Chapter 11 An impragation I protested. “No, I won’t I won’t go back to WinchvillEstate! Open the door!” He shot me a look and ignored my protests. The car soon sped any from my parents‘ home and headed to Windwill Estate. Iglared at Rowan irritably. “Take me home. I left some things there!” “Likewhat be asked calmly. “My herbal sachets. ” I was really starting to get annoyed. Was it that hard for me to take a few herbal concoctions? “What are you terminally?” He was a terrible conversationalist. I was no wonder so many people looked forward to him going bankrupt, especially the ones he’d stepped on to get to where he was Isneered “Unfortunately, no. I’m just too skinny, so I want to do something about my stomach. I want to gain some weight and make myself look better” Something seemed to occur to Rowen His icy expression darkened. Chapter A Small World- Chapter so A. Small Wodd Tcouldn’t help yawning after saying my plece. The alcohol was really getting to me, and sleeping was all I wanted to do. I thought Rowan would just leave me to spend the night in the car, but when I woke up the following day, I was in my bed. This was his second time carrying me to my bedroom while I slept and it was getting a little ridiculous My head pounded with a killer hangover. only felt slightly better after dragging myself to the bathroom for a shower and a change of clothes. Then, I started feeling hungry. I thought Rowan wasn’t at home, headed downstairs in a skimpy nightgown without abra on to get some food. Halfway down the stairs, I saw a few people seated on the couch. All of them looked up to stare at me. Bown was among them. He held a few poker cards, and his expression turned thunderous when he saw my outfit “Stop staring!” Chester Lawson pushed the head of another man down. Iran back upstairs to change into something different while cursing Rowan in my heart. What had goren into him recently? Why was he always at home now? When 1 headed downstairs again after changing, the three men had already stopped their game, Instead, they were chatting. Rowan had a few good friends. I knew them all, but we were barely more than acquaintances. One was Chester, one was an York, and one was jasper Ford. All three of them were from affluent families, but Ivan had strayed from the path of taking over the family business. He’d become a doctor inst They all knew Rowan didn’t like me, so no of them had considered me his wife, in my previous life, they’d even helped Rowan win Ashley’s heart van was the exception. The three men watched me come down the stairs and head into the kitchen. They didn’t say anything, I ignored them and started making some bacon and eggs. “Let’s go,” Rowan said to the other be as he got up Chester and Jasper nodded and left with him. Soon, the sounds of cars being started rang out scared my food down and acted like I didn’t even notice them leaving Amer breakfast, Lappilled some light makeup before heading to the hospind. Today, I was going to get a medical checkup, after which I would pop in and visit Benjamin. Tarrived at the hospital and waited for my arm. I went through all the tests with an emphasis on my breasts. Fortunately, I was fine for now There was just some micro glandular adenos tocked the medical pepart way and got ready to visit Benjamin. “Your shift is øvet, tight, Dr. York? Would you like to have lunch with me?” I’d just arrived at the inpatient department when heard a nuse speaking daintily. Ivan stood nearby in his white doctor’s coat. His demeanor was gentlemanly, and his face was handsome. He actually stood out in his own right, even among Rowan and his triend circle Everyone in that group was a pro at enjoying the good things in life, but van had delicated himself to the medical field. Generally, he would have a few drinks or play a few games with Rowan and the gang. He didn’t seem to have ever played any games with any women. Still, he’d later fallen hard for Ashley I walked past him, ignoring him completely as headed to Benjamin’s hospital room Unexpectedly, Ashley was there again. “I just have some scratches on my leg, Ash. I don’t have a broken am. I’m perfectly capable of feeding myself” The two of them were being lovey–dovey. Bejin was mumbling around an apple slice that Ashley had just ted him. She laughed. “What are you unhappy about me treating you so well? “Of course net! I love You’re the best, Ash!” Benjamin grinned. was evident she was the only person he could see Icleared my throat, interrupting the sweetness. He was surprised. Sadler, what are you doing here again?” Ashley hurriedly stood up to give her seat to me “Hawawat, Ms. Sadler,” I looked at her flawless complexion and realion she looked on prettier upclose Suddenly, thought about Ivan, who’d just lett. I grabbed Ashley and dragged her out of the room as quickly as I could “What’s wrong, Ms. Sadler” she asked in shock as she briskly walked down the corridor behand me. Damn Why had en disappeared so quickly? I was a little disappointed. In my previous de, Rowan had met Ashley first, and Ivan had met her through Rowan What if I wear to make a meet Ashley first would things tum out differently? Would he fall for Ashley at first sight, just as Rowan had? Isighed and smile faintly at Ashley “It was nothing, really. I wanted to introduce you to a doctor who’s pretty good