What was supposed to be an urgent matter suddenly didn't feel so urgent to Colin. Puzzled, he stood there, glancing at Aspen and wondering why she wasn't making a scene like she used to. Sensing his confusion, Aspen looked back at him with the same questioning expression before finally waving him off. "Take your time. Don't let me keep you.""Wait for me," Colin said firmly before turning and striding away. Aspen watched him go, letting out a scoff of disdain. Then, she turned to Riley, who was still standing there, and snapped, "What are you staring at? Get the car ready. We can't be late.""But Mr. Fuller told you to wait for him," Riley replied, clearly confused. When had Aspen become so decisive?Aspen gave him a look that was both amused and exasperated. "You've worked for him for years, and you still don't know him? Do you really think he's coming back?" It wasn't like this had never happened before. The only difference was that back then, the empty promises had been mad
As soon as Gwyneth stepped out of the car, she leaned heavily into Colin, making sure everyone could see how close they were. Colin wrapped his arm around her waist, guiding her toward the entrance. There, they ran into Aspen, who was just about to step inside. When he met Aspen's knowing, half-smiling gaze, he felt a sharp pang of discomfort, as if his hand holding Gwyneth's suddenly burned."Ms. Nicholls, please don't be mad. I've never been to an event like this before, so I begged Colin to bring me," Gwyneth said, her voice trembling. "I was so bored in the hospital, and I just wanted to get out for a bit. I-I didn't know you'd be here." Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke.In the past, Aspen would have made a scene, but now she simply smiled faintly and replied, "Ms. Sanders, you've had a tough time recovering in the hospital. Since you're here, make sure to enjoy yourself. Colin, take good care of her. If she sees anything she likes, make sure to buy it for her." H
Yet, because Aspen had never attended an event like this before, no one recognized her. Everyone was quietly asking around about the origin of this "wild rose".Aspen, on the other hand, carried herself with grace. After signing her name, she walked straight over to greet the familiar faces."Mrs. Canfield, Mrs. Watson, it's me—Aspen." Aspen approached with a cheerful smile and gave Rebecca Lawson a polite nod. "I was the one who made the desserts at your last birthday party, remember? What, you don't recognize me?"Of course Rebecca remembered. It was just that she truly hadn't recognized the radiant woman standing before her as Aspen.Three months ago, Aspen had happily joined the celebration at Rebecca's birthday, only to end up stuck in the kitchen all day making desserts. She hadn't even gotten the chance to sit at the table and eat. Meanwhile, Gwyneth had fluttered around like a social butterfly at Colin's side, stealing the spotlight entirely.It wasn't until after the pa
The matter could have ended there. Although Aspen had suffered a bit of indignity, it wasn't anything humiliating or disgraceful.But unfortunately, Gwyneth was the type to cause drama wherever she went. She immediately stepped in front of Aspen and blocked her path."Ms. Nicholls, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to follow Colin here—it's just that my depression relapsed, and I've been feeling awful. Colin only brought me along because he felt sorry for me. Please don't blame him. Besides, the two of you are already going through divorce proceedings. I... I mean, Colin and I, we…"Aspen, who had been struggling to find a proper reason to make her exit moments ago, would have never imagined Gwyneth could be so foolish.She looked at Gwyneth's heavily suggestive words and couldn't help but laugh. "Ms. Sanders, don't you read the news?"News? Gwyneth had been tied to a hospital bed all this time, completely cut off from any outside information.Aspen, ever so thoughtful, pulled out her pho
Even though everything that happened today was the result of his own choices, Colin couldn't help but feel that his humiliation was somehow tied to the woman standing beside him.And yet, he had no proof. Every time he looked into Aspen's eyes, he couldn't find a trace of scheming within them. He could only grit his teeth and swallow the disgrace in silence.He gave Rebecca a casual smile and spoke as if nothing had happened. "Just a minor hiccup. Gwen acted out of line; I'm sorry for the spectacle.""If she acts out at home, that's one thing. But don't bring her out only to have her act so foolishly in public. Everyone here has a reputation to uphold," Rebecca replied pointedly, then turned and walked away.After all, it was still someone else's family matter. Even if she had her opinions, there wasn't much she could say. It wouldn't be appropriate to affect the couple's relationship.In wealthy circles, feelings were never the priority—benefits always came first. While they all
"This is my business card. If you really end up without a home, I wouldn't mind taking you in."Jay then shoved his card directly into Aspen's hand. His behavior was utterly inappropriate and offensive.Given his status and upbringing, he should never have acted this way, especially considering Aspen wasn't attending the banquet under her own name. She was here as Colin's wife, carrying the title of Mrs. Fuller.In other words, what Jay did wasn't just a slap to Aspen's face—it was a slap to Colin and to the entire Fuller Group. If Aspen tolerated this humiliation without pushing back, it would only drag Fuller Group's reputation through the mud.Everyone present was sharp and experienced. Many of them had been eyeing Aspen with similar intentions. Jay was nothing more than the sacrificial pawn sent to test the waters.Now, all eyes were on Aspen, waiting to see how she would respond.Aspen didn't flinch, nor did her expression change in the slightest.She simply smiled gently,
