Gwyneth could already tell what Asher and Liana were up to. She gave a slight frown but didn't seem mad.

"The bedroom next to the master is bigger. Let her stay there," she said calmly.

She'd already sent all her things off, so this place wasn't home to her anymore.

Asher didn't expect Gwyneth to be so easy to talk to. He sensed something was off when Liana tugged at his sleeve and gave him a sweet smile. "Honey, take me upstairs."

After taking care of Liana, Asher entered the master bedroom to find the place nearly empty. All of Gwyneth's stuff was gone.

He frowned, feeling a little off. "Where's all your stuff?"

Gwyneth sat on the edge of the bed, not even bothering to look his way. "I had them shipped abroad. I won't need to buy clothes when I get there."

Asher noticed the jewelry box on the table. It held every gift he'd given her over the years. "What about the gifts I gave you? Why didn't you ship them?"

Gwyneth scratched her head, realizing she'd forgotten to throw them out. "I forgot about that. I'll ship them tomorrow."

Asher's frown deepened, and he snapped, "Don't come asking for gifts later if you didn't ship them! I'm not wasting my time or money on you."

Gwyneth pursed her lips and said nothing.

After dinner, Asher pulled out two sets of car keys. He gave Gwyneth the Mercedes keys first. "I got this car a month ago. Once you're over there, you can drive the Mercedes."

Gwyneth took the keys without a hint of excitement.

"What about me, honey?" Liana pouted.

Asher pulled the McLaren keys from his pocket and gently grazed her cheek. "You know I wouldn't leave you out. I know how much you love this sports car."

Liana grabbed the keys and gave Gwyneth a smug smile.

Gwyneth's expression soured. Asher got her a Mercedes worth half a million dollars, but he dropped two million dollars on a McLaren for Liana. It was obvious he'd planned everything a month ago.

"The Mercedes is nice, too. Wyn, why do you look so down? I actually love driving the Mercedes." Liana smiled, pretending to be jealous. "The McLaren's too flashy. I'd rather have something more low-key."

Gwyneth frowned and handed the Mercedes keys to Liana. "If you want it, it's yours."

After all, her share was already clearly stated in the divorce agreement.

Asher observed with a sense of satisfaction as Gwyneth generously handed over the keys to the Mercedes. Normally, she would've caused a scene, smashed things, and yelled at him for being unfaithful.

Now, her ability to let it go showed she'd come to terms with it. This was exactly how he had always hoped she'd act.

…

Three days later, Gwyneth got a phone call.

"Ms. Payne, the custom birthday gift you ordered three months ago is ready. When would you like to pick it up?"

Gwyneth frowned. It was the high-end custom watch she'd prepared for Asher's birthday. She'd spent extra to have it ready for his birthday in two days, but now, it was all for nothing.

"Just give it to charity," she said.

"Pardon?" The staff sounded puzzled.

"I'm getting a divorce. Just give it to charity for me. Thank you," Gwyneth said calmly.

The staff paused for a few seconds before apologizing again and again.

Gwyneth hung up and took a cab to the hospital. The attending physician at the gynecology clinic was her close friend, Yvette Jennings.

Yvette looked behind Gwyneth but didn't find Asher. "Asher always came with you to the hospital no matter how busy he was. He's been less busy with work these last two years. Why doesn't he accompany you anymore?"

Gwyneth sat and gave a wry smile. She touched her belly, not wanting to part with the little one growing inside her. "Yvi, help me get ready for the abortion."

"Are you nuts?" Yvette's eyes went wide, assuming Gwyneth was just throwing a fit. "I get that you're angry, but it hasn't been easy for you to get pregnant after trying for three years. You finally got pregnant, and the baby's healthy—why end it?"

Gwyneth looked at Yvette and decided to be straight with her. Her voice caught as she spoke, "I'm getting a divorce. This marriage is draining me."

Yvette could almost tell what happened. She quickly got the abortion consent form ready and went with Gwyneth into the operating room.

Gwyneth was home two hours later.

Asher was in the living room, smiling fondly as he caressed Liana's belly. "Lia, you're my lucky charm. Gwyneth couldn't get pregnant after three years, but it only took you a month to make me a dad."

Liana flashed her most charming smile, clearly feeling pleased with herself. "Looks like it's not you, but some woman who's been the problem all along."

Gwyneth was changing into her slippers when those words made her stop. She quietly walked through the living room and up the stairs, looking pale.

Asher followed behind, giving her a brief look without catching how pale she seemed. He said coldly, "Lia's pregnant, so you can stop putting yourself under pressure to get pregnant. I promised her I'd give this baby all the love and care it deserves, and I won't hold back on any expenses."

After a pause, his eyes landed on Gwyneth's belly. "If anyone's to blame, it's your stubborn womb."

Gwyneth sat at the edge of the bed, her lips colorless as she looked up at him. "If both Liana and I were expecting, would you favor her kid?"

Asher looked puzzled, wondering why Gwyneth was asking that. He was pretty sure she couldn't get pregnant, so he figured it was time to stop lying to her.

