Semua Bab I Slapped My Fiancé—Then Married His Billionaire Nemesis: Bab 321 - Bab 330

Though I was completely at home in Yvaine’s house, I couldn’t sleep.Without Ashton’s strong, warm arms around me, I felt strangely restless. I’d grown used to his warmth, the familiar scent of him, that unique presence that was just his.I missed him.When I woke the next morning, my head was throbbing, but I still dragged myself to work.‘You look terrible. Why not just rest at home? You’re the boss, after all.’ Yvaine watched me with concern.I forced a smile and shook my head. ‘No, it’s fine.’Work was better. Sitting around with nothing to do would just leave me brooding.‘Alright then, I’ll come to Sugar & Whim too. It’s right across from your studio, so I’ll be nearby if you need me.’I raised an eyebrow at her. ‘You actually remember you own a cake shop?’It was a miracle her place was still in business, let

‘What did she say to me? Don’t you already know the answer? Some things are pretty obvious, Ashton. Don’t treat me like I’m stupid. I might not be as clever as you, but I’m not a complete fool,’ I said, my voice cold.I couldn’t decipher the look he gave me. ‘Some things aren’t what they seem.’‘Doesn’t matter anymore.’ I swallowed hard, a bitter smile touching my lips. ‘Looks like I expected too much. I should’ve been grateful for what I had, instead of asking for more. I need to get to work.’I walked away, not looking back.He still wouldn’t tell me the truth. He knew I knew. He knew I’d reached out to Naomi. So why was he staying silent?Back at the studio, I was quiet and withdrawn, wrapped in a cloud of gloom. Priya had the sense not to ask what was wrong.I drifted through the rest of the day in a daze, and after work, I went straight to Yvaine’s.Ashton said he’d only allow me one night away, but since when did I have to obey him? I wasn’t his employee. Or his servant.Yvaine

‘Eat something first.’ He used the serving spoon to heap a generous portion of seafood linguine onto my plate. ‘Look at you, you’ve lost weight. I don’t get it. He’s hurt you this badly. Why are you still with him? Is it just to spite me? Even if it is, hasn’t it gone on long enough?’ His frown was full of what looked like genuine concern.‘Rhys, I don’t have all day. If you’re not going to talk, I’m leaving.’ I wasn’t in the mood for his games.‘You always were stubborn.’ He sighed. ‘Look, I know I wasn’t a good man. When I was with you, my heart was still with Catherine. I was cold to you. I admit all that. But it takes one to know one. And because I’ve been there, I understand what Ashton’s doing. His behaviour over Genevieve speaks for itself. He’s hiding things from you for another woman’s sake. Whatever his reasons are, whatever excuses he might have, the fact is, he lied. He betrayed you. How is that any different from when I was seeing Catherine behind your back?’I wanted to

I drifted in and out of consciousness, my whole body burning as if on fire, my throat so parched it felt like it was full of sand.‘Mirabelle. Mirabelle…’ A man’s voice reached me, familiar yet strange in that hazy moment.Cold sweat beaded on my forehead. I felt utterly wretched.‘Mirabelle, Mirabelle… wake up… you’re having a nightmare,’ the same male voice urged. Then, to someone else, ‘Doctor, how is she?’Another voice answered, ‘Physically, she’s stable. The main issue is her mind.’ The speaker sighed. ‘Once the fever breaks, the nightmares will cease and she’ll wake up properly. She’ll be fine.’‘I see. Thank you, Doctor.’I drifted off again.The next time I woke, the sky was just beginning to lighten.My head was throbbing painfully, and my throat hurt so much it felt like swallowing glass.

‘Fine. Just make sure you call me if you need anything, okay? And if that absolute bastard gives you any more trouble, you call me too.’ Yvaine shot another venomous look in Ashton’s direction.‘I know.’‘Okay, well… just look after yourself. No more jumping into lakes, you hear me?’‘It wasn’t exactly by choice. I’ll explain it all another time. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. Now go home and get some sleep. I’ll message you later.’ I managed a faint, pale smile.‘Alright.’ Yvaine sighed in resignation and added one last thing: ‘You have to be okay.’I was nodding again.‘I’ll watch you go,’ she said with another sigh.Ashton swept me up into his arms. ‘You’ve lost weight,’ he said, his voice rough.Hearing him say that, I felt, for some reason, like I might cry.I pressed my lips together and stayed silent.He carried me to the car, settled me into the passenger seat, and fastened my seatbelt for me. He kissed my forehead, closed the door, got into the driver’s seat, then pulled away.He