It was around 9 p.m. at the Ainsley manor when a young man around the age of 23 opened the main gate and entered. He was Ambrose Li, the live-in son-in-law of the Ainsley family.
Walking into the main hall, Ambrose's expression looked tired as he took his seat on the sofa in his normal clothes. He poured himself a glass of water and drank it instantly. He got up and locked the door before taking his seat again. "Everyone must be asleep by now," he said with a sigh. "I hope she's asleep too; otherwise, I might receive an angry sermon," he muttered, and he got up, walking towards another room door. Reaching the door, Ambrose knocked twice but received no reply. Without thinking much, he opened the door and entered, then closed it behind him. Gulp!" He swallowed instantly after closing the door and turning around. On the bed was a very beautiful young lady in a blue and white skirt, lying on her stomach, busy pressing her phone with earbuds in her ears. This lady was Ava Ainsley, Ambrose's wife. A year ago, Ambrose and Ava had a traditional wedding although it wasn't a love one. Looking at Ava made Ambrose salivate. He had never seen a lady as beautiful as his wife Ava. The way she was lying down exposed her fair thighs, her pear-shaped figure, and her long hair cascading over her back, making her look even more alluring. At that moment, all Ambrose wished he could do was climb onto the bed and touch her, but he knew that would be his last time on earth because Ava disliked him. He stared at her for a while, mesmerized by her beauty. Slowly, he walked towards her, wanting to tap her to let her know he was back. Just as his hand reached her leg and was about to touch her, Ava seemed to notice the shadow. She turned around instantly, shocked to see who it was. Seeing who it was brought a heavy frown to her face. "You pervert, it's you," she screamed angrily, pulling the earbuds from her ears. "What did you want to do? Rape me?" she asked "No, no, no, Ava, how can I do that? You're my wife; why would—" "Shut up! I'm not your wife. Never in your life will you mention that again, do you understand?" she snapped. Ambrose nodded and forced a bitter smile. "Ava, what have I done to deserve this yelling from you? I've been out since daybreak, and now I'm returning. Instead of asking me how things went, you're shouting at me." Ava stood up and pointed a finger at Ambrose, hitting his chest with it. "How dare you? Me, ask you how things went." She hit his chest with another finger again. "You went out to look for a job for yourself, you jobless person." Each time she hit him with a finger, Ambrose took a step backward. "You're a worthless excuse for a husband, Ambrose," she spat. "You can’t even provide for yourself, let alone this family. You’re just a burden, living off my parents' generosity." Ambrose winced, but Ava continued relentlessly. "You're nothing but a parasite. Do you think I'm proud to be seen with you? Every time I look at you, I’m reminded of my biggest mistake. You couldn’t even manage to secure a ring for us and dare call yourself my husband." She hit his chest again. "Stop pretending like you care about this family. You’re only here because you have nowhere else to go. You're pathetic.” Ambrose felt his eyes sting with unshed tears, but he forced himself to stand his ground, taking the verbal blows as Ava continued to vent her frustrations at him. "I'm tired, Ambrose. Tired of living like this. Maybe my grandma and family are right; I should truly divorce you." She glared at him, her eyes filled with contempt. "Do you think you have any control over me just because my mom supports you? No, Ambrose. Only my mom does. Everyone else hates you. My dad, my siblings, even everyone—they all see you for what you are: a useless, pathetic excuse for a man.” Ambrose's heart sank as Ava's words cut deeper. She took a step closer, her finger jabbing his chest again. "You bring nothing but shame to this family. You think my mom's support is enough to keep you here? Think again. One word from me, and you'll be out on the street where you belong." She paused, her expression cold and unyielding. "I deserve better than this, better than you. And soon enough, I'll make sure I get it.” Ava walked to the wardrobe, retrieved a mat, and threw it at Ambrose. "Take it," she said curtly before climbing onto the big bed and covering herself with the duvet. Ambrose looked at the mat. Over the past year, this had been his usual sleeping arrangement, so it wasn't any big deal to him. He spread the mat on the floor and laid down on it. As he settled in, he could feel the warmth of the floor seeping into his body, making it