with his hands. I figured Benjamin could ask to see him when cemoving his stitches in the future. ” “You’re tar too kind, Ms. Benji’s Injury really isn’t that serious. ” Ashley smiled shyly. “Anyway, he’s a guy, and he’s not scared of a few injuries. He’s already used to getting hurt because of his basketball games. ” Inodded but swore to myself that I would bring Ashley to Ivan if had the chance in the future. With Ashley around, I didn’t have the chance to speak to Benjamin much. I stayed for a few minutes before leaving On my way home, Idropped by the pharmacy again and bought a new batch of nutritional herbal sachets. Arer getting back to the car, I called Lee “Have you gotten me my household staff, Lee? “I’m bringing them to your ho chouse as we speak, Mrs. Pajme,” he said. Half an hour later, ferrived at Windwill Estate. Lee was a step ahead of me, and the household staff had already been assigned to their respective stations. They bustled around and did their jobs. Lee’s mangements were perfect. Seeing that I was back, tee introduced me to the household statt. They all bowed their heads respectfully and said, “Good afternoon, Mas Pryme. ” nodded and handed the herbal sachets to the won who was the most pleasing to the eye “Prepare this and bring it to me later. ” After that, I went to the living room to put my feet up. Shortly after, the worn bought the herbal concoction to me and said, “The herbal concoction is ready, Mrs. ” 1oked at the dark conection and then at the woman’s face, asked kindly, “What’s your man? “Ela, Mrs. Ella Locke,” she said. “Get it. Thanks, Ela smiled sweetly at her and waved a hand, “You can get back to work now. “ Chanter 101 A. Small World. Ella nodded and turned to leave I didn’t take my eyes off her back, though–she and Ashley were eerily similar, whether in terms of appearance or figure. Suddenly, I couldn’t help thinking about what a wonderful place the world was. Everything had been set up like dominas that could collapse at any time, I’d hit on a handsome guy who’d tumed out to be Ashley’s boyfriend. Now, I’d hired a group of household statt, among which one was Ashley’s mother I texted Lee and asked him to send me the details of all the household staff. Then, 1 focused on Ella’s information–people generally indicated their contacts When I saw the name Ella had indicated, I couldn’t help smirking. ir spouses, as their emergency Ella Locke and Jonah Bluefield were familiar names to me. In my previous life, I hadn’t managed to dig up much on Ashley Still, at least I’d gotten her parents‘ names. Chapter The Goddess of Endurance This game was getting more interesting. I picked up the herbal concoction and elegantly took a sip. In the next second, the bitterness of it made me spit it out. I don’t know when Rowan returned, but he was standing in the tower when he saw me spit the concoction out. A clear trace of disgust flashed in his eyes, and he saidily, “Don’t drink it if you can’t handle it” “It’s none of your business. ” Iwiped my mouth, finding him to be weird asked, “Why are you back again?” He loosened bite, his actions rough but handsome. He sat across from me and answered indifferently, “This is my home, too. What’s wrong with me being here?» “ch, right. ” I nodded and continued drinking the herbal concoction, but it was just too bitter for me to handle. Despite being used to drinking black coffee without any sugar in it, I still couldn’t stomach the concoction. Ispat it out again before I’d even allowed. This time, the trajectory of the liquid was far enough to get on Rowan’s face and shirt. His expression immediately darkened as he glowered at me. I couldn’t speak from the bitterness of the concoction. The only thing I could bring myself to do was press a tissue to his 1 when I saw the droplets on his eyelashes. Heslapped my hand away, and I was stunned by the hatred in his eyes. A tamir bitterness spread through my heart. Still, I remained calm and threw the tissue onto the door. ” Sorry. The concoction was too bitter. He didn’t say anything. All he did was head upstairs to change his clothes. At that moment, Ella approached me. She quickly cleaned up the mess. It seemed to me that she was more hardworking and attentive than the others Once she was done, I said a little tiredly, “You can get started on dinner now, Ela She nodded and went to the kachen to get busy. Meanwhile, I pinched my nose while gaping down the rest of the concoction. My body wouldn’t get any better just by increasing the amount of food tale. Thad to my sides before I could gain weight. After finishing the concoction, headed upstairs to the music room unzipped the bag and pulled out my cells, which thadn’t touched in ages. Then, I started playing it. The low, elegant notes of the instrument reverberated around the room. I was caught up in the music and my memories, so I didn’t notice when Rowan Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates… pushed the door open. He said itably, “You’re so noisy. ” I was already about to stop playing, but his words pissed me off in my previous life, I’d tucked my belined cells away and allowed it to gather dust because he’d thought it was dexo noisy. In hindsight, it was no wonder Jean and the others had said I was brainless. I pulled the bow across the strings, deliberately making an ear–piercing