Simon just stared at the retreating back of Ash. The moment that she was out of his sight, he went to the nearest chair and sat exhaustedly. He rubbed his face a few times, in the hopes to get his mind to think straight, but he was totally confused and distracted by their arguments.
Did she really went on a date with Gregory Holt? He knew the man. He was one of the richest bachelors in the country. His reputation as a playboy exceeds him. He couldn’t understand why Ash would want someone like Gregory. He's trash.
There are tons of scenarios floating in his mind. And he refused to be bothered by those.
Does his wife love that man? Gregory Holt was a very capable man, in terms of money and power. Something that he doesn't have. Yet.
“No, I won’t allow this.”
He needs to talk to Ash to clear things out. He knew she didn't love her anymore. Or did she ever love him in the first place?
What they had was just an arranged marriage, she was just forced to marry him because her grandfather said so. Ashley was too weak to refuse her grandfather’s request.
Simon stood and went to look for Ash.
He found her in their bedroom.
His brows knitted when he saw the papers she was holding. She was reading it, and it looks important.
When Ashley noticed him standing by the door, she gave him a smug look. She raised the papers she was holding. “Did you see this? I prepared this a long time ago. I am so caught up with your incompetence, and I can’t take this anymore.”
Simon’s heart raced as he listened to every word Ash was throwing at him. He already had an idea what those papers are for, but his mind refused to believe it. He thought Ashley would not do this, but he was wrong.
“What are you talking about, Ash? I just want to talk to you, and hope to make things between us work. Grandpa will be happy to know that.” Simon's voice was laced with sadness. He was deeply hurt by what Ash did. But he loves her, and he’s willing to make things between them work.
Ashley mockingly laughed at him. She was truly disgusted at him and Simon saw it in her face.
“No, I don’t want this marriage in the first place. I was forced to marry you at my grandfather's request. I never thought I would be marrying some useless piece of shit like you. I thought he arrange me to someone like Gregory, or any other wealthy man in the country.”
Simon felt like his whole world came crashing down his feet. He can’t believe that after years of being married to Ash, he would hear those insulting words from her mouth. It was so painful to take.
Yes, their marriage had been an arranged one. But, Simon never thought Ashley would think of him this low.
Simon tried to step closer but Ash held her hand high, so Simon stopped in his tracks. “Stop! Don’t you dare come closer!”
Again she held the papers high, “This is our divorce papers. Sign it, I want out of this trash marriage. Gregory was willing to marry, only if I divorce you. He is willing to help the company regain its name again. He will make Diamond Hotels a success again, he promised me that.” Ash stood, her head held high as she declared how capable and wealthy Gregory Holt is. “I finally found the man who could give me the world.”
Simon's hands balled into a fist. He was bleeding from the insult from his own wife. Why had this happened to him? He’s been a good husband to her. He was faithful to her despite lots of women who tried to seduce him.
With desperate strides, Simon got hold of the divorce papers. He shook his head. “No, I am not going to sign these papers. We are not going to divorce.”
He shredded the papers in front of her. A mixture of pain, disbelief, humiliation, and desperation enveloped his whole being as he tore the papers that threatened his marriage.
What Ash had said made a huge impact on him, especially on his heart. It was shredded to pieces.
Ash's face turned crimson red at the sight of the ripped papers that were scattered on the floor. Without any warning. Ashley landed her palms right directly on Simon’s cheeks, making him turn his head to the other side with the impact of her slap.
Simon winced at the pain. It’s not enough for his wife to hurt him emotionally, she had gone to the extent of hurting him physically.
Ashley was heaving in anger when Simon turned to look at her.
His face stung from the intensity of her slap. It added to the insult that he was enduring.
Ash was about to hit him again on the other side, but he was fast enough to catch her wrist.
“How dare you tear those papers?!” Ash screamed at him, her eyes flared with undeniable rage. She tried to struggle free from his grip but he held it tightly.
