- 3 hours ago
- #asd
After Secretary Bore Child, Husband Refused to Divorce Me #ASD
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Her checkup, Julian came to pick us up. He had been away on a business trip for days.
00:05The moment he saw us, he pulled me and Lily into his arms. I smelled unfamiliar perfume on him.
00:11Lily hugged his neck and asked for attention. I smiled and watched them play.
00:15Then I got into the car, saw a woman sitting in the back seat.
00:18Hi, Mrs. Ashford. I'm Sophie Whitmer, the new executive assistant at Ashford Group.
00:23I looked at Julian.
00:24She's on the way. I'm just giving her a ride.
00:26But Julian was the CEO of Ashford Group. Since when did he personally drive a young assistant home?
00:32Sophie gave me an apologetic smile and handed me a shopping bag.
00:35Please don't misunderstand. I wanted to apologize.
00:41Inside the bag was the exact hand cream I always used.
00:44I was on the business trip with Mr. Ashford and forgot to bring mine.
00:47His was in the car, so I accidentally used it all. This is a new one. I hope you don't
00:52mind.
00:53I did not take it right away. Panic flashed across Sophie's face, and she instinctively looked at Julian.
01:00Take it.
01:00But there was no room for refusal, so I took the bag and set it aside.
01:04Lily sat in her car seat and watched Sophie curiously.
01:08Then she saw the candy in Sophie's hand. Her eyes lit up.
01:11Sophie was about to unwrap it for her. I stopped her.
01:14She just came from the dentist. She can't have candy.
01:16Sophie smiled.
01:17It's high-end organic candy. It's totally safe. Organic candy is still candy.
01:24Claire, she was just being kind.
01:26I stopped talking, but Lily waved her little hand.
01:29Lily listens to mommy. Lily won't eat it.
01:33Sophie's hand froze, then slowly pulled back.
01:35The car stopped in front of a run-down apartment building.
01:38Julian clearly knew the way.
01:40Sophie got out.
01:41I am truly sorry.
01:43I only nodded.
01:44On the way home, Julian's voice became warm again.
01:47Don't be upset. She's young and just graduated.
01:49She wants to do everything perfectly.
01:51When she gets stubborn, she won't even listen to me.
01:53She has a real spark.
01:56When we reached our building's garage, Julian suddenly leaned over and kissed my cheek.
02:01I did not pull away.
02:02Then Lily spoke from the back seat.
02:04Mommy, Miss Sophie smells really nice.
02:07She smells like daddy.
02:09Julian's smile froze.
02:11I laughed softly, pretending not to care.
02:14Daddy's car always smell like daddy.
02:17What does that have to do with Miss Sophia?
02:19Lily blinked.
02:20She did not understand.
02:21I got out and carried her inside.
02:24When I looked back at Julian, his face had turned cold.
02:28If raising Lily is too much for you, I can hire a professional.
02:31She is the jewel of the Ashford family.
02:33Don't let your negligence tarnish her.
02:35From the day I married into the Ashford family, I knew Julian would never belong to me alone.
02:41He had mistresses.
02:42He had one-night stands.
02:43The year Lily was born, I made a scene over one of them.
02:47That was the first time I saw him truly angry.
02:49Claire, remember this.
02:51Everything I gave you, I can take back whenever I want.
02:55I thought of Lily, so I swallowed it.
02:58After that, I learned to behave.
02:59No matter how many women Julian had outside, he always came home.
03:04Sometimes Julian was so gentle that I almost believed I still mattered.
03:08I told myself I was his wife.
03:10Other women could come and go, but I was the one he married.
03:13I was the one at home with his daughter.
03:15I thought that made me different.
03:17Then Sophie showed up.
03:18Julian didn't keep her outside like the others.
03:21He brought her into my marriage.
03:22After putting Lily to sleep, I went back to the master bedroom.
03:26Julian stood by the balcony, looking at his phone with a faint smile.
03:30Alright.
03:31You've had a long few days.
03:33Get some rest.
03:34His voice was too gentle for a subordinate.
03:37I thought of Sophie's pretty face from that afternoon.
