For two years, Ashton had poured his heart into his marriage, yet Emalee's heart remained cold. Despite his dedication, Emalee presented him with divorce papers. She bluntly stated she could not remain married to a man whose net worth was less than a million dollars. Ashton signed the papers, closing one chapter of his life and stepping into a new beginning. Then, Ashton revealed his secret identities: a music mogul, a medical expert, and a martial arts master-each persona impressive enough to stun the world. As Ashton's true capabilities came to light, Emalee was overwhelmed with deep regret.
"Review this divorce agreement and sign it if all is in order."
At the entrance of the Sunglow Hotel, Ashton Baldwin paused and looked at the speaker-his wife, Emalee James.
It was Bobby James' birthday today. Ashton had faced many challenges to find a perfect gift and to arrive on time.
Yet, instead of receiving a warm greeting, Emalee presented him with divorce papers.
Ashton managed a strained smile and gently lowered her hand that clutched the document.
"Emalee, it's your grandfather's birthday today. There are many guests around. This isn't the time for jokes like this," he said, chuckling nervously.
However, his smile froze immediately after he finished speaking.
A chill of coldness and repulsion in Emalee's gaze struck him, something he had never witnessed before.
"This is no joke. Sign the divorce papers and leave," she declared firmly.
Desperation crept into Ashton's voice as his hope dwindled. "Why? Is this about your old flame?"
Upon his question, Emalee merely nodded, and then handed him a bank card.
"You already know why. No more words are necessary. There's money on this card. Think of it as a settlement. Sign it, take the money, and we're done," she stated icily.
Ashton's mouth twitched, but before he could respond, a mocking tone interrupted him.
"Emalee! Just divorce him already. Why bother with a settlement? Does this loser even merit that?"
Tristan James, Emalee's younger brother, had come over, wearing a look of contempt.
Locking eyes with Ashton, Tristan raised an eyebrow and scoffed, "What are you staring at? Did I offend? Remember, the James family holds a notable reputation in Inewood. My sister, a CEO, is both skilled and stunning! And you, Ashton, have proven to be an utter nonentity. What have you contributed in these two years other than sponging off us? Do you really believe you deserve her?"
He turned to look at his sister and added, "Rather than wasting money on him, Emalee, you should let me use it for a new car. At least that would be of some use!"
Emalee exhaled softly, a hint of resignation in her voice. "Ashton may not have shown much capability, but we are married, after all. Just let him take this money as his compensation."
These words left Ashton feeling both sad and powerless.
It appeared he had merely been a substitute in Emalee's life.
How could she understand that his choice to underperform was intentional?
Ashton was fully capable of eclipsing others if he desired.
Yet, he feared his success might revive Emalee's insecurities, reminding her of her talented first love who had once left her.
Choosing to suppress his abilities, Ashton had supported Emalee, allowing her to be the one to shine.
Despite his efforts to cultivate their love over two years, it was not enough to touch Emalee's heart.
Now, with her first love back, she was ready to end their marriage?
The absurdity of it made his heart sink.
People's affections, he realized, could indeed be fleeting.
"Emalee, I must ask you one final time. Are you certain you want to end our marriage?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a chill.
Emalee nodded decisively.
With a quiet sigh, Ashton resignedly said, "Well, thank you for rescuing me once. We're square now."
As he brought up their past, Emalee's face twitched with unease.
She cut him off quickly, pushing the bank card toward him.
"Why mention the past now? Just take the card and go."
Tristan, witnessing this exchange, could hardly contain his displeasure.
"Really, Ashton? You think you deserve this money?" he scoffed, moving aggressively to intercept Ashton's hand, attempting to snatch away the card.
Tristan underestimated Ashton, who, despite his frail appearance, possessed unexpected strength. He held onto the card firmly, resisting Tristan's efforts to take it.
In a moment of frustration, Tristan pushed Ashton forcefully.
Distracted, Ashton nearly lost his footing. He remained upright, but the cherished pocket watch his mother had given him fell to the ground and shattered-a final memento from her.
Ashton froze, overwhelmed by the loss, his thoughts empty.
Seizing the moment, Tristan grabbed the bank card from him.
"Hauling around junk like this, it's no surprise you're destined to lose," Tristan mocked. He glanced at the broken watch and boasted, "Phillip is not only a renowned lawyer abroad but he's also committed to taking good care of my sister. He's likely to help us secure the deal with Skyline Group, something our family has long coveted. Forget my sister, Ashton. I heard you two haven't even consummated your marriage these past two years."