"To be real, I only care about Lia having the baby. If you both end up pregnant, I'd definitely favor hers."

Gwyneth's face went pale at his words. She lowered her gaze and touched her belly. All her guilt faded away.

"Oh, and my birthday's in two days. I want to celebrate with my friends and let them know about Lia's pregnancy before I leave the country. You should come, too." Asher leaned against the doorframe, watching Gwyneth with a cold expression.

Gwyneth knew this was coming, but it still hurt to hear him say it. "If that's the case, why should I even be there?"

Asher frowned. "If you don't show up, people will think Lia's being calculative. I don't want her getting misunderstood."

Gwyneth's expression shifted through a range of emotions—bitterness, sorrow, disappointment, and emptiness. "I'm not going. No wife in her right mind would ever back up a mistress."

Asher's face stiffened. After a beat, he said slowly, "If you come, I'll grant you one request, no conditions."

Gwyneth lowered her gaze. "Fine. Just sign something for me when the time comes."

She didn't say it was for the divorce agreement.

…

Asher celebrated his birthday two days later with his friends and business partners. He took Liana's hand and led her to the center of the crowd.

He cleared his throat, and everyone hushed up at once. "I've got some good news I want to share with you all on my birthday—Lia's pregnant. I'm going to be a dad. I'm so grateful to her for making my dream of starting a family come true."

Those who knew Gwyneth quickly turned their heads to where she was sitting in the corner. She kept her head down and stayed quiet, but the tears in her eyes showed how she felt.

After Asher finally got his business off the ground three years ago, he wanted to throw her a belated wedding celebration. She preferred to keep it low-key, but he was set on having it.

"Babe, I don't want you to get jealous of other women. You've been through so much with me over the years. Now that things are finally looking up, I want to give you what you deserve," Asher said.

On their wedding day, he couldn't stop smiling at Gwyneth as they stood on stage. "Babe, it's just the two of us now. I can't wait for the day when we can have a baby and live happily as a family of three."

So, Gwyneth stayed home to take care of her health after the wedding and worked on getting pregnant. And now, Asher happily announced to everyone that he had a child, but it wasn't with her.

Everyone there knew Gwyneth was his wife. Still, many of them were sharp and wasted no time in offering their congratulations.

"Congrats on the baby!"

"Ms. Quayle is lucky to have met Mr. Crowe. She really found a great guy to settle down with."

Some of the guys sneered, clearly disapproving of what Asher had done.

"Gwyneth begged me for ages to help Asher get that partnership. She even tagged along to a ton of drinking sessions."

"Yeah, especially that time when Gwyneth went through seven rounds in one day. My wife still talks about how impressive that was."

The atmosphere lightened up again. A few were singing, while others were gathered around playing cards.

Gwyneth sat quietly in the corner, her head down as she tapped away on her phone.

Liana looked around and finally spotted Gwyneth sitting in the corner. She held her belly and slowly walked toward Gwyneth. "Gwyneth, get me a glass of water. My baby needs a drink."

Gwyneth glanced up at Liana, noticing her smug expression. She couldn't care less. "I'm busy."

Liana saw her playing a game on her phone. She moved in closer, a wicked plan forming in her head. "What if you can't get pregnant by Asher but end up pregnant by someone else? Do you think he'd divorce you and marry me instead?"

Gwyneth was in the middle of her game when she paused and narrowed her eyes. "Go ahead and try me. I'll kick you in the belly until you lose the baby."

Liana stuck her tongue out and gave a smirk. "I was just joking. Why are you so worked up?"

Gwyneth glared at her with no interest in engaging. She did what she promised Asher. She got up and left the private room.

She had no idea that Liana was already texting on her phone the moment she turned. "She's leaving. Make your move."

Gwyneth stepped out of the private room, planning to hit the restroom before catching a cab. She'd barely taken a few steps when a door to a private room swung open.

A man grabbed her and yanked her into the room, sending her crashing to the floor.

"Who are you people?" Gwyneth yelled.

A second man quickly cranked up the music to drown out her cries for help.

Gwyneth looked up, her heart racing in fear. Inside the room were six men, all eyeing her with creepy, unsettling looks.

"A pretty young wife. Now that's a rare gem!"

"I heard she's married to some big shot. We're definitely hitting the jackpot today."

"Let's do this!"

Several of the men quickly grabbed for Gwyneth. She recoiled in fear, but their hands were already all over her.

Suddenly, Liana's words came rushing back to her.

"How much did Liana pay you guys? I'll double it!" Gwyneth yelled.

"Bitch! I'm not looking for extra money today. I just want something nice to treat myself to!" the guy with bright yellow hair snapped back.

He yanked at her clothes, ripping her collar open and reaching for her neck.

Fear clouded Gwyneth's face, and despair rose inside her. Her pants were nearly down when she quickly snatched a wine bottle from the table and smashed it over the guy with yellow hair.

He took a hit to the head, and the other five men froze for a second before throwing punches at her. "You're dead today, bitch!"