03:39Then I walked past him and went into the bathroom.
03:43Halfway through my shower, a hot body pressed against my back.
03:46His voice came from above my head.
03:48Did you miss me these past few days?
03:50I stepped aside and wrapped myself in a towel.
03:53I'm tired today.
03:54As I turned to leave, Julian grabbed my wrist.
03:57He raised an eyebrow, amused.
03:59I've been saving it all for you.
04:02Keep pushing me away, and I may have to share it with someone else.
04:08He always liked saying things like that in bed.
04:10He always thought I would enjoy it.
04:12When I pushed him away again, the smile in his eyes only deepened.
04:16Are you mad?
04:18There's nothing between her and me.
04:19She just reminds me of you a little.
04:21If you don't like it, I'll be more careful.
04:24Come on.
04:26Be good.
04:27He murmured against my neck.
04:28His lips were hot, but I only felt cold.
04:31Julian, please.
04:33Don't touch me.
04:34The bathroom was full of steam.
04:36His face darkened at once.
04:38Claire, while I'm still willing to coax you, don't push your luck.
04:42My fingertips went numb.
04:44I still did not soften.
04:45So he picked me up and threw me onto the bed.
04:48There was no gentleness left.
04:50In the dark, his voice was cold.
04:52If you want this marriage to work, stop making trouble.
04:56My whole body went stiff.
04:58After a long time, tears slid down in silence.
05:01The next morning, Lily ran over and kissed my face.
05:05Mommy, daddy is taking me to the amusement park today.
05:09I was surprised.
05:10Julian hated crowded places.
05:12He had never taken Lily to an amusement park himself, but he only leaned against the doorframe
05:17and smiled at her.
05:19Let's go, my little princess.
05:20After they left, I went to the hospital.
05:23What happened last night made me uneasy.
05:25When the test results came out, I froze.
05:27The doctor smiled.
05:29Congratulations, you're four weeks pregnant.
05:31The embryo is not stable yet.
05:34So, no sex during the first trimester.
05:36I sat in the car with the report in my hands.
05:39Then I cried until I could not breathe.
05:41During the two years I loved Julian the most, I believed a child could tie his heart to me.
05:46So I became pregnant with Lily.
05:48For a while, it seemed to work.
05:50Julian came home more often.
05:52He spoiled me, cared for me, and treated me like the girl he had once chased in college.
05:57Then Lily was born.
05:59I was terrified and in pain in the delivery room.
06:02Julian disappeared.
06:03Later, I found out why.
06:05That same day, he had finally won over a college girl he had been chasing for months.
06:10While I was giving birth to his daughter, he spent the night with her in the penthouse
06:14suite of the tallest hotel in the city.
06:16I hated him.
06:18Five years had been enough to kill every expectation I had left for Julian Ashford.
06:23But people still told me to have another child.
06:26The more powerful the man, the more women he'll have around him.
06:29Which man in our circle is clean?
06:32Julian is already one of the better ones.
06:34Just have a few more children.
06:35No matter what he does outside, you'll always be Mrs. Ashford.
06:38The Ashfords had only one heir in each generation.
06:42If I gave them another child, boy or girl, Julian's parents would protect me, even if he
06:47wanted to make my life difficult.
06:49That was the rule.
06:50You did not fight the hand that fed you.
06:52And I had Lily.
06:54She was almost my whole life.
06:55So I put the pregnancy report away, drove home, and made a pot of soup while waiting
07:00for Lily to come back.
07:02Night fell.
07:03After calling Julian ten times with no answer, I finally grabbed my car keys and went out
07:08to look for them.
07:09He was not at the office.
07:10The amusement park was already closed.
07:13Just as I was about to drive to the Ashford estate, the housekeeper called.
07:17Ma'am, Lily is home.
07:18Marcus just dropped her off.
07:19She's asleep.
07:20I leaned back against the seat and let out a breath.
07:23Marcus also said Mr. Ashfield won't be coming home tonight.
07:26All right.
07:27I hung up and turned the car around.
07:30At the next corner, I saw Julian's car.
07:32His tall figure stood under a dim street lamp.
