(22
I didn’t know when I fell asleep but as I woke up, my body ached all over. It felt as if cancer was consuming me.
I shook my head. It was time for me to leave. Asher had helped me enough, and I can’t take advantage of h kindness I didn’t want to inconvenience a stranger, after all
I grabbed my packed bags as I walked out of the guest room, and walked across the hallway. It was a simple, yet exquisite and comfortable house
I stumbled into the living room. When a voice startled me.
It was Asher
“Where are you going? Asher asked as he walked towards me
I put on a faint smile, trying to appear fine but it seemed like he could see all my feelings, naked. I sighed. “I’m leaving I was going to leave a note because it’s early, and I didn’t want to bother you. But since you’re here, I think I
1:30 PM
should express my gratitude to you directly.”
Asher chuckled, and I looked at him blankly when his expression turned normal. Did I mishear?
He coughed and asked, “And where exactly are you planning to go? Do you even have a place to go?” His brows
furrowed in concern.
I looked down, speechless. I had no plans. Just that I knew that I had to leave, resign from Ace’s office, and divorce Ace. Nothing more. In these years, I had no friends, and lost my family. I had nowhere to return.
He frowned. “You’re making this harder on yourself. Look, you can stay here till when you have found a place to stay. It doesn’t matter to me. Most of the times, I stay in the office.”
I nodded, “Thank you, but you have already done enough. I don’t want to inconvenience you. Plus, I’m not a
stray.”
Asher crossed his arms across his chest as he observed me. It felt as if he was trying hard not to chuckle “1 didn’t mean it like that. But I have an offer for you. However, first, are you continuing to work for Ace?”
My brows furrowed. “I don’t plan to.”
His lips curled up, and he approached me “That’s good, because I’ve been planning to hire a personal secretary And… I think you’ll be a really good fit.”
I was taken aback by the offer. In terms of business, I had gone against him many times. And, his s company is one of the best, hiring only great talents. But, now, he was offering me a job?
“Are you pitying me?” I asked.
Asher’s face grew stern. “I don’t offer jobs to imbeciles. And, who would be a better fit for this position than you? Many people think that Ace grew his company single–handedly, but they don’t know you. Wouldn’t you be the best fit
for this role?”
My heart throbbed with excitement. Not even Ace had ever appreciated my efforts like this, but he was the one who noticed my efforts. He was truly…
I had no words, and I couldn’t deny him anymore. “Okay, boss.”
He smirked when my lips curled up unconsciously.
“But you can’t work for two companies, right?”
I shrugged. “I was planning to resign.”
I went back to the guest room to drop off my luggages before I took out the resignation letter. It was time for me to say goodbye to Ace.
Eight years were enough, and I couldn’t be so blind again.
As I was about to leave, the doorbell rang. I looked at it curiously, but watching Asher seated on the couch, I opened the door
As I opened the door, a young man walked inside and Asher turned towards me. “Ashley, meet Mr. Julian Parker. Well, I guess you already know him
I turned to the man standing beside him, my eyes widening slightly. Of course, I knew who Julian Parker was. He was a big shot lawyer Almost all the cases he touched would win.
I nodded at Asher’s introduction when Julian turned to look at me. “So, this is my client?”
“C–Client?” Lasked, pointing towards me
“Well, Mr. Asher appointed me to be your divorce lawyer Well, Miss Ashley, right?”
hid my surprise, the fact Asher had managed to enlist him on my behalf left me momentarily speechless “Mr Parker,” I said, extending my hand “It’s an honor. Thank you for helping me
O
He shook my hand firmly, his expression professional but kind. “The honor is mine, Mrs Ashley. Asher explained the situation, and I’m here to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. I’ve already drafted the divorce papers for you Mr Parker said, looking directly at me
I glanced at Asher, my brow furrowing. “You did this… for me?”
He leaned casually against the table, crossing his arms with a smug look. “Well, it’s nothing” He replied, shrugging his shoulders and acting like it was just normal.
I shook my head, still surprised by his involvement. “Why did you…?”
We didn’t even know each other. So, why would he help me?
Asher chuckled. “No reason. But if you need a reason, I can give you t
I raised my eyebrow.
you two”
“First, I don’t want my personal secretary to have a relationship with my business rival, and don’t want her to get
into trouble.”
“And, the next?”
“Won’t it create a little scandal if your divorce to Ace gets exposed? After all, even your marriage was a secret. So,
it’d be funny to see a scandal.“
“You’re unbelievable,” I said, shaking my head. How did I forget, he was Ace’s biggest rival. But it was still hard. believing that he helped me, a total stranger just for this reason.
Julian just quietly handed me the papers, neatly bound. I traced the edge of the documents with my fingers.
“You’re sure about this?” Julian asked, his voice steady and calm.
Inodded. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
Asher nodded. “Good. Then let’s get this show started.”
I gave him a small smile before turning back to Julian. “Thank you. If it weren’t for your help, it’d be hard figuring out how to move things forward.”
I tucked the documents into my purse, and stood up when Asher shot me a glance. “Where are you going?”
I smirked, showing off the resignation letter. “To Ace’s office.”
I stood in the hallway of the HR department, the resignation letter clutched tightly in my hand. My grip crinkled the edges, but I didn’t care. It felt like the only thing holding me together.
For a moment, it felt like I was going to break down, and storm at Ace for what he gave me back in return for my
love, and sacrifice
I sighed, and entered inside.
“Miss Ashley?”
I forced a smile, nodding. “Please handle my resignation.”
The HR manager looked at me baffled, and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Miss. Ashley, but resignations for
senior–level staff need direct approval from the CEO. You’ll have to discuss this with him.”
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My heart raced and a feeling of dread began swirling in my chest. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. “Isn’t there another way? Can’t you recommend it to him without me having to be involved?”
She shook her head, “This is company policy.”
I nodded as I took a deep breath. Although I hated it, it seems I have to
Leaving the HR office, I walked toward the elevator as I clutched the letter in my hand
Seeing Ace again was the last thing I wanted The man I had once trusted with my life. The father of my unborn. child. The one who had shattered everything with his betrayal If there was any other way, I wouldn’t have met with
him if there was another choice
M
“Anyway, it’s better this way I can give him the divorce papers. “I reassured myself as the doors slid open and I walked out of the elevator.
I stepped into the main office area. But before I could even make my way to Ace’s office, Danny, his assistant intercepted me.
“Miss. Ashley,” he started with a smile on his face. “Your post has been reassigned. We’ve brought in a new secretary You’ll be transitioning to an onsite position-”
I cut him off, my voice sharper than I intended. “There’s no need for transitions, Danny. I’m here to resign. Danny’s jaw dropped in surprise. “You can’t suddenly-”
“Oh of course, I can.” I waved my hands.
“Ashley, wait-“he called, trying to step in my path, but I was already at Ace’s door. Without knocking, I pushed it
open
The sight before me made my stomach churn.
Elena and Ace were kissing passionately