uncomfortable. He got up and said, "Ava." Ava opened her eyes, annoyed. "What is it? Won't you let me sleep?" "The floor is so warm. Please, let me sleep on the bed. I'll stay on one side and promise not to roll over to your side." Ava scoffed. "You must be crazy, right? Sleep on my bed? Does that sound sensible to you? It's like you're not feeling sleepy. If you like, don't sleep and stand there." She closed her eyes again, dismissing him entirely. Ambrose hesitated but called her again, "Ava." She woke up, visibly angrier this time. "What now, Ambrose?" she snapped, sitting up and glaring at him. "Why are you disturbing me again? Can't you just let me sleep? What's wrong with you?” "I'm sorry, but I can't sleep on the floor today," Ambrose said quietly. "So, what should I do?" Ava asked "Can I go and sleep on the sofa in the hall then?" Ambrose asked, hopeful. "It's like when Grandma warned you not to ever try that; you didn't hear, right? You better sleep on the floor or don't sleep at all, and make no mistake to call me again," she said harshly before turning her back to him and pulling the duvet tighter around herself.Ambrose sighed deeply and silently muttered to himself, "Why me, God? Why Ambrose? There are young men like me out there owning millions—young men born into rich families, young men with Porsche cars. Why is mine different?"With a heavy heart, he forced himself onto the mat, squeezing himself into a comfortable position as best he could.The next morning, Ava woke up early and looked at the clock; it was around 5 AM, not even yet 6. She glanced down and saw Ambrose asleep on the mat, and she hissed lightly."He sleeps comfortably because he has nothing to do," she murmured to herself. "After all, the family business is the one that would feed him. Such a loser to call himself my husband, always bringing shame to me in front of everyone. Everyone keeps mentioning how Ava married a loser."Still muttering, she got down from the bed and walked straight into the shower room to take her bath.Getting into the shower, Ava took off her clothes, revealing her flawless skin. Her thighs were s
Elizabeth, not wanting to argue again, looked at Ambrose and held his hand then began to lead him out of the room. Ambrose followed quietly, casting a worried glance back at Ava as he left.Margaret turned her attention to Williams, her son, with a look of disappointment. "As my son, you watch your wife disrespect your mom even in your presence? Look at how you people have ruined my granddaughter's life because of that idiot. Who in this city doesn't know of that good-for-nothing guy?”Williams sighed, feeling torn between his loyalty to his wife and his mother. "Mom, you know she's Ava's mom. I value you both, but rest assured, Ava will divorce him soon and marry someone better," he replied. Margaret looked at Lucas and Lily and said, "You two go and get ready for school."She then turned to Ava and asked, "Ava, are you trying your best to secure the contract for our company? You know if we get it, it might be a life-changing opportunity for us."Ava bit her lip and replied, "Grandm
Margaret's eyes flashed with irritation. "Ambrose isn't qualified to sit with us," she retorted sharply. "He's here to help, not to dine with the family. How many times do I have to say it?”Elizabeth's expression hardened. "He's family too, Mother. He deserves to eat with us. He's not a servant.”Margaret slammed her hand on the table, rattling the dishes. "He may be your son-in-law, but in this house, he follows my rules! If I say he's not sitting with us, then he's not sitting with us!”Ambrose stood silently, not daring to utter a word. Elizabeth squared her shoulders, refusing to back down. "This is wrong, Mother. Treating him like this is wrong, and you know it.”Margaret's face twisted in anger. "Don't lecture me about right and wrong, Elizabeth. I know what's best for this family, and that boy will never be part of it. He doesn't belong here.”Elizabeth opened her mouth to respond, but Ambrose stepped forward. "It's okay, Mom," he said quietly. "I'll be fine; I'll eat in the
Ambrose scratched his head. "I've been looking all around, Ava. It's hard. Why don't you employ me in the company? I promise I'll work hard.”"Go and ask for permission from Grandma, not me," Ava said. She opened her purse, took out a $50 note, and threw it at Ambrose. "This should be enough for you."Ambrose sighed, bent down, and picked up the money. He looked Ava directly in the eye. "Thank you. I really appreciate it.""Rascal," Ava muttered before turning around. She walked close to the Subaru Outback parked, opened the driver's door, and then sat down. Lucas and Lily also opened the back door and sat down.Ambrose stood there, watching as Ava started the engine and drove off. Ambrose sighed deeply, staring at the spot where Ava's car had just been. "Why did I fall in love with such a beautiful but cold-hearted lady?" he asked himself quietly. "Will Ava ever love me?"He rubbed his forehead in frustration. "I understand," he murmured. "She's a young lady with so many opportuniti
