Chapter 11
782words
Blythe reminded him of Gwyneth in so many ways. But in the end, she wasn't Gwyneth.
"I'll head over tomorrow evening," Asher said.
"Got it, Mr. Crowe," Milena replied.
…
The next morning at breakfast, Kieran absentmindedly stirred his milk. He had a calm presence, but he carried authority with every gesture.
His gaze landed on Gwyneth beside him. "I heard he's been having a rough time lately. He won't miss any of the parties in Laverston. Maybe you should just skip it this evening?"
Gwyneth stopped chewing her sandwich for a second and shook her head.
Since her divorce two years ago, she had less to worry about, and her complexion had gotten so much better. She had a nice healthy glow to her.
"No, it's fine. I'll be there as planned," she replied.
Gwyneth had been expecting to see Asher again on her first day back in Laverston. Since it was bound to happen anyway, she figured she might as well face it.
If she ran into Asher tonight, she could use the chance to get him to sign the divorce agreement. If he still wouldn't sign, she'd just file for divorce.
She hadn't been in the right headspace to deal with this for two years. Now that she was fully recovered and they'd been apart for two years, getting a divorce was much a done deal.
…
The party began on time, with guests trickling in one by one.
With a glass of wine, Asher went around and toasted with everyone. But his company had been struggling with declining profits, and hardly any people around entertained him. It was a different story two years ago.
The talk of the night was definitely Blythe. Many guests were talking about her impressive achievements for someone so young.
She was every bit as formidable in business as the men. She could hold her liquor, had a sharp eye, and a killer business mind.
The more Asher heard them talk about Blythe, the more it felt like they were talking about Gwyneth. When he started his business, a big part of his success was thanks to Gwyneth.
A stir at the entrance caught everyone's attention. Kieran showed up in a white suit, looking like the perfect gentleman. His right hand was holding a young woman's hand.
She wore a white satin gown, her hair styled up and her delicate features shining through. Her gaze was steady, with a subtle serenity as if she had made peace with everything.
When Asher saw that familiar face, it felt like time stopped around him. He stared at Gwyneth, not even blinking.
She walked into the center of the party, smiling and clinking glasses with everyone who came to toast, her movements smooth and graceful.
"Babe!"
The whole room fell quiet immediately. Gwyneth knitted her brows and turned her head. Asher stepped forward, ready to wrap his arms around her.
Kieran stepped in front of Gwyneth just in time, his gaze cold. "Mr. Crowe, keep your hands off her."
Asher's face tightened. He wanted to lash out, but the fact that Kieran was a Lauder made him swallow his anger.
Gwyneth didn't want to ruin the party Kieran had set up for her. She narrowed her eyes and calmly said, "Kieran, let's take this somewhere else."
Kieran raised an eyebrow and gave a small smile. She didn't call him "Kie" like she usually did.
Gwyneth and Kieran were standing close together in the yard. He wore a white suit, and she a white gown, and together, they made quite the striking pair.
Asher stood across from them, his face tight with anger. He looked at Gwyneth, his eyes full of regret. She had this luminous glow, looking both charming and serene.
He paused for a long moment. He had so much he wanted to say, but all he managed was, "Babe, didn't we agree to go abroad together? We were so in love. Why did you back out?"
Kieran couldn't help but smirk in mockery. In love? How dare he even say that?
Gwyneth stared at Asher, calm as ever. "Because I wanted a divorce."
She'd wanted a divorce the moment he brought up taking Liana abroad.
When she found out he'd been cheating on Liana for nine years, she was still so love-struck, telling herself that after 12 years together, she should give him another chance.
"Can you give me another chance?" Asher asked cautiously, his eyes pleading as he looked at Gwyneth.
