Chapter 3

So... it was a freebie.

Serena's intentions were obvious.

I didn't respond. I just hung up.

Putting down my phone, I started looking for various documents.

At some point, Ashton was standing behind me.

"Why are you getting your passport?"

I instinctively flinched, then lied with a straight face.

"I'm going abroad with you next month to negotiate business. Just checking what I need to bring in advance."

Every time Ashton went abroad, he would make me go with him.

But this time, he hesitated.

"Next month... Serena will be going with me."

Seeing my cold expression, he quickly added.

"But next month, I'll arrange for you to relax in Europe. Let's both cool down."

No wonder he suddenly wanted to send me away.

He was afraid I'd interfere with his romantic time with Serena.

In the past, I would have cried and made a scene, insisting he say he loved me most before I'd let it go.

But this time, I just nodded and took the opportunity to put the documents in my bag.

Ashton finally realized something was wrong.

"You always kept our photos in your bag. Why are they gone now?"

This relationship was about to end.

Of course, I didn't need to carry our photos with me all the time anymore.

But I didn't answer. I just subtly changed the subject.

"I need to rest. Is there anything else?"

Only then did he remember why he'd come to find me.

"Where's the honey water on the table?"

Ashton had stomach problems, and the doctor recommended he eat more honey.

So I would heat water and mix honey every hour, then let it cool in a glass cup.

This ensured he could drink warm honey water anytime.

It was very troublesome, but I'd persisted for five years.

I casually brushed him off.

"I just got out of the hospital. I don't feel well."

This was actually true.

Perhaps because I'd only rested in the hospital for one day after the miscarriage, and then felt depressed after coming home, my lower abdomen was cramping now.

My face was too pale. Ashton panicked.

He carried me to bed.

"You too—you couldn't even protect our child, and you have the nerve to make a fuss with me!"

"Forget it. I'll take care of you tonight."

Just then, a ringtone sounded.

I instinctively looked at Ashton's phone screen.

His contact name for the caller was "Serena Baby."

He answered the call, and Serena's sobbing voice came through.

"Ashton, I hurt my hand. Can you come see me? Sob sob sob..."

"I'm so stupid, I don't even know how to register at the hospital."

Ashton didn't speak immediately. Instead, he looked at me with difficulty.

I was clutching my lower abdomen tightly, cold sweat beading on my forehead.

I managed to squeeze out a sentence through gritted teeth.

"You should go."

His expression was conflicted, but he still made his choice.

"Sorry, Elena. Serena just got back to the country. I'm still worried about her."

"Let me call a doctor for you. I'll be back in a bit."

A few seconds later, I heard the loud sound of the door closing.

I curled my body into a ball, my heart numb.

This wasn't the first time he'd abandoned me for Serena. I was used to it by now.

Soon after, the family doctor came to the door.

His eyes were full of contempt, but under Ashton's orders, he reluctantly examined me.

"Your family is about to go bankrupt. Miss Serena and Mr. Ashton are a match made in heaven. If you had any shame at all, you'd leave on your own."