Ava knew that Jin Wei, the young master of the Wei family, was interested in her. She had encountered him several times, and he had made his intentions clear. However, that wasn't her priority. Despite her frequent agreement with her grandmother about divorcing Ambrose, it was mostly to irritate him. Deep down, even with her resentment toward Ambrose, she wasn't ready to divorce him or get involved with another man just yet. Ava's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly recovered. "I see," she replied, choosing her words carefully. "I didn't realize the proposal was part of this negotiation." Chen leaned forward, his tone more insistent. "I came here for an answer, Ava. Just say yes, and this deal is yours.” Ava felt a surge of conflicting emotions. She had worked tirelessly to secure this meeting, and now it came down to a personal decision that could change everything. She took a deep breath, not knowing what to say. Chen glanced at his watch, tapping it lightly as if to r
Ava's eyes flashed with fury as she struggled against his hold, expressing her frustration and disappointment. "You happened, Ambrose!" she spat. "You and your useless antics!" Her words were like daggers, each one aimed at his heart. "You've ruined everything, just like you always do!" "I'm sorry, I didn't like how..." Ambrose began, his voice trailing off as Ava's furious gaze bore into him. "Who the hell are you to decide what you like and what you dislike?" Ava's words were sharp, cutting through Ambross like a knife. "Ambrose, who the hell are you?" she demanded. Ambrose stood there in silence, unable to find the right words to defend himself against Ava's accusations. He could feel the weight of her anger pressing down on him, suffocating him with guilt and shame. "S-speak," Ava insisted, her voice trembling as she pushed him to respond. "I'm sorry, Ava," Ambrose finally managed to stammer out, his head bowed in shame. "I didn't mean for things to turn out this way. I
Anna looked at Ambrose and said, "By the way, Mr. Li, can you come with us? You'll get the explanation you want.""Go with you? To where? I'm not going anywhere," Ambrose replied."Do not be afraid, Mr. Li. You won't be harmed."Ambrose shook his head again, more firmly this time. "No, you all leave. I'm not going with anyone, especially strangers.”Anna smiled gently. "Mr. Ambrose, don't you want to put an end to your sufferings? Don't you want the world to hear your name? Don't you want to enjoy luxury, spend as much as you want, and control millions?"Ambrose swallowed hard. Who didn't dream of such opportunities? Of course, he did. "What if I do? What about that?" he asked, looking intently at Anna.Anna nodded respectfully. "Trust me, Mr. Li, following us can be the solution to your problems. Look around; there's no one here. If we really wanted to harm you, we would have done that without anyone noticing.”Ambrose was stunned by her logic. She was right; harming him here would b
Ava took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. "Jonathan, I need your help. I'm in a bit of a bind with the Wei family. I was supposed to secure a major deal, but things fell apart at the last minute."Jonathan chuckled softly, though his tone was curious. "The Wei family, huh? That's a tough break. But why come to me, Ava? You've always kept me at arm's length.”"I know," Ava admitted, her voice quieter. "And I regret that now. But your father has connections with the Wei family, right? I was hoping you might be able to pull some strings and help me salvage this deal. It would mean a lot to my family and me."Jonathan paused for a moment, considering. "Ava, I'm flattered you thought of me. And you're right, my dad does have some influence. But what's in it for me? Why should I help you after all the times you've brushed me off?”Ava's heart sank a little, but she pressed on. "Jonathan, I'm asking for your help as a last resort. I know I haven't been fair to you, but this deal is
