Chapter 124 No Feelings for Ashley
“It must’ve been around the time when Ashley went overseas. Now, he’s managing Duo Chemicals from afar. That son–of–a–bitch’s really bending over backward for that temptress!” Jean cursed.
I figured Chester had filled Jean in on the gossip. Smiling, I replied casually, “It doesn’t bother me. We’re divorced, so his choices are his own now. Actually, I bumped into him earlier today.”
“What happened?” Jean asked, keen for more details.
in our group chat”
I hadn’t gotten around to telling Jean and the others about Sophie and Linda yet. After a brief pause, I said, “I’ll till you all in on the details in our Once our call ended, 1 swiftly composed a lengthy message detailing Sophie and Linda, then sent it to our group chat.
The chat exploded with activity immediately. Despite our small group of four, the rapid–fire responses made it feel as bustling as a crowded group,
Jean’s voice message came first. “This is so fucking dramatic! I never knew about Sophie. Even Ashley was just filling in for her. Then, what about you, by? Have you been an emotional punching bag for five years?”
Chapter 125 Bleeding
Olivia and Natalie finally couldn’t held back their thoughts any longer, either
Oliva: “vy, divorcing him was the right call. Rowan is completely out of line. You didn’t even know Sophie when soagreed to marry him, so why are you taking all the blame ?
Natalie: “Exactly. How can they be soschish? You’re a victim in all of this, tool
Jean: “And what was her name again? Linds, right? What the hell is her problem, spouting all that? I would he pulled her hair out of had been there. No doubt!”
As I scrolled through the countless messages, Icorldn’t help but feel disheartened. Rowan never mentioned Sophie to me. Back then, he only urged me to turn down Robert’s proposal
With Robert’s health deteriorating, there was not hesitate, and because I didn’t refuse, I ended up marrying Rowan. If I made a mistake, it was agreeing to marry own despite knowing he had no action for me.
That night, the group chat buzzed with activity jean and the others were burious on my behalf, talking about confronting scan, but intervened.
The more we entertained the idea of retaliation, the more complicated things would become. It seemed wiser to leave things be as they were.
Right then, my biggest concern was how long Rowan planned to stay in soomland. I wis ger for him to finish his work and retum to our home country soon. As my prepney progressed concealing my growing belly was becoming more challenging by the day
The next day at work, I received a text from Linda “Let’s talk after work”
“Embed up I texted back and brushed it oft
To my surprise, Unda blocked my car at the company entrance after work lett me with no choice but to get out and confront her.
trying case trouble. I just want you to lay off Ashley. She’s a part–time streamer in the marketing department, and you’re in business development. Your patha hardly crossed, so there’s no reason for this hostility.” Linda said, her tone laced with self–righteousness.
Why are you defending her? tasked caveally.
” her like a little sister. That’s all,” Linda replied, as expected.
Ten’t help but be amused. “So, because you believe Rowan still pies for Sophie, and Ashley reminds you of her, you’re okay with Ashley being around human as a replacement, huh?
Was it Linda and Sophie’s strong sisterly bond that deserved admiration, or was Ashley’s captivating presence that warranted prase?
Linda was about to respond when Ashley emerged from the company building.
Jahley’s eyes were red, and her small, pale face looked distraught. Upon spotting me, a flicker of hatred crossed her eyes bot was swiftly replaced by distress.
“Ivorry, Tresigned today, I won’t be coming here to bother you anymore,” she said sorrutuly
“Ash, why did you resign? No, you can’t leave! This isn’t your fault?” Lindprotested
“Now everyone thinks I’m the one who wrecked Ivory’s marriage. How can I possibly keep working herr?Linda, thanks for having my back through al of this lowe you a meal,” Ashley said, dabbing at her eyes. She arceda hauntingly beautiful snde.
Linda kooked at me, silently urgang me to speak up
Esteered at Ashley’s words, “You’re not quitting because you’re worried about bothering me. It’s because you can’t handle the gossip, right?”
hory, 1-“Ashley began, her eyer welling up with less
“Enough, Ashley: You know what you’ve done. I’m done arguing about this. I wish you and Rowan a happily ever after i snapped. I was starving and eager to get home for some
As finished my words, Feaught Ashley’s expression shirt, her eyes staring past me lacing over my shoulder, I spotted Rowas looming her, his features twisted in anger. He probably had heard my “well–wishes” just moments before
“What has she done? Telle Rowan demanded stay, tould sense the simmering anger beneath his composed demeance
Ashley looked at me with unease.
When I was abducted, she ignored my cries for help and instead tried to distract on and the others. When I was going through a divorce with Rowan, she encouraged me to pursue new happiness and expedite the divorce proceedings without his knowledge
Sheen arranged for Benjamin to visit me in the hospital, mingit perfectly for him to run into town. She deliberately used Ella’s perfume, a gift from me, in Rowan’s carto mark her presence she sent me apology messages and shared her location, thrwtening to commit sokide.
I meticulously recorded all her manipulations on my phone. I intended to expose everything when the time was right.
Noxing my silence, Ashley grew flustered and blurted out, “Mr. Payne, I–there’s been a misunderstanding with heory. She didn’t mean it when she called me amistress last time. I’ve caused quite a mess for her, so I’ve decided to resign today.”
Without warning. Ashley stepped forward, grabbed my hand, and attempted to slap her face with it. “Lacted disgracefully, Ivory. Go ahead, hit mel deserve!”
Her actions took me by surprise Lindaquickly intervened, grabbing my hand to prevent me from actually slapping Ashley
Reacting instinctively, I pulled my hand back, but in the commination, Ashley lost her balance and stumbled
“Ashley!” kowan exclaimed, rushing over to help her up.
Linda’s patience stapped, and she showed me hand, I fell to the ground, feeling asharp pain shoot through my lower abdomen. I cradled my belly, my complexion paling
With Rowan’s assistance, Ashley regained her balance and kept up the façade of coming to my defense. “Don’t blame hory, please. She didn’t mean any harm. I just lost my footing.”
It warmth spreading from my lower body, and lought through the pain to say, “Now, I think I’m having my period. You know how frail my body is. Please, take me to the