Chapter 6
But inside, there were only two things. A divorce agreement, and a medical report.
Michael was stunned.§
Divorce?
Ashlyn wanted to divorce him?
No. That couldn’t be right.”
That wasn’t possible!
When his eyes finally registered the words on the report, Arnold–who had been holding back emotions all night–slapped his grandson across the face. Hard.§.
“You beast! Look at what you’ve done! If I’d known this would happen, I never would’ve let you marry Ashlyn!“}
“You’ve ruined her life, Michael!“}
Watching the old man tremble with rage and nearly collapse, the Hudson family members rushed to support him and escort him out of
the hall.
The rest of the guests quietly took their leave.
And Michael stood there–alone–staring at the divorce papers in his hands.
No one knew how long he stood frozen in place.
Eventually, with no expression at all, he tore the divorce agreement into pieces.
Ignoring Daniela’s frantic shouting behind him, he snatched a car key from the driver and personally drove to the Roberts family’s old estate.}
But the house was dark.
Completely still.
He rolled down the window and waited at the gate, chain–smoking the entire night.
He smoked until his throat was raw, his voice hoarse, but the lights inside never came on.”
It wasn’t until five days after the banquet that he finally learned the truth.
Ashlyn had left the country.
Why?
Just to avoid seeing him?
He clenched his fists.
It wasn’t like he did anything unforgivable. He only made the kind of mistake men everywhere make.
So why did Ashlyn get to walk away so easily? She just disappeared and divorced him like it was nothing?” No.
He wouldn’t allow it.
He refused to accept it!!
Once he tracked down Ashlyn’s exact location abroad, Michael immediately booked the earliest flight out.
He didn’t return home, and didn’t even pack a single bag. He left the office and went straight to the airport. Just as he was about to check in, a familiar voice called out tearfully behind him.§
“Michael, Are you abandoning me and the baby?“}
His gaze flicked to Daniela’s now slightly rounded belly.
He reached out and gently patted her head.
“I’ve asked Assistant Thompson to arrange a new place for you to stay. Move in today.“}
The moment she heard that, Daniela’s tears came pouring out.
