Ashley leaned against the leather seat while the car drove at a steady speed. Her train of thought was on Scottie.
At this point in her life, it was embarrassing to say, but she had never taken her son to kindergarten. Thinking about it, the remorse she was feeling continued to pile up. Indeed, loving Jaxon Elijah was poison.
She could not imagine her beloved son growing up without having both of his parents’ attention just because his daddy was always busy and his mommy was always chasing his father.
A pathetic smile was reflected on the window’s reflection.
“Miss, we’re here.” Ashley only pulled herself out of her thoughts when the chauffeur reminded her.
“Wait here.”
With that, Ashley pushed open the door and got out of the car. When she left the villa, she had put on a long jacket over her skirt. However, it was still a little chilly on the evening of spring. She could not help but roll down her sleeves.
The Woodhill Kindergarten was the most prestigious kindergarten in the city. The children who attended this kindergarten were either rich or noble. She seemed to have arrived a little late, and there were only a few people left in front of the kindergarten.
Realizing that school was over, Ashley felt a little regretful. She turned around and was about to go back. However, just as she turned around, she seemed to have sensed something and turned back to take a look. She saw a pair of clear green eyes staring at her through the window of the kindergarten guard’s office.
Just one look at her son, this was all it took for Ashley to lose her composure. A lone tear fell from her right eye. It fell so fast that it seemed like an imagination to those who caught a glimpse of it.
“Scottie,” whispered Ashley.
‘You are alive.’ She thought. Emotions ran rampant in her as she fought the urge to bawl her eyes out in front of her son’s kindergarten.
The last thing she wanted was to be called a weirdo by her son.
With that thought in mind, Ashley smiled and walked toward the child. Swallowing the clog in her throat, Ashley clenched and unclenched her fists under her coat’s pockets to relieve the coldness and sweat of her palms.
She pushed open the door to the guardhouse and saw the child’s face.
“Scottie, Mommy’s here to pick you up.” In a sweet voice, Ashley opened her arms. “ Come home with Mommy.”
Crouching down, Ashley looked at the adorable and chubby little dumpling. She recalled the child’s nickname and spoke gently.
However, the little dumpling appeared to be slightly resistant. He glanced at her with teary eyes and lowered his head in hesitation and sorrow.
“Little kid, is she really your mother?”
At first, the guard thought that the overly beautiful girl looked a little like the little kid, but seeing the child’s resistance, he began to suspect that the woman was here to kidnap and sell the child. His hand quietly reached for the pager.
Hearing the guard’s words, the little dumpling lifted his head and glanced once more at Ashley. In her eyes, he could see warmth and gentleness that he had never seen before.
In the past, his mother would never look at him this way. She would only tell him that she had to go after his father and she promised to be with him with his father. She was never able to do it, so she was never able to spend time with him. Whenever Scottie would try to go to his mother, he could only see the sad look of her mother as she shut herself in her villa.
But now, she looked so warm, and Scottie could not help but want to get closer to her.
“Scottie, come back with Mommy, alright?” Looking at the little dumpling’s pitiful gaze, Ashley’s heart ached with tender affection. She couldn’t help but reach out and stroke his soft hair.
The moment Ashley’s hand made contact with her son’s hair, her hand almost shook as she released a shaky breath. Blinking away the tears, she maintained her sweet smile.
The little dumpling was stunned when he was suddenly touched on the head. His already large eyes grew even larger.
Was this the feeling of having a mother?
Scottie nodded.
The little dumpling had never experienced what it was like to have a mother. He was so envious of his friends in kindergarten who had parents coming to pick them up every day. Even if his mother was just acting on a whim right now, it didn’t matter. He still wanted to feel like he had a mother – even for once.
Upon hearing the little dumpling’s affirmative reply, the security guard was finally willing to let him go. Ashley held the little dumpling’s hand and walked toward their car.
This was the first time in her two lifetimes that she held her son’s life at this age. This was also the first time in her two lives that Ashley took her from kindergarten.
The chauffeur sat in the car and watched as Ashley held the little boss’s hand and walked towards him. They were surprisingly harmonious.
‘Miss Ashley was so busy chasing master and never spent any time for her son. Has the sun risen from the west today?’ The chauffeur could not help but ask himself.
However, the Boss disliked the so-called Madam very much and did not allow the little boss to get close to her.
‘Does the Boss know about this? What is Miss Ashley trying to do?’
Reminded of Master’s ruthless means, the chauffeur could not help but shiver.