07:35A cigarette burned between his fingers, and the ground was covered in cigarette butts.
07:40It was Sophie's apartment building, the same place I had seen yesterday.
07:44Julian looked up at one lit window without blinking.
07:47I followed his gaze.
07:49Behind the curtain, a woman's shadow moved softly, and Julian stood there like a devoted
07:54man in a drama, only daring to watch her from a distance.
07:57Something inside me cracked, piece by piece.
08:00I sat in the car all night.
08:02When the sky began to turn pale, Sophie came out of the building.
08:06She looked well rested.
08:07The moment she saw Julian, surprise lit up her face, and Julian came alive.
08:12He smiled, said something, and stepped closer.
08:15She stepped back, but her cheeks turned red.
08:18Then they both got into his car.
08:20I sat there numb.
08:21My chest felt like a thin wire was tightening around it, cutting off my breath.
08:25When Julian chased me years ago, he had looked exactly like that.
08:29Teasing, confident, and closing in step by step.
08:33A man like him had ice in his blood, and old money behind his name.
08:37When he decided to pursue someone, she almost had no chance.
08:41Only this time, I was no longer the woman he wanted.
08:44I followed them to the office building.
08:46Before they walked in, they smoothly put distance between themselves.
08:50Julian entered first.
08:52Everyone greeted him.
08:53He nodded calmly, then waved towards Sophie, as if it were nothing.
08:57Under the envious eyes of the entire lobby, Sophie stepped into his private elevator,
09:02as if announcing one thing.
09:04She had special privileges.
09:06The scene burned my eyes.
09:07I sat in the car and forced every emotion down until the housekeeper called.
09:12Lily was awake and looking for me.
09:14When I got home, Lily threw her arms around my neck.
09:18She sat on my lap, swinging her legs, happily telling me about yesterday.
09:23Lily resaw Miss Sophie, too.
09:25She dressed like a bunny and played with me for a long time.
09:29My breath caught.
09:30So that was why Julian had suddenly taken Lily to the amusement park.
09:35It was for Sophie.
09:36Finding Sophie's background was easy.
09:38Her school, her modest family, her interview process,
09:42her part-time job at the amusement park, and her Instagram.
09:45Then I saw the photo.
09:46Lily and Sophie, cheek to cheek, smiling at the camera.
09:50In the mirror behind them, I could see a man crouching to take the picture.
09:54Julian.
09:54They looked like a happy little family.
09:57Sophie's Instagram was full of him.
09:59The hot chocolate he sent when she was on her period.
10:01The night he stayed beside her hospital bed during a business trip.
10:05The little things she lost.
10:06Quietly collected and kept safe by him.
10:09Nausea rose in my throat.
10:11My makeup was ruined by tears.
10:13I looked at the woman in the mirror and almost pitied her.
10:16I thought if I ignored Julian's other women, I could keep pretending everything was fine.
10:21But I had already lost myself.
10:22There was nothing left for me to save.
10:25That evening, the housekeeper set the soup on the table.
10:28I remembered how I used to bring Julian dinner at the office every week.
10:32For Lily's sake, I decided to talk to him.
10:34So I drove to his company.
10:36Night had fallen, and the top floor office was still bright.
10:39The door was half open.
10:40I was about to knock when I heard Sophie's voice.
10:44What do I have to do to make you stay with me?
10:46Stay with you?
10:47And then what?
10:48Be the other woman?
10:49Sophie sounded like she was crying.
10:52I do have self-respect.
10:55Yes, I fell for you.
10:56I can't help wanting you.
10:58But the moment I saw your wife sitting beside you, I knew you could never give me what I want.
11:02I want a love I don't have to hide.
11:05So let's end this.
11:06Then Julian sighed and pulled her into his arms.
11:09My hand tightened on the door handle.
11:11I was about to leave.
11:13Then I heard him say,
11:14What if I divorce her?
11:16My heart dropped into an abyss.
11:18By the time I came back to myself, I was already in my car.
11:21My hands shook on the steering wheel.
11:24Tears kept falling.
11:25I laughed and cried at the same time.
11:28Julian wanted a divorce, and my first instinct was to run.
