For two years, Ashton had poured his heart into his marriage, yet Emalee's heart remained cold. Despite his dedication, Emalee presented him with divorce papers. She bluntly stated she could not remain married to a man whose net worth was less than a million dollars. Ashton signed the papers, closing one chapter of his life and stepping into a new beginning. Then, Ashton revealed his secret identities: a music mogul, a medical expert, and a martial arts master-each persona impressive enough to stun the world. As Ashton's true capabilities came to light, Emalee was overwhelmed with deep regret.
"Review this divorce agreement and sign it if all is in order."
At the entrance of the Sunglow Hotel, Ashton Baldwin paused and looked at the speaker-his wife, Emalee James.
It was Bobby James' birthday today. Ashton had faced many challenges to find a perfect gift and to arrive on time.
Yet, instead of receiving a warm greeting, Emalee presented him with divorce papers.
Ashton managed a strained smile and gently lowered her hand that clutched the document.
"Emalee, it's your grandfather's birthday today. There are many guests around. This isn't the time for jokes like this," he said, chuckling nervously.
However, his smile froze immediately after he finished speaking.
A chill of coldness and repulsion in Emalee's gaze struck him, something he had never witnessed before.
"This is no joke. Sign the divorce papers and leave," she declared firmly.
Desperation crept into Ashton's voice as his hope dwindled. "Why? Is this about your old flame?"
Upon his question, Emalee merely nodded, and then handed him a bank card.
"You already know why. No more words are necessary. There's money on this card. Think of it as a settlement. Sign it, take the money, and we're done," she stated icily.
Ashton's mouth twitched, but before he could respond, a mocking tone interrupted him.
"Emalee! Just divorce him already. Why bother with a settlement? Does this loser even merit that?"
Tristan James, Emalee's younger brother, had come over, wearing a look of contempt.
Locking eyes with Ashton, Tristan raised an eyebrow and scoffed, "What are you staring at? Did I offend? Remember, the James family holds a notable reputation in Inewood. My sister, a CEO, is both skilled and stunning! And you, Ashton, have proven to be an utter nonentity. What have you contributed in these two years other than sponging off us? Do you really believe you deserve her?"
He turned to look at his sister and added, "Rather than wasting money on him, Emalee, you should let me use it for a new car. At least that would be of some use!"
Emalee exhaled softly, a hint of resignation in her voice. "Ashton may not have shown much capability, but we are married, after all. Just let him take this money as his compensation."
These words left Ashton feeling both sad and powerless.
It appeared he had merely been a substitute in Emalee's life.
How could she understand that his choice to underperform was intentional?
Ashton was fully capable of eclipsing others if he desired.
Yet, he feared his success might revive Emalee's insecurities, reminding her of her talented first love who had once left her.
Choosing to suppress his abilities, Ashton had supported Emalee, allowing her to be the one to shine.
Despite his efforts to cultivate their love over two years, it was not enough to touch Emalee's heart.
Now, with her first love back, she was ready to end their marriage?
The absurdity of it made his heart sink.
People's affections, he realized, could indeed be fleeting.
"Emalee, I must ask you one final time. Are you certain you want to end our marriage?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a chill.
Emalee nodded decisively.
With a quiet sigh, Ashton resignedly said, "Well, thank you for rescuing me once. We're square now."
As he brought up their past, Emalee's face twitched with unease.
She cut him off quickly, pushing the bank card toward him.
"Why mention the past now? Just take the card and go."
Tristan, witnessing this exchange, could hardly contain his displeasure.
"Really, Ashton? You think you deserve this money?" he scoffed, moving aggressively to intercept Ashton's hand, attempting to snatch away the card.
Tristan underestimated Ashton, who, despite his frail appearance, possessed unexpected strength. He held onto the card firmly, resisting Tristan's efforts to take it.
In a moment of frustration, Tristan pushed Ashton forcefully.
Distracted, Ashton nearly lost his footing. He remained upright, but the cherished pocket watch his mother had given him fell to the ground and shattered-a final memento from her.
Ashton froze, overwhelmed by the loss, his thoughts empty.
Seizing the moment, Tristan grabbed the bank card from him.
"Hauling around junk like this, it's no surprise you're destined to lose," Tristan mocked. He glanced at the broken watch and boasted, "Phillip is not only a renowned lawyer abroad but he's also committed to taking good care of my sister. He's likely to help us secure the deal with Skyline Group, something our family has long coveted. Forget my sister, Ashton. I heard you two haven't even consummated your marriage these past two years."