"With this soft skin and fair complexion of mine, how exactly do I look like a frozen brick? But you—what, it's only been a few days, and your fighting power's leveled up again?" Aren looked at the glowing Aspen and felt a wave of satisfaction.This was the Aspen he knew. She was always meant to shine like this—radiant and brilliant, just like she was now.Noticing Aren staring at her, Aspen smiled and asked, "How did things go on your end? Smoothly, I hope?""With your help? Of course it went smoothly," Aren answered honestly.If it hadn't been for Aspen's clever plan to buy him time, there was no way the collaboration talk would have gone so well.Hearing that, Aspen immediately waved off any credit. "I didn't help with anything! That was all your own skills, and it had nothing to do with me!"As she spoke, she couldn't help but burst into laughter.At that moment, music began to play in the banquet hall. Aren reached out a hand. "May I have this dance, beautiful lady?""Of
"Yes, Aspen Nicholls is my wife. So show some respect," Colin said coldly with a snort.Aren didn't get angry. He simply shrugged and smiled. "Well, what a coincidence. She's my junior from university, and I thought she didn't have a husband. That's why I was being polite and invited her to dance. Now that you're here, I suppose my job here is done."He had already gotten everything he came for, so there was no need to stir up conflict with Colin now. Besides, in a setting like this, the only people who lost control were the ones without class.The crowd began whispering and pointing at Colin. Though no one spoke directly, their body language, expressions, and eyes had already nailed him to a pillar of shame.Colin could feel the scorn radiating from all sides, and it made his blood boil. He channeled all that rage toward Aspen."You really couldn't stand being lonely for a minute, could you?""I'm sorry, honey." Aspen lowered her eyes. Her voice was soft and full of pitiful rest
So Colin and Zac had planned this thoroughly after all.Aspen kept her expression neutral, nodding obediently as she softly said, "I know, I know. I won't cause trouble. I'll behave."Even though she was outwardly compliant, her mind still raced. She had thought escaping out to the hallway would mean safety—but now it was clear she had to get out of this restaurant entirely to survive.The moment Zac pocketed the check and key, his demeanor shifted violently. He slapped Aspen hard across the face, then began tearing at her clothes right there in the corridor."What the hell are you doing?" Aspen struggled in horror while staring at him in disbelief. Was this man mentally unstable?Zac showed no mercy, striking her again with another brutal slap. "Stupid bitch, you really thought I'd fall for that? News flash—I'm not that gullible. First, I'm having my fun. Then, we'll visit the notary office!"He pinned both her wrists with one hand while undoing his belt with the other, clearly
"Ah! You bitch! How dare you ambush me?"Zac's eyes burned from the pepper spray, instantly preventing him from attacking her. He clutched his face, howling in pain.Aspen didn't hesitate—she turned and bolted for the door. Outside was a long hallway—she would be safe if she could just make it there.But reality proved crueler than hope. Zac quickly recovered and chased after her, viciously yanking her back by the hair."You shameless whore! You really think I'll let you get away with this? If I don't give you a proper lesson today, you'll never understand who you are dealing with! Hand over what I want, or you'll regret it!"Words alone couldn't satisfy Zac's rage. He slapped Aspen twice, hard enough to make her vision swim.Gritting her teeth through the pain, Aspen glared. "It seems like you're eager for more prison time.""You really think you're walking out of here alive?" Zac suddenly laughed.At first, Aspen thought this was just Colin's way of teaching her a lesson. But
Aspen shook her head and walked into the break room. She finally calmed down after gulping down two large mouthfuls of cold water.Though she had no idea what had gotten into Colin, Aspen still headed to the restaurant specified in the text after work.They had eaten at this restaurant once before. Back then, Aspen had loved the food so much she longed to return.Unfortunately, the place had strict rules—no one was allowed in unless they had membership. Even as Colin's wife, she never got her own membership card, and Colin never shared his with her.Returning now left a bitter taste in her mouth. She had gone home and told Sophie all about it after that meal, promising they would come back together as a family someday.Sophie had waited eagerly, day after day, hoping to eat there with both her parents. But in the end, she never got to taste its dishes again.The thought of Sophie sent sharp needles of pain through Aspen's heart, making it hard to breathe. A server led her to th
