‘What did she say to ? Don’t you already know the answer? So things are pretty obvious, Ashton. Don’t treat like I’m stupid. I might not be as clever as you, but I’m not a complete fool,’ I said, my voice cold.
I couldn’t decipher the look he gave . ‘So things aren’t what they seem.’
‘Doesn’t matter anymore.’ I swallowed hard, a bitter smile touching my lips. ‘Looks like I expected too much. I should’ve been grateful for what I had, instead of asking for more. I need to get to work.’
I walked away, not looking back.
He still wouldn’t tell the truth. He knew I knew. He knew I’d reached out to Naomi. So why was he staying silent?
Back at the studio, I was quiet and withdrawn, wrapped in a cloud of gloom. Priya had the sense not to ask what was wrong.
I drifted through the rest of the day in a daze, and after work, I went straight to Yvaine’s.
Ashton said he’d only allow one night away, but since when did I have to obey him? I wasn’t his employee. Or his servant.
Yvaine brought back so pastries and insisted on cooking dinner.
I have to say, for a wealthy socialite, her cooking skills are... not exactly impressive. Honestly, anything more complicated than noodles is wasted on her.
But she’s my best friend, and she went to the effort for , so what could I do but eat it and try to look grateful?
My stomach paid the price afterwards, and between that and how tired I felt, I ended up lying down early.
I checked my phone. No calls from Ashton. I smiled bitterly to myself. What did I expect?
I tossed the phone aside. ‘Yvaine, do you really think I should divorce him?’
Yvaine knows well. In relationships, betrayal is the one thing I can’t stand. I didn’t even hate Rhys as much, because I always knew he still had feelings for Catherine.
But Ashton was different. He was the one who pursued . He said he loved first. He insisted on marrying . He planned every step, turned our contract marriage into a real one.
There’s no doubt he loves .
So why would he lie to for another woman?
I couldn’t make sense of it. The more I thought about it, the angrier I got, and the more divorce seed like the only answer.
But then it hit . ‘If I divorce him, doesn’t that just give Genevieve exactly what she wants? Why should I make her happy? Why should she get what she’s after?’
‘You’re being silly. Why punish yourself for soone else’s mistakes? Forget that Genevieve woman for a second. Just ask yourself—are you happy with him? If you’re not, why force yourself to stay? Of course you should leave. Who cares what happens after? If he’s not your man anymore, why worry about who ends up with him?’ Yvaine looked at like I was a hopeless case. ‘Why can’t you be more like ? If a man isn’t treating you right, just say goodbye and find a better one. I’m getting tired of repeating this—plenty of fish in the sea.’
I shook my head. ‘Thanks, but I could never be like you. You change boyfriends so fast I can’t even rember their nas. I prefer sothing stable. Sothing long-term.’
‘Fine. But that doesn’t have to an Ashton. You can find soone else for a stable, long-term thing.’ She winked. ‘My brother Emtt’s available, you know.’
‘No thanks,’ I said. ‘I’m not nearly good enough for your brother.’
Emtt had the face of a film star but the personality of a stern headmaster.
Even Yvaine, who was fearless in every other situation, turned into a total mouse around him. Thanks to her, I always felt slightly on edge around Emtt too, as if I were just one step away from doing sothing wrong and getting a lecture.
Yvaine wasn’t ready to give up. ‘Oh, don’t say no so fast. My brother’s a real catch. I know it sounds like I’m just boasting because we’re related, but it’s true. He doesn’t sleep around. Okay, so he’s a bit serious and old-fashioned, but I can guarantee he doesn’t have so clingy childhood sweetheart or obsessive ex like Genevieve lurking around.’
‘Thanks, but no. Soone like your brother deserves a much better woman. I’m not right for him.’
Yvaine pouted. ‘Well then, who ARE you right for? Ashton? Do you really love him that much? Even more than you loved Rhys?’
I nodded. ‘I love him more than I ever loved Rhys.’
The truth was, apart from this whole Genevieve ss, I couldn’t find a single thing wrong with Ashton.
‘You... damn it, fine.’ Yvaine sighed. ‘Then you should talk to him properly. Be open and honest. Just ask him straight out whether he can cut ties with that Genevieve and start being truthful with you. If he can, stay with him. If he can’t, leave. It’s better to make a clean break than to drag it out.’
It was the most reasonable advice she could have given.
I knew Yvaine was right. But what if I asked him, and I didn’t like what he had to say?
I’d never felt this insecure before. Love really does make you vulnerable.
Yvaine muttered under her breath, ‘So much for Emtt’s chances.’
The doorbell rang.
‘Who’s that at this hour?’ Yvaine frowned as she got up and went downstairs to answer it.
When she didn’t co back up after a while, I went out to see. ‘Who is it?’
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