11:31That night, Julian did not come home.
11:33I watched the sky turn pale and decided to ask him face to face,
11:38Was he really going to divorce me?
11:40At the very least, I had to protect Lily from the fallout.
11:43After two sleepless nights, I put on makeup and drove to Julian's office.
11:47His private elevator took me straight to the top floor.
11:50Julian was in a meeting.
11:51I waited in his office.
11:53Then Sophie came in.
11:54She brought me tea, polite and respectful.
11:57When she leaned closer, I smelled cedarwood and cigarette smoke.
12:00Lily was right.
12:01She smelled like Julian.
12:03I looked at her and asked,
12:04Don't you have anything to say to me?
12:06Her hand shook.
12:08Hot tea splashed onto her skin, turning it red.
12:10She looked fragile and helpless.
12:12Then she crouched down and wiped the floor.
12:14But she still would not answer.
12:16I stared coldly at the top of her head.
12:18Suddenly, a large hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her up.
12:22Julian's voice was sharp with anger.
12:24Claire, you came here first thing in the morning just to throw your weight around?
12:28She is my employee, not your servant.
12:31Sophie's eyes turned red.
12:33Mr. Ashford, she didn't mean to.
12:36I laughed.
12:37Maybe even Julian had forgotten.
12:39Before I married him, I was never some meek little lamb.
12:42Mr. Ashford?
12:44I don't remember the CEO of Ashford Freep ever calling you his sister.
12:49I...
12:50I was only trying to be friendly.
12:53You probably don't understand.
12:55As an executive assistant, I have to consider every little thing...
12:59Friendly?
13:01On what right?
13:04You had the boss drive his wife and daughter to drop you off at your apartment.
13:10And you call that considering everything?
13:13Julian pulled her behind him.
13:15His eyes were cold.
13:18Behind him, the people leaving the conference room went silent.
13:21Julian?
13:23I have no reason to apologize.
13:26Did I stutter?
13:28Apologize.
13:29His anger crawled up my spine like something cold and wet.
13:32Right.
13:33This was Julian Ashford.
13:35Once he decided something, no one could change his mind.
13:38Just like when he decided to marry me.
13:40Just like now, when he had fallen for his new assistant.
13:43I should have known.
13:44There was no escaping this.
13:46So I smiled calmly.
13:48Julian?
13:48Let's get a divorce.
13:50A flicker of shock crossed Julian's face.
13:52Then it turned into a sneer.
13:54Are you trying to threat me with divorce?
13:56Claire, I hate people who think they know better.
13:58And I especially hate people who try to threat me.
14:01I want a divorce.
14:03The air stayed still for a long time.
14:06Then Julian laughed coldly.
14:08Fine.
14:09We'll file right now.
14:11He dropped every meeting and every deal.
14:14Then went with me to family court.
14:16When we received the 30-day waiting period notice, Julian threw out one sentence.
14:2030 days should be enough for you to come to your senses.
14:22After that, Julian stopped coming home.
14:25I knew he was staying at a hotel.
14:27He sent Marcus back once to pick up his clothes.
14:30When Marcus saw me, he looked like he wanted to say something.
14:33But he held it back.
14:34I understood why.
14:35I had always managed Julian's clothes, meals, and daily routine.
14:39Marcus used to only handle work.
14:41Now his workload had more than doubled.
14:43I handed him the suitcase.
14:45Lily's birthday is the day after tomorrow.
14:48Remind him to show up.
14:50Marcus passed on the message.
14:52But I did not expect Julian to bring someone with him.
14:55At Lily's birthday party, Sophie stood beside Julian in a midnight blue sequined gown.
15:00It matched his navy suit perfectly.
15:02Julian held her hand and introduced her to the room like it was natural.
15:06This is Sophie.
15:07Lily, dressed like a little princess, ran over and threw herself into Julian's arms.
15:12Sophie stood beside them, smiling warmly.
15:15They looked like a real family.
15:16Whispers spread through the room.
15:18Julian must be serious this time.
15:20I heard the divorce is almost final.
15:22I thought Julian loved Kara.
