Chapter 24
After the busy period ended, our vacation plans finally materialized.
Asher and I enjoyed two incredible weeks of travel.
But as soon as we returned, that senior executive Page showed up at our home, accusing Asher of being ruthless and unforgiving.
Though some younger family members quickly escorted him away, I remained unsettled.
Remembering the hatred in the man’s eyes, I worried aloud, “Do you think he might try to get revenge?”
“Don’t worry,” Asher reassured me with a calm smile. “I’ve got everything under control.”
Seeing his composed expression and complete lack of concern, I felt somewhat relieved.
On the anniversary of my mother’s death, Asher took me and my siblings back to New York for a brief visit.
We stayed for a few days and head back to Los Angeles. Coincidentally, Asher’s parents had just returned from their trip and planned to stay in the estate for a while.
‘I loved
my mother–in–law and enjoyed our time together.
One afternoon, Mabel told stories about Asher’s childhood. She took me to a room at the end of the third–floor hallway to see
his childhood photos and awards.
“And this drawer contains his treasures. Even I’m not allowed to touch it. I only caught a glimpse once by accident.”
She opened a drawer, taking out a wooden box and handing it to me.
“Mom, I shouldn’t go through his things without asking.”
She waved dismissively. “Oh, please. You’re his wife. You’re one unit now–no secrets between you.”
She opened the wooden box herself. “Just take a look. You’ll love it.”
I glanced down and suddenly saw some familiar photographs.
Wait, those were…
Mabel smiled knowingly. “Take your time. I just remembered something I need to do. I’ll leave you alone.”
Once she left, I pulled out every photo in the box.
They were pictures of me receiving awards for my paintings. Each photo had a date carefully noted on the back.
One showed me at eighteen, receiving an award at an art exhibition in Los Angeles.
It was a group photo of all the winners with the VIP presenters. And standing right next to me was Asher.
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Begging Me Back? Sorry I Was Already the Queen of Your Enemey
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My first major art award at eighteen had been presented by Asher himself.
Back then, he could still walk.
My eyes blurred with tears. I never knew we had crossed paths that early.
Later, Asher had his accident that left him wheelchair–bound. He gradually disappeared from public view.
Meanwhile, I started dating Lawrence. Then Lawrence dumped me, and I became New York’s laughingstock.
Perhaps because of this history, Asher had approached the Bennett family for an arranged marriage.
And the only daughter of marriageable age was me.
Asher had planned everything all along…
I held the photos as tears streamed down my face.
I remembered what Mabel had said–these were his most treasured possessions that no one was allowed to touch.
I couldn’t bear to think about those five years I spent with Lawrence.
While Asher was dealing with his life–altering disability, how had he endured watching me with someone else?
After a moment of stunned silence, I returned the photos to their place and locked the drawer.
I didn’t know what to do with this revelation, so I decided to pretend I didn’t know now.
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