Ashley shouted hysterically. “Get out! Get the fuck out of my house! I will never think of you as my husband, you only had a handsome face but you are lousy in bed. I want a man like Gregory, he’s wealthy, powerful, and a beast in bed. He satisfied me many times, and I still can’t get enough of him!”
Simon’s grip on Ashley’s wrist loosened. To say that he was shocked was an understatement. He was baffled by the fact that his wife already had sex with another guy. It feels like a million shards of glass pierced through his heart, slicing him painfully.
He stared at her angry face. Everything in the background disappeared, what he saw was his wife shouting profanities at him. He couldn’t hear it. It was like his mind shut all of his senses.
Ashley left him in the room. He just watched her as she grabbed her bag and went straight to the door.
Simon clutched the fabric near his heart.
“Damn! He cursed as his body almost went limp, sending him down to the floor.
“Why?” he asked absentmindedly. No one was there to witness him break down, he was left alone in their apartment.
He grabbed his hair and bent down as he was in extreme pain, which he really was, only that it was another kind of pain. One that was so hard to heal. “Why? Where did I go wrong?”
Simon shook his head. A bitter smile appeared on his face, and his eyes were full of sadness, but there was a shadow of anger behind his sad eyes.
He can’t believe all of this was happening. He just hoped that all of these were just bad dreams, and when he woke up in the morning, what had transpired in this very room was nothing but a nightmare.
But Simon knew these were not dreams, it’s reality.
Simon groaned as he shifted from the bed. His head hurts and he was nauseated. With eyes half-closed, he looked at the window only to find that the sun was already high in the sky. He overslept and he has a hangover. He remembered himself last night getting more alcohol than his body could tolerate. As he struggled to sit on the bed, images from last night came into his memory like an avalanche. Their arguments, the insults, the divorce papers he refused to sign, and the reality that his beloved wife had sex with another man. Simon was once again devoured by the pain of what Ashley did. He realized that he was such a loser for being cheated on like this, not to mention the discrimination he endured from her family. He got drunk last night because he can’t handle the pain and humiliation. He needed to erase that from his memory, he needed an outlet and alcohol was the easiest way. He struggled to get out of bed, he felt like his surroundings were spinning. “Damn, hangovers
Simon packed his things with a heavy heart. This apartment has been his home for almost five years. Yes, they were married for five years, and he realized now that within those five years as a son-in-law of the Steele family, they never really cared for him. On top of all, he was insulted for being penniless and discriminated against for looking shabby all the time. Looking at the empty apartment one last time, Simon left. He still can't go back to his father's house, not until he commands him to go back. Until then, his real identity should be hidden, and he has no right to reveal himself for who he truly was. He will need to look for another apartment to stay in. But first, he needs money. He only had a few coins in his pocket, not enough to sustain himself.Simon took a cab going to one of the biggest banks in New York City, The Bank of New York. “Take me to the Bank of New York.” The cab driver’s eyebrows raised mockingly at Simon. But Simon didn’t mind the insulting smirk
Simon was out for almost five hours looking for a new apartment, but he hasn’t found one yet. All the owners of the apartment he inquired about showed hostile attitudes toward him, and he knew why. Simon looked down at his clothes. They were presentable at some point, but they looked worn out and old-fashioned. Maybe those owners thought that he can’t afford to pay for the monthly rent. Simon decided that he’ll look for an inn to stay for the night if he can’t find an apartment. Luckily for him, he found one just in time. The owner was an old lady who treated him a little bit more civil than the others. “You need to pay the monthly rent in advance.” She opened her wrinkly palm in front of Simon. “It’s one thousand dollars, if you can’t afford it, don’t waste my time.” She told him frankly. Due to exhaustion and hunger, Simon immediately pulled a handful of dollar bills from his backpack and handed it silently to the owner. ''Here it is, a thousand bucks.'' Mrs. Smith look
