Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10 A Dog My Family Keeps

The moment Ayla heard the word “pregnant,” her chest tightened.

口 49

Finished

The miscarriage was the most painful wound of her loveless three–year marriage. She hadn’t even told Halle, hoping the fewer who knew, the better.

Bria ripped open that scar without warning. Ayla’s fingers at her side trembled.

Bria didn’t notice. She smirked, “I know you better than anyone. If you really got pregnant, you’d shout it from the rooftops. That baby would be your golden ticket to keep your spot in the family. No way you could keep it a secret for even a second.”

In the past, Bria often mocked her for not being able to have children.

Ayla endured it because, deep down, she wanted one too.

But not this time. “If you already know, why bother to ask? Move.”

Bria laughed. “That set you off? If you knew Troy just threw Skyla a birthday party, you’d probably drop dead on the spot.”

Bria had grown up spoiled by Troy. She never wanted another woman to take his attention.

And if she had to choose someone for him, Skyla was everything Ayla wasn’t.

Skyla came from a powerful family. She was a top–tier professional, smart, beautiful, rich, and talented. She shone wherever she went.

Her hobbies were endless–racing, climbing, skiing, and surfing. There was nothing she couldn’t do.

Bria admired that kind of free–spirited life. Skyla’s brilliance made the older generation adore her. Meanwhile, her daring hobbies made her a role model for people their

Three years ago, Skyla left the country to pursue her career.

To Bria, only a woman as extraordinary as Skyla was worthy of Troy.

age.

And Ayla? She could cook, sure–but that was no different from a housemaid.

How could Ayla ever compare with her?

At least Troy seemed to agree. In all three years of marriage, Bria had never seen her brother throw Ayla a birthday party.

1/5

19:47 Wed, Dec 24 d

Chapter 10 A Dog My Family keeps

Finished

But for Skyla? He went all out. He made decorations and personal gifts and invited the most important people in Trensea to attend the party. Troy poured his heart into the arrangement.

Bria herself hadn’t gotten a handmade gift from Troy since she reached 18.

Ayla realized Bria wasn’t here for anything but to humiliate her. There was no point in talking.

She gave her a cold look and tried to walk

past.

But Bria grabbed her wrist.

“Let go.” This spoiled heiress really didn’t know when to stop.

Bria hadn’t expected Ayla to hold her ground. Dropping the act, she sneered, “You’re here to slip some money to your brother, aren’t you?”

Ayla’s pupils shrank at this.

Bria grinned like she’d just pulled off a prank. “I saw you earlier. When I asked why you came to the hospital, I was just messing with you. Don’t be mad, Ayla.”

Sure enough, Bria was here to humiliate her.

When Ayla’s gaze turned cold, Bria frowned. “You dare to stare at me when you live on my family’s money.”

Ayla’s voice was flat. “That was my money.”

Bria laughed in disbelief. “Please. You’re broke. Everything you eat, drink, or wear comes from us. Where would you even get the money? From your little secretary job? That’s hilarious.”

Then she curled her lips. “If you sneak Troy’s money to your family, I could let it slide. Everyone has poor relatives. Asking for pocket change once in a while is no big deal. My family can afford it. But don’t do that again. Next time, I’ll tell Troy.”

Ayla frowned.

Bria knew when she threatened to tattle to Troy, it always worked like a charm. She had done it plenty of times before.

Her expression made it clear she was waiting for Ayla to beg like she used to.

But Ayla didn’t. She shook off Bria’s grip with a sharp twist. Her voice was steady. “You’ve got it wrong. I have nothing to do with Troy anymore.”

Bria snorted. “Haha! Everyone knows you’re like glue he can’t scrape off. I don’t believe for a second that you will leave him.”

2/5

19:47 Wed, Dec 24 d

Chapter 10 A Dog My Family Keeps

149

Finished

When Ayla heard those words, a strange calm came over her.

She had divorced Troy. What his family thought of her no longer mattered.

Arguing with them, trying to prove herself, would only drain her. It would trap her in endless fights that meant nothing.

A few words could never change the judgment already set in their hearts.

Explaining herself was pointless.

Her earlier flare of anger came from the miscarriage.

