In her memory , during the three years of her marriage before prison , she could count on one hand how many times she and Grayson had been intimate . Grayson was restrained , ascetic , seemingly uninterested in the physical bond between man and woman . His energy went almost entirely into work . He was a workaholic , notorious for it . Ashley had once asked around - some people were simply born indifferent to such matters . She never pressed him . The only time she conceived Liam had been after the Holmes family , anxious for an heir , set scented candles in their bedroom . Only afterward had Ashley learned that Grayson had been swayed by the aphrodisiac fragrance . But the child was conceived , Grayson was pleased , and she never pushed the matter . But now - after two years apart , with his long - adored crush at his side - how could his first thought be to take her to bed ? She thought she must be imagining things . If she pushed him away and he hadn't meant it that way , it would look as though she had been too eager herself . And so , Ashley allowed herself to be led from the Shanks estate . Grayson's car waited at the door . Two years apart , and he was driving a newer , pricier model - a sign the Holmes business was thriving . He opened the door for her with deliberate courtesy . Ashley studied him closely , searching for his intention . Surely he didn't mean to ... ? More likely he wanted to speak in private . That , at least , she could bear to hear . But no sooner had she stepped into the car than Yvonne appeared at the doorway . Grayson's face shifted . Ashley , peering through the glass , caught Yvonne's expression - forced brightness masking clear disappointment . The two exchanged a few words outside . The car's soundproofing kept Ashley from hearing . At last they parted , Yvonne putting on a brave smile , the picture of generosity , as though yielding Ashley her rightful place . Grayson slid into the seat beside her . The small space went heavy with silence , so close she could hear his heartbeat . Neither spoke a word the entire drive . When they arrived at the hotel , Ashley's steps faltered . The room had been arranged in advance . Roses lay scattered , candles flickered . The sweet , musky scent of the same incense filled the air . 1/3 68 % Her brows knitted instantly . She remembered it too well . Five years ago , this very fragrance had led to the night Liam was conceived . So she hadn't been mistaken . He hadn't brought her here to talk . He had brought her here for this . The hotel , the flowers , the candles - it was all arranged for that . Insane . He was insane . Ashley froze in the doorway . She lifted her chin , met his gaze . " Grayson , do you love me ? " Love . He had never once said that word to her . As she expected , he was silent . His silence was answer enough . Ashley turned to leave . Grayson caught her arm , then hesitated , loosening his grip . " Never mind . You've just come back . It must be hard for you to accept . We'll ... take it slow . " We . They had signed the divorce papers a year ago . What " we " was there left ? Even if he felt guilty for not defending her two years ago , she had no time left to " take it slow . " For a moment . Ashley nearly told him the truth - that she was dying . But the words stuck in her throat . What would be the point ? To beg for his pity ? Her voice broke instead . " Two years ago , from where you stood , you had the clearest view . You saw it was Yvonne who pushed Grandmother . Was Yvonne so important to you ? Important enough that you sacrificed me to keep her spotless ? " She had thought the prison years had burned the emotion out of her , left her empty , beyond anger or grief . But the words tore from her , sharp with pain . Grayson looked startled , but only for an instant . She stared at him , waiting for some explanation . But all he said , with eyes turned away , was , " I didn't see . " He was not skilled at lying . Yet for Yvonne , he lied smoothly , avoiding her gaze . " You've already served two years . What meaning does dredging this up have ? Let the past stay buried . The Shanks and Holmes families will make it up to you , protect you . You'll serve the last year outside , just reporting in each month . Isn't that enough ? " 2/3 09:51 Wed , Sep 17 T · So that was it . Two years already gone , so she should just swallow it . Her suffering , her innocence , her ruined life - worth nothing . If even Grayson thought this way , what hope was there with the rest of the family ? " Grayson , do you even know what it means to sit in prison ? " Her voice shook with fury . She turned to go . He caught her again . " Ashley , we can try again . Let's have another child . You always said you wanted a daughter , didn't you ? " 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.