2 - Don’t Waste Your Money.

Early in the morning, Sydney had gotten up and began to arrange all her belongings in several suitcases. As she zipped up the suitcase, she took one last look at her bedroom and sighed. Lot of memories were made in the same bedroom with Julia. It used to be theirs before Julian moved out. She would miss living in the same place with Julian, but as much as it would hurt her it was high time to move on. There was no point in holding on to Julian when he no longer wanted her.

The workers were sad when they found out about the separation. They knew how much they used to be in love with each other. It was sad to see their relationship come to an end. But despite how sad they were, they couldn’t express it around Sydney because she wasn't one who liked people acting vulnerable around her. Even when she was at her lowest point, she still appeared aloof and unbothered.

They were carrying her luggage outside according to Sydney's order when Ashley walked into the general living room of the mansion and stopped the maids from going out.

“Why are you taking these suitcases out of the house?” She asked. “Is Julian going somewhere?” She had just spoken to Julian on the phone and he didn’t mention this to her.

The maid shook her head. “No, Ma’am,” she answered. “These luggages belong to the boss’ wife.”

Hearing that the maid was referring to Sydney, Ashley’s interest was piqued. Where was that bitch going?. Ashley had always been jealous of Sydney. Despite that she was known to be from a poor background and hadn’t contributed in any way to his success, Julian still spoiled her with money and luxuries. She hated it.

“What's going on?” Sydney came into the living room, wondering why the maid wasn't carrying her luggage outside.

“It’s good that you are here,” Ashley looked at Sydney, looking prideful and arrogant. “Where exactly do you think you are going with all this luggage?”

“It is none of your business.”

“Well, it is Julian’s money you used to buy all these things. Someone like you isn't worthy of such privilege.”

Sydney crossed her hands across her chest, giving Ashley a sharp look. “You can have him since you consider it a privilege. I don't care.”

Ignoring Ashley, Sydney ordered the maids. “Please take the luggage outside.”

Ashley didn’t understand what Sydney meant, but she soon realized that Julian must have finally divorced Sydney. She smirked, her heart gladdened with sheer joy. Who would have thought her plan would work. Julian was all hers now that Sydnry was leaving Julian for good. Ashley laughed at Sydney when she heard her ordering the maid. “And where do you think you are going with those luggage?” She asked harshly. “All the things in these suitcases were obtained through Julian’s money. Now that he is done with you, you have no right to take anything from him.”

Sydney narrowed her eyes on Ashley. “You must think I’m just like you who depend on men for everything.”

Ashley gave Sydney a disbelief look. “Did you just compare yourself to me?” She questioned. “Why willI need a man to pay for everything when I can afford it? I’m not a leech like you! In case you have forgotten, Julian got rich because I helped him!”

Sydeny laughed, allowing Ashley to live in her little bubble for the while. “You can deceive the rest of the world, but don’t think it will work on me. And here is a little tip for you, someone who really has money doesn't have to point out that they are rich.”

Ashley narrowed her eyes. She noticed Sudney didn’t believe that she was from the Steinfeid family, but she wasn't going to prove anything to a low life like Sydney. It was Julian’s opinion that mattered to her. “That’s rich coming from a lowlife. You weren't born rich so what makes you think you know how the rich behave. Do you think you are rich because you got married to one? Keep dreaming, now that Julian has divorced you, I will make sure you leave here just the way you came!”

Sdyney was surprised at Ashley’s audacity. She had never given Ashley much regard because to Sydney, Ashley was just a wannabe, but it was high time she kept her in her place. “For a mistress, you sure do have a lot of confidence. You claim to be the most sought after woman in Vergasca, but you are here running after a once married man. I guess shame is something you can’t afford even with all the money you claim to have.”

Ashley stepped back, shocked that Sydney had insulted her right in her face. “How dare you?”

She raised her hand to slap Sydney, but Sydney grabbed her hands before it could touch her cheek. Sydney tightened her hold on Ashley and flung her hand away, a frown etched on her forehead as she was getting irritated with Ashley’s attitude. “Now listen to me, I have more important things to do than stand here listening to whatever nonsense you are sprouting. I will charge you for stealing if you keep stopping the maids from taking my luggage outside.”

“Stealing?” Ashley nearly laughed as she repeated Sydney’s words. “Isn't it obvious who is stealing between the two of us?”

“That’s enough, Ashley.” Julian ordered, entering the living room. He was surprised to see Ashley standing in the living room, causing a commotion with his ex wife.

“Julian, you can’t let her take all these!”

“I got it for her so yes, she can have it,” he said firmly. “And also, let me know when you are coming next time.”

Julian was uncomfortable with how Ashley intervened without his consent. He respected Ashley for helping him in his business, but there should be boundaries when it came to his private life.

Not wanting to be in the same room with Julian after the divorce, Sydney started walking out of the living room, but to her surprise, Julian stopped her and walked up to her.

“Sydney, wait!”

“What do you want?”

Julian stretched an envelope to her. She arched her brow, waiting for him to explain why he was stretching the envelope towards her.

“Here is a check of fifty million dollars. Take it as your alimony.”

“You can keep your money, I don't want it,” Sydney declined his offer.

“Stop acting tough, you and I both know you need this money. I mean, we are divorced now. Are you still thinking you will be able to demand money from me later in the future?” He asked, wondering why Sydney was suddenly rejecting his money. Given how poor Sydney was, fifty million dollars was such a big money to her so why was she acting like it wasn’t.

Ashley, who wasn't pleased that Julian was giving Sydney such a huge amount of money for alimony, stepped forward. “Don't waste your money on a leech like her, she doesn’t deserve it.”