Now, steadier, she looked at Bria and said in a quiet, flat voice, “Think whatever you want.”

Then she walked away, leaving Bria staring at her cold, retreating back.

Bria hadn’t expected that reaction from her. Her face darkened. “What a hypocrite.”

She had come with a friend, who now walked up with a bag of medicine. The friend followed her gaze. “Who was that?”

Bria sneered in disdain. “A dog my family keeps.”

The friend raised a brow. “Oh? So the dog bit you?”

Bria clicked her tongue. “Please. Dogs don’t bite their owners. This one just won’t leave, no matter how many times you kick her. It’s just annoying.”

Jed had told her that Ayla went crazy with jealousy after Skyla came back. On the surface, she was filing for divorce, but behind the scenes, she was secretly tracking Troy’s schedule.

Using such a tired old trick was pathetic. Bria could understand why Ayla gave her the attitude.

Still, whatever Ayla did was nothing but a joke to Bria.

She quickly tossed Ayla out of her mind and left with her friends.

Then Troy called.

Bria’s sour mood vanished the second she saw his name. She answered happily, “Hey, big brother, what’s up?”

Troy’s voice was deep and heavy. “He’s back in the country.”

“He?” Bria froze. A tall, stern figure flashed in her mind. Her whole body tensed, and her breath

3/5

19:47 Wed, Dec 24

Chapter 10 A Dog My Family Keeps

grew shallow.

42

Finished

Troy’s tone was sharp. “Grandpa wants everyone at the estate this weekend. If you don’t want to see him, get out of town now. I’ll handle Grandpa.”

Bria was deeply moved.

She knew it–Troy would always protect her.

That man was technically her brother, but their relationship was colder than with any stranger.

The first time she met him as a child, his sharp stare and icy presence felt like iron frozen in midwinter.

Just one look made the hair on her neck stand on end. She burst into tears, and the fear stuck. Bria was terrified to speak with him.

All these years later, she still dreaded him.

But admitting it was humiliating.

Bria wanted to push past her fear and act tough. Forcing a shaky voice, she said, “It’s been ages since I last saw him. I’m not scared.”

Troy had only called to give her the message. How she handled it was up to her. He was about to hang up.

“Troy, wait.”

“What is it?”

Bria decided to test him. “I saw Ayla at the hospital. She didn’t look awful. Maybe you should check on her?”

Troy showed no interest. His voice was flat and cold. “Don’t worry about it. Just go home early.”

The line went dead.

Bria lowered the phone and smirked. “Exactly what I thought.”

She had already guessed it, but now it was certain–Ayla meant nothing to Troy. That fact alone lit her up with joy.

After all, she never liked Ayla.

4/5

19:48 Wed, Dec 24 J

Chapter 10 A Dog My Family Keeps

Ayla got back into the car.

:

42

Finished

Halle was still on the phone with a coworker. As the owner of a tech company, Halle was always busy. The fact that she made time to celebrate Ayla’s birthday meant a lot. Ayla felt only gratitude and warmth.

When Halle saw her return, she wrapped up the call quickly. “How’s your brother?” she asked with concern.

“He’s fine. Not dying anytime soon,” Ayla said dryly.

As she started the engine, Halle gave her a sly smile. “Out so fast. He didn’t see you, did he?”

Ayla didn’t expect her friend to guess it that easily. She let out a sigh. “He holds grudges.”

“Good thing I don’t have such a difficult brother,” Halle said with relief. “Otherwise, I’d lose years off my life.”

Ayla had no words for that.

She shifted the topic. “Who were you talking to just now?”

“One of my team. He wants me to meet a senior from Agron University. She just finished her PhD, came back from overseas, and is supposed to be a top mind in AI.” Halle smirked, adding, “Not that anyone’s smarter than you. Doesn’t matter whether I meet her or not.”

Ayla smiled faintly. “She’s still a fellow alum. Might as well meet her.”

“Fine. I’ll set it up. My schedule’s ti

Chapter 10 A Dog My Family Keeps

The moment Ayla heard the word “pregnant,” her chest tightened.

口 49

Finished

The miscarriage was the most painful wound of her loveless three–year marriage. She hadn’t even told Halle, hoping the fewer who knew, the better.