“Are you the manager of this store?” Gregory asked Willis. Willis recognized Gregory Holt when his mouth gaped open as he stared at him. Simon knew Willis never side with him. With Gregory and Ashley, he’s almost sure Willis will not listen to any of his explanations. “He’s a criminal, he tried to steal my wallet. Do you have any idea how valuable my wallet is?” Ashley hysterically cried. She even held onto Gregory’s arm like she was really traumatized. “I’m so sorry for the trouble, Mr. Gregory, Miss Steele. Simon here is a new employee, On his behalf, I want to apologize. And I will make sure this will never happen again.” Willis turned to the crowd, “Again, I’m sorry for the trouble. “I want that man behind cold bars! I can’t believe someone as lowly as him would try to harm me!” Ashley hysterically said. She feigned shock and fear in her eyes. “God, why did they hire that man? He looks like a criminal!” “I will never shop here again. I can’t believe they hired a psychoti
The Morelli family mansion is a magnificent modern Italian-style mansion. It was situated above a manmade cliff making it look more majestic. In front was a Greek-style fountain, and there was a garden full of different kinds of colorful flowers. The land stretches up to fifty acres of land, and the mansion premises itself occupies one-quarter of its total vast. It’s private property with a high-security setup that would only allow access to authorized personnel.The property has its own helipad, a golf course, and a training ground for their private armies, and inside the mansion houses an armory full of guns and high-powered weapons. Surveillance cameras were installed in every corner of the land to ensure tight security. The control room was situated on the underground level of the mansion. The sky was getting dark as they arrived at the mansion. The remote-controlled gates opened as they enter the mansion’s premises. Butlers, housekeepers, and guards lined up in front of the ma
Simon could feel the warmth in his father’s embrace. He couldn’t remember when he last hugged his father like this. Having Emiliano Morelli for a father was hard enough, being the most feared mafia boss in the city, his father had to maintain a stiff personality and not show even an ounce of tenderness because it will be seen as a weakness. And having a weakness in the underworld means downfall. “I’m so glad you’re here now, son.” His father, Emiliano tapped his cheek and went back to his table. “It’s good to see you back home, Salvatorre.” Federico, the underboss of the clan, stood behind his father’s desk, and both hands were on his back. The man looked dangerously handsome, he was the same age as his father but the difference between the two was so obvious. He looked serious but there was a hidden smile behind his stiff appearance. Simon took a careful step as he went inside the office. It’s been ages since he last entered this room, and the feeling was almost foreign for Sim
Despite Simon’s refusal to have a welcome party for him, his father never listened. A private party was held inside the mansion, exclusive only for those who are part of the Morelli clan. Those who reside within the walls of the mansion enjoyed as they celebrate the return of their master. Unlike some other days, the clan members were smiling and laughing. For the first time in so many years, the Morelli’s mansion looked alive, laughter and music can be heard all throughout the vicinity.Delicious food was served and there was a lot of booze for all. The whole mansion was happy that Simon was back. The clan felt secure now that Simon will take over the business. Simon and Emiliano already had a deal. He wanted his identity to remain hidden as he took over both their legal and illegal business, and his father agreed. But Emiliano is not the big boss of a mafia clan without a reason, he made a deal with Simon. “Father,” Simon called out for Emiliano.Emiliano was on the mansion’s ter
Simon made his way to the garage with Marcus behind him. They are going to buy a new car for him to use. He wanted to buy something flashy for himself today. After all the hardships that he experienced when was still with the Steele family, Simon thought that he deserve something fancy.“Are you sure you’re not going to change that?” For the third time, Marcus asked him. His friend even winced when he looked at his clothes again and then compared them to Marcus’ personal preference. Marcus was used to wearing an elegant Armani suit even on normal days. He always opted to look formal whatever the occasion is if there was even one. He’s been bugging him since the moment he saw what he wore, and Simon wanted to laugh at his reaction. Marcus was horrified.Simon looked down at his clothes. Nothing has changed with the way he dressed since he returned to the mansion. He still uses his shabby clothes, and Simon saw how Marcus disapproves of him. Simon just shrugged his shoulders and didn