Wake Up Leave The Liar novel Chapter 54

Chapter 31

Once they were a safe distance away, Cindy looked at Ashley with concern.”Ashley…”

Ashley shook her head, her voice flat. Tm fine.”

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From the moment Mark divorced her mother, he ceased to be her father in her mind. What truly pained her was the added burden on her uncle because of her, and the unfair favoritism shown to Tanya by Chase.

The thought of Chase’s undivided attention on Tanya, of his ruthlessness towards Tim and her uncle for Tanya’s sake, and his complete disregard for her feelings, was like a knife twisting in her heart. She felt a deep, agonizing pain.

“Ashley… Cindy hugged her, her heart aching.

Ashley forced a smile, saying she was alright. She’d decided to move on. All she needed was time. She could do it.

“Want to grab a drink?” Cindy suggested, sensing Ashley’s need to relax.

Ashley shook her head. “I’m good.” She craved the solace of her data more than alcohol. Immersed in her work, she could find peace, reconnect with herself, and relax.

Understanding, Cindy didn’t press further. As they headed for the parking lot, Ashley’s phone rang. It was Sam.

The faint smile on Ashley’s face vanished. After a pause, she answered,”Hello?”

Sam’s voice was laced with childish whine.”Mommy, when are you coming home?”

Ashley didn’t answer directly.”What’s wrong?”

“I’m so bored all alone. Mommy, please come home and keep me company.”

With his dad away and Tanya busy, the house was quiet, and he was terribly lonely. He missed the days when his mother would chat with him, patiently listening to him talk about his favorite cartoons and figurines.

Ashley’s voice was soft but firm.”I’ve got work to do, sweetie. Maybe next time.”

She was a mother and should strive to fulfill her son’s needs, but she also had her own life. Plus, she needed some time alone to process her emotions. Sam sounded disappointed.”Okay…”

“Mommy has to go now. Call me if you need anything.”

‘Mmm….”

The call ended, leaving Sam even more bored. Chase returned, finding him looking glum.”What’s wrong?”

“I called Mommy, asking her to come home, but she said she was busy…” Sam buried his face in a plush pillow. “Mommy’s been so busy lately.”

Chase hummed in response, settling onto the sofa and taking out his phone to discuss business. He didn’t offer comfort. Yet, by staying, instead of going to his study, he managed to cheer Sam up a bit. Sam eventually picked up his iPad and resumed playing his puzzle game. Meanwhile…

Seeing Mark return, Yonnie asked, “What took you so long?”

Mark hesitated.”I ran into Ashley,”

“Oh? You saw her?” Yonnie Mond, strikingly beautiful and successful in her own right, held considerable sway in both her family and her husband’s. Her interest in her niece, whom she hadn’t seen in years, was surprisingly minimal. Her attention quickly shifted.”Did you talk to her about Tanya joining Eternal?”

Mark nodded. I tried, but she wouldn’t listen.”

Yonnie set down her coffee cup, frowning.

“Ashley is really… I understand she’s upset about Chase and Tanya, but Chase isn’t the kind of man that someone like her can keep. As we all know, she has nothing but looks to offer. Even without Tanya, Chase would have divorced her eventually.”