Bria ripped open that scar without warning. Ayla’s fingers at her side trembled.

Bria didn’t notice. She smirked, “I know you better than anyone. If you really got pregnant, you’d shout it from the rooftops. That baby would be your golden ticket to keep your spot in the family. No way you could keep it a secret for even a second.”

In the past, Bria often mocked her for not being able to have children.

Ayla endured it because, deep down, she wanted one too.

But not this time. “If you already know, why bother to ask? Move.”

Bria laughed. “That set you off? If you knew Troy just threw Skyla a birthday party, you’d probably drop dead on the spot.”

Bria had grown up spoiled by Troy. She never wanted another woman to take his attention.

And if she had to choose someone for him, Skyla was everything Ayla wasn’t.

Skyla came from a powerful family. She was a top–tier professional, smart, beautiful, rich, and talented. She shone wherever she went.

Her hobbies were endless–racing, climbing, skiing, and surfing. There was nothing she couldn’t do.

Bria admired that kind of free–spirited life. Skyla’s brilliance made the older generation adore her. Meanwhile, her daring hobbies made her a role model for people their

Three years ago, Skyla left the country to pursue her career.

To Bria, only a woman as extraordinary as Skyla was worthy of Troy.

age.

And Ayla? She could cook, sure–but that was no different from a housemaid.

How could Ayla ever compare with her?

At least Troy seemed to agree. In all three years of marriage, Bria had never seen her brother throw Ayla a birthday party.

1/5

19:47 Wed, Dec 24 d

Chapter 10 A Dog My Family keeps

Finished

But for Skyla? He went all out. He made decorations and personal gifts and invited the most important people in Trensea to attend the party. Troy poured his heart into the arrangement.

Bria herself hadn’t gotten a handmade gift from Troy since she reached 18.

Ayla realized Bria wasn’t here for anything but to humiliate her. There was no point in talking.

She gave her a cold look and tried to walk

past.

But Bria grabbed her wrist.

“Let go.” This spoiled heiress really didn’t know when to stop.

Bria hadn’t expected Ayla to hold her ground. Dropping the act, she sneered, “You’re here to slip some money to your brother, aren’t you?”

Ayla’s pupils shrank at this.

Bria grinned like she’d just pulled off a prank. “I saw you earlier. When I asked why you came to the hospital, I was just messing with you. Don’t be mad, Ayla.”

Sure enough, Bria was here to humiliate her.

When Ayla’s gaze turned cold, Bria frowned. “You dare to stare at me when you live on my family’s money.”

Ayla’s voice was flat. “That was my money.”

Bria laughed in disbelief. “Please. You’re broke. Everything you eat, drink, or wear comes from us. Where would you even get the money? From your little secretary job? That’s hilarious.”

Then she curled her lips. “If you sneak Troy’s money to your family, I could let it slide. Everyone has poor relatives. Asking for pocket change once in a while is no big deal. My family can afford it. But don’t do that again. Next time, I’ll tell Troy.”

Ayla frowned.

Bria knew when she threatened to tattle to Troy, it always worked like a charm. She had done it plenty of times before.

Her expression made it clear she was waiting for Ayla to beg like she used to.

But Ayla didn’t. She shook off Bria’s grip with a sharp twist. Her voice was steady. “You’ve got it wrong. I have nothing to do with Troy anymore.”

Bria snorted. “Haha! Everyone knows you’re like glue he can’t scrape off. I don’t believe for a second that you will leave him.”

2/5

19:47 Wed, Dec 24 d

Chapter 10 A Dog My Family Keeps

149

Finished

When Ayla heard those words, a strange calm came over her.

She had divorced Troy. What his family thought of her no longer mattered.

Arguing with them, trying to prove herself, would only drain her. It would trap her in endless fights that meant nothing.

A few words could never change the judgment already set in their hearts.

Explaining herself was pointless.

Her earlier flare of anger came from the miscarriage.

Now, steadier, she looked at Bria and said in a quiet, flat voice, “Think whatever you want.”

Then she walked away, leaving Bria staring at her cold, retreating back.

Bria hadn’t expected that reaction from her. Her face darkened. “What a hypocrite.”

