Chapter 8
993words
Yvette finally understood why Gwyneth was so set on having the abortion that day.
If this were the old Asher, he'd have been devastated for Gwyneth and concerned about her recovery after the abortion. But now, he was all about himself.
"You should ask yourself that. What have you done for her all these years? She gave you her best 12 years, and you found someone else. Please, just go."
Asher's face fell. He still didn't think he'd done anything wrong. He figured he'd given Gwyneth enough love and money in this marriage. What more could she possibly want?
Just before he left, he asked again, "Where is she?"
Yvette twirled the pen between her fingers and sneered. "If you'd come by a few days earlier, I could've told you she was at her parents' place. But now, I have no clue where she is."
Asher's face darkened with fury. He didn't expect Gwyneth to be so set on leaving him. She didn't even tell Yvette where she'd gone. "Help me get a message to her—"
Just then, Asher's phone rang.
Liana's voice cracked through the line, "Honey, my belly hurts so much."
Asher felt a pang in his chest, and he jumped to his feet. "I've got to go."
Yvette shook her head as she watched him rush off.
Meanwhile, Gwyneth was 30 miles from the Payne residence, wearing a hard hat and overseeing the workers as they renovated the guesthouse.
She'd paid for the property in full a few days ago, planning to revamp it with a biker theme to pull in young guests who wanted a unique stay.
Gwyneth got Yvette's call just as she was wrapping up a conversation with the contractor. She stepped away, casually sipping her lemon tea while listening to Yvette go on about Asher returning to the country, looking for her, and asking where she was.
After Yvette was done, Gwyneth gave a small hum and said, "I see."
Yvette looked confused. "Why aren't you reacting? Shouldn't you be happy that the scumbag's feeling regretful?"
Gwyneth frowned. "I'd be happy if he'd just sign the divorce agreement."
Lately, she'd been thinking a lot about her 12 years with Asher. She still couldn't figure out how he managed to juggle her and Liana.
Friends in their circle who knew about her past with Asher called her foolish. But she didn't regret loving him with all her heart. She was just completely disappointed in him.
As for Liana, Gwyneth was sure karma would catch up with her sooner or later.
…
The guesthouse was fully renovated after two months, and the team was all in place.
The opening day rolled around, and Gwyneth got another call from Yvette. "You won't believe this—Asher and Liana's relationship is falling apart. Now, Asher's acting like he's a devoted, loving guy."
Gwyneth narrowed her eyes. "What's he done this time?"
"Did you miss Asher's Instagram post?" Yvette asked.
"Oh, I blocked him," Gwyneth replied, totally unconcerned.
It turned out Liana had a miscarriage. She had bad stomach cramps a month ago, and Asher wanted to take her to the doctor, but she wouldn't have it.
He had no other choice but to call their family doctor, Rupert Sterling. Rupert felt something was off when he checked her pulse and kept urging Asher to get her to the hospital.
One day, Liana suddenly started bleeding. Asher rushed her to the hospital, where he found out she'd had multiple abortions and the pregnancy couldn't be saved.
After that, Asher started ignoring Liana. He would often say, "You never carried my child in nine years. Who the hell got you pregnant? Tell me! Do you know that Gwyneth had an abortion because of you?"
From then on, Asher grew resentful of Liana and started reminiscing about how good Gwyneth had been.
One time, after a fight with Liana, he had the maids toss all her stuff out of the house. She broke down in tears and started dragging Gwyneth into it and insulting her.
Asher snapped and slapped Liana right at the doorstep.
The very next day, she caused another fuss at Asher's gates. He lost it and beat her badly. The neighbors couldn't take it, so they called the police. Liana and Asher ended up getting arrested.
The officer at the station asked Asher how he could beat Liana so brutally.
"She trashed my wife and tore my family apart. My wife left me, and my child's gone..." he mumbled, breaking down in tears.
In the end, Asher was locked up for three days.
After being released, he bought the basement where he and Gwyneth had lived when they started their business. He went to the hotel where they had their belated wedding and had it decorated.
Then, he shared a post on Instagram trying to find Gwyneth.
"He's totally desperate to find you," Yvette quipped.
Gwyneth was directing her staff to set the vases up properly when Yvette's words made her stop.
Actually, she had only stayed at the Payne residence for three days. Worried Asher might come looking for her, she moved to a nearby city and bought a guesthouse, planning to spend the winter there.
Gwyneth wouldn't have found out about Asher's situation if Yvette hadn't said anything. Honestly, she didn't really care to know. The way he was acting now made her sick.
"Love that comes too late is pathetic."
"Yep! I agree, Wyn."
After chatting for a little longer, Gwyneth hung up and posted a photo on Instagram of the guesthouse's grand opening. "New chapter, new journey."
She made her Instagram private.
Right after she posted, someone commented, "Where's this?"
Gwyneth narrowed her eyes, recognizing the username right away.