15:24Men always have their flings.
15:26Push too hard and you lose control.
15:27Now even the child.
15:28Then Lily came to me, holding Sophie's hand.
15:31Mommy, Miss Sophie brought me a present.
15:33Can I go see it?
15:34I nodded.
15:35Lily cheered softly.
15:37Julian swirled the champagne in his glass and finally glanced at me.
15:41Keep an eye on her.
15:42I laughed bitterly inside and turned to find Lily.
15:45But in the blink of an eye, she and Sophie were both gone.
15:48I searched everywhere.
15:50Then a woman screamed nearby.
15:52Right after that, I heard Lily cry.
15:54I ran toward the sound.
15:55A man was gripping Sophie's arm.
15:57You think you can hide from me?
15:59Your father owes money and won't pay.
16:01My whole family is being squeezed dry while you live like this?
16:04If I go down, I'm dragging you with me.
16:07Sophie screamed and pulled free.
16:09But Lily was standing right beside her.
16:11She had nowhere to go.
16:12The man's eyes landed on my daughter.
16:15Then he pulled a knife from his pocket and pressed it to the reason.
16:18Every drop of blood in my body turned cold.
16:21I looked around for Julian.
16:23Then I saw him far away with his arm around Sophie's waist.
16:26He was looking at me with suspicion.
16:28Time slowed.
16:29In that instant, I understood what he was thinking.
16:32He thought I had arranged this to hurt Sophie.
16:34So I understood something else too.
16:36I could not count on him.
16:38He would not save my Lily.
16:40When I grabbed the blade with my bare hand, I did not feel the pain.
16:43I only cared about one thing.
16:45Lily had to be safe.
16:47She screamed and cried until Julian finally rushed over from across the room.
16:51By then, the blade had cut down to the bone.
16:54Only after Lily was pulled away did my strength give out.
16:57At the hospital, the wound on my hand was deep enough to show bone.
17:00Julian stood at the door for a long time.
17:03He said nothing.
17:04Then Sophie came in with red eyes to apologize.
17:07Mrs. Ashford, I'm so sorry.
17:09I don't even know that man.
17:11I was just too scared.
17:13I slapped her.
17:14Hard.
17:15Julian, who had stayed silent until then, finally snapped.
17:18He rushed over and pulled Sophie behind him.
17:21Claire!
17:23You failed to watch Lily, and now you're blaming someone else?
17:26I looked straight into his cold eyes.
17:28Julian, I'm begging you.
17:31If you want to lose your mind over some woman, fine.
17:35But leave our daughter out of it.
17:37She's innocent.
17:38Something in my eyes seemed to cut him.
17:40His lips moved, but he said nothing.
17:43Sophie covered her face and cried softly.
17:46I'm sorry.
17:47I'm so sorry.
17:49Julian looked away first.
17:50I'll take her home.
17:52His voice was flat.
17:53Sophie looked surprised.
17:54He walked ahead, and she followed behind him carefully.
17:57Then she reached out and caught the edge of his jacket.
18:00Julian slowed down.
18:01A second later, he pulled her into his arms.
18:04I closed my eyes and let the pain wash over me.
18:07For the next few days, Lily kept waking up from nightmares.
18:10I stayed by her side day and night, trying to chase the fear out of her little heart.
18:15Julian stayed at his hotel.
18:17The only difference was that every day, he sent Lily a new gift.
18:21Each one was more expensive than the last.
18:23Sometimes, there was something for me too.
18:25A designer bag.
18:27An auction necklace.
18:28A full set of luxury skincare.
18:30They sat awkwardly among Lily's toys, each worth a small fortune.
18:35For Julian Ashford, this was the closest thing to an apology.
18:39Then one day, he finally came home.
18:42Lily jumped down from her chair and ran to him.
18:44My smile faded.
18:45I asked the housekeeper to set another place at the table.
18:48At dinner, Julian and Lily laughed the whole time.
18:51That night, after putting Lily to bed, I returned to the bedroom and found Julian still there.
18:56He was taking off his watch.
18:58When he saw me, his hand paused.
19:00The air between us was thick with things neither of us said.
