Divorce me I'm done serving you (Ayla) novel Chapter 3

Troy walked through the café doors in a sharp suit, tall and striking, like a model straight off a runway. His polished look and commanding presence drew more than a few stares from the patrons in the cafe, most of them sneaking glances with quiet admiration.

Beside him was another man, early thirties, refined and confident.

Ayla recognized him immediately-Norris Payne from Agron University, a well-known figure in computer science.

She had once read on Reddit that he was leading research on Al and data-driven stability.

Behind them trailed Jed Grant, Troy's assistant, carrying a file in his arms.

It made sense they were together. Winston Group was a leader in Trensea's tech industry. Meeting Norris was likely part of business.

Ayla's heart sank. The last thing she wanted was to run into Troy.

But if she stood up and left now, it would only draw attention. She hoped he wouldn't notice her.

Fate wasn't on her side.

In the very next moment, Troy's eyes locked on hers.

Their gazes met.

His expression was flat and cold, like she was a stranger. Then he looked away, uninterested, as if her presence meant nothing.

It was no surprise to see Ayla.

Jed followed Troy's glance and spotted Ayla too. He gave no sign of surprise. Instead, he turned back and said, "The private room is this way, Mr. Winston and Professor Norris."

Ayla exhaled softly in relief. Maybe that was the end of it.

But then they stopped.

Norris asked, "Mr. Winston, do you know the woman by the window? Forgive me, but I noticed both you and your assistant looked at her."

Troy had expected Ayla to appear at his company, not here.

It didn't really surprise him, but that didn't mean he welcomed it.

His reply was curt and cold. "She's my maid."

Norris froze.

He hadn't asked because of Troy's glance, but because he thought he recognized her. He remembered seeing her years ago at Agron University's lab.

But that couldn't be right. Agron was one of the top universities in the country. Even their average graduates never ended up as house help.

Norris knew that student from Agron University was an absolute genius, a genius among geniuses. His lab was now stuck on a major problem. If someone with her talent joined, the issue could be solved in no time. But a few years ago, she had suddenly vanished without a trace.

Norris had even gone through every graduate file, but all of them were ordinary. None matched that brilliant mind he remembered.

By his estimate, with her skills, just a few published papers would have shaken the entire field. She could have become the youngest professor in Agron University's history. She might have even earned a place in the Computer Science Hall of Fame.

Her future should have been limitless.

Thinking of this, Norris sighed. Maybe he was mistaken. There was no reason to dwell on it. "Let's go, Mr. Winston."

Troy didn't spare Ayla another glance. He walked straight into the private room.

Ayla's fingernail scraped against the coffee cup, making a sharp, unpleasant sound.

Max once came over for dinner. After tasting Ayla's cooking, he was blown away. He even joked that he'd only marry a woman who could cook like her. Troy, in his usual flat tone, said, "Marrying a chef is all it takes to make you happy."

Loving someone really could make you foolish.

Back then, Ayla didn't think much of it.

She thought it was harmless. But now, looking back, it was ridiculous.

Three years of effort, and all she got was the role of a cook and a maid. What kind of love was that?

A wave of pain hit her. It wasn't just pain-it felt like a heartache she realized too late, piercing her heart over and over like tiny needles that wouldn't stop.

Knock! Knock!

As soon as Troy entered the private room, Jed walked over and tapped on her table.

Her thoughts snapped back. She looked up at him.

Jed's face was tight with irritation as he asked coldly,

"What are you doing here? Didn't Mr. Winston warn you not to follow him around?"

Once, when Martin was sick, Ayla couldn't reach Troy.

She had no choice but to ask his secretary and eventually found him at a bar.

Troy had been completely drunk. When she tried to help him up, he shoved her down on the couch and kissed her fiercely.

Ayla was shocked-but also thrilled.

Troy had always been cold to her. That was the first time he kissed her on his own.

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