Faux Vows, True Desires

Ashley felt her heart drop when her husband glanced at her with that cold, distant look.

She walked back into the room. But instead of sitting next to Hayden, she reclaimed her seat next to the elderly Mrs. Blue. "Honey, isn't it working hours? What brings you home?" Mrs. Blue asked with a soft tone, "Is there something urgent?" "Mom, I'm getting a divorce!" Hayden didn't beat around the bush. He got straight to the point.

Kayla's eyes lit up at the news, but her expression quickly dimmed. As much as she took jabs at Ashley whenever she could, deep down she didn't really want her sister-in-law to be booted out of the Blue family. After over two decades of cohabitation, they had got used to each other's rhythms, which made things easier.

If Madeleine joined the family, Kayla felt she'd be no match for her. And certainly, her branch of the family wouldn't benefit from such a change. She secretly preferred things to stay as they were. "Hayden, how can you say such a thing? Ashley has been your wife for years, bearing and raising your children. Even if there's no merit in that, there's certainly hard work. You've wronged her. Instead of apologizing to her, you're talking about divorce?"

"And what about your children? Your sons are grown, but Emily is still so young. The damage a divorce does to a child is immense."

Ashley's face had turned ashen the moment Hayden mentioned divorce. What she didn't expect was that Kayla, who had just been prodding her, would be the first to speak up in her defense. After a moment's thought, she understood Kayla's intentions: her own family didn't hold a candle to the Porters in terms of influence or wealth. If Madeleine came into the picture, Kayla's side wouldn't stand to gain. Regardless of her motivations, Kayla had done her a kindness by speaking up, and Ashley felt a debt of gratitude.

"Mom, I have a responsibility to Madeleine," Hayden said as he turned to his wife. "I'm sorry, Ashley. It's my fault. I've wronged you. Rest assured, if you agree to the divorce, I won't leave you wanting." Ashley had been pampered by her family since childhood, and so had Hayden. For a long time after their marriage, they had shared a strong bond. And it was why Ashley had been willing to give birth to three children.

"I will not grant you a divorce to indulge your affair with that hussy Madeleine!" Ashley was fuming with hatred for Madeleine. How could she let her waltz into the Blue family so easily? Even if it meant dragging it out until death, she would not agree to a divorce. Even if Madeleine killed her, Ashley would remain Hayden's lawful wife. Madeleine would be nothing more than a successor.

"Ashley, why torment yourself? I'm doing this for the good of everyone. Or would you rather see our children suffer?" Hayden tried to persuade her to agree to the divorce. "You know what Madeleine is capable of. For the sake of our children, let's part on good terms. Just say whatever you want and I'll see it done."

you is if you sever ties with your parents, cut off your relationship with your brothers and leave with nothing but the clothes on your back. Otherwise, no way!" She didn't wait for a response. Head held high, she stormed

had enough. If it

slap landed on Hayden's cheek. Mrs. Blue had put all her strength into it. After striking him, she collapsed back onto the couch, gasping

her, "Don't be upset. It's

would have thought Hayden could

"Mom!"

out!" Mrs.

slapped face,

drama unfolding in the Blue family was unknown to Lucinda, who was far away in Pinehurst. But Keith, Hayden's brother, learned of it within minutes. He strode into the Ascend Global

with Ike Moore when Keith entered. Stefan paused and rose to greet his brother, a smile brightening his handsome face. "Hey bro, what brings you here?" "Just bored, wandering around and finding myself ended up at your office.

of the mysterious lady. He had even engaged the city's top

even if you were interrupting, do you think Stefan

pour Keith a glass of water while Stefan ushered Keith to sit on the sofa. Keith's usually stern face softened somewhat

got some good

her up abruptly," Stefan explained gently, then asked with a smile, "But what's the good news? Mind sharing with me and Ike first?" Keith didn't hesitate to spill the beans about Hayden's