I was stunned by Ashton’s command. Anger was written all over his good-looking face. Failed to phrase any sentences in my mind, I stared blankly at him and started to zone out.
It was as if he realized he was being too angry at me, so he took a deep breath and suppressed his fury. Gazing at me with his dark eyes, he asked, “When and why did you go to Venria? What happened there? How did you return? Tell me.”
With him standing in front of me, his tall and sleek figure blocked most of the light.
I froze a while before saying, “It’s all in the past. There’s nothing to tell.”
He argued, “What do you mean by that? Scarlett, do you think I’m a fool? Even I’m not good enough for you, I’m still your husband. I have the right to know where my wife went, don’t I?”
I had never seen him so agitated before. He was completely helpless and at wit’s end.
“You have.” Staring at the glistening surface of the river, I took a deep breath and started telling him everything. “After leaving K City, I went to Q City to visit the child. Later on, I met Savini in A City. Perhaps he couldn’t let go of the past and asked someone to…”
When I recalled everything about the past, those painful memories I suffered, I felt lucky to be able to overcome them all.
The man stayed silent and listened to me. I told him everything, including meeting Armond in Venria and causing Tessa to be injured.
Digesting my words, Ashton turned to look at me. “I’m not against you doing the things you like. However, Scarlett, you have a husband, so you shouldn’t stay with Armond. The consequences will be dire if people catch wind of this.”
I understand it well, but I don’t have any other choice.
However, this wasn’t the topic I wanted to talk about. Looking at him, I wore a serious expression. “Ashton, I wanted to leave without a word, but it seems impossible. In order to correct what Tessa said, I told you everything. Since things have gotten this far, let’s talk about us.”
Our eyes met. His gaze was deep with a tinge of warmth and determination. “Alright.”
I sat on the bench as the breeze blew by, leaving ripples on the river while the willow trees swayed along.
Sighing faintly, I said, “Ashton, I’ve decided not to return to you after leaving K City. To me, we were divorced five years ago. After all, we had marital separation for three years, so under the laws, we were already divorced.”
The man grimaced and stared at me with his dark eyes. “Are saying those cruel words an effortless task for you? It seems you’ve never thought of my feelings. Or could it be that you’ve never loved me?”
Pursing my lips, I felt suffocated. My heart started aching, but I didn’t want to show it. “Just take it as I’ve never loved you.”
He was obviously mad as he tightened his grip on my wrist. Although it started hurting, I didn’t struggle to break free.
I continued, “Ashton, everything has a shelf life. I admit, I’m rather odd. When I couldn’t get my hands on something, I tried my best to pursue it. However, after attaining it, I lose interest. Setting aside how you humiliated me those years, you set my mother up and killed my child. Do you think I will forgive you after all those things you did? I hate you! So there’s no way I can bring myself to live with you. Let alone loving you.”
I wouldn’t know how hurt he would be by my words, but all I wanted was to make him leave my side.
Looking at his grim and cold expression, I remained expressionless. “I thought I could let go of the past and live with you just because of your wealth and good looks. Even if I don’t love you, I can act like I do. Acting’s just a piece of cake for women, isn’t it?”
Lowering my gaze, I was determined in drawing a line between us. “However, I felt tormented when I face you every day, so I left. I wish you’ll never show up in front of me again. Ashton, I feel happy to be by Armond’s side. So, please let me go. Give me the freedom to pursue my happiness.”
Suddenly, the man chuckled. His voice was low, while he wore a bitter expression. His usual good-looking face looked terrifying as he gave one of his coldest smiles.
“Your happiness?” He scoffed, “You’re so impatient, be it living with him or working at the Murphy Corporation. Are you so eager to find a lover?”