19:04I knew what he was waiting for.
19:06He wanted me to give in.
19:07Instead, I picked up my pillow.
19:09I'll sleep in the guest room.
19:11Julian froze for a second.
19:12Then he gave a short, cold laugh.
19:14Claire, have I been too nice to you lately?
19:16Is that why you've forgotten your place?
19:18I met his eyes.
19:19I haven't forgotten.
19:21We're in a separation period.
19:23He walked toward me step by step.
19:25Then he grabbed my jaw and forced me to look at him.
19:27For one moment, something in his dark eyes seemed to crack.
19:31Then it disappeared, replaced by ice.
19:33He released me.
19:34His lips curved in mockery.
19:36Fine.
19:37Tomorrow morning, you'll personally deliver my clothes to Sophie's apartment.
19:40Julian left that night.
19:42The next morning, I delivered his clothes to Sophie's apartment.
19:45I expected to see him inside, but Sophie did not even know he planned to move in with her.
19:50For a second, joy flashed across her face.
19:53Then her eyes filled with tears.
19:55Mrs. Ashford, Julian and I may have feelings for each other, but we've always kept our boundaries.
20:00I'm not going to be the victim of some rich people's open marriage.
20:03I'm the one who asked for the divorce.
20:05You were there.
20:06Guilt flickered across her face.
20:09If you don't want this, talk to Julian.
20:12Don't put on a show for me.
20:12Then I left.
20:14On the drive home, the sky turned gray and rain started falling.
20:18The moment I saw the rain, I suddenly missed my mother.
20:21So I turned the car toward the cemetery on the edge of the city.
20:24I followed memory to her grave.
20:26Then I froze.
20:27My mother's plot had been merged with the one beside it.
20:31Her simple grave had been turned into an elaborate double burial site.
20:34And the name on the other stone made my blood run cold.
20:38My birth father.
20:39The man who had destroyed her life.
20:41My mother's last words were still burned into my memory.
20:44I shared his bed in life.
20:46Don't let him follow me into the grave.
20:48But now, he was buried right beside her.
20:51Even her headstone had been changed.
20:53Her name now carried his last name.
20:55Whitmore.
20:56A groundskeeper saw my face and looked surprised.
20:58Mrs. Ashford, you didn't know?
21:02Mr. Ashford had this gentleman reburied beside your mother last month.
21:09Your sister was here too.
21:10Sister.
21:11The word hit me like lightning.
21:13Sophie Whitmore.
21:14That was why she and I looked a little alike.
21:17That was why her last name was Whitmore.
21:19It should have been mine too.
21:20So this was what Julian had been hiding.
21:22My eyes burned.
21:24I snatched the broom from the groundskeeper's hands.
21:26And swung it at my birth father's gravestone.
21:29People gasped.
21:30No one dared stop me.
21:31I hid it again and again.
21:33But the stone would not move.
21:35I cried until I could barely see.
21:37Then Julian's voice cut through from behind me.
21:39Claire!
21:40What the hell are you doing?
21:41Sophie stood beside him, staring at me like I was a monster.
21:45I threw the broom handle at them.
21:47The sharp edge scraped across Julian's temple and blood appeared at once.
21:52Sophie screamed.
21:53Birds burst from the trees.
21:55Julian's face darkened like a storm.
21:57I did not step back.
21:59I walked up to him and jabbed a finger into his chest.
22:03Julian Ashford, you knew.
22:08You knew that man killed my mother.
22:10How could you?
22:12I was still holding back tears.
22:14But Sophie cried first.
22:16He only wanted to be buried beside your mother.
22:18What's wrong with that?
22:21If you want to be angry, be angry at me.
22:24He knew he was wrong at the end.
22:26He even asked me to look for you.
22:28Enough!
22:29I could not listen anymore.
22:31I raised my hand, but Julian caught my wrist.
22:34Sophie hid behind him.
22:35You think I'll let you hit her again?
22:37Then he noticed the scar on my palm.
22:39What's done is done.
22:40Let it go.
22:42Play your cards right and things can go back to the way they were.
22:45I looked at him with bloodshot eyes.
