Chad gave me a knowing look .
Knew your hadnt told them .
It wasnt that I didnt want to tell them , its that I was scared to .
The original Ashley didnt have the best relationship with her family .
Her parents were traditional and favored her brother .
She was rebellious , and her marriage to Jason had caused a huge rift .
Once Jason became successful , their attitude had done a 180 , but they constantly criticized her for fighting with him .
All in all , being the villainous ex wife hadnt been a walk in the < 12:37 32 park , even before the divorce .
But … Divorce papers are signed .
What do I have to be afraid of ? The next few days were even better than Id imagined .
I had the housekeeper pack up all of Jasons belongings and ship them to him .
The had house a huge , three story mansion been a wedding gift from my parents , but Jason .
rarely stayed there .
Every corner probably reminded him of how miserable Ashley had made him .
Hed mostly lived at his office , and later , after his business took off , he bought a condo near his company .
The original Ashley had shown up there once and found Melissa inside .
Awkward .
Melissa had quickly explained that she was just taking shelter from the rain , but Ashley had gone ballistic .
Theyd had a massive fight and didnt speak for a month .
Eventually , Ashley had caved and apologized .
She was so blinded by her obsession with Jason .
Now , the whole mansion was mine ! Jason hadnt left much behind , but after < clearing out his stuff , the place felt a little .
empty , so I went on a shopping spree .
I pointed at everything I wanted .
This , this , not that one , but everything else , please .
Certainly , Ms.
Carter , the store manager beamed .
She was happy , and so was I ! A small army of sales .
associates followed me , carrying my bags .
As we walked out , we ran into Jason and Melissa .
He looked stunned to see me .
I , however , was more focused on Melissa , who was with him .
It looked like her leg had healed enough for her to be out shopping .
Jason cleared his throat .
Her moms birthday is coming up , so I brought her to pick out a gift .
I blinked .
Oh .
Why was he telling me this ? I didnt care .
I gave them a polite nod .
But before I could walk away , Melissa spoke .
She looked slightly apologetic .
Ms.
Carter , Im so sorry .
My leg isnt quite back to normal yet , so Jason offered to drive .
me .
She glanced at my shopping bags .
You seem to have quite a lot to carry .
Would you like Jason to help you ? Ill be fine on my own .
< Textbook manipulation .
Subtly reminding Jason that Id pushed her , hinting that I shouldnt be jealous , and magnanimously offering Jasons help .
I smiled sweetly .
No , thank you .
My car is downstairs .
Besides , its probably best not to bother Mr.
Stone with personal errands .
Melissas eyes widened .
What ? I looked at Jason , confused .
Mr.
Stone , havent you told.
Melissa that were divorced ? Silence .
Melissal stared at Jason in disbelief .
His jaw tightened ..
I prefer to keep my private life private .
What ? Was that a dig at me ? All I did was throw a few divorce parties .
What a killjoy .
Melissa clearly hadnt expected this bombshell either .
She stammered , … Jason , you and Ms.
Carter are … you didnt tell me ? He seemed to remember she was there .
He frowned slightly .
Things have been hectic lately .
Wow .
Thats the same excuse he used to give the original Ashley all the time .
Now Melissa was getting the same treatment .
But for the heroine , this was fantastic news .
Her eyes darted between Jason and me , then she bit her lip , feigning apology .
Im so sorry , I had no idea .
I didnt mean to bring it up … Ms.
Carter , you dont mind , do you ? Of course , I didnt mind ! He was ancient history .
Not at all .
You two enjoy your shopping .
My sales associate is carrying all this for me .
Its quite heavy .
See you .
I took a step , but Jason stopped me .
Wait .
I turned back .
Something else , Mr.
Stone ? He frowned , clearly not used to my sudden change in attitude .
Mom said you havent visited her in a while .
His voice dropped , almost embarrassed .
If you have time , you should go see her .
He was talking about his mother , who was on dialysis .
Unlike Jason , shed always liked Ashley .
Jason had never told her hed been forced into the marriage .
She thought Ashley was a kind , generous girl who married beneath her and adored Jason .
In the early days of their marriage , Ashley had played the part perfectly , showering his mother with attention .
She knew it was her only leverage .
Jason was devoted to his mom , and he wouldnt divorce Ashley as long as she kept his mother happy .
But after the incident with Melissa , Ashley had lost her last bargaining chip .
I considered it .
Okay .
Ill go tomorrow .
The old woman hadnt done anything wrong .
Jasons expression relaxed .
Ill pick you up in the morning .
I smiled , jingling my car keys .
No need , I can drive myself .
Wouldnt want to trouble you , Mr.
Stone .
Both Jason and Melissa looked stunned .
The next morning , I drove to the nursing home .
It was a fancy place out in the suburbs , with top notch facilities and care .
And a hefty price tag to match .
Ms.
Carter , youre here , the nurse greeted me politely .
Jason had hired her , and knowing that I wasnt exactly Jasons favorite person , she always addressed me formally , never as Mrs.
Stone .
Linda , you got it wrong again , Jasons mom said from her bed .
Years of dialysis had taken their toll , leaving her frail and thin .
But she looked much better than she had before she moved to the nursing home .
Linda muttered an apology , her eyes lingering on the food container I was carrying , a flicker < of disdain in her expression .
Even the nurse looked down on my attempts to win Jasons favor .

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She knew it was pointless , that no matter what I did , Jason would only resent me more .
Ashley , dear , Jasons mom said , a warm smile lighting up her face .
Have you been busy ? Its been a while .
I sighed inwardly .
The original Ashley had only used her , but shed fallen for the act .
The old woman was innocent in all of this .
A little .
I brought you some chicken soup .
Try some later .
She took my hand and looked at me intently .
Is Jason giving you trouble again ? I shook my head , but she didnt believe me .
She sighed .
That boy has always been stubborn , keeps everything bottled up .
If he upsets you , tell me , and Ill talk to him .
Guilt twisted in my gut .
Id planned on telling her about the divorce , but now the words caught in my throat .
I couldnt do it .
I couldnt keep it from her forever , though .
I was willing , but Jason wouldnt let me .
If I kept visiting , hed probably think I was trying to win him back ! Ill … be busy for a while .
I might not be able to < 12:38 visit as often .
Ease her into it .
Find the right