noise. It made Rowan scowl. i elegantly put the bow down and said calmly, “Let’s get divorced, then. We’ll Ive separately after that, and I won’t disturb you even if were to play the karpo “We can live separately without getting a divorce,” he said castically. “What are you doing back, then? Iemidn’t wrap my head around it. Rad something at home attracted him back? Couldn’t be me, could it? It seemed like Rowan just couldn’t get used to me being so sharp–tongued. His expression grew storier at my words. Knowing him, he should we just left and hit someone up for a booty rall But he suppressed his rage and asked, “You seem to want me to stay away, fory. Have you found a new lower already? could it be that he kept coming back because he suspected I was having an athair? Did he want to catch me in bed with 1 widened my eyes at him. “Is there anything wrong with that? You said it’d be okay as long as I didn’t share it online, right?” “How dare you cheaton !” he snarled. “We’re in an age of gender equality. Why can’t I do the things you’ve been doing this whole time?” ww were in the middle of an argument when Ella cautiously said, “Mr. Payne, Mrs. Bayne, dinner is ready. ” 1 pushed Rowan aside and headed downstairs for dinner 1 no longer wanted to torment myself over him someone Ella was a pretty good cook. The disties she prepared were delicious, and i had second helpings of each out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rowan come downstairs and leave the house. I smiled and complimented Ella “Everything tastes amazing, Ella, Your husband and kids are bucky to have you” She looked a little embarrassed. “These are just simple dishes, Mrs. You’re flattering me. ” Ishook my head. “No, I’m not. They really are delicios. Haven’t your family members ever told you that “My daughter loves my cooking, tos. She always tells me to open alle restaurant of my own. Honestly, she’s just too nave. ” E Ashley Ella’s eyes sparkled with love when she talked about My smile fadeda attle. “There’s nothing wrong with that idea. Sometimes, when you’re in luck, it’s really easy for your dreams to come true, In my previous life, before I died, I wanted to see Rowan one last time. Mom came and told me he’d gone to the opening ceremony of his future mother–in–law’s restaurant and didn’the time for me. He’d invested in the restaurant, of course. It had probably been one of the grandest in Alton Cry “My family’s just a regular old family. We’re not that lucky, Mus. Payne,” Ella said respectfully and humbly. “You can’t stop luck when it comes what if your daughter ends up marrying a good husband? I wanted to badly to tell her that she didn’t need to be so humble in half month, an opportunity to make her and her family members shoot to the sky would come. 1 held myself back, though. I left the dining table when the awkward smile on Ella’s face. I had to admit that the Bluefields weren’t bad people In my previous lide, Ashley’s parents had been whemently against her being with Rowan. She’d gotten involved with a married man when she was still in university—it would be so humiliating if people were to hear about it. But Ella and Jonah had gradually been moved by Rowan’s persistence. They’d chosen to accept him as their own. Yet they hadst thought about the pain and torment, as Rowan’s had gone through I lay in bed and got comfortable after taking a bath. Her my usual, I played with my phone for a while and happened to come across an article about Rowan living it up in a nightclub, Chester and a few beautiful women were with him. Rowan caught the paparazzi’s attention wherever he went–his status and identy didn’t allow him to keep a low profile, after all. Even if he were to just how a simple meal by the Chapter 11 The Goddess of Endurance roadside, it would become a trending topic. As his wife, I would also be mentioned in the comments. “Damn, his wife’s really good at enduring these things. I’m gonna call her the Goddess of Endurance from now on!” “Well, I be were my husband, I’d be more than willing to serve his mistresses and grovel at their feet. ” “Could you be any more of a disgrace to women? You wouldn’t be able to handle the humiliation if something like that were to happen to you. Let me bear the burden for you!” “You’re all so immoral Rowan Payne has been involved in countless scandals since getting married. He’s so promiscuous” “These paparazzi aren’t that great at photography. They can never capture key moments. ” Certain people pitied me, certain people envied me, and certain people mocked me, I laughed all the comments off I was about to fall asleep when Natale called me, chasing all my drowsiness away. She said urgently, “Hurry up and get over here, vy! Something bad has happened!” 