“Let’s go home.” Ashley brought Scottie into the car. The chauffeur was still in a daze.
“Yes, Miss.”
On the other hand, someone had already received the information about this little happening.
“Boss, the kindergarten said that little boss was taken away by Miss Ashley. We checked the surveillance cameras and it was indeed Miss Ashley.”
This piece of news received from the earphone stopped the man from looking at the document. A trace of disgust flashed across his eyes.
“Bring my son back to the manor.”
“Yes, Boss.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the luxurious office fell silent once again. The cold environment did not fit in with the bustling world outside the window.
By the time Ashley returned to the villa with her little dumpling, the sky had already darkened and filled with stars.
The little dumpling had been wrapped in Ashley’s arms ever since they had boarded the car. He was a bundle of softness with a hint of innocence. Because he had never come into contact with Ashley in such a manner before, he appeared to be rather restrained.
“Let’s go inside for dinner, Scottie.”
Ashley carried the little dumpling out of the car and held his hand.
“Okay.” Upon hearing Ashley call his nickname, the little dumpling’s chubby cheeks flushed red. It was the first time his mother had carried him like this.
Thinking of what his mother usually did in the past, tears of grievance welled up in his eyes. He secretly turned his head to look at Ashley.
How nice would it be if his mother had always been so gentle to him?
Sensing her son’s gaze, Ashley turned her head and saw the adorable child pouting and looking at her with tears in his eyes. Her heart softened.
Crouching down to meet his height, she touched the child’s head and looked straight into his big eyes. Somehow, she knew what her son was thinking through those green eyes of his.
“Scottie, what happened in the past was Mommy’s mistake. Mommy will treat you very well in the future.”
Hearing Ashley’s words, the little dumpling’s eyes widened. His mother said that she would treat him well. Was this true?
He had been pushed away again and again whenever he tried to get closer to her initially. He had already made up his mind to ignore this bad mother of his, but he still needed her. He yearned for her love.
Seeing the gentle smile on Ashley’s face and feeling the warmth of her hand on his head, he finally broke into a smile and pounced into Ashley’s embrace.
When the bundle of joy pounced into her arms, Ashley’s heart trembled. Biting back the sob that was threatening to escape from her, she tightened her embraced around her son’s small shoulder. The image of his cold corpse could never be erased in her mind no matter how much she tried.
Upon hearing the sound of the car, Nanny Doris came out to welcome them. She was already shocked that Ashley would be back for dinner, but what was even more shocking was when she saw the mother and son hugging each other happily.
Didn’t Miss Ashley see her son as a hindrance to her conquest of conquering the Boss? What was going on?
However, after her long experience of serving the family, she naturally knew what to do and what not to do. She controlled the expression on her face and walked towards Ashley.
“Miss, Little Boss, the food is ready. Please enjoy your dinner.”
Ashley let go of Scottie, but he seemed a little reluctant. His mother’s embrace was too warm for him to let go. He looked at Nanny Doris resentfully before taking large strides to keep up with Ashley.
Nanny Doris stood rooted to the ground. How did she offend the Little Boss?
When they entered the house, the servants had already set up the dishes. Steam curled up under the light and a fragrant smell wafted into Ashley’s nostrils.
“We didn’t know that Miss and Little Boss would come back together, so we only had time to make some home-cooked dishes. We will make the food again.”
Although Ashley had been staying here for three years after her marriage, she had always treated this place as a place to sleep. She would go out and spy on her husband, making sure that her paranoia about his cheating scandal was not real.
Ashley could only shake her head at her past self’s foolishness.
She glanced at the dishes on the table. It was more than enough for the mother and son.
“No need, we’ll just eat this. Nanny Doris, take Scottie to wash his hands.”
The servants, who thought they would be scolded by Ashley, were all surprised.
Wasn’t Miss Ashley too easygoing today? What was going on?
