Monica's POV
By now, Ashton's reactions didn't even faze me anymore.
I had become numb to them.
I had lost count of how many times he had abandoned me without a second thought.
The first time, he stated there was an emergency meeting at the company, but in reality, Carmen had locked herself out and called him for assistance.
The second time, he told me he was flying to Europe on business, but he was actually taking Carmen on vacation.
The third time, it was 1 a.m. when Carmen got drunk and insisted Ashton pick her up.
He left without hesitation, brushing me off with a casual, "I've got a gathering."
The pattern was clear.
The sound of the doctor clearing his throat broke through those bitter thoughts.
His voice was gentle, but filled with concern. "Miss Wright, are you okay?"
I quickly wiped my tears, shaking my head to clear the fog.
I forced a small, reassuring smile for him.
He hesitated before speaking again. "From the looks of it, you've just had a miscarriage. You need to take better care of yourself, or it might be difficult to conceive again."
His words struck deep, but I knew he meant well.
I nodded, grateful for his honesty.
After leaving the lounge, I headed back to my mother's hospital room. She was scrolling absentmindedly through her phone, but when she saw that Ashton wasn't with me, her brow furrowed.
"Where's your fiancé? Did you chase him off again?"
I froze. It wasn't the first time my mother had made a snide remark about Ashton.
She always valued money over anything else, and it made me feel like I was invisible.
"He probably had something to take care of," I said, keeping my voice steady. "He left early."
She didn't press further, her eyes dropping back to her phone.
"Alright, alright. Go home. Look at yourself. You're as pale as a ghost, and I'm the one stuck in a hospital bed. Go home and rest."
Satisfied that she was fine, I left the hospital.
On my way out, I checked my social media feed. One new post caught my eye.
[Had a little mishap. Someone's beloved car is wrecked again. Feeling grateful to the one who came to clean up the mess despite everything.]
Attached was a photo of Ashton, looking exhausted, his face drawn with worry and care.
The post had gone up just half an hour ago, and already the comments were piling in.
[Carmen's incredible. Ashton does whatever she says now.]
[That car is his baby, and he let you wreck it? This must mean something big is coming.]
I stared at the screen, my eyes dry and burning.
Maybe I'd cried so much that there was nothing left.
Ashton had never shown me that kind of affection before. He wouldn't even let me eat in his car, insisting it would leave a smell. He also wouldn't allow me to drive it, claiming that I wouldn't be able to afford the repairs if something happened.
When I finally got home, strange noises drifted from the living room.
My heart skipped a beat. Ashton shouldn't have been home yet.
Could it be a thief?
I pushed the door open and froze.
Carmen sat casually on the couch in a revealing outfit. Ashton was there too, bare-chested and wearing only pants.
They both turned to look at me, their faces completely guilt-free.
My anger flared. "What the hell are you two doing here? Get out of my house! Did I invite you in?"
Ashton didn't flinch.
He lowered his head, speaking calmly. "Carmen was covered in dirt and dust. This place was the closest, so she came here to clean up. Nothing happened."
Carmen, clinging to him, added sweetly, "Yeah, Monica, don't be mad! Ashton's just helping me out. I'm sure you understand."
I sneered. "Ashton, don't disgust me. You own countless properties, but you brought your mistress here? Do you enjoy this? Does cheating excite you?"
His expression hardened, irritation flashing across his face. "Looks like the pregnancy hormones are messing with your head. Why are you being so unreasonable? Didn't I warn you before? You never listen."
He turned to Carmen, signaling her to leave. "Carmen, let's go. Don't waste your time on her."
