Chapter 2

I didn't see Julien for almost three months.

Just as I started to think maybe things would stay quiet, he showed up.

He leaned against the couch, chin tilted like he owned the world.

Pointing to a box on the table, he said, "There's a party tomorrow. Wear this. Don't embarrass me."

"Ask Elsie," I said, refusing without hesitation.

He leaned closer, staring at me. "Have you forgotten who you are, Mrs. Webb?"

I looked away and laughed. "Honestly? Yeah. I kinda did."

We locked eyes, both refusing to give in. The tension thickened.

Finally, he said, "Let's get something straight. You're the one who dumped me for money. You betrayed me. So whatever misery you're feeling now? You deserve it.

"You don't get to complain. Unless I say it's over, you can never leave me. So deal with it."

I said nothing, just stared at this man who felt more like a stranger every second. He had nothing in common with the kind and gentle youth I had known before.

He threw in, "My assistant will pick you up tomorrow. Don't be late," and walked out.

*****

Next day, I put on the gown and looked in the mirror. It fitted perfectly—clearly custom-made.

But my neck looked bare.

I opened my drawer and pulled out the necklace my mom gave me when I turned eighteen.

After everything fell apart, it was the only valuable thing I had left.

Julien hadn't given me any jewelry yesterday, just the dress. So I wore it.

When I was done dressing up, Julien's assistant also arrived at the villa.

*****

When I walked into the party venue with Julien's arm hooked through mine, I finally understood why he insisted I come today.

I met a pair of familiar eyes almost instantly.

It was Quinn Morgan.

Julien noticed and sneered, "What's wrong? See your ex and couldn't walk anymore?"

"Mrs. Webb," he added, voice dripping sarcasm, "You wanna flirt with your ex in front of your husband now? Don't you think that's disrespectful to me?"

Seeing us, Quinn walked over, holding a glass of wine. "Ashley. Long time no see."

I nodded. "Yeah, long time."

"You've lost weight. Is Julien not treating you right? You know you can always talk to me," Quinn said, concerned.

Julien's face darkened.

He put his arm around my shoulders and yanked me closer to him. "Mr. Morgan, my wife's well-being isn't really your business."

Quinn smiled, unfazed. "I may not be her husband anymore, but I've known her my whole life. Can't I check in on her as family?"

"You're not her family. You're just a stranger," Julien snapped. "She doesn't need you."

"Just being friendly, Julien. Why are you so controlling? You gonna decide who her friends are too?" Quinn retorted.

"I don't care her friends. But I won't ignore people clearly trying to get in her pants," Julien shot back.

He let me go and moved in on Quinn, his tone a warning. "She's my wife. Stay away.

"I don't want to become the center of gossip. It wouldn't be good for the three of us."

Quinn wasn't backing down. He shook his wine glass gently and fired back, "You talk like you care, but your affairs are city gossip. I've only been back three days and already heard all about you."

Just then, the doors of the venue slammed open.

Everyone turned. Elsie strutted in, wearing a backless gown and sky-high heels.

She scanned the room, locking eyes with me, and stormed over.

Before anyone could react, she slapped me hard.

The room froze. No one had ever witnessed anything like this.

I touched my burning cheek and laughed bitterly. That slap wasn't just from Elsie. It was Julien who had made her so bold.

Quinn reacted first. He shoved Elsie to the ground, barking, "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Julien snapped out of it and grabbed Elsie.

She immediately buried herself in his arms, crying. "You said you loved me, Julien. Why didn't you let me come tonight? Am I not good enough for you?"

Julien looked embarrassed but tried to calm Elsie despite his fury. "You said you weren't feeling well. And tonight was for Mrs. Webb—not you."

That set her off. Elsie pointed at me and screamed, "You don't love her! Why won't you divorce her?"

Julien's face turned pitch black.

"Please, Julien. Marry me. I'm tired of being your mistress and constantly mocked. We're the real couple here. I should be your wife," Elsie added.

Something Elsie said set Julien off. He slapped her. "Elsie, I'll give you anything, but you'll never be my wife."

Julien was furious.

Elsie froze, holding her cheek.

Then, trembling, she looked at him with teary eyes. "I just wanted our baby to be legitimate. What did I do wrong?"

She grabbed his shirt. "Julien, I'm pregnant with your baby."

Her words sent a shockwave through the crowd.

My heart skipped a beat.

Quinn pushed me protectively behind him. "Julien, is this how you treat Ashley?"

Julien flattened his lips, not speaking.

Quinn went on. "I was happy for Ashley when I heard you two got married. I thought she finally found the happiness she wished for.

"But now I regret it. If I knew she'd end up like this, I never would've let her go. You know what, I hate myself. I'm the one who pushed her to you."

He turned to me. "Ashley, do you regret it now? Was Julien worth everything you did before? If you say the word, I'll take you away. Right now."

I smiled bitterly, my heart heavy. I shook my head and removed my hand from his grip. "Thank you, Quinn. But I have no way out now."

Quinn looked crushed, wanting to say more.

Julien reached out to pull me away.

Then Elsie rushed to us.

She didn't kick a fuss this time. Instead, she leaned against Julien, doubling over and clutching her stomach. "Julien... it hurts..."

And with that, she fainted.