2

I was usually the first one up. I’d lay out my husband’s work clothes and then make breakfast for everyone.

But this time, I wasn't going to do it. It wasn't fair that they all slept soundly and woke up to a ready-made meal, while I did all the hard work—only for them to show absolutely no appreciation for my sacrifices.

They constantly criticized my cooking. I didn't want to wake Leonard up, either. I didn't care anymore if he was late for work.

All this time, I’d never received a monthly allowance because my mother-in-law held the purse strings.

Come to think of it, I’d been a fool. Nothing more than a maid and a free prostitute. The thought of it made me sick. Before long, Leonard woke up. He rushed to take a shower.

Afterward, he woke me up in a rather annoying manner.

"Isla Grace, where’s my work uniform?"

"Can’t you get it yourself? I’m still sick," I replied, keeping my eyes closed.

Leonard snorted in annoyance and headed straight for the walk-in closet.

I quickly showered as well. I couldn't wait to rediscover who I really was. Up until now, since I only stayed at home, I’d dressed casually and never bothered with makeup.

But this time, I wanted to be the old Isla Grace.

I put on a dress and applied makeup. When I walked downstairs, my husband’s family was shocked by my appearance.

Leonard included. Even he—who usually paid me no mind—glanced at me for a split second.

"Instead of cooking, you’re getting all dolled up? Where do you think you’re going?" my mother-in-law protested.

"To look for a job," I answered casually.

"A job? Doing what, exactly? You’re only a high school graduate. At best, you’d end up as a cleaner," my mother-in-law scoffed.

Anna stifled a laugh.

"Sorry, Isla Grace. We didn't mean to mock you. But if people found out an Ashford daughter-in-law was working... what would they say?" Dante interjected. Everyone will laugh at us, thinking we can't afford to feed you.

"You don't need to worry. As far as anyone knows, the Ashford family's eldest son has a wife named Anna. And the second son is still single—with everyone eagerly awaiting news of his wedding to the A-list celebrity, Serra!" I replied casually.

They looked surprised, as I usually never talked back to them. Even Leonard, who typically ignored me, began to react.

"Don't talk nonsense. Serra and I are just childhood friends!"

"It doesn't matter what your relationship is. The point is, no one knows I'm your wife. So, whatever I do out there has absolutely no impact on the Ashford family!" I answered firmly.

Leonard looked annoyed, but he remained silent.

"Why are you working?" my father-in-law interjected.

"I'm still young, Father-in-law. I'm only twenty-three. I want beautiful dresses, handbags, and makeup. I want to be like my friends—living a happy, comfortable life!" I replied, deliberately putting on a pitiful expression.

"Doesn't Leonard give you money?" my father-in-law exclaimed in shock.

I shook my head.

"I gave you an ATM card, didn't I? I transfer money every month! It's your own fault for giving that money to your parents instead!" Leonard snapped, his temper flaring.

"Which ATM card? For five years, the only money I've had to buy anything came from the leftover daily grocery allowance Mother-in-law gives me!" I retorted pointedly.

Everyone turned their gaze toward my mother-in-law.

"Why are you looking at me? I’m the one holding the card. If Isla Grace had it, she’d just hand it over to her parents. Have you forgotten that her parents are like termites, always eager to drain our wealth?"

Leonard was even more shocked.

But before he could speak, my father-in-law beat him to it. "Belle, that’s not right. Isla Grace and Anna are both our daughters-in-law, you shouldn't play favorites," my father-in-law said.

I let out a bitter laugh.

"There’s no need to worry. I can earn my own money. I don’t want to be a burden to the Ashford family anymore."

"It’s good that you know your place. Your parents owed us a fortune back then. We were generous enough not to demand repayment!" my mother-in-law sneered.

"Belle, don't go too far," my father-in-law urged, trying to defend me.

"The dowry for Anna was only 25 percent of what Isla Grace’s father owed us. So, it’s only natural that Anna gets more now, isn't it?" my mother-in-law snapped, her temper rising.

I fell silent, as that was indeed my weak point.

"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law is right. And I have no right to ask for more. So, please, let me work," I pleaded.

"Isla Grace, are you sure you want to work?" my father-in-law asked, wanting to be certain.

"Yes," I answered without hesitation.

"Very well, if that’s your decision. If you want to work, that’s fine. I’ll have Leonard help you secure a good position at his office," my father-in-law added.

"There's no need for that, Dad. I’m going to work with Aria," I declined. We began our breakfast together.

Midway through the meal, Leonard’s phone rang. He immediately stepped away to answer it. After hanging up, he said his goodbyes and left.

"Leonard, you could give Isla Grace a ride while you're at it," my father-in-law suggested.

"I have important business to attend to, Dad!" Leonard refused, then left immediately.

My mother-in-law and Anna stifled their laughter. They mocked me for the fact that Leonard never cared about me.

But I remained silent, this sort of thing was an everyday occurrence for me.

After breakfast, I called Aria. She arrived to pick me up shortly after.

"Now this is the Isla Grace I know—my best friend. It’s a pleasure to see you looking so beautiful," Aria greeted me.

"From now on, I’m going to cherish myself," I replied.

Aria immediately took my hand and led me to her car. She drove me to a magnificent house in an exclusive neighborhood.

"Whose house is this?" I asked curiously.

"My boss's. He hasn't left for the office yet at this hour, which is why I brought you here. But don't worry—I spoke to him last night. He said he’d audition you privately. If he likes what he sees, you’ll get a few months of training, and then—boom—you’ll make your debut!" Aria explained at length.

"Is it really that easy?" I asked in astonishment.

"Yeah, not everyone who wants to be a singer gets an opportunity like this overnight. We only got it because of an inside connection."

Just as I was about to step out of the car, I spotted my husband’s car driving past.

"What is it?" Aria asked.

"That looked like Leonard's car," I replied.

"And I saw a woman inside, though I couldn't make out exactly who it was."

"Who else could it be but Serra? She lives in this upscale neighborhood too, after all."

Even though I had resolved not to pin my hopes on Leonard, it still hurt. I had loved him for five years, yet all I’d received in return was pain and disappointment.

"Jealous?" Aria teased.

"No," I said, deflecting the question.

"It’s written all over your face. That’s why you shouldn't just stay home playing nurse to your mother-in-law. Get out there and see how big the world is. Leonard isn't the only man out there—especially once you enter the entertainment industry. There are plenty of handsome guys around," Aria urged.

I just chuckled. I had absolutely no intention of looking for another man. It wasn't because I loved Leonard too much, rather, I realized that if I wanted to be happy, I couldn't pin my hopes on a man.

When Aria rang the doorbell, the door opened shortly after, revealing a strikingly handsome young man.

"Are you Isla Grace?" the man asked politely.

"Yes," I replied, lowering my head shyly.

"I'm Dominic. Come on in!"