Chapter 3

Just as Ashton and I were about to go all the way, we heard the electronic lock at the front door beep, followed by an error sound.

We both froze.

Ashton quickly wrapped me in the duvet. A second later, the bedroom door burst open.

Chloe stood there. Seeing us in bed, she screamed at the top of her lungs.

"Ashton! How could you sleep with her?!"

I threw on a silk robe and crossed my arms, looking at her coldly. "Chloe, we are engaged. It is completely normal for us to sleep together."

"On the other hand, you just broke into a private residence. In this country, that's a felony. You could go to prison."

Chloe ignored me completely. She ran over and grabbed Ashton's arm. "Did you really sleep with her?"

"Ashton, how could you do this to me?"

"I was only away for two years! And you couldn't even wait for me?!"

Ashton's face darkened with pure fury. He grabbed her wrist and shoved her out of the bedroom, slamming the door behind them.

I could hear his shouting through the heavy door. Ashton was livid.

He absolutely detested being interrupted, especially at a moment like this.

During my first two years as his assistant, Ashton would drink himself to sleep every night because of her.

When he was wasted, he would drag me into his misery and ramble about their past.

I had listened to those stories with professional patience. I knew every detail of their history. But I also slowly began to change his habits because I refused to work overtime just because my boss was having a heartbreak.

Whenever he was in a bad mood, I would make him watch movies, read, or talk about business.

Once my shift was over, I would immediately draw a line and leave, refusing to let his drama bleed into my personal life.

Over time, this became his routine. Once we were in our personal space, Ashton dedicated all his time to me.

He hated interruptions. Now that Chloe had shattered his boundaries, he wasn't going to let it slide.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the living room.

"Ashton! If you don't want me anymore, there's no point in me living!"

I rushed out of the bedroom just in time to hear Ashton roar, "Chloe, don't do this!"

Chloe let out a bitter laugh and sliced her wrist with a piece of broken glass. Blood immediately welled up.

Ashton panicked. He grabbed her hand, his eyes bloodshot. "Chloe! You owe me too much! You can't do this!"

"Ashton, what about what you owe me? I've always loved you, but you changed!"

"You engaged her! What about me? You owe me, Ashton!"

Ashton screamed, "You're the one who abandoned me!"

I couldn't stand the melodrama anymore. I interrupted them. "Can we stop the screaming and call an ambulance? Otherwise, she's going to bleed out before anyone owes anyone anything."

Ashton looked up at me, tears in his eyes.

I accompanied them to the hospital. After Chloe was rolled into the emergency room, Ashton leaned against my shoulder, looking exhausted and defeated.

Chloe's parents arrived shortly after. Seeing their daughter's state, Mrs. Sterling was heartbroken.

"Ashton, I know this is a lot to ask, but please, Chloe is unstable right now. Can you stay and watch over her? Just make sure she doesn't do anything drastic again!"

Mrs. Sterling then shot me a venomous look, her eyes filled with disgust.

"If some home-wrecker hadn't taken advantage of the situation, you and Chloe would have been married by now!"

I finally understood where Chloe got her dramatic, toxic personality. It was entirely genetic.

Chloe lay on the hospital bed, her face pale. "Ashton... I regret leaving. I really do."

Ashton stared at her, silent. A complicated look flashed through his eyes.

I couldn't stand the sight of this anymore. "Ashton, it's late. I'm going home."

"Wait..."

Ashton grabbed my hand. "You can't leave. We need to settle this tonight."

"There's nothing to settle. It's past midnight," I said.

Chloe suddenly looked hopeful. "She's right! Ashton, we need to settle this once and for all! I knew you still cared about—"

"Great," Ashton interrupted her, looking exceptionally cold. "Then pay me back for my vintage vase, plus my emotional distress damages. If you pay up, I won't file charges for breaking and entering."

Chloe's mouth fell open. "W-What did you say?!"