the kitchen for a long moment, my mind racing with possibilities. The forgotten tea sat cold on the counter, but I barely noticed as I paced the length of the kitchen, ideas flitting through my mind like butterflies—some beautiful, some venomous.

A surprise birthday party for Liam. How perfectly ironic. The man who had systematically tried to erase me from the company I helped build was being celebrated by the very people who are naively unaware of his betrayal.

What would Liam do if I showed up at his party? The thought brought a smile to my face—the shock on his face, the uncomfortable silence that would fall over the room. It would be deliciously satisfying.

But then what? Security would be called, I’d be escorted out, and Liam would spin the story to make me look like the unstable, vengeful ex. No, a direct confrontation wouldn’t serve my purposes.

I needed to be smarter. More strategic.

I absently placed a hand on my belly, feeling the slight swell that couldn’t be easily concealed beneath loose clothing. My twins—my son and daughter—were blissfully unaware of the chaos surrounding their impending arrival into the world. I intended to keep it that way.

"Your father’s birthday is on Wednesday," I murmured to them, my voice hardening. "Let’s make sure it’s one he never forgets."

I finally picked up my cold tea and poured it down the sink, watching the amber liquid swirl away. Like so many things in my life recently, what had once been comforting had turned bitter. But unlike the tea, I couldn’t simply pour myself away and start fresh.

I had to fight—for myself, for my children, for the future Liam had tried to steal from me.

The calendar notification had been a painful reminder of what I’d lost, but Elizabeth’s call had given me something far more valuable: an opportunity. And I intended to make the most of it.

I rinsed out the mug and set it in the dish rack, a plan already taking shape in my mind. This year, Liam’s birthday would come with a very different kind of surprise—not a celebration, but a reckoning.

And I would make damn sure he felt every moment of it.

Walking to the living room, I settled onto the couch with my laptop, opening a new document. At the top, I typed: "Operation Birthday Surprise," and began to list my options.

Revenge, I was discovering, required the same meticulous planning as those birthday parties I’d once thrown with such enthusiasm. Only this time, the goal wasn’t Liam’s happiness—it was his downfall.

Sometimes, the universe gives you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it."

It gives you the perfect chance to even the score.

I drummed my fingers against the armrest of the couch, my eyes scanning the laptop screen. The list of potential ways to ruin Liam’s birthday was growing longer, but one particular idea stood out. Something ridiculous. Something he’d never live down.

I reached for my phone and dialed a number I knew well. "Hello, Karen. It’s me."

"Diane! It’s been ages! How are you, love?"

"Better, now that I’ve thought of something absolutely ridiculous for a certain someone’s birthday. And I need your help."

Karen let out a delighted chuckle. "Oh, now you have my attention. What’s the plan?"

I leaned forward, grinning. "I need a giant inflatable unicorn. And I mean giant. With a customized tag that reads ’Infidelity Trophy.’ It needs to be wrapped well and delivered to Synergy Sphere—no return address."

There was a moment of silence before Karen burst into laughter. "Oh, Diane. This is legendary. You want me to make sure there’s no trace back to you?"

"Exactly. Liam can be funny when he wants to be, and I don’t need this blowing back on me."

"Consider it done. I’ll make sure it’s a surprise he’ll never forget."

"You’re the best, Karen. Just be discreet, okay?"

"Of course, love. I wouldn’t miss the chance to help with something this spectacular."

I ended the call, exhaling as I leaned back. The thought of Liam receiving that ridiculous unicorn in front of his colleagues sent a thrill through me. It wasn’t the entirety of my plan, but it was a start.

Without hesitating, I tapped Jessica’s number. She picked up on the second ring.

"Diane! Everything okay?"

"Yes," I said, my tone calm but purposeful. "I’ve been thinking. That interview we did—the one you’ve been holding onto? I think it’s time."

"You want it published now?"

"This Saturday," I said. "No delays."

There was a pause, then a spark of excitement in Jessica’s voice. "You’re sure?"

"Positive," I replied. "It’s the perfect time."

After hanging up, I set the phone down and let out a quiet, dark chuckle.

"Double presents," I muttered to myself. "How lovely for Liam—an inflatable unicorn and a front-page feature exposing what a pathetic cheating ex-husband he really is."

I adjusted in my seat slowly, savoring the thought. The countdown to his unraveling had officially begun.

As I stared at the ceiling, another thought nudged at the edges of my mind. The way I used to celebrate Liam’s birthday—wrapped in love, laughter, and shared memories. I shoved the thought aside. That was another lifetime, another Diane.

But then, another realization struck me. My own birthday was in a month.

I had almost forgotten. Almost.

Liam’s birthday always came first, and then mine followed a month later. We had once loved that shared closeness, that connection. But now? Now, it felt like another cruel joke the universe had played on me.

I stood up, stretching as I let out a slow breath. "This time, I’ll be the one making the rules."

A smirk played on my lips as I turned back to my laptop. There was more planning to do.

Because this year, I wouldn’t just be marking another year of life.

I’d be celebrating my rebirth—the woman who refused to be broken, who refused to be discarded.

And Liam? He would learn, in the most spectacular way, that actions always have consequences.