22:48This was the man I had once loved.
22:50Every part of his face had once felt precious to me.
22:53Now I felt no love, only hate.
22:56Julian, first it was Lily, then my mother.
22:59Do you really think we can go back?
23:01In your eyes, how worthless am I?
23:04His grip loosened.
23:05His jaw tightened.
23:06I pulled my hand back, stopped looking at him, and walked away.
23:10The cemetery told me moving my mother's grave required both spouses' signatures.
23:16I knew Julian would never sign, so I had to wait for the divorce.
23:20But the Ashfords would never let me go easily.
23:23To them, it did not matter whether Julian loved me or whether I was happy.
23:28As long as I was still useful for appearances, I had to stay, Mrs. Ashford.
23:33I pressed my forehead against the steering wheel.
23:36Slowly, my hand moved to my still flat stomach.
23:39An idea began to form.
23:41Someone knocked on the window.
23:42Julian stood outside, frowning.
23:44His eyes landed on my hand.
23:47Are you feeling all right?
23:48Then I hit the gas.
23:49Julian jerked back.
23:51Behind him, Sophie screamed.
23:53Claire!
23:54Have you lost your mind?
23:55I did not listen.
23:57I drove away without looking back.
23:59On the way home, Julian's mother, Eleanor, called.
24:02She had heard the rumors.
24:03She wanted me to bring Lily to the Ashford estate.
24:06The moment Lily got out of the car, her grandparents picked her up.
24:10The Ashfords loved children, especially their only grandchild.
24:14After they played with Lily for a while, they finally got to the point.
24:17When I confirmed that Julian and I had filed for divorce, both of them frowned.
24:22We know about that woman.
24:24Julian crossed the line this time.
24:26But no matter what, you are the lady of this family.
24:28We will never let some nobody take your place.
24:30Claire, Julian made mistakes, but Lily is still young.
24:34You have to think about the child.
24:36Talk to Julian.
24:37Work things out.
24:39A divorce is out of the question.
24:41I listened quietly.
24:42When they finally stopped, I took the pregnancy report from my bag.
24:46Eleanor's eyes widened.
24:48Then she clapped her hands in delight.
24:50This is wonderful news.
24:51The Ashfords have only had one heir for generations.
24:55Claire, if you carry this baby to term, you'll be the family's greatest blessing.
24:59I watched their faces light up.
25:02Then I put the report away.
25:03Mom, Dad, if you want this baby, let Julian and me divorce.
25:07Eleanor froze.
25:08What do you mean?
25:10After the divorce, the baby goes to you.
25:12I get money and I get Lily.
25:15Do not give it to Julian.
25:16And do not let any of his women near it.
25:19Agree and I'll have the baby.
25:21Otherwise, I'll schedule the procedure.
25:24As for Julian and me, with or without this child, the divorce is happening.
25:29The room fell silent.
25:31After a long pause, Eleanor sighed.
25:34Claire, a woman should not push so hard.
25:37Why make things so difficult for yourself?
25:39Only I knew I had no other choice.
25:41Everything Julian did had become a fishbone stuck in my throat and a time bomb buried in
25:46my chest.
25:47Without Sophie, there would be another woman.
25:49One day, it might not just be a woman sitting in his car.
25:53It might be a woman holding his child.
25:55And when that day came, what would happen to Lily?
25:58All I wanted was to protect her.
26:00As for this baby, Richard and Eleanor Ashford would raise it with everything money could buy.
26:05It was risky, but it was the only move that could win.
26:09Richard and Eleanor agreed.
26:10To keep Julian from interfering, they promised to keep my pregnancy secret.
26:15I had a lawyer draft the agreement right away.
26:17By the time everything was signed, night had fallen.
26:20Lily and I stayed at the estate.
26:22Eleanor asked the staff to bring me a bowl of herbal soup.
26:26I was eating slowly at the table when Julian appeared.
26:29When Julian saw me, he loosened his tie.
26:32He looked ready for a fight.
26:34Sophie's leaving the city tomorrow.
26:36Are you happy now?
26:37My spoon paused.
26:38Then I understood.
26:40I didn't do that.