Ambrose nodded and smiled, watching Ava with a mix of amusement and affection. Just as he was about to say something, Ava suddenly stood up, her movements unsteady for a moment, but then, to his surprise, she began to sway to the music.Without any hesitation, she stepped out into the open space near their table and started dancing. The soft rhythm of the music filled the room, and Ava’s body seemed to flow effortlessly with it. Her movements, though tipsy, were graceful and captivating. She twirled, her arms floating through the air, and soon enough, she was dancing with such confidence that it mesmerized everyone around her.Ambrose was stunned. He had never seen this side of her. He watched in awe, not quite sure whether to laugh or join her. He glanced around, noticing other people had turned their heads to watch her as well. A few of them even started clapping in rhythm with her steps, encouraging her.Palermo, seated a few tables away, was glaring at her, his eyes narrowing with
Ambrose nodded and smiled, watching Ava with a mix of amusement and affection. Just as he was about to say something, Ava suddenly stood up, her movements unsteady for a moment, but then, to his surprise, she began to sway to the music.Without any hesitation, she stepped out into the open space near their table and started dancing. The soft rhythm of the music filled the room, and Ava’s body seemed to flow effortlessly with it. Her movements, though tipsy, were graceful and captivating. She twirled, her arms floating through the air, and soon enough, she was dancing with such confidence that it mesmerized everyone around her.Ambrose was stunned. He had never seen this side of her. He watched in awe, not quite sure whether to laugh or join her. He glanced around, noticing other people had turned their heads to watch her as well. A few of them even started clapping in rhythm with her steps, encouraging her.Palermo, seated a few tables away, was glaring at her, his eyes narrowing with
Ambrose nodded and smiled, watching Ava with a mix of amusement and affection. Just as he was about to say something, Ava suddenly stood up, her movements unsteady for a moment, but then, to his surprise, she began to sway to the music.Without any hesitation, she stepped out into the open space near their table and started dancing. The soft rhythm of the music filled the room, and Ava’s body seemed to flow effortlessly with it. Her movements, though tipsy, were graceful and captivating. She twirled, her arms floating through the air, and soon enough, she was dancing with such confidence that it mesmerized everyone around her.Ambrose was stunned. He had never seen this side of her. He watched in awe, not quite sure whether to laugh or join her. He glanced around, noticing other people had turned their heads to watch her as well. A few of them even started clapping in rhythm with her steps, encouraging her.Palermo, seated a few tables away, was glaring at her, his eyes narrowing with
Meanwhile, at the restaurant, Ambrose and Ava were still enjoying their dinner, the atmosphere lively with soft music playing in the background. Ambrose looked at Ava, smiling warmly as he reached for his glass.“You seem to be really enjoying the food,” he said, playfully nudging her.Ava smiled, taking a sip of her drink. “Well, it’s not every day I get to enjoy something this fancy.”Ambrose chuckled. “You deserve this every day, you know.”Ava looked at him with a mix of curiosity and affection. “You’re really full of surprises tonight.”Ambrose took her hand, squeezing it gently. “I’m really proud of you, Ava.”As they continued talking and eating, Ambrose suddenly picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks and held it out to Ava. She blinked, momentarily shocked by his gesture."Ambrose, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise and shyness."Feeding you," he said with a teasing grin. "Come on, don’t be shy."Ava’s cheeks flushed, and she glanced around th
After placing their expensive orders, both Ambrose and Ava set their phones down. Ambrose turned to her and asked, "So, how's it going?""How's what going?" Ava asked."Your work. The contract for the Wei family, I mean."Ava nodded. "It's going well. It felt like a huge weight at first, but Dera's been helping little by little, so everything's going smoothly now.”"Dera," Ambrose nodded thoughtfully. "Is she staying at the manor permanently now?"Ava shook her head. "She’s planning to rent her own place soon, once she finds something. But for now, since she's helping me out, it just makes sense for her to stay at the manor.""Alright," Ambrose nodded again. He then gently took Ava’s hand, looking into her eyes without speaking."What?" Ava asked, her voice carrying a hint of shyness.Ambrose smiled softly. "I want to apologize.”"Apologize for what?" Ava asked, slightly confused."For everything," he said. "We got married against your will. Your dreams of marrying someone wealthy or.