Ashton's gaze turned frosty, and he swiftly knocked Tristan to the ground with a kick.
Tristan howled in agony, curling up on the ground.
Emalee, witnessing the scene, yelled out in anger, "Ashton! Remember, Tristan is my brother, and we're still married. Don't cross the line!"
Ashton retorted with a sneer, clearly disillusioned, "He just destroyed the last thing my mother gave me. Isn't he the one going too far?"
Stunned into silence, Emalee watched as Ashton, with a deep breath, snatched the divorce papers from her and signed his name without hesitation.
As Ashton solemnly signed the divorce papers, Tristan, regaining his footing, sneered at him.
He said through gritted teeth, "You're wise to not challenge us. Without the backing of our family, you're nothing!"
No sooner had Tristan finished his taunt than Ashton moved quickly and struck him across the face.
"Hold your tongue. I'm done with the James family. Don't push me," Ashton retorted sharply.
Stunned by such a reaction, Tristan lashed out, "You're a worthless loser, Ashton! You're too cowardly to confront my sister, so you lash out at me? She's well rid of you. You were never worthy of her!"
Despite Tristan's harsh words, Ashton merely chuckled and faced a shocked Emalee.
"Remember this decision, Emalee. I hope you don't come to regret it," he remarked coolly.
Unexpectedly, Emalee, who should have felt relieved at the separation, was seized by a wave of doubt.
It was the first time she had seen such an icy glare in Ashton's eyes.
Silently, she bit her lip, acknowledging the painful truth.
Her successful climb to CEO was fueled by her relentless focus on her career. At home, Ashton had meticulously managed their lives, enveloping her in care and attention.
Just as regret began to surface, the sound of an approaching car broke through her thoughts.
The sharp honk jolted her, dispelling her moment of hesitation.
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
Everyone thought Lorenzo truly loved Gracie, until the day of their daughter’s heart surgery. To Gracie’s utter shock, Lorenzo gave the precious organ needed by their child to another woman. Devastated, Gracie opted for a divorce. Fueled by her need for revenge, Gracie joined hands with Lorenzo’s uncle, Waylon, and orchestrated Lorenzo’s downfall. In the end, Lorenzo was left with nothing and consumed by remorse. He pleaded for a reconciliation. Gracie thought she was free to move on with her life, but Waylon held her back in a death grip. “Did you think you can just walk out on me?”
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"
The day Lilah found out that she was pregnant, she caught her fiancé cheating on her. Her remorseless fiancé and his mistress almost killed her. Lilah fled for her dear life. When she returned to her hometown five years later, she happened to save a little boy's life. The boy's father turned out to be the world's richest man. Everything changed for Lilah from that moment. The man didn't let her experience any inconvenience. When her ex-fiancé bullied her, he crushed the scumbag's family and also rented out an entire island just to give Lilah a break from all the drama. He also taught Lilah's hateful father a lesson. He crushed all her enemies before she even asked. When Lilah's vile sister threw herself at him, he showed her a marriage certificate and said, "I'm happily married and my wife is much more beautiful than you are!" Lilah was shocked. "When did we ever get married? Last I checked, I was still single." With a wicked smile, he said, "Honey, we've been married for five years. Isn't it about time we had another child together?" Lilah's jaw dropped to the floor. What the hell was he talking about?
Ivy Rosalia Jones, a young and beautiful doctor working at a suburban hospital, is determined to marry a man she met through a blind date, even though he is paralyzed. Actually, the marriage was meant to be symbolic, with both of them intending not to interfere in each other's affairs after the wedding. However, Ivy never expected that she would end up marrying the most influential man in the world. Shawn Dyxon Tate, Ivy's husband, has no intention of letting his beautiful wife go. Once she entered his life, he made a decision to spoil her and gave her the world she never had.
Compelled by her dad's dilemma and the looming fate of their business, Irene agreed to become Braydon's lover. To outsiders, Braydon seemed invulnerable, yet only Irene was privy to the tempestuous passions he unleashed behind closed doors. Gradually, Irene found herself tangled in the intricate emotional snare Braydon had woven, her heart craving more, only to be shattered by the revelation of his engagement. Devastated, she left and soon encountered Braydon's archrival. It was then that the formidable Braydon confronted the esteemed surgeon Dr. Mitchell, all in a fierce struggle over Irene.