7: Ashley’s Resignation.
Elena and Ace were kissing passionately.
Elena. Of course. She sat on Ace‘ s desk, looking far too comfortable.
Elena turned to look at me as I entered and
a smile formed on her face.
“Ashley…” she said sweetly, her voice dripping with false sincerity.
I frowned, turning my gaze away from her while she stood up.
“I hope you don‘ t misunderstand. I was just here to discuss some work with Ace.”
My jaw clenched. Misunderstand? There was nothing left to misunderstand.
“Elena, you can leave now,” Ace said, his tone calm but firm.
She nodded, casting one last glance my way. “I’ll see you later, Ace.” Her eyes were fixed on me as she walked out,
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7: Ashley’s Resignation.
brushing past me with a knowing smirk.
Danny, who had been hovering nervously near the door, looked between Ace and me before Ace waved him off. “Close the door on your way out.”
Once we were alone, Ace leaned back in his chair, his dark eyes meeting mine.
“Have you checked the time?” he asked. “It’s already afternoon! You’re three hours late!” his voice was full of annoyance, and I could feel it. He had no concern for me.
I sighed, scoffing at my stupidity.
“What’s with your behaviour? Can you keep work and personal matters different?”
“I can’t.” His eyes widened and he looked at me in disbelief.
“You’re making things out of nowhere.” He said, loosening his tie. “Fine. Tell me, where were you yesterday? Did you sleep on the streets?”
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I laughed then replied to him. “My personal life is none of your business, Ace. I’m here for one thing and one thing only.” I stepped forward, placing the resignation letter on his desk. “Sign it.
I was just here to completely break things with him: both work, and personal. I wanted nothing to do with him.
His eyes flicked to the letter before returning to me, and then, he grabbed it wanting to shred it to pieces.
“Don’t you dare,” I snapped, stepping closer.
His hand halted with his eyes fixed on me.
“What exactly can you do if I don’t approve of it, Ashley?”
I squared my shoulders, meeting his gaze head–on. “I’ll tell everyone I’m your wife. Let’s see how the board reacts to knowing their perfect CEO has been hiding a five–year marriage.”
The corner of his mouth twitched into a
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smirk, though his eyes darkened. “You wouldn‘ t.”
“You can try it,” I challenged, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.
Ace leaned forward, his tone low and dangerous. “You want to play games? Is this another way you’re trying to get my attention?” I laughed. Even until this moment, he thought I couldn’t let go of him. “Fine. But let’s see how long you can keep it up. When you‘ re out of options, when no one else will hire you, you’ll come running back. And just know that, I won’t make things easy for you.”
I smiled, my heart filled with disdain. This was the man I married, and supported when he was nothing.
Did he even ever believe in me? My heart throbbed in pain as all the memories of us shattered. Our marriage was nothing but a shackle to him.
I watched silently as Ace approved my
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