Ashton's gaze turned frosty, and he swiftly knocked Tristan to the ground with a kick.
Tristan howled in agony, curling up on the ground.
Emalee, witnessing the scene, yelled out in anger, "Ashton! Remember, Tristan is my brother, and we're still married. Don't cross the line!"
Ashton retorted with a sneer, clearly disillusioned, "He just destroyed the last thing my mother gave me. Isn't he the one going too far?"
Stunned into silence, Emalee watched as Ashton, with a deep breath, snatched the divorce papers from her and signed his name without hesitation.
As Ashton solemnly signed the divorce papers, Tristan, regaining his footing, sneered at him.
He said through gritted teeth, "You're wise to not challenge us. Without the backing of our family, you're nothing!"
No sooner had Tristan finished his taunt than Ashton moved quickly and struck him across the face.
"Hold your tongue. I'm done with the James family. Don't push me," Ashton retorted sharply.
Stunned by such a reaction, Tristan lashed out, "You're a worthless loser, Ashton! You're too cowardly to confront my sister, so you lash out at me? She's well rid of you. You were never worthy of her!"
Despite Tristan's harsh words, Ashton merely chuckled and faced a shocked Emalee.
"Remember this decision, Emalee. I hope you don't come to regret it," he remarked coolly.
Unexpectedly, Emalee, who should have felt relieved at the separation, was seized by a wave of doubt.
It was the first time she had seen such an icy glare in Ashton's eyes.
Silently, she bit her lip, acknowledging the painful truth.
Her successful climb to CEO was fueled by her relentless focus on her career. At home, Ashton had meticulously managed their lives, enveloping her in care and attention.
Just as regret began to surface, the sound of an approaching car broke through her thoughts.
The sharp honk jolted her, dispelling her moment of hesitation.
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."
Looking at the divorce papers my lips curled up into a mocking smile. 'How big fool I am? How can I think that he will give a chance to this marriage? How can I forget that I was nothing more a tool in his eyes to vent his anger until his beloved Tara is back. Since, she was back, how can he let me stay there?' "After you will sign these papers, you will receive 100 million dollars as alimony." the lawyer added. Because of his words, I came back to my senses took the pen from him, and signed the name. I have also gotten exhausted from this marriage both physically and mentally. Even though I had wanted my child to be born into a complete family, I didn't want my child to have a stepmother and live miserably like me for the rest of his life. After taking the papers from my hand, the lawyer gave me the bank card, turned around, and was about to leave when he paused at the door. He then turned around and added, "Mr. Carter said that he hoped that you won't pester him, or you have to bear the consequences." The lawyer's words were like a knife stabbing in my heart, but I still nodded. Anyway, I also don't plan to have anything to do with him anymore. I just want to live a good life with my children. After the lawyer left, the ward fell into silence. I placed my hand on my belly and said to my children, "Baby, I am sorry, Mommy can't give you a complete family! But I promise you, I will do my best to give the love of both mother and father." 'As for giving one of my child, I will never do that. They are my babies and my alone. I and I will give birth to all of them and raise them no matter what.' Four Years Later... Anya came back to the country with her three kids, to inherit the company left by his grandfather...
Madison had always believed that she would marry Colten. She spent her youth admiring him from afar, dreaming of their future life together. But Colten was always indifferent to her, and when he abandoned her at a time when she needed him most, she finally realized that he never loved her. With renewed resolve and a thirst for revenge, Madison left. Endless possibilities lay ahead, but Colten was no longer part of her plans. Colten rushed to her place in a panic. "Madison, please come back to me. I’ll give you everything!" It was his powerful uncle who answered the door. "She's my woman now."
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.
Lucien Gray, the young and powerful head of an international consortium, has always had everything within his reach-wealth, influence, and any woman he desires. But when the unassuming Nina Morrison crosses his path, something unexpected happens. She doesn't fall at his feet, nor does she seem impressed by his status. Her indifference sparks an irresistible challenge in Lucien-a desire to conquer her at all costs. Determined to make Nina his, Lucien's pursuit becomes relentless. But Nina's fiery spirit and refusal to be controlled push Lucien to his limits. With every struggle and defiance, the tension between them grows, threatening to shatter the boundaries Lucien has always maintained. Now Lucien vows to claim her as his own. Will Lucien's obsession break Nina's spirit, or will she force him to confront his deepest vulnerabilities? In a game of power and desire, who will win-and at what cost?