Aspen found Candice's starstruck expression both amusing and peculiar. "You're a grown woman. Isn't the way you're looking at me a bit over the top?""Ms. Nicholls, you don't understand! I almost quit before meeting you!" Candice sighed, stealing a glance at Aspen to gauge her reaction before continuing, "Our field is inherently unfair to women. They've always excluded me and bullied me..."Aspen understood completely. In many men's eyes, technical work remained their exclusive domain, leaving women at an inherent disadvantage.Even so, they had all earned their places through skill. Aspen refused to consider herself inferior.She took Candice's hand with an encouraging smile. "You may work slower, but your accuracy is unmatched. We women have our own strengths. You're still green now, but you'll prove yourself with experience. Soon, no one will dare look down on you.""I didn't believe that before, but I do now after seeing you." Candice's eyes shone with admiration as she gazed
"Thank you, everyone. But how's the work I assigned coming along?"Aspen cradled the bouquet Zephyr had given her while conducting an impromptu work inspection.The team couldn't help but laugh at her immediate focus on business. Who would have thought Aspen's first priority after returning would still be work?They then eagerly presented their recent achievements like treasures. Each member was an expert in their technical field, and while there were minor errors, the overall approaches were sound. After carefully reviewing everyone's data, Aspen sat down to verify the calculations herself.Meanwhile, Colin returned to the office in a foul mood. He stormed into the tech department only to find everyone—including Aspen—completely absorbed in work. His abrupt entrance made him seem out of place amidst the focused atmosphere.Seeing Colin's dark expression, Zephyr and several male colleagues immediately stood up, instinctively positioning themselves to protect Aspen should things
Riley was utterly astonished as he watched Aspen's crisp, decisive movements. He could hardly believe how much she had grown.He had expected her to meekly accept the situation, but instead, she had turned around and demanded accountability.Meeting Riley's shocked gaze, Aspen smiled faintly. "I'm allowed to protect my legal rights, aren't I?""Absolutely! You absolutely should—it's only right!" Riley immediately voiced his support.Satisfied, Aspen nodded. "Let's go. We have work back at the office, so there's no need to wait for them.""But we only have one car.""They can take a cab."Aspen pulled open the driver's door and slid into the seat. She arched a brow at Riley with an amused expression. "You're welcome to hail a cab too. Just know the fare won't be reimbursed."Riley wasn't an idiot. Why would he take a cab when there was a perfectly good car right here?Besides, he wasn't the one behind the wheel, so the reins were in someone else's hands now. Why should he go th
Gwyneth had been giving Aspen a provocative look, yet she was completely unprepared for the latter to resort to physical force. Her expression shifted instantly.When she spotted Colin approaching from the corner of her eye, she immediately dialed back her aggression, adopting a pitiful tone instead. "Ms. Nicholls, I only sat up front because I get carsick. Please don't be angry.""You could always drive—that way you'd still be in the front." Aspen crossed her arms, watching Gwyneth with mocking amusement."I..."Gwyneth stared at her, stunned by how airtight Aspen's logic was. There was simply no way to counter it."Mr. Fuller has a busy schedule today. Since you're so considerate, why are you still wasting time? If you're carsick, then you drive. I'll be sitting in my rightful seat."Aspen had no patience for this performance. She pulled out disinfectant wipes, meticulously cleaned the passenger seat, and then planted herself firmly in it.Watching this, Gwyneth turned teary-e
Nothing infuriated Colin more than seeing Aspen smile at another man—especially when that man was Aren Jefferson.He stepped forward and wrapped his arm possessively around Aspen's waist, right in front of Aren. The tension in the room instantly thickened.But to Aren, the gesture just reeked of childishness. Unfazed, he stood and gave Aspen a casual wave. "I'll get out of your hair, then. See you later.""Hold it. Stay away from my wife from now on." Colin tightened his grip on Aspen as he issued the warning."Wife? Funny—I wouldn't have guessed."Aren actually paused, his gaze flickering between them before he let out a dry laugh. "I've been here every day this past week, bringing Pen home-cooked meals. And where were you? Some husband you are.""You…" Colin's grip tightened as he held onto Aspen's hand.Since he was cornered, he doubled down. "That's between me and my wife. It's none of your business.""Your marital drama? Sure, that's not my concern. But when it comes to my
Gwyneth smashed several cups in her fury.Zac waved dismissively as he watched her throw a tantrum. "She's just a worthless bitch who can't keep a man's attention. Colin's money is practically yours—how could we let her walk away with it? Gwen, just say the word, and I'll teach that whore a lesson she won't forget."Gwyneth fixed Zac with a stare before saying, "You should be careful this time. Don't botch it and make things worse for us. Understood?""Relax, she's just some trashy woman. I can handle her!"Zac clenched his fists, remembering how Aspen had landed him in jail last time. Now it was payback time. He ought to settle old and new scores together.…The week passed quickly. During this time, Aspen obediently rested at the hospital—eating, sleeping, and recovering so well that she even gained a little weight.Aren specially cleared his schedule, arriving with flowers to pick her up when she got discharged.He walked in just as Aspen was changing. Her fair back stretche