Chapter 3
The next day was Reginald Harrington’s 80th Birthday Gala. I went on my own, right on time.
Before all this, Ryland used to show up half an hour early for me.
Ten minutes before it started, I finally spotted him.
But a girl in a cocktail dress was at his side.
My heart skipped a beat. He’d actually brought Daisy to his grandfather’s gala.
The jewelry around Daisy’s neck… that set had been custom-made for me.
Daisy swept in on Ryland’s arm, and relatives and friends flocked to them instantly.
“Isn’t that the little reporter from the wedding? She cleans up beautifully!”
Ryland laughed, easy and charming. “Just showing the girl a good time.”
I watched from the sidelines, ice forming in my veins.
The guest list for the old man’s gala was even larger than our wedding.
Astoria’s elites were there in full force, plus big names from the West Coast who’d flown in.
Ryland didn’t stand with me, his wife of less than two weeks.
He brought Daisy everywhere instead. Everyone knew exactly what he was doing. A public humiliation, served cold.
If that was how it was going to be, what was left to hold onto?
Daisy spotted me standing alone and waved.
When I didn’t respond, she walked over.
“What’s Mrs. Harrington so afraid of? It’s not like Ryland actually did anything to you.”
[Seriously, what’s Ashley whining about? She should go pull some underhanded crap so the male lead can toss her off a
yacht already.]
[She’s just jealous our heroine has both the talent and the looks.
Ryland pulled Daisy away without sparing me a single glance.
I didn’t cry. Didn’t make a scene. I wasn’t about to ruin an old man’s 80th birthday.
They laughed together around the bar.
Chapter 3
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Someone joked that Daisy actually suited Ryland better.
Ryland smirked. He didn’t deny.
Daisy had a few drinks and collapsed against Ryland’s chest.
The way they leaned into each other-people started teasing that they looked more like newlyweds than we ever had.
I sat alone in a corner, eating cake.
Ryland chatted with his friends.
“In a few days, I’ll treat everyone to a trip to the Maldives. Flights, hotels, and local guides, someone’s already taken care
of it all.”
As he spoke, his gaze flicked toward me, casual and dismissive.
That was our honeymoon destination.
Someone’s already taken care of it all? It was me. I’d spent three sleepless nights building that itinerary.
I looked away. Let them have it.
That’s when my phone pinged. Divorce papers, drafted by my lawyer.
The cream in my mouth turned bitter. So this was what it felt like to finally let someone go.
That night, Ryland came home reeking of liquor, his collar smeared with lipstick stains.
I took a long breath and stopped him. “Ryland. Let’s get divorced.”
He paused mid-step toward the stairs. Then he turned, a mocking smile curling his lips as he walked to me.
The divorce papers sat on the coffee table. He didn’t even flip them open.
“Ashley. What’s this, a new tactic? Playing hard to get?”
“You think this will make me go soft? Make me feel sorry for you?”
I lifted my hand, exhausted, and pointed at his collar covered in kiss marks.
“You want Daisy. I’m giving you what you want.”
Ryland let out a short laugh. He tilted my chin up with his fingers.
“This little bit already too much for you? I thought Elite Debutante Finishing Academy girls were built to endure.”
“Daisy will only be one of many.”
Chapter 3
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He picked up the divorce papers between two fingers and dropped them in the trash.
‘I’m not signing. I want to see what other tricks you’ve got.”
I smiled bitterly. What tricks could I possibly have left?
Meeting the rigorous standards of a Harrington wife, sharing so much common ground with Ryland…
Every bit of it came from genuine devotion. That was all.
I pulled myself together and told him I’d already signed my part.
Then I turned and headed to the guest room.
Behind me, Ryland scoffed. He still thought I was putting on a wounded act.
I booked a flight to France.
Chapter 3
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Romance romantico e fantasia