“Mommy, I’m done washing my hands.”Upon hearing the little dumpling’s voice and seeing the careful look in his eyes, Ashley smiled gently and pacified him. “Then come and eat with me, Scottie.”“Okay!” Scottie was overjoyed. His fair little hand carefully grabbed Ashley’s hand and sat beside her.“Have some meat and some vegetables.”Ashley could not remember when was the last time she had served a meal to her son’s plate. For her, she was truly an undeserving mother to Scottie. That was why, she would devote her life today avoiding her past mistakes.Scottie buried his head in his bowl, his chubby cheeks bulging like a little hamster as he ate the food Ashley had given him.Under the light, Ashley, who was helping herself with the food, looked exceedingly gentle and quiet. She had an aura that made people calm down. If not for her appearance, everyone would have thought that she was somebody else.Looking at the harmonious atmosphere between the two of them, the servants felt emotio
Soon after they settled down to rest, the night turned into its peaceful slumber. The moonlight shone on the mother and son who were sleeping in each other’s arms, enshrouding the pair in a layer of bright radiance.The next morning, before Ashley woke up, she felt a ball of warmth in her arms. When she opened her eyes, she saw Scottie staring at her with his big eyes that reflected her figure. His long eyelashes fluttered.Having been attacked by his cuteness so early in the morning, a wide smile appeared on Ashley’s face. “What’s wrong? Why are you awake so early?”“So what happened yesterday wasn’t a dream. Mommy, will you be like yesterday in the future?” Scottie clung tightly to Ashley’s shoulders as if wanting to confirm that everything was real.Seeing the combination of trepidation and yearning on Scottie’s face, Ashley’s heart tightened. This reminded her of how poorly she treated her son.Clearing her throat to clear the clog in it, she said. “Of course, Scottie. I’ll be lik
The man standing at the door was dressed in an exquisite suit that perfectly accentuated his figure. He had a face that looked like it had been sculpted, with eyebrows that were straight and his nose bridge high. There was a deep look in his eyes and he exuded the aura of someone who had a high status.Jaxon Elijah was the most outstanding person in power in the Elijah family in recent years. Young and promising, he was known for being decisive in his actions. Because his parents had passed away in a plane accident when he was young, he had been living with his grandfather, who was the previous head of the Elijah family.Years ago, the Old CEO had stepped down and handed over the huge conglomerate to Jaxon Elijah. Jaxon Elijah had lived up to expectations and successfully brought the Elijah family to its most prominent period. Although the Elijah family had always kept a low profile, no one dared to offend the Elijah family, especially families with power and wealth.Logically speakin
The next day, Ashley brought Scottie out for breakfast before taking him to school. As she watched him get into the school bus, she was reluctant to part with him.Last night, she had agreed to divorce Jaxon in three months. The Elijah family would definitely not give her custody of the child. However, she was the child’s mother. As long as Scottie wanted to see her or be with her, Jaxon could do nothing.She took out her phone and saw the messages from Bright Red+. She had not been out for the past two days and her friends had sent her a lot of messages.Ashley searched for ‘Heynes’ in the search bar at the top. As expected, the face of an elite young man who was dressed in professional attire appeared.Ashley had a special status, so it was unavoidable that she needed to contact the Elijah family. However, Jaxon had no interest in dealing with her, so Harold Heynes was mainly responsible for contacting Ashley.Ashley opened up the chat and typed something.Special Assistant Harold H
With a pile of snacks, she returned to the villa. The moment Nanny Doris saw the things in her hand, her expression twisted once again. It was unacceptable that Ashley was carrying all of this junk food. Ashley had eaten her fill in the afternoon, so she placed the snacks on the table and went upstairs to take a shower and a nap. The villa was located in the suburbs of the city. It would take one to three hours to get there. By the time Jaxon arrived, Ashley had already woken up from her afternoon nap. She asked Nanny Doris to heat the snacks she had brought back. Having the shake from Domin*s that she had iced in the fridge, Ashley felt so relaxed and young. She could not even remember the last time she had this leisurely time. As expected, marrying and loving Jaxon Elijah was a one-way ticket to hell. It was at this moment that an uninvited guest at the door shattered Ashley’s leisure time. The man was still wearing that well-tailored custom-made suit, which accentuated his col
Ashley was wide awake the entire time that Jaxon and her son were sitting beside her as they watched the talking pig on the television. For the first time after her two lifetimes, Ashely felt incredulous about how this was the only time that the three of them sat as a family while watching a cartoon. A daily occurrence in a normal family was something akin to impossible for a family like Ashley, Jaxon, and Scottie. And this seemingly impossible event was happening right now, making Ashley tense all of a sudden. Like Ashley’s tense form, Jaxon acted as if he was entranced with the talking pig on the screen. Unmoving, Jaxon’s back was straight as he crossed his legs and arms. Scottie was the only one acting normal between the three of them. His little chubby legs dangled the sofa as he leaned to his mother’s side and his father’s side. His cute little cheeks were like buns and his eyes were twinkling happily. The odd tranquility was shattered by the ringing tone of Jaxon’s phone. On
