Chapter 3

Asher looked away awkwardly, not daring to look into my eyes. He softly comforted me, "Lucy just cried very hard. You know all her belongings have been soaked in water at home. I just wanted to comfort her... It's just a bag. Elle, I promise you, I'll buy you ten more expensive ones later, okay?"

I lowered my eyelids and stopped looking at Lucy's provoking gaze. "It's okay. I don't mind. Lucy can keep it if she wants to."

I did not even want Asher anymore, let alone a bag.

Asher gave a relieved smile. "I knew Elle was obedient. Today, the auction house will be putting up the king of gems, the Heart of the Ocean. I'll have someone go and win it back for you right away!"

He took out his phone and gave orders to his subordinate as he walked out of the room.

As soon as Asher left, Lucy's smile vanished and was replaced by a cold and sarcastic look. "You're really patient. Aren't you even angry? You're faking everything, right?"

I looked at her calmly. Having known the truth, I had been sad and angry, but now I could face everything without any strong emotions.

"Asher loves me. You don't know that, do you? He married you just to shut those old fools up. You're just a tool, Elle. You're so pathetic!" Lucy laughed triumphantly and casually played with the Gucci strap.

If I had not known the truth beforehand, I might have lost my composure in public. Now, I calmly retorted, "So what? Donna's position is mine. If he loves you so much, why won't he marry you?"

Lucy looked at me in disbelief, seemingly not expecting that I, who had always been weak, would fight back so fiercely. "I knew you were faking it! But even if you get Donna's position, so what? Everything Asher has is mine!"

She quickly suppressed her anger, revealing a hint of sarcasm. "You think Asher spoils you, but for every gift he gives you, he gives me something even more expensive! He promised you a regional limited edition, but gave me a global limited edition. If he celebrates you with citywide fireworks for a day, he'll make it up to me for two. Everything you get is something I don't want! If I wanted that Heart of the Ocean, do you think Asher would give it to me or save it for you?"

Lucy's words struck my heart like hammer blows. Even his doting affection that had moved me was deception!

Asher's affections were always reserved for Lucy, while I only received scraps that Lucy rejected.

My silence seemed to annoy Lucy. She stood up arrogantly, looking down at me. "Elle, you've upset me. In three days, do you think Asher will choose me, or go back to your parents' house with you?"

After Lucy left, I could not resist calling Asher. "Asher, are you sure you want to go back to my parents' house with me?"

Asher agreed readily as always, "Of course, I promised you! I will keep my promise, no matter what happens!"

Indeed, Asher had never broken a promise he made to me since we got married.

Last year, on my birthday, he said he would take me to Sicily to see the sea. The day before departure, the Ace family's rival forces suddenly attacked their territory. That night, Asher led the army in a desperate counterattack with bloodshot eyes. The fierce battle lasted a full day and night.

I sat alone in the manor, thinking he would not return. However, he appeared before me, covered in blood. "I promised to take you to see the sea on your birthday."

Covered in wounds, he brought me onto the plane to Sicily, finally fulfilling his promise to me.

That day, I cried my eyes out for his perseverance and severe injuries.

Lucy's words deeply hurt me, but I still refused to believe that he would break his promise to me for Lucy, even though he loved her.

I told myself to take a gamble. If he stayed for me this time, I could forgive his deception and give him a chance to explain.

Three days later, the men my father sent arrived at the manor on time. Ten extended Lincoln limousines were parked at the gate. The bodyguards helped me with my luggage. However, I waited and waited until noon, but Asher still had not appeared.

"Miss, it's already noon. Shall we leave?" A bodyguard softly reminded me of the time. My heart sank as I dialed Asher's number, but both my calls were hung up on.

Then, Lucy sent me photos and provocative words.

Lucy: [Are you still foolishly waiting? Asher isn't going back today. Give up!]

The photo showed a lively party — Asher was embracing Lucy as he smiled gently at the party.

What was captivating was the dazzling sapphire necklace around Lucy's neck.

The priceless Heart of the Ocean!

I silently put down my phone and said to the bodyguard, "Let's go."

I thought, 'Asher, this was your last chance, but you didn't seize it. From today on, the baby and I will leave your world forever and never return.'