Gwyneth curled up on the ground, bruised and battered.

Her will to survive kicked in, and she forced herself to get up. She grabbed the wine bottle by her feet and swung it at the six men, who dodged and backed off.

Gwyneth seized the moment and ran. The men didn't dare go after her. She returned to Asher's private room, scanning the place until her eyes landed on Liana in the corner before heading over.

Liana couldn't miss Gwyneth's bruised face and the tears in her clothes. Her eyes went wide with panic as something hit her. She shouted, "Asher!"

Gwyneth was already at her. She shot a deadly glare and kicked Liana hard in the belly.

Liana crumpled to the ground, calling out in desperation for Asher to save her.

Gwyneth landed another brutal kick in her belly. "Did I ever mention that if you touch me, I'll kick you till you lose the baby?"

"I-I don't know what you mean," Liana stammered. Fear gripped her, and she curled into a ball. Her face scrunched up in pain as she clutched her belly.

The noise died down as everyone's attention shifted to them.

Asher rushed over, pulled Liana up, and stood before her. In a fit of rage, he kicked Gwyneth in the belly. "What the hell is wrong with you? She's pregnant, and you kicked her? Gwyneth, you're so damn evil!"

Gwyneth crashed to the floor. She had just had an abortion, and her face went pale as the pain shot through her. She looked up at him. "You think I'm evil? Why don't you ask what she did to me first?"

Feeling guilty, Liana looked down, scrambling for an excuse.

Suddenly, Asher's stern voice rang out, "That's enough! I don't even need to ask! You'll do anything to get what you want, even if it means selling yourself just to seal a deal! Is there anything you won't do?"

His words hit Gwyneth like a punch to the gut. Did he seriously just say she'd do anything, even sell herself, just to land a deal?

He knew exactly what she'd been through—how she'd almost been drugged and taken advantage of by a filthy big shot while trying to land clients for him.

Asher had shown up just in time. Embarrassed, the big shot flipped out. He accused her of selling herself just to land a deal, but Asher stepped in and had her back.

But now, he turned those very accusations around on her.

Before Gwyneth could get a word out, Asher had lifted Liana and rushed her to the hospital. The crowd scattered, leaving Gwyneth sitting alone in the private room.

She looked at herself in the mirror—her collar torn, makeup smudged, bruises on her face and hands, and her hair a mess.

If Asher had bothered to really look, he would've noticed she'd almost been assaulted. But every part of him was focused on Liana.

It took a moment, but Gwyneth finally stood up, ready to head home. She'd barely taken a few steps when blood began to run down her legs.

…

Asher was gone for two days straight. He finally came home with Liana on the day to head abroad. Liana looked pale and seriously injured, but a closer look was enough to tell it was all just makeup.

Gwyneth was sitting on the couch as Asher snapped, "You should be grateful Lia's baby is safe! Otherwise, we'd be heading for a divorce for sure. Lia's got a good heart. She told me she's forgiven you.

"I promised her that once we move abroad, you'll stay in the smaller villa, and the big one is for me and her."

Gwyneth watched the TV for a moment before turning to Asher. "What if you found out the person you love is a liar? Would you still love her?"

Asher frowned, confused by what she had just asked. "No way. But how could I ever fall for a liar? Lia's got a heart of gold. I'm only into women like her."

Gwyneth dropped her gaze, hiding the disappointment she felt. "Asher, we've loved each other, but that's over now. I hope you'll grant my last wish tomorrow morning."

Her only wish left was for him to sign the divorce agreement.

Asher furrowed his brows, getting the strange feeling that Gwyneth was bidding him farewell. But they were supposed to be flying abroad together that afternoon.

"Alright. Enough of this. Grab your things. We're heading to the airport," he said.

They were at the airport two hours later. Asher and Liana walked side by side like a couple while Gwyneth trailed behind them.

Before heading to security, Gwyneth glanced at Asher. "You two are flying first class, and I'm in economy. Go ahead through the first-class security and wait in the lounge. I'll wait by the gate."

Asher was puzzled. "Why bother saving a few bucks? It's not like we're short on cash."

Gwyneth waved at him, thinking, "Goodbye, Asher. I'm never going to see you again."

Asher was about to upgrade Gwyneth's seat when Liana pulled him away. "Hurry up. The baby's hungry. Let's get through security quickly and grab something to eat in the lounge."

Once they were through security, Gwyneth turned and made her way to the domestic lane. Soon enough, she was on the plane headed for the Payne residence.

…

By early morning, the flight overseas had finally landed.

Asher got off the plane but couldn't find Gwyneth. He rang her up, but the line was met with an automated voice saying her phone was off.

"What the hell is she doing? Throwing a fit right now? I probably spoiled her too much!" Asher had no choice but to head out.

A man waiting at the arrivals area quickly spotted Asher. After checking his phone and confirming it was Asher from the picture, the man made his way over and passed him a folder.

"Mr. Crowe, Ms. Payne needs you to sign this."

Asher's face soured when he saw the document inside the folder.

A divorce agreement?