The dazzling light focused on the stage, the buzzing of the people around the stage like a working bee each with a clear purpose, and the towering cameras attached to a wide range of variety equipment seemed so far away from the lone figure of a woman who was exuding indifference and nobility.The crew members, even the assistants of the famous celebrities invited by the production for this grand audition, could not help but glance—once or twice—in the direction of the woman.There was a hint of alienation from the woman’s willow brows but it did not affect her beauty nor did it make her pretty face offensive at all. Despite the subtle atmosphere which seemed to exclude the woman from the hustle and bustle of the crowd, she did not seem an outcast at all! In fact, it gave the illusion as if she was the queen who could not be bothered by the buzzing of the mere mortals around her.The woman was no other than Ashley Connor—the famous joke of the entertainment industry who was currently
It could be seen from Ashley’s meager amount of dresses in her wardrobe how the steward of the Elijah Family was indifferent to her. Before, Ashley did not mind this. In fact, her fucking love brain believed that being thrifty could make Jaxon see her in a different light.What a joke!In her years of marriage, not once did Jaxon give her a single present! Aside from the black card that he threw to her, nothing else was given!Now, with a divorce waiting for her, it would be cheap for that bitch to have everything while she got nothing! First, she would fill up her wardrobe with elegant and high-end dresses!A beautiful girl welcomed Ashley as soon as she entered LV’s store. The other sales lady looked her up and down. Seeing how she was wearing a simple skirt and ruffled crop top without any pieces of jewelry adorned around her neck, the sales lady scoffed and turned away.Ashley ignored her. With years of being the Madam Elijah, her vulgar bones had long been washed away. To keep up
Five months had passed since Ashley and Jaxon decided to give their family a true second chance.Now, seated in the plush back seat of their luxury SUV, Ashley’s fingers traced over the financial reports on her tablet screen. The elegant logo of Rosemary Jewelry and Rosemary Real Estate gleamed in the corner, a reminder of the empire she had built with her own hands. At the time, these companies were meant to be her insurance, a safeguard in case she had to walk away from Jaxon and start anew. But now, things had changed. She had chosen to stay. To build not just a business empire, but a family.The numbers on the reports reflected her hard work.Rosemary Jewelry, a brand that had once been a small passion project, was now a name whispered among high society. Celebrities, heiresses, and tycoons adorned themselves with her pieces, and international boutiques clamored for exclusive contracts. On the other hand, Rosemary Real Estate was a rising force, acquiring prime properties and maki
The steam clung to Ashley’s skin as she stepped out of the bathroom, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders. A plush towel was wrapped securely around her body, but she hardly paid attention to the fabric covering her as she reached for the hairdryer on the vanity. The sound of movement near the closet made her pause.She turned her head—and then froze.Jaxon stood with his back to her, his broad shoulders flexing as he ran a towel through his damp hair. The dim lighting of their bedroom accentuated every ridge and valley of his toned muscles, the chiseled perfection of his body honed through years of discipline and training. But it wasn’t just the raw masculinity of his physique that stole Ashley’s breath—it was the dark, intricate ink stretching across his back.Her name was there.Ashley Elijah.Just beneath it, an elegant script detailed a date—one that sent an icy shiver down her spine. The date of her death in her past life.Her breath hitched in her throat, her pulse thrumm
Jaxon Elijah sat in his office, his fingers pressed against his temples as he listened to Harold recount the details of Henry Deneuve’s confrontation with Ashley. The more Harold spoke, the more Jaxon’s fury burned like an unrelenting inferno. His jaw clenched, his breathing steady yet deep—a dangerous calm before the inevitable storm.Henry Deneuve had dared to threaten his wife? To speak to Ashley as if she were some scheming outsider rather than the woman who had suffered and endured to reclaim her rightful place? Jaxon would not tolerate it. Not now. Not ever."Prepare the package," Jaxon finally spoke, his voice devoid of emotion but carrying an unshakable weight. "Everything we've collected on Henry over the years. I want him to see every dark secret, every skeleton buried in his past."Harold nodded without hesitation. He knew his boss well enough to recognize that this was not a moment for questioning. This was a moment of execution. The Elijah Consortium did not deal in empty