2/2 Chipler 12 A R Chapter 12 A Kiss I was taken aback. “Mad” wong? Don’t panic. ” “Jean and Rowan are almost about to get a fight Hurry up and come over, I’ve already sent you the address. Hurry!” Natalle hung up after that Iwas stunned. Why had per gotten into a fight with Howan? No matter how bad–tempered flowan was, he wouldn’t resort to hitting a woman, would he? I didn’t have time to ponder the matter. I quickly threw something on before leaving the house When I arrived at the bar, Jean and Rowan had already been persuaded to move to private room. Odense, with both their identities, they would make headlines. Seeing that I’d arrived, Natalie quickly pulled me to sit beside Jean, Jean was still mad, and she kept glaring at how as if there was a world of grudges between them. Hewan wasn’t exactly calm, either. He sat on the other side of the room and exuded fury. Even Chester, who sat beside him, booked like a terrified larkey. He glanced at Rowan, then at me. “Sorry about this, hvory. I think your friend might misunderstood something I was the one who invited those women along; it has nothing to do with Rowan Chester was four years younger than lowan. This was his first time speaking to me in such a respectful tone “Yeah, right. That woman’s breasts were practically pressed to your percious Rowan’s face. How can you he has nothing to do with her?” Jean barked while pointing at him. Chester was almost in tears. This was his firsttime facing off against someone as fierce as Joan, and he was terrified Rowan swept a cold govern before fixing it on me. He seemed to be waiting for me to say something. I pretended not to notice his look and tried to appease fan. “ar’s fine, Je You must’ve gotten the wrong ra Chester must’ve invited those women; Rowe’s Testebo’s that bad. ” Anyone who want in the know would think that jean was the one whose husband hadched on her Silence descended upon the room She and Nataleexchanged a look before turning to me in stock. “We you seribus, hey?) They knew that I was preparing to divorce Rowan, but bet they hadn’t expected me to be able to be so calm now. Twas the calmest person in the room. Even an couldn’t stop herself from telling town off, petteould an unfazed despite loving him for so many years. “Of course. Now, get up, and let’s go. We can have a few drinks before heading home. I’ll treat you guys. ” held jeans and Natalie’s hands and pulled them up without sparing Rowan a glance we were leading “Rowan, they’re leaving, Ivory-“chester was obviously stunned. He darily ponted out to own that we were “Stop making it sound like she means anything. She doesn’t deservell. ” Rowan’s ky voice was filed with rage. Theard words just as the door shut behind us, and my heart prickled. 11 hurt a letke, but I could handle it. Since I wasn’t deserving, I would leave him in Ashley’s hands. After finding some empty seats, Jean, Natalie, and I sat down for some drinks. Natalie had just returned to Alan City today after wrapping up here, so Jean had invited her out for drinks Coincidentally, they’d run into Rowan drinking with a fermen The alcohol went to Jean’s head, and she’d stormed over to Rowan to tell him on my behalf. I bet that she would’ve been beaten black and blue if not for the fact that she was a Jean asked, “Have you really let Rows go, by? Inodded. This was something i was sure of “Alright, then. Ladmire your pluck, letting go of a decade–long love just like that?” she held up her glass and downed its contents “You’re the true heroine here! Natalie toasted me. we were just starting to enjoy ourselves when alle’s boyfriend called her to check upon her. Her love life was the smoothest among the four of us her boyfriend was about ourage, and they’d already met each other’s parents. They were close to marriage now. Natalie immediately get up and bid us goodnight. “He’s waiting at home for me to feed him, so I’ve gotta ge “Eack Don’t tell me you’re gonna go home and deed him some milk or something!” Jean based. “You’re such a pervert!” Natalie laughed and left Once she was gone, 1 sended the bill. Then, and I headed home, tou 1 When arrived at Windwill Estate, fed the stench of liquet me and decided to take another shower before bed As soon as entered the bathroom, I was grooted by a cloud of steam mingled with the fragrance of the shower gel Afigurewalked out of the cloud with his torso bare. A black towel was wrapped around his wald, showing off his toned and muscular body. It was flawless 1sted at own the he was an apparition as he appeared before me I couldn’t stop myself from scanning his body. Honestly, sounded pitiful to my own cars. We’d been married for free years, but this was my first time seeing him so naked. After a er a few seconds of s silence, I said, “This is my bathroom” I’d taken the master bedroom after our marriage. When Rowan was home, he would generally sleep in one of the guest bedrooms or even his study. The bathroom we were in at the moment ws the master bedroom’s ensuiteone. “Do you have a problem with me being here? He drad his hair, his bone calm Not really. I’m not losing out on anything, seeing as you have such a great body” I was telling the truth. Even if Rowan were broke, he could use this body of his to make any woman want to be his sugar mommy. Any woman would fall for him Hodal me indifferently before taking a few steps closer. Thad no choke but to back away. The stems in the throom had gradually disappeared, Ran was close that could see the shape of his chest muscles–they were perfectly toned. That, coupled with his collarbones, made me wonder what it would be like to touch him. hut no had to control myself…. “Alright, Teed to crashumer. You can now Isadestepped him, making way for him to love the bathroom In the next second, he grabbed me, placing a hand behind my head. He pulled me up on my tiptoes and down to kiss me without even batting an eye. The lant mantiness et