7
Looking at the string of zeros on the phone screen, I was stunned.
Jackson continued to message me: “Take good care of yourself these next few days. This is your allowance.”
In seven years of marriage, Jackson had never cared about me, nor did he know I’d always lived a tough life.
Sometimes, when I couldn’t even get money from my part–time jobs, I would shamelessly borrow from him.
Each time, he would mock me, taunt me, then transfer a hundred or two hundred dollars to humiliate me.
This time, it was the first time he had cared for me.
But why, why was this delayed care only given after I died?
By the time Jackson got on the high–speed train home with Ashley, it was already late.
Sarah, my best friend, couldn’t take it anymore and messaged him: “Jackson Hayes, didn’t you say you were coming to visit Chloe? Where are you? Are you coming or not?”
Jackson finally remembered. “Apologies, something urgent came up. Next time.”
Sarah remained in the “typing…” status for a full five minutes, making Jackson frown.
Ashley predicted, “Maybe Chloe is right beside her, furious that you’re not coming.”
The next second, Sarah sent only one sentence: “There won’t be a next time.”
Ashley smiled, skillfully twisting the truth. “See? I told you it was Chloe. She’s just throwing a tantrum. It doesn’t look like she’s very sick. Jackson, don’t worry, even if Chloe wants to hit me when I get back, I won’t fight back. She hit me before, too, when she tried to take my place and said she was the one who saved you. It didn’t hurt.”
Upon hearing about that past incident, Jackson’s expression softened even more. “Ashley, you’re just too kind. Chloe is petty and stubborn. I apologize to you on her behalf.”
After that, Jackson perfectly played the role of a good husband, allowing Ashley to bask in her family’s admiration.
Everyone envied her for finding such a wealthy and handsome CEO.
When they saw the marriage certificate, their eyes turned red with jealousy.
Ashley grew increasingly audacious amidst the praise.
On the fifth day of being home, she even lingered in Jackson’s room, refusing to leave, pouting, “My mom asked why we, a newlywed couple, are sleeping in separate rooms. Honey, how am I supposed to explain that to her?”
Even as a ghost, I felt a bitter taste in my mouth.
She certainly sounded familiar calling him that.
Judging by Jackson’s doting behavior towards her these past few days, he might even give in.
But to my surprise, Jackson’s face suddenly turned cold.
“Ashley, you can call me that in front of others, but there’s no need to privately, is there?”
#21 PAL
He picked up his clothes and began to pack. “I’ve helped you meet all the relatives these past few days. You should be sailshed. Chios hasn’t replied to my messages in five days, she’s clearly hurtous Lean’t delay any longer. I need to go back soon.”
Ashley felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over her head. She gritted her teeth, but could do
I stared blankly at Jackson.
When he was with me, he was always dismissive, constantly mocking me.
I never knew he would actually worry about me not replying to his messages for a few days.
The next day, Jackson returned to Hayes City
The first thing he did was go to the hospital to inquire about my whereabouts.
The receptionist looked puzzled. “Our hospital has never admitted a patient by that name. Are you sure you have the right
Ashley deliberately tried to stir trouble. “Could it be that Chloe is perfectly fine and just deliberately trying to annoy you? How could she bear to put you through all this trouble?”
To my surprise, Jackson good–naturedly shook his head. “It’s not her fault, it’s mine, She just had heatstroke. She’ll probably be fine soon. I should have gone home to look for her first”
Ashley almost bit through her silver teeth.
A little later, Jackson drove home.
Before even entering the house, he called out my name. “Chloe, Chloe?”
Mr. Peterson, the butler, looked confused. “Young Master, Young Madam said she was going on a date with you six days ago
returned since.”
and