26:42No?
26:43You ran to my parents and whispered in their ears.
26:46Now they're forcing her out.
26:47I'd say you're pretty capable.
26:49I was too tired to read his moods.
26:51I'm sorry.
26:52Go to the cemetery tomorrow and sign the transfer papers.
26:55Pick the new plot yourself, then tell me.
26:57I stared at him.
26:58He thought this was all about the grave.
27:00He thought I was throwing a tantrum.
27:02I did not want to argue.
27:04Okay.
27:05He looked at me for a moment longer.
27:07Then he left.
27:08Two hours later, I saw his silhouette on Sophie's Instagram.
27:11A dark room.
27:12His side profile half hidden in shadow.
27:14The caption said,
27:16He said tonight I'm more beautiful than the moonlight.
27:18I laughed.
27:19Because Julian had once said those exact words to me.
27:22The first time we held hands.
27:24His palm had been warm and damp with nerves.
27:26I had looked up at the moon and said it was beautiful.
27:29He looked at me and said I was more beautiful than the moonlight.
27:32Back then, those words made my heart tremble.
27:35Now they were the last grain of sand left from our love.
27:38One gust of wind, and it was gone.
27:40When Julian tried to withdraw the divorce filing, Eleanor quietly blocked him.
27:45So on the 30th day, I got exactly what I wanted.
27:48The final divorce decree.
27:49I hid it away.
27:51Then I told Julian I was pregnant.
27:53He was overjoyed.
27:54He threw a week-long celebration across the city.
27:57A Times Square billboard.
27:59A yacht party.
28:00Tabloid headlines everywhere.
28:02Ashford's CEO worships the ground his wife walks on.
28:05Our love story was turned into a fairy tale.
28:08Only I knew fairy tales were lies.
28:10Julian thought I would never make trouble again, so he stopped holding back.
28:14Sophie's Instagram posts became more frequent, as if she was desperate to show off their secret
28:19paradise.
28:19I could not avoid seeing them.
28:21But Sophie probably did not know one thing.
28:24Every time Julian played soulmate with her, his guilt toward me paid interest.
28:28When they kissed under the Eiffel Tower, I received a pink diamond from a Sotheby's auction.
28:33When they watched the Northern Lights, an Upper East Side brownstone was transferred to my
28:37name.
28:38When they tangled on a yacht in the Mediterranean, 5% of Ashford Group's shares quietly entered
28:44my account.
28:44So when Sophie showed up at the Ashford estate, I was perfectly calm.
28:48She came alone.
28:50She knelt at the front gate without saying a word.
28:52The small swell of her belly said everything.
28:55Richard and Eleanor exchanged uneasy looks.
28:58Then they let her in.
28:59When Sophie saw me, surprise flashed across her face.
29:02I raised an eyebrow and smiled.
29:05I could not bear to give up the baby, so she had kept it from Julian.
29:09Now the pregnancy was too far along, so I begged the Ashfords to let me carry it to
29:15term.
29:16After that, I will disappear with the child.
29:20When Julian arrived, she broke down crying.
29:22She begged him to spare her.
29:24She said she loved him.
29:25She said she loved the baby she had not even met.
29:28Her sobs filled the house.
29:30In my head, I almost applauded.
29:31When Eleanor came to me, looking torn, my bags were already packed.
29:36The medical care is better in London.
29:38I'll come back after the baby is born.
29:40The truth was, I had wanted to leave for a long time.
29:43As the months passed, I was running out of excuses to refuse Julian in bed.
29:48It was wearing me down.
29:49On the day I left, Julian held my hand.
29:52His eyes suddenly turned red.
29:54You don't have to go.
29:56My mistakes should not become your burden.
29:58He thought I was heartbroken.
30:00He thought I was running away in defeat.
30:01He had no idea how happy I was.
30:04As I turned to leave, his voice came from behind me.
30:08Claire.
30:09I will only have one wife in this life.
30:12And that is you.
30:13My step paused.
30:14I almost laughed.
30:15Oh Julian.
30:16I had not been your wife for a long time.
30:18I had not been your wife for a long time.
Comments