Wake Up Leave The Liar novel Chapter 31

Chapter 8

It had been years since Tim last met Ashley.

He noticed the difference between her now and her confident self years ago.

He’d never imagined Ashley would feel self-doubt.

He knew little about her marriage to Chase but it must had something to do with it.

He said sincerely, “It’s okay to be behind. Your talent is unmatched. If you want, it’s not too late to start again. Don’t forget, you were our teacher’s best

student.

Ashley laughed.”He’d scoff and say that was because the others were mediocre.”

Remembering her sharp but kind professor, her smile faded.

7 saw him in the news. How is he?”

“Good. He’s just annoyed that we keep showing up.”

She laughed, missing the days of writing papers under his guidance.

“Come back, Ashley.”

Ashley tightened her grip on her cup, then nodded,”Okay.”

She’d loved VR since childhood and had abandoned her dreams for Chase for seven years.

Catching up would take time, but she believed she could do it.

Tim asked, “When will you be back?”

I need to arrange a handover. It might take a while.”

We’re waiting for you.”

They chatted for a while, then Tim checked the time.

“Someone of my team recommended me a brilliant algorithm expert, who recently returned. Do you wanna meet him?”

Ashley shook her head.”I don’t know your team. Maybe next time.”

“Okay.”

As Tim left, Chase’s sister, Yonnie, came over. Ashley had seen her in the news. She hadn’t expected to meet her here.

“‘Yonnie’

Yonnie frowned. “What are you doing here?”

It’s PA University’s centennial.”

Yonnie almost forgot Ashley graduated from PA University. What was Ashley doing here? She was not an honorary alumnus, wasn’t she?

Yonnie just wanted Ashley to show up less so she wouldn’t embarrass the family.

Yonnue stated her purpose, ‘Barney missed your cooking. I’ll send him to your place later.”

Barney was Yonnie’s son, a year or two older than Sam. Yonnie was distant from her son, who was increasingly rebellious. He liked Ashley’s cooking. Except for Chase’s grandmother, no one in the Sterling family treated Ashley with respect. Barney treated Ashley as a maid. Ashley had tolerated his disrespect for Chase’s sake.

But now, on the verge of divorce, she wouldn’t compromise anymore.

“Sorry, Yonnie. I’m busy tomorrow.” She would focus on her career. After the divorce, she wouldn’t waste her time on them.

Yonnie was surprised. Ashley had always been accommodating. She assumed Ashley must be busy. She didn’t like it.”Chase and Sam aren’t with you. What are you so busy with?”

Ashley inwardly sighed. She’d centered her life around Chase and Sam. Yonnie’s comment stung, but she wouldn’t be like that anymore.

As she was about to reply, people approached Yonnie. “Ms. Sterling!” They were there for the celebration. They glanced at Ashley and asked, “Ms. Sterling, who is this lady?

Yonnie didn’t introduce Ashley as her sister-in-law. She coldly said, “A friend.”

“Oh, a friend…”

They were all influential figures. Seeing Yonnie’s attitude, they didn’t pay attention to Ashley, except for one who admired her legs. They left with

Yonnie.

Yonnie’s attitude didn’t bother Ashley anymore. She left.

Menu

At 10 pm, Chase and Sam’s flight landed. They arrived home near midnight. Sam fell asleep. Chase carried him upstairs. Passing the master bedroom, he saw the door open, but the room was dark. He put Sam to bed and entered the master bedroom. It was empty. Ashley was gone.

The butler arrived with his luggage. Chase loosened his tie, asking, “Where is she?”

Mrs. Sterling went on a business trip.”

The butler was not around when Ashley left two weeks ago. The maids said she left with luggage. It was unusual; she rarely went on business trips, and it had been two weeks.

Chase simply said, “Hmm,” and asked no more.