She Took The House The Car And My Heart

Chapter 42

Chapter 42 Do You Perceive Me As Easily Manipulated

Ashley fished her phone from beneath the pillow, her eyes fixed on the number that had remained silent for nearly a month. Her pulse quickened as a shiver crawled down her spine.

Though her finger lingered over the hang-up button, the thought of potential repercussions compelled her to. answer with evident anxiety.

"Hello..." Her voice quavered in the stillness.

"Why did it take you so long to answer?" The voice, though gentle, made her breath hitch in her throat.

Ashley trembled visibly, her words colliding with one another. "I was in the bathroom and didn't hear it."

"How are things progressing?" the man inquired.

"They have thirteen days remaining in their waiting period before the divorce becomes final," Ashley explained. "After that, they'll receive the divorce decree."

"Are you certain Kristian will marry you after his divorce?" The man spoke unhurriedly, almost pleasantly, yet his tone instilled an involuntary dread within her.

"Yes, I'm certain." Ashley gulped audibly, beads of perspiration glistening on her forehead. "He's already informed his family. Once he obtains the divorce decree, he'll marry me."

"Alright," the man responded, displaying no interest in extending the conversation. "Remember to adhere to the plan after your marriage. Should you harbor any ulterior motives, you understand the consequences."

Ashley's heart fluttered anxiously as another chill raced down her spine.

Just as he prepared to disconnect, a realization struck her, and she summoned the courage to interject, "Wait

a second!"

Silence stretched across the line.

Her phone-clutching hand grew slick with cold perspiration. "Was it you who orchestrated the car accident and arranged for someone to assault me?" She bit her lip, her heart pounding against her ribcage.

The man neither confirmed nor denied the accusation, simply stating, "I prefer to handle matters personally." Ashley's mind emptied completely, her curled fingers scarcely able to maintain their grip on the device.

After the call terminated, her phone slipped from her grasp, and her strength evaporated, leaving her collapsed

on the sofa.

It wasn't him, nor was it Freya. Then who could it possibly be?

004

15:43

She remained motionless for thirty full minutes before recovering her composure. Suddenly remembering something crucial, she retrieved her phone and erased the call record between them.

transfixed, a single thought consuming her consciousness. Kristian must never discover

Never!

concluding their conversation, Kristian contemplated Ashley's words, set aside

characteristic smile illuminating his features. "Sir,

the desk," Kristian

urgent and must be signed immediately,"

Kristian halted mid-stride.

and his thin lips parted with evident annoyance. "If they were truly urgent, why didn't you present them earlier? Why delay until

He was merely fulfilling his

learn from this experience," Kristian declared

figure emerged from the shadows, approaching Gerard with curiosity. "Gerard, what did the boss communicate to you? He

glanced at the inquirer and

of onlookers

he truly

conflict

believe they're proceeding

attention pivoted

divorce clasped her hand over her mouth in astonishment. "No way!

conjecture startled him internally. "And

affairs."

divorce, the entire

regarding professional matters, their capacity

all others.

released a silent sigh before returning to his

30.1%

16:02

a m

III O

<

You Perceive Me As

the company headquarters to Freya's apartment consumed over an

the time he arrived at her doorstep, the clock had

door's rhythmic knocking, she approached it, mentally

more.

her considerable surprise, Kristian

you here?" Freya's antipathy toward both him and Ashley

something," Kristian stated, attempting to enter

with her knuckles.

door?"

surveyed the surroundings,

"What words?" he inquired.

Freya's crimson lips articulated each syllable with