Chapter 6
That night, maybe it was out of old memories, or maybe it was the sight of her silent tears.
Ashley refused to apologize. In the end, Max let it go. But as he left, his eyes held a trace of helplessness.
Ashley figured he was probably stressing over how to explain this to his little girlfriend. Not that it had anything to do with her.”
For the next few days, Max didn’t return to the house. Life settled into quiet routine–reading financial reports, spending time with her mom.
With nothing else to do, she started learning to bake with her, their conversations drifting between lighthearted and casual.
floor.
“Ash, there’s something I need to tell you.“N
Her mother’s tone was calm, but Ashley could sense the weight behind her words.”
“I’ve decided to divorce Juan.“N
Ashley’s hand trembled. The dough she was about to place on the baking tray slipped from her fingers and fell to the
It took her a moment to process what her mother had just heard.
“Is it because… Uncle Juan treated you badly?” Ashley spoke carefully.”
Meanwhile, Alana assumed her daughter was simply worried about her, didn’t think much of the hesitation in her tone. Alana patted Ashley’s shoulder gently, her voice warm. “Divorce doesn’t always need a big reason, dear. When two people stop being right for each other, it’s only natural to go their separate ways.“W
“Don’t overthink it.”
Her mother’s words made something shifted in Ashley’s heart.”
She was right. When something no longer fits, you let it go. Just like her and Max. It had taken her ten years to understand that.”
“The only thing I still worry about is you and Max. You’re both not getting any younger, yet neither of you is married.“% “And you–how heartless! Running off to another country, leaving your poor mother all alone.”
“Max isn’t much better. He may look well–behaved, but I doubt he’s any less of a headache. At least he has a girlfriend. But you?”
Alana teased, “Maybe it’s time to find yourself a nice foreign boyfriend and finally settle down.”
As they chatted, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hall.”
Ashley glanced up–Max was leaning against the wall, idly twirling a small plush toy between his fingers.”
He looked… oddly relaxed.
She lowered her gaze, choosing to stay quiet.\
Alana, however, greeted him casually, making small talk.”
Max responded politely, but his eyes kept drifting toward Ashley.”
Alaria’s gaze flickered between them, her expression thoughtful. It reminded her of the two’s tense exchange a few days ago. In the end, Alana chose not to say anything.
Sensing the heavy atmosphere, Alana took the initiative to lighten the mood.
“What’s that fluffy thing you’re holding? Looks pretty cute.“”
“This?” Max lifted the plush toy slightly, a hint of amusement in his tone. “It’s a limited edition HammyHamzy.“”
“Lili loves it. I upset her the other day, so I figured I’d bring a little gift to make it up to her.””
As he spoke, he pressed his lips together, almost sheepish, raising a hand to cover the faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
For a moment, Max looked just like a boy freshly in love–shy, sweet, completely smitten.
Ashley was suddenly reminded of seventeen–year–old Max–back when he was still innocent and unguarded, when just the sight of him could send her heart racing.
She lowered her gaze, slipping her left hand behind her back. No one noticed how tightly she clenched her fingers, her knuckles turning white from the pressure.K
She thought of the HammyHamzy keychain she had secretly tucked away in her bag. She had always liked HammyHamzy. But Max had once scoffed at it, calling it childish—something only little kids would care about.
Back then, she had believed him.
She was an executive now. Carrying something so cutesy didn’t fit her image. People would talk.
12:51 AM M.
Back then, she had believed him.
She was an executive now. Carrying something so cutesy didn’t fit her image. People would talk.
Yet, she still couldn’t resist. She had bought one anyway. She just never put it on her keys. Never let anyone see.
But because Liliana liked it, Max’s attitude had completely changed now.
The same plush toy he once dismissed without a second glance was now something he cradled carefully in his hands, treating it like a treasure.
Ashley blinked, pushing back the sting in her eyes. A normal, open relationship. Undeniable, unabashed affection.
For just a moment, she envied Liliana. Unlike her, Liliana never had to hide. Not her feelings. Not the man she loved. Not even a simple plush toy.
Ashley suddenly felt drained.
Max’s voice snapped her back to reality. “Oh, right. When I walked in just now, I heard something about a foreign boyfriend? Who’s the lucky one?*%
