Chapter 28 Leaving the Marriage Empty–Handed Rowan had never shown me proper respect, let alone humility After the torture from my past life, I finally accepted the fact that I wasn’t his soulmate. But Benjamin was different–he wasn’t rebom. He wouldn’t know why Ashley broke up with him impulsively. He kept chugging beer, attempting to inebriate himself sitting beside him, I gazed at him sympathetically. From an objective point of view, I wanted to advise him to break up. That way, he would prevent himself from being Rowan’s target and ending up in worse circumstances. But at the same time, I was slightly pissed off too–how could Rowan break them up so quickly? *Ms. Sadler, I’m really in love with her. I low my family isn’t doing great and I don’t deserve her. But I’ll work hard…” Benjamin started rambling as he drank too much. “Yeah, I know. ” of heart in the end? “There were so many people after her, yet she chose me. I was so happy. I swore not to let her regret this. But, but, why did she have a change of What do I do now? My heartbreak is fölling me…” Benjamin whined with arddened eyes. I stopped him from pouring another cup. “Don’t be too sad. What if she didn’t have a change of heart? If you think about it, the test only shows that someone is after her, but he’s amuccessful. Or else, why would he beg for a dance?” h me so that I Benjamin shook his head and smiled wryly. “It’s different this time. She had encountered similar things in the past too. But she would be honest with me so didn’t overthink. ” “There must be some hardships that made it hard for her to tell you. How about this—1’ll talk about it with her over a meal someday. ” I consoled him. “Thank you, Ms. ” Benjamin managed a smile. “No need to thank me. We’re friends after all! I patted his shoulder. After a while, Benjamin was so drunk that he was knocked out. In an attempt to help him up, I almost fell Luckily, Symphonica had a room booking service. I called an attendant over and asked him to bring Benjamin to a room I had booked upstairs. After helping him settle in, I prepared to leave. Yet, his phone started ringing–it was Ashley. I had no choice but to pick it up. “Benji, where are you?” Ashley sounded rather worried “Ashley, It’s me. Benjamin’s at Symphonica now. You can come over and meet him,” I replied. “Ms Sadler? Why are you. ” Ashley sounded confused I told her everything about how Benjamin and I met. After a brief silence, she said, “Actually, it’s all my fault. I’ve already blocked that man, I’ll change my number tomorrowl sally girl. It would be useless even if you changed your identity, not to mention your number Rowan would always have his ways. 1 tried sounding her out. “Ashley, who’s that man? What’s his name? Can you tell me? She hesitated. Sadler, wait for me. I’ll talk about it when get there” I patiently waited for Ashley’s arrival in silence. In the meantime, I tested Rowan to remind him that Dad’s birthday was coming in two days. As tradition, he would have to go back with me. A moment later, Ashley arrived. Seeing Benjamin out cold, she was distressed. After I comforted her, she calmed down slightly and said, ‘ you who that man is. I can only tell you that loe’s a married man. I don’t want anything to do with him. ” Ashley’s eyes were reddened and puffy. She had probably beenerying a lot these few days. “How did you know he was married? Have you checked? Lasked. Sadler, I can’t tell In my past life, I was curious whether Ashley knew who Rowan’s wife was and what she looked like. With his identity, it wouldn’t be hard to look him up. But there were practically no photos of Rowan and me together. Besides, I kept a low profile and stayed out of the public eye. There were hardly any pictures of me Wiping her tears, Ashley shook her head. “No, I’m never going to be with him. Why would I look him up? Besides…” “What else?” I was starting to panic “I didn’t dare to look him up. Even if I didn’t agree to be with him, I felt disgusted at being pestered by a married man, I know he has a wife. If I found out who his wife was, I’d feel even more guilty. I wouldn’t be able to face it,” Ashley spoke as tears streamed down her face. I didn’t expect this reason. She didn’t dare to face it, just because of shame? Was it because of shame too, that made her self–deading in the previous lite? I was silent for a long time before sighing. “Alright, don’t regret any choices you make in the future. ” left the room after that, leaving Ashley to look after Benjamin Back home, I was shocked to see Rowan back. Ella was pouring tea for him “Elia, wire are you back?” Lasked while taking my shoes off. “You can take half a day off until tomorrow morning. ” Ella sinok her head, “Mrs. Payne, it’s alright. My family matters are settled. ” Chapter 28 Leaving the Marriage Empty Handed 22/2 No wonder Ashley took the initiative to call Benjamin. Ella must have something to do with it. Ella poured a cup of tea for me before leaving. There was only me and Rowan sitting across from each other in the living room. Sipping our tea, none of us spoke for a long time. “My dad’s birthday is in two days. Remember to get him a gift, I reminded him. “My mom said said that you gave her a pair of bangles. Is this true?” Rowan asked back “Yes. Doesn’t she like collecting bangles? I have a pair of emerald bangles that I rarely wore, so I gave it to her. ” I replied emotionlessly. Rowan’s gaze fixated on my face, seemingly searching for something. Crossing his legs, he leaned back on the sofa casually and draped his arms on the sides. He asked, “What are you up to? Suclding up to my mom?” We gazed at each other. From what I remember, we have never held each other’s gaze for such a long time. Gifting Paula a bangle was to please her. I wanted to make her more picky towards Ashley. Frequently helping Benjamin was to make me feel better. Getting close to Ivan was to piss Rowan off. These were my little tricks. It didn’t matter if I failed, because I had never planned to turn the tides. “Isn’t it normal for the daughter–in–law to please her mother–in–law? I didn’t feel guilty at all. “Rowan, you don’t have to worry about me playing tricks. Just know that if you want to divorce me now, I can sign the papers right away. ” “And you 3% of the stocks? Rowan shot me an icy look “Still not worth it?” I asked eloquently. He squinted his eyes. His gaze had something I couldn’t comprehend. After a moment of silence, he gave the usual answer, “Stop dreaming. ” Had this guy been thinking for ages, only to find out Ashley was still unworthy of the money? He had pestered her Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates… for over half a month and almost broke the couple up. It turned out he hadn’t made up his mind. “What if I leave the marriage empty–handed?” I softly asked, gazing at him,