She had come with a friend, who now walked up with a bag of medicine. The friend followed her gaze. “Who was that?”

Bria sneered in disdain. “A dog my family keeps.”

The friend raised a brow. “Oh? So the dog bit you?”

Bria clicked her tongue. “Please. Dogs don’t bite their owners. This one just won’t leave, no matter how many times you kick her. It’s just annoying.”

Jed had told her that Ayla went crazy with jealousy after Skyla came back. On the surface, she was filing for divorce, but behind the scenes, she was secretly tracking Troy’s schedule.

Using such a tired old trick was pathetic. Bria could understand why Ayla gave her the attitude.

Still, whatever Ayla did was nothing but a joke to Bria.

She quickly tossed Ayla out of her mind and left with her friends.

Then Troy called.

Bria’s sour mood vanished the second she saw his name. She answered happily, “Hey, big brother, what’s up?”

Troy’s voice was deep and heavy. “He’s back in the country.”

“He?” Bria froze. A tall, stern figure flashed in her mind. Her whole body tensed, and her breath

3/5

19:47 Wed, Dec 24

Chapter 10 A Dog My Family Keeps

grew shallow.

42

Finished

Troy’s tone was sharp. “Grandpa wants everyone at the estate this weekend. If you don’t want to see him, get out of town now. I’ll handle Grandpa.”

Bria was deeply moved.

She knew it–Troy would always protect her.

That man was technically her brother, but their relationship was colder than with any stranger.

The first time she met him as a child, his sharp stare and icy presence felt like iron frozen in midwinter.

Just one look made the hair on her neck stand on end. She burst into tears, and the fear stuck. Bria was terrified to speak with him.

All these years later, she still dreaded him.

But admitting it was humiliating.

Bria wanted to push past her fear and act tough. Forcing a shaky voice, she said, “It’s been ages since I last saw him. I’m not scared.”

Troy had only called to give her the message. How she handled it was up to her. He was about to hang up.

“Troy, wait.”

“What is it?”

Bria decided to test him. “I saw Ayla at the hospital. She didn’t look awful. Maybe you should check on her?”

Troy showed no interest. His voice was flat and cold. “Don’t worry about it. Just go home early.”

The line went dead.

Bria lowered the phone and smirked. “Exactly what I thought.”

She had already guessed it, but now it was certain–Ayla meant nothing to Troy. That fact alone lit her up with joy.

After all, she never liked Ayla.

4/5

19:48 Wed, Dec 24 J

Chapter 10 A Dog My Family Keeps

Ayla got back into the car.

:

42

Finished

Halle was still on the phone with a coworker. As the owner of a tech company, Halle was always busy. The fact that she made time to celebrate Ayla’s birthday meant a lot. Ayla felt only gratitude and warmth.

When Halle saw her return, she wrapped up the call quickly. “How’s your brother?” she asked with concern.

“He’s fine. Not dying anytime soon,” Ayla said dryly.

As she started the engine, Halle gave her a sly smile. “Out so fast. He didn’t see you, did he?”

Ayla didn’t expect her friend to guess it that easily. She let out a sigh. “He holds grudges.”

“Good thing I don’t have such a difficult brother,” Halle said with relief. “Otherwise, I’d lose years off my life.”

Ayla had no words for that.

She shifted the topic. “Who were you talking to just now?”

“One of my team. He wants me to meet a senior from Agron University. She just finished her PhD, came back from overseas, and is supposed to be a top mind in AI.” Halle smirked, adding, “Not that anyone’s smarter than you. Doesn’t matter whether I meet her or not.”

Ayla smiled faintly. “She’s still a fellow alum. Might as well meet her.”

“Fine. I’ll set it up. My schedule’s tight though, so probably in two weeks.”

Halle was quick to act. She confirmed the meeting right away.

Then, just before ending the call, she asked her colleague. “Oh right, what’s this senior’s name?”

Ayla also turned her head, curious to hear the answer.

138

ght though, so probably in two weeks.”

Halle was quick to act. She confirmed the meeting right away.

Then, just before ending the call, she asked her colleague. “Oh right, what’s this senior’s name?”

Ayla also turned her head, curious to hear the answer.

138