Ashley's heart shattered into pieces . The son she had carried for ten long months , nearly giving her life to bring him safely into the world - frail from birth , burdened with hereditary heart problems - had survived only through her sleepless care and sacrifice . And now this very child misunderstood her , called her a murderer . Her voice trembled . " Liam , I'm your mom . " But Liam cried out , " I don't want you to be my mom ! I don't want the other kids to laugh at me for having a mom who went to prison ! " Ashley staggered back a few steps , her vision blurring . Liam peeked half his face out from behind Yvonne . At once Yvonne soothed her gently . " Ms. Ashley , he's just a child . He doesn't know what he's saying , don't take it to heart . He hasn't seen you in two years - of course he feels distant . Give him time . The bond of mother and son is in the blood . A few days together and he'll come around . " With her poise and grace , Yvonne seemed noble , elegant , magnanimous - making Ashley , by contrast , look petty , emotional , unbearably tacky . Give him time ? Ashley almost laughed . She had no more time to give . Her brother quickly added , " Ashley , Yvonne's right . Don't hold it against Liam . These past two years , he's always been with Yvonne . She's not only contributed so much to the company , she's cared for the family- and for Liam , too ." Ashley's eyes turned to Grayson . Two years ago , he had been there . From where he stood , he should have clearly seen Yvonne push her grandmother down the stairs . He was her husband . He was Liam's father . Even then , he hadn't spoken a word in her defense . Afterward , he couldn't even explain to his son , couldn't protect her name in the boy's heart . Her gaze accused him now - he was powerful , his words carried weight , yet never once had he defended her . Perhaps sensing her reproach , Grayson finally spoke . " What's past is past . With the Shanks family and the Holmes family standing together , no one will dare bring up these two years . We've already arranged to say you went abroad to study . The matter will be buried . No one will ever mention prison again , don't worry . " Morgan chimed in , " Let's not bring up old matters . The family is reunited now . In a while , we'll sit down together for a reunion dinner . Your room's been cleaned and prepared . After dinner , we'll give you and Grayson time together . You must've been missing your husband . " 09:51 Wed , Sep 17 Ashley froze at that word - husband . She opened her mouth to ask , but before she could speak , Grayson came to her side . He slid an arm around her waist . Startled , she looked up . His eyes were still cold , distant as ever . Yet to the others , he smiled gently , speaking with the warmth of a loving spouse . " Now that she's home , we can have the reunion dinner whenever . She just came back , and I don't want her to feel tense , so I've already booked a hotel room , and it should be ready now . " His hand tightened at her waist , pulling her close as if they were long - separated lovers finally reunited , as though a night together were the most natural thing in the world . But his words made her blood run cold . Hotel room ? What's he planning ? He's not gonna want s * x tonight , right ? Sh * t ! Send Gifts 10 Title: Cooking My Way Back to Love Author: CrushReel Genre: Modern, Revenge, Drama Status: ongoing In "Cooking My Way Back to Love" by CrushReel, Chef Leon Kennedy, once renowned as the "King of Cooking," spirals into despair following his wife's tragic demise in a car accident. Plunged into homelessness, he clings to his loyal dog as his sole anchor amidst loss and desolation. Amidst the ruins of his former life, Leon grapples with profound grief and seeks solace in the art of cooking—the very passion that once defined him. As he navigates the shadows of his past, themes of resilience, redemption, and the unyielding power of love intertwine in this modern tale of heartache and rebirth. Set against a backdrop of culinary mastery and emotional turmoil, "Cooking My Way Back to Love" delves into the depths of human emotion with raw authenticity. CrushReel skillfully crafts a narrative that captures the essence of loss and the arduous journey toward healing in a world marked by tragedy and shattered dreams. Experience the transformative journey of Chef Leon Kennedy as he rediscovers his purpose through the alchemy of flavors and emotions. Available to read online at CrushReel, this gripping drama promises a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.