Ashley stood before the towering glass doors of an exclusive luxury boutique, her heart thudding in her chest. It was a strange sensation—one part excitement, one part apprehension. She had never done this before, never had the chance to bond with a mother over something as trivial yet meaningful as shopping. The mother she had known, the one who had raised her until she passed away, was a distant memory, blurred and bittersweet. And Camilla Connor, the woman who played the role of stepmother, had only ever used the idea of motherhood as a tool to manipulate and belittle her. But now, standing beside Uriel Deneuve, her real mother, Ashley was finally about to experience something she never had before.Uriel, graceful and poised, exuded the quiet confidence of someone who had spent her life in wealth and power yet carried an air of warmth that Ashley hadn’t expected. She reached out, gently squeezing Ashley’s hand. “Are you ready, ma chérie?” she asked in a soft voice, her foreign acce
Ashley stood in front of the grand estate, her heart pounding against her ribcage. The Deneuve estate was nothing short of magnificent, with its towering gates, sprawling gardens, and a mansion that exuded centuries of prestige and power. She had been through countless battles in life—both emotional and physical—but standing here, waiting to meet the people who had given her life, felt like the hardest thing she had ever faced.Jaxon stood beside her, his presence a solid wall of support. He hadn't said much on the way here, knowing that no words could ease the storm brewing inside her. Instead, he simply held her hand, giving her strength in his silence. Ashley squeezed his hand briefly, grateful that despite everything, he was here.The gates opened slowly, revealing a long driveway lined with aged oak trees. A butler approached them with practiced grace, bowing slightly. "Madam Ashley, Master Jaxon, welcome. Mr. and Mrs. Deneuve are waiting for you inside."Ashley took a deep breat
Ashley stood before the grand gates of the Connor estate, her heart pounding in her chest. The towering iron gates, adorned with intricate gold embellishments, loomed before her like a silent guardian of the past she was determined to unearth. She took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the leather straps of her handbag. She had spent years believing in lies, believing that Fred Connor was her father, believing that she was a part of this family despite never truly belonging. But today, she was here to uncover the truth.The guards hesitated for a moment before opening the gates, recognizing her instantly. Despite the years of neglect and mistreatment, Ashley was still considered a Connor by name, a title she never truly wanted but was forced to bear. As she stepped onto the estate grounds, memories flooded her mind—the cold stares, the whispered insults, the forced smiles at extravagant galas where she was paraded as the ‘honored’ daughter of the Connor family.She was led
Ashley sat on the edge of their massive bed, her fingers gently tracing the embroidery on the soft duvet. The silence in the room was thick, heavy with unspoken words and lingering ghosts of the past.Jaxon stood a few feet away, his broad shoulders tense, his hands buried in his pockets as he gazed out the window at the night sky. The soft glow of the city lights cast shadows on his face, making him look almost unreachable, almost like the man he used to be—the man who had once broken her heart over and over again.She took a deep breath, summoning the courage she needed. "Jaxon, we need to talk."He turned immediately, his dark eyes locking onto hers with a mix of worry and determination. He had been waiting for this conversation just as much as she had."I know," he said, taking a step toward her. "I’ve been waiting for you to be ready."Ashley nodded. "I need to know, Jaxon. I need to know what’s next for us. For Scottie. For this family."Jaxon exhaled sharply and walked toward h
The sun cast long golden streaks through the hospital window, bathing the pristine white room in a warm glow. Ashley sat at the edge of the bed, absently running her fingers over the sleeve of her hospital gown. She was ready to leave. The doctors had confirmed it that morning—she was strong enough to be discharged. But even as she prepared to return to her life, an unsettling weight pressed down on her chest.Scottie sat on the couch near the window, staring out at the world beyond the glass. He hadn’t spoken much that morning. He hadn’t smiled either.Jaxon stood near the door, his arms crossed as he watched them both carefully. His sharp eyes missed nothing, least of all the way Ashley clenched her hands together as if trying to steady herself, or how Scottie’s small shoulders seemed to shrink under an invisible burden.They were leaving this place, but the horrors of that night still clung to them, unwilling to release their hold.Ashley inhaled deeply and released a slow, shaky b
The air surrounding the Elijah Consortium’s headquarters was heavy with tension. What was once the most dominant empire in the business world was now teetering under pressure from an equally formidable opponent—the Rostishire Family. The emblem of crows, their unmistakable mark, was beginning to loom over the Elijah Family’s empire, signaling the coming of a war that was as much about power as it was about revenge.It had been three weeks since Izana Rostishire had disappeared without a trace. No ransom note, no communication, no evidence—just an eerie silence that enraged the Rostishires to no end. The head of the family, Reginald Rostishire, was a man of calculated ruthlessness, and the disappearance of his only son had turned him into a force of nature, an entity that would stop at nothing until his heir was returned.While Reginald was known for his composure, the movements he had been making in the corporate world were anything but subtle. The Rostishires had begun to sink their