Chapter 1 Divorce Agreement

"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.