Chapter 3: Promise

Ashley sat opposite Nathan in the study, her gaze distant as she stared at the pen on the desk. "Did you tell your mother about your decision to divorce me?" Surprise flashed in Ashley's eyes for a second, a feeling of sadness overcoming her. Her mother was obviously on Nathan's side.

Of course, she would tell him about their conversation. Her mother thought whatever was going on between them could be fixed with only a few simple words. But it would not. Not in a million years. She then replied calmly, "Yes."

Nathan closed his eyes and sighed deeply. "What is wrong with you?" Ashley was fully aware that he wasn't expecting an answer to that question. He then opened his eyes and stared at her with an emotionless gaze. However, Ashley seemed to see fury in his gaze.

"There's nothing wrong with me. I just want to end this marriage."

"Is there a reason to end this marriage?" Nathan's tone rose by a few decibels. Ashley shot up from her seat. "There are so many reasons, Nathan. One of them be not wanting to see that woman in my marital home.", Ashley voiced out. I like. Not only was she annoyed, but she was infuriated. "You don't love me, and I don't love you. What's the point of maintaining this false relationship!", Ashley's voice reverberated throughout the entire room. There were tears in the corner of her eyes, her breathing rapid.

The man stood back at her. Ashley seemed to see regret flash in his eyes, but she soon dispelled that thought. Towards Her Nathan had absolutely no feelings. "I'll give you a month to rethink your decision, Ashley. If it remains the same, I will divorce you."

Ashley's eyes lit up. "You promise?"

"I never go back on my word, Ashley."

…

Ashley spent the entire evening in a happy mood. She even had a lot of inspiration to continue writing her new novel. Ashley was a busy on her laptop when she received a call.

"Hi, Isa." Ashley said with a happy voice once she picked up the call. "You seem to be in a good mood." A female voice spoke from the other side. "I am in a good mood." Ashley replied, leaning back on her chair.

"Did something happen?", the female asked. Ashley only chuckled. "I'll tell you later." Ashley said.

The female made an "oh" sound and then spoke, "I literally almost forgot why I called you. A new club just opened opposite our favorite coffee shop I was wondering if you wanted to go."

The word 'No' Almost escaped Ashley's lips. However, she then remembered her pending divorce. In a month, she would no longer be tied to the 'Li' name.

"Alright."

The two talked for a while before the call was hung up. Ashley immediately got up to change. She wore black crazy jeans, a sparkly top and a pair of stilettos. Her long auburn hair was let loose with light makeup on her face.

"Where are you going?", she heard Nathan ask just as she was leaving the villa. "Out.", Ashley replied dryly, checking her watch for the time. It was almost 8:00 PM. "Out where?" The man neared her. After a few steps, he was right opposite her.

"Isabelle called me to go out with her." she replied, his figure towering over her, his dark blue eyes staring down at her with an imperceptible gaze. Ashley hated it when he stared at her in that manner. It made her feel exposed, raw, vulnerable. "Like this?"

She snapped out of her reverie, her heartbeat normal once more. "What does the way I dress have to do with you?" She gave him a I – don't – care look. "We're about to get a divorce anyway." The man lowered his head, Their faces only inches apart. "I'm still your husband, Mrs. Li. Remember that."

"I'm leaving." Ashley said with her hands balled into fists. She couldn't wait to divorce him. Nathan's gaze forward her till she disappeared from his sight.

"I thought you wouldn't make it." Isabelle Lockwood, Ashley's best friend, said to her once Ashley arrived in front of the club.

"I wouldn't miss it." Ashley then turned to look in the direction of the club. "Shake it off? That's the name of the club?" Isabelle chuckled at the look on her best friend's face.

"The name may suck, but I heard it's one of the best clubs in town." Isabelle said. Ashley shrugged and was pulled into the club by Isabelle. The music was loud and deafening to the ears. Ashley covered her ears, her head hurting. "Come on!"

She was led into a room by Isabelle. There, quietness prevailed." I got an exclusive pass here. Courtesy of having a perfect boyfriend." Isabelle said proudly and the two laughed before sitting on the large black sofa.

A young man came into their room interrupting their conversation. "What would you like to drink, beautiful misses?"

"Beer." Isabelle replied straight away.

Ashley was quiet. She was not allowed to drink alcohol. Neither her mother nor Nathan permitted that. Even during social gatherings where everyone had glasses of wine in their hand who stopped she only had orange juice in hers. But this time, she was determined to change her life. She wouldn't allow anyone to tell her what to do.

"A cocktail."

Isabelle looked at her with widened eyes, her mouth and deep. "Are you serious?"

"Very."

Ashley's soon regretted. Everything around her was spinning even though she was sitting. She felt queasy and her head hurt. Annoyance was all over her face after seeing that Isabelle was okay even after having three more glasses of beer and two glasses of cocktail.

"Okay, I think it's about time you went home." Isabelle held a dazed Ashley up. "I shouldn't have brought you here."

When they left the room, Ashley halted after a few steps, her gaze glued to a certain figure in the corner of the club.

"Simon," she whispered.