"Oh, it seems your wife has gotten you some nice clothes and, wow, a clean haircut too. So you're walking around to be seen, right?" the sales assistant mocked. Ambrose frowned but didn't say anything. He knew many people recognized him as the only live-in son-in-law, but that wasn't his concern right now. The woman turned to the sales assistant. "Do you know him?" The sales assistant nodded. "Of course. You might not be from this town if you don't know him. He's a big clown. His wife and her family take care of him. He's called Ambrose." "What? A fully grown man being taken care of by his wife?" the woman asked, disgusted. Even those around who heard this started making fun of Ambrose. The sales assistant nodded. "Of course.” The woman frowned. "Disgusting. He has destroyed my wine. He must pay." The sales assistant's expression changed. "Ambrose, she bought a $15,000 Château Margaux from me and you've destroyed it? The last time your wife was here, she didn't even buy becau
Ambrose looked at her and said, "Tell them you've gotten the notification that I've paid."The woman, eager to prove him wrong, joined the sales assistant to look at the phone. Shock washed over her instantly as she saw the message indicating that $30,000 had been received.The woman gaped at Ambrose, her previous arrogance melting away. "You actually paid?" she muttered.Ambrose didn't mind her and said to the sales assistant. “Tell them I've paid.” He commanded in a cold voice. "Uh...it's...it's been paid in full," The assistant stammered. At that moment she felt like the most ashamed person in the world. Her brain couldn't process how that was possible. The laughter and mocking ceased immediately, replaced by stunned silence. Ambrose picked up the two bottles of Chateau Margaux and handed one to the woman. "Here's your replacement," he said, his voice calm and steady. "And this one is for my wife.” Saying that he turned around and walked out without a word. As Ambrose walked ou
"Can you please call him, Ava? Please, Ambrose has been trying a lot."Ava sighed in resignation. "Fine, I will," she conceded reluctantly. She walked aside, retrieving her phone from her purse, and scrolled through her contacts until she found Ambrose's number, saved under his name. After a moment of hesitation, she tapped on his contact to call him, but then stopped herself."I won't call him," she muttered to herself, her resolve firming. "Let it not seem like I'm chasing after him. He has nowhere to go; he'll come back." With that, she placed her phone back in her purse and rejoined the party.Meanwhile, outside the Ainsley manor, a white Corolla pulled up, and a neatly dressed young man stepped out—it was Jonathan Hale.Earlier, Ava had texted Jonathan about the party, though she hadn't specified its purpose. Initially hesitant due to his inability to help Ava secure the deal, Jonathan decided to attend, unaware that Ava had already secured it and attributed it to him.As Jonatha
"I'll prove that I'm the one who deserves her," Jonathan asserted, his tone unwavering. "I won't let anyone stand in the way of our love." With a resolute nod, he stood his ground, ready to defend his claim to Ava's heart against all challengers.As the tension in the room thickened and Jonathan's challenge echoed through the hall, Ava's expression softened, her thoughts drifting to Ambrose. Despite their strained relationship and her outward coldness towards him, a pang of guilt tugged at her heart. She couldn't deny the moments of support and kindness he had shown her, especially during difficult times.Deep down, she knew that she didn't want to go through with the divorce. The idea of severing ties with Ambrose, despite their differences, felt like betraying the connection they had shared. Despite her grandmother's proclamation and the pressure from those around her, Ava couldn't shake the feeling of gratitude towards Ambrose for the unseen support he had provided.Ava's mother st
Ambrose took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "I didn't steal, I worked for someone today and she gave me this.""She?" William's glare intensified. "You've started seeing another woman, haven't you? Oh, you go around trying to hook up with women now to make money, isn't it, Ambrose?”Ambrose was stunned by the accusation. How could they think that of him? He didn't want to explain himself further, feeling it was pointless."It's fine, there's no need to question him, leave him," Ava finally spoke, annoyed by the fact Ambrose hooked up with women for money. She looked at Ambrose with frustration before turning her gaze to Jonathan. "Jonathan here showed how capable he was by helping me secure the contract with the Wei family that, due to someone, I lost.”Jonathan smiled smugly at Ambrose and said, "Ava, it's not a big deal. You don't have to keep praising me.""Huh? Jonathan helped you secure the contract with the Wei family?" Ambrose asked, shocked.He was the one who had aske
Ambrose's face hardened as he listened to the crowd's accusations. Grandma Margaret stepped forward, her face contorted with anger. "Ambrose, you despicable liar! How dare you bring a fake wine here and try to pass it off as a gift for Ava? Do you think we are fools? Do you think you can deceive us with your pathetic attempts?"Ambrose tried to speak, but she cut him off. "No, you listen to me! You have brought nothing but shame to this family. You're a leech, living off our generosity. You don't belong here, and you never will. You disgust me. How dare you try to embarrass Ava in front of everyone with your cheap tricks?”The murmurs from the crowd grew louder, echoing Grandma Margaret's sentiments. They whispered among themselves, agreeing with her harsh words."She's right. He's always been a burden.""Trying to impress Ava with a fake wine? How low can he go?"Ambrose stood there, taking in the insults and accusations, his grip tightening around the brown bag. He looked at Ava, w
Jonathan's smile remained fixed, but there was a flicker of frustration in his eyes. Ava maintained a polite smile. As the dance continued, Jonathan made another attempt, this time trying to pull her closer by the waist. Ava gracefully stepped back, creating a bit more space between them. She shot him a polite but firm look, silently asserting her boundaries. Jonathan chuckled awkwardly, trying to play it off as part of the dance.Jonathan, determined not to let Ava slip away so easily, stepped forward and took her hand again, attempting to lead her back into another dance. This time, he was more persistent, his hand repeatedly trying to find its way to her waist, itching lower each time.Ava's patience was wearing thin. She frowned, her voice low and firm. "Jonathan, stop. Don't cross boundaries.”Jonathan chuckled, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "Oh, come on, Ava. This isn't a big deal. We're just dancing."Ava's eyes flashed with anger. "I don't like it," she said. "Al
Ava went back inside where the party was in full swing. Everyone was enjoying themselves, dancing, drinking, and chatting merrily. She walked through the lively crowd and found a quiet corner to sit, lost in thought about what Ambrose had said."Didn't I always want to divorce him? What's the big problem now? Do I have to look weak now?" she hissed to herself, frustration mingling with confusion.Instantly, one of the guys who had always shown interest in her noticed her sitting alone. He walked over with a smile, trying to strike up a conversation. "Hey, Ava! Great party, isn't it? Mind if I join you for a bit?"Ava looked up, her expression stern. "I'm busy and not interested in any conversation right now," she said curtly.The guy, not taking the hint, persisted. "Come on, Ava. Just a little chat. It's a celebration after all.""I said I'm not interested," Ava repeated, her tone firmer this time.He leaned in closer, his persistence turning into unwelcome insistence. "Oh, come on.
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