Meanwhile, inside, Palermo was growing bolder by the second, leaning closer to Ava as he tried to charm her.Palermo reached out, attempting to lightly brush her arm. “Come on, why don’t we just enjoy the evening together, huh?”Before his hand could make contact, Ava snapped back, her voice strong and unyielding, “Touch me, and you’ll regret it.”Palermo paused, taken aback by her intensity but still trying to play it cool. “Whoa, calm down. I’m just being friendly.”“Friendly or not,” Ava shot back, her eyes narrowing, “I’m not interested, and I’m warning you—don’t try anything again.”At that moment, Ambrose re-entered the restaurant, his eyes immediately locking onto Palermo leaning too close to Ava. His face hardened as he quickened his pace. Without hesitation, Ambrose strode up to them and forcefully pushed Palermo back, making him stumble away from Ava.“Don’t touch my wife!” Ambrose’s voice was cold, his eyes burning with intensity as he squared up to Palermo, his frame tense
Immediately Ambrose reached the table and Ava saw him, she smiled warmly and said, "You're here."Ambrose nodded, his gaze briefly flicking to Palermo with a slight frown before turning back to Ava. He handed her a single rose he had been holding. "This is yours."Ava was pleasantly surprised as she took the flower, admiring how beautiful it was. "Thank you," she said, smiling.Ambrose nodded, his expression still a bit serious as he looked at Palermo and then back to Ava. "Who's he?" he asked.Ava glanced at Palermo and replied, "This man here is Palermo. He offered to pay for my drink, and I refused. But guess what? He doesn't believe I have a husband and thinks he can give me some sort of 'great treatment.'"Ambrose’s frown deepened at her words. He turned fully towards Palermo, his voice calm but firm. "Hello, she told you she has a husband, so why are you still trying to force things?"Palermo looked Ambrose up and down with a smirk. "Where's your ring? Did you just manage to get
The staff member hesitated slightly, then leaned closer to Ava. "Madam, I understand your wish to pay, but that man is a big deal around here. It would be wise to give him face. A gesture like this—"Ava cut him off, her tone calm but firm. "I said no thanks. It's $500, right? I'll pay it myself. It's simple." She handed the staff member her card and calmly gave him the password.The staff member gave her a cold look, clearly understanding that Ava wasn’t going to be swayed. He took the card and walked back to the man in the suit. "She refused your payment and offered to pay herself," he said quietly.The man smirked, his gaze trailing back toward Ava. "Alright, don't worry about it," he replied, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. He glanced toward Ava one more time.Ava, feeling the weight of his gaze, briefly locked eyes with him before she deliberately looked away and focused on her phone. She checked the time—7:00 PM. Ambrose hadn’t arrived yet, which
Ambrose walked out to the cab which was parked outside and then sat inside. Sitting inside, the driver greeted him coolly. Ambrose responded then asked him to drive quickly. Ava had just finished changing back into the outfit she wore earlier that morning, a stylish yet practical look that blended well with her professional demeanor. She glanced at her reflection in the rearview mirror, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Satisfied with her appearance, she took a deep breath and started the car.The engine roared to life, and she quickly punched the location Ambrose had given her—Le Jardin Gourmet—into the GPS. As the directions appeared on the screen, she shifted into gear and pulled out of the lot.The drive wasn’t too long, but Ava found herself thinking about the upcoming dinner, her thoughts drifting to Ambrose. She wasn't used to such gestures from him, and the fact that he had planned the evening left her with mixed emotions. Half an hour later, Ava pulled up near