Chapter 3

Seraphina's POV

When Ashton came home, I was sitting in the dining room eating breakfast.

On the tablet to my left was the entertainment news about him and Vivian.

"Seraphina, it's all false reporting. Don't believe what these journalists write."

A flicker of panic crossed his eyes as he stepped forward.

"Last night, Vivian was too upset about her mother's illness. I only took her out to eat. She got drunk, so I had to get her a hotel room."

I ate my eggs and smiled slightly.

"You got her a hotel room, but forgot to leave yourself? You slept in the hotel with her all night?"

Ashton's expression stiffened, guilt flashing by.

"Last night she kept crying and vomiting. I had no choice but to stay and take care of her. But I really didn't touch her. Nothing happened between us."

I looked at the fresh kiss mark barely hidden beneath his collar. My stomach churned, nausea rising.

"Ashton," I put down my knife and fork, closing my eyes. "Make her leave. Send her back to the countryside, or another city, or anywhere abroad. I don't want to see her again."

He was silent for a few seconds, impatience creeping into his expression.

"She only has her mother left. Her mother is seriously ill and needs surgery. If I make her leave now, it's like sending her to her death."

"Then let's get divorced."

I looked up.

"Since you can't send her away, let's get divorced."

"Seraphina, you've pulled this stunt before. It won't work twice."

Ashton's eyes darkened.

"The first time you made a scene about breaking up, I was willing to humor you and let you throw your tantrum. But now we're married. Do you think the position of Mrs. Blackwood is something you can take or leave as you please?"

His tall figure loomed over me with oppressive pressure, his tone ice-cold.

"The Hart family raised you for years. They won't pass up your value. Without me, you're nothing but a bargaining chip for the Hart family to trade for profit. They could marry you off to someone else at any time."

Those words were like a blade, stabbing straight into my heart.

"Be realistic. Stop threatening divorce at every turn, because this time, I might not humor you."

Then he made another declaration, firm and final.

"Vivian needs money and a job. Starting tomorrow, she'll join the company as my personal assistant."

My last shred of rationality completely crumbled. I raised my hand and delivered a resounding slap across his face.

"Ashton, you disgust me."

He turned his head, running his tongue along the inside of his cheek. When he turned back, his eyes were ice-cold.

"It seems we both need to cool down. I'll stay at the company for the next few days. I won't be coming back."

With those words, he turned and left without hesitation.

My chest felt like it had been brutally carved open, a gaping wound.

I laughed softly.

After a moment, I picked up my phone from the table and made a call, my heart turning to ash.

"Prepare divorce papers for me. I want a divorce."

For several days in a row, Ashton didn't come home.

But an unfamiliar number I didn't recognize sent me photos almost daily.

In the photos, Ashton brought Vivian to yacht parties, accompanied Vivian to the hospital to visit her seriously ill mother, and at business receptions, held her waist while introducing her to everyone.

Unable to bear it any longer, I drove straight to Blackwood Group. Ignoring the reception desk's attempts to stop me, I swiped my card and entered the executive elevator.

In the office area, Vivian was talking with someone.

Hearing footsteps, she looked up.

"Mrs. Blackwood?"

I didn't pause. I walked right up to her and slapped her across the face.

The crisp sound exploded in the quiet air.

"Miss Vivian, Ashton wants to repay his debt and keep you by his side. I have nothing to say about that."

I said coldly.

"But we both know exactly what you're thinking. As long as I haven't signed divorce papers, you're nothing but a homewrecker."

Vivian covered her rapidly swelling cheek, tears welling in her eyes.

"Mrs. Blackwood, you misunderstand me. I really didn't..."

"Seraphina!"