Ethan stood tall in black pants and a white shirt , casually leaning against the Maybach . A cigarette smoldered lazily between his fingers , smoke curling around his face , blurring his expression in a ghostly haze . Ashley Whitmore hesitated , curled her fingers slightly - but didn't refuse . It was her first time riding in his car . The front passenger seat clearly belonged to Lila Bennett - everything was pink and out of place . A throw pillow printed with their wedding photo was perched on the seat , radiating ownership . A bitter ache rose in Ashley's chest . She gently moved the pillow to the back . So even the elite had their own simple kind of romance . Yet he hadn't even wanted to take a picture with her in ages . They drove in silence . Ethan took her to a high - end restaurant . Ashley had once seen this place featured on TV . She used to love its European décor , the chef's elegant plating . Ethan once said he'd save up to bring her here for their anniversary . Now she was finally here . But it wasn't their anniversary . And there was no joy - only the feeling of pins and needles under her skin . Ethan flipped open the French - only menu and ordered fluently . He laid out the napkin in his lap with practiced elegance before looking up at her . " When did you find out who I really am ? " he asked calmly , his tone devoid of love - or guilt . Under the table , Ashley clutched the hem of her skirt . She thought of Lila's dramatic complaints earlier that day , swallowed the pain , and said , " When I saw you this afternoon . " Ethan nodded . He poured her a glass of red wine . " As long as you behave - and don't make a scene in front of Lila , I might let things stay the way they are . " W - What ? Ashley stared at him , stunned . It took her a few seconds to find her voice . " You want me to be your mistress ? " " Mistress ? " Ethan scoffed . " I don't love you . I'm not even the slightest bit attracted to you . " Chapter 2 10.00 % He swirled the wine glass between his fingers . The deep red liquid spun in mocking rhythm . " You gave me your loyalty , and I repaid it . That's all this ever was . But now there's no need . Half a million dollars - does that square us ? " His tone was casual . He sipped his wine as if it meant nothing . Ashley felt a sharp stab in her chest . Even though she had braced for it , his words still cut deep . So in his eyes , she wasn't even worth being a mistress . " What about our marriage certificate ? " she asked , biting her lip , refusing to give up . " A fake identity from a man with amnesia . What makes you think a piece of paper like that means anything ? " Ethan frowned , unable to hide the disdain in his eyes . " The feelings I had while I was ' amnesiac ' ? Those were real . So was the debt I owed you , " he said . " But my true identity matters . You and I aren't from the same world . If no one had exposed the truth , I would've kept the act going . " " But now … I don't want Lila to get hurt ." Tears welled in Ashley's eyes . She dug her nails into her palm , willing herself not to cry . What she had treasured - he had only ever seen as a passing act of charity . Their relationship had meant . nothing to him . Fine . Then there was no reason for her to cling anymore . She bit on her lip hard , tasting blood , forcing the tears to retreat . " Fine . Half a million . That settles my saving - your - life debt . " She wasn't going to walk away empty - handed - not when she had paid the price . To cover his medical bills , she had worked three jobs on top of her clinic work . She had even sold her father's heirloom watch . If they were ending , it would end clean . Ethan gave a satisfied nod . " I'll have my lawyer draw up a contract . Eat - you always said you wanted to try this place . " So he brought her here … on purpose ? For a moment , something flickered in Ashley's chest . But she shoved it down quickly . Chapter 2 10.00 % Ethan gave a satisfied nod . " I'll have my lawyer draw up a contract . Eat - you always said you wanted to try this place . " So he brought her here … on purpose ? For a moment , something flickered in Ashley's chest . But she shoved it down quickly . He had already said it - he didn't love her . She picked up her knife and fork , head bowed , sawing through the steak like it was him . The silence in the room was so thick , she could hear her own heartbreak . Her knuckles turned white around the knife , struggling to suppress the ache inside . She had known how this would end - yet it still hurt so much she could barely breathe . Just then , Ethan's phone rang . The ringtone was Lila's syrupy voice . " Baaaby , pick up the phone ! " It only rang once before Ethan answered . " Don't worry , babe - I'm coming now . " His expression shifted immediately , tight with worry . He stood up , then suddenly turned back , yanking Ashley from her seat . " You're coming with me ! " Ashley didn't know what was happening . All she saw was a man - usually calm and composed - now visibly anxious . She didn't refuse . She followed him all the way to the hilltop mansion . " You're a therapist . Lila had a nightmare . She's crying . Do something . Make sure she doesn't cry again ! " He dragged her here … just because of a nightmare ? Still in a daze , Ashley was shoved into Lila's bedroom . The girl was sobbing into her pillow , her tear - streaked face delicate and pitiful . The moment she saw them , Lila paused - then threw herself into Ethan's arms , ignoring Ashley entirely . " Baby , I'm scared . In my dream , you didn't love me anymore … " Ethan held her gently , setting her on the bed . His eyes brimmed with tenderness , Chapter 2 10.00 % " T'll never leave you . Don't be silly . You've always been the one in my heart . Forever . " He unbuttoned his collar , revealing a tattoo beneath his left collarbone - an ornate letter Y. It was something he had inked after marrying Ashley . " This heart was inked for you . " He guided Lila's hand to the tattoo , his eyes full of adoration - so intense it made Ashley's vision blur with tears . All this time , she thought the Y stood for Yun - short for Ashley's Chinese name . She had been so touched , so moved , crying as she secretly dabbed ointment to help it heal . She'd scolded him for being reckless , for loving her too much . But now ? He must've been laughing at her naivety . Her chest tightened with unbearable pain . She turned to leave . " Didn't you hear me ? " Ethan's voice turned cold . " I said - comfort her . " Ashley stopped . Rubbed her stinging , burning eyes . " I'm sorry . I don't owe her that . " " You don't want your father's heirloom back ? " Ethan's voice was ice , laced with warning . " You found the watch ? " Ashley froze . She turned to meet his gaze - those clear , cold eyes held none of the warmth or affection they once did . Her chest ached . She clenched her fists . Finally , she gave in . And walked slowly toward the bed . Chapter 2