Chapter 3
I knew very well that getting him to stay was impossible, but I still wanted to try my luck. Leveling my gaze with his, I announced, “I agree to a divorce, but I have my conditions. Stay here tonight and accompany me throughout Grandpa’s funeral. I’ll sign the divorce papers as soon as it ends.”
His gaze darkened, brimming with ridicule. His lips curled into a faint smirk. “Please me.”
He released my chin and leaned forward, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered, “All talk and no action will get you nowhere, Scarlett.”
His voice was cold, laced with provocation. I understood what he meant, so I wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing my face against him. Given our height difference, I must have looked ridiculous.
I wasn’t sure how to feel. I was using such a pathetic method to keep the man I loved by my side. Perhaps I was beyond saving.
Following my instincts, my hands began to wander downward. But before I could go any further, he grabbed my wrist. I looked up, startled, only to meet his unreadable gaze.
“That’s enough.” His voice was flat, devoid of any emotion.
I was momentarily stunned, struggling to comprehend his words. Without another glance, he picked up his gray pajamas from the bed and put them on in smooth, effortless motions.
I stared at him, dumbfounded. Is he… staying?
Before I could process the thought, a woman’s voice suddenly pierced through the rain outside the window. “Ashton…”
My body stiffened. While I was still in shock, Ashton had already reacted. He strode toward the balcony and peered down. His expression darkened. Without hesitation, he grabbed his coat and left the room.
Rebecca stood in the rain below the balcony, her thin dress clinging to her frail figure. The heavy downpour had drenched her completely, making her look even more pitiful.
Ashton draped his coat over her shoulders, his movements firm yet gentle. He opened his mouth to reprimand her, but before he could, Rebecca threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
As I watched them, a bitter realization dawned on me. My two-year marriage with Ashton could never compare to a single phone call from Rebecca.
I stood at the top of the stairs as he led her inside, my gaze fixed on their soaked figures. When he attempted to bring her upstairs, I blocked their path.
“Move,” Ashton snapped, his voice filled with irritation.
Was I sad?
I wasn’t sure. My heart felt strangely numb, but my eyes stung as I watched the man I loved cherish another woman while treating me like nothing.
“Ashton, when we got married, you promised Grandpa that you would never allow her to step foot in this house as long as I was here,” I reminded him, my voice eerily calm.
This was supposed to be our home. I had given up countless nights to Rebecca, allowing her to take him away time and time again. But now, he was allowing her to taint the one place I could still call mine.
Ashton sneered. “You think too highly of yourself, Scarlett.”
With a forceful shove, he pushed me aside and led Rebecca into the guest room. I could do nothing but stand there and watch, an outsider in my own home.
Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.
Rebecca had been in the rain for too long and soon developed a fever. Ashton tended to her with the utmost care, helping her change into dry clothes and using a towel to lower her temperature.
Perhaps he found my presence unbearable because he turned to me with a cold, piercing gaze. “Go back to the Fullers’ family home now. Rebecca won’t be going anywhere tonight.”
He wanted me gone at this hour?
A laugh almost escaped my lips.
I guess I really am nothing but an eyesore.
I stared at him for a long time, swallowing the pain that threatened to consume me. I wanted to remind him that the family home was miles away, that it was dangerous for a woman to go out alone this late.
But none of that mattered to him.
All that mattered was that Rebecca got her rest—without me around.
Forcing down the bitterness clawing at my throat, I lifted my chin and said calmly, “I’ll return to the bedroom. It’s not… appropriate to head to the family home now.”
I refused to let him trample on me any further. Even if he didn’t cherish me, I would at least maintain my dignity.
As I stepped out of the guest room, I encountered Jared Crest in the hallway. He was still in his black pajamas, his hair and clothes drenched. He must have rushed over to the villa in the rain, not even bothering to change his shoes.
His face was filled with urgency, but as our eyes met, something flickered in his gaze—something close to sympathy.
I merely smiled faintly, my heart exhausted beyond words.