Back In The Arms Of My Billionaire Ex Husband

"Come see me now or else..." she read aloud.

 Ashley scoffed, wondering what trick Jude had up his sleeve by sending her a video of her at the club.

 "What a pathetic move," she muttered. "What exactly are you trying to prove, Jude?"

 She shoved her phone back into her pocket, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. The moment he cheated on her, he became no better than a stranger.

 Ashley walked back into the room, making sure to keep her expression neutral, only to freeze at the sight before her.

 A young teenage girl was sitting beside Tristian on the bed, her head resting on his chest as he gently stroked her hair with his free hand.

 Ashley cleared her throat.

 The girl jolted upright, her face flushing with embarrassment.

 "Hi, I'm Nyla," she said, waving awkwardly.

 Tristian had mentioned Ashley to Nyla countless times, and she had been looking forward to meeting her.

 She was tall and petite, with delicate skin, a baby face, and fine features. Her youthful outfit matched her age, and she gave off a sweet impression, at least on the surface.

 Ashley didn't acknowledge her. Instead, she turned to her brother. "Tristian, you've barely recovered, and this is what you're doing while I'm out there worrying myself sick? If your injury gets worse, who'll be left to deal with it? Me!"

 "Sis... you're worrying too much. Nothing is going to-"

 "Be quiet!" she snapped. "I know what's good for you. That's why I'm your guardian. If anything happens to you, who's going to worry about it? Me!"

 Her sharp gaze flicked to Nyla.

 "And you, aren't you old enough to know right from wrong? What if you pressed on his injury, lying on him like that?"

 "Stop being mean to her!" Tristian finally raised his voice.

 "Oh, really? Since when did you even get a girlfriend? And you kept it from me?"

 Overwhelmed by the drama, and realizing Tristian never made mention of her, Nyla's eyes welled with tears. Without saying a word, she turned and ran out of the room.

 "Nyla! Nyla!" Tristian called after her, struggling to sit up, but she didn't look back.

 Once the room fell silent, Ashley let out a long sigh, trying to steady her breathing.

 "Why didn't you tell me you had a girlfriend?"

 "Well... you never asked," Tristian mumbled, turning his face away.

 "Young man, this isn't the time for relationships. You should be focusing on your studies!"

 Tristian snapped his head toward her, frustration etched on his face. "I'm nineteen, Ashley! I know what I'm doing. And before you start judging, maybe remember what you were like at my age."

 "Tristian!" Ashley gasped, stunned. "You better watch your words."

 She couldn't believe what had just come out of his mouth.

 "I've only ever looked out for you, and this is how you repay me?" Her voice cracked, rising with emotion.

 Tristian's heart sank with instant regret. He had never judged Ashley for her past, especially not after that night she confided in him while they played video games.

 "I'm so sorry, Sis," he said quietly. "I shouldn't have said any of that."

 But Ashley was already too upset. She stormed out of the room without another word.

 ....

 In a huge study, shelves were lined with books and files. Dante was seated on a chair, and in front of him was a desk piled with paperwork.

 He was in the study reviewing the company's records while struggling with thoughts of Ashley at the same time.

 Dante knew that with his two trusted lackeys watching over Ashley and her brother, he had nothing to worry about. But the way she had treated him earlier was killing him inside, causing him to take a brief pause to catch his breath.

 "Why does she always push me away?"

 Just then, a knock sounded at the door before it was pushed open, revealing Mrs. Montclair with a tray containing a glass of juice.

 She had single-handedly talked him into spending the night at Evermore Estate, saying his presence filled their family with joy.

 "Son, you've been working all day. Won't you get some rest?" Mrs. Montclair said, worried that her son might get stressed out after burying himself in the company's work.

 "Mom, I'm fine. I'm resuming Dad's company fully tomorrow, and it's important I study everything tonight," he calmly replied.

 Mrs. Montclair gave him a wistful smile. "Honey, it's not just your dad's company anymore. You're his son, his successor. Now that he's stepping down, it's yours to lead."

 "I didn't choose this path, you did, remember?" he said, the tone of his voice a little cold.

 "Look, son, you know you don't have to resume the company tomorrow. You can take all the time you need while Zane handles the company's affairs temporarily."

 Dante looked up at his mother. "I've already made up my mind," he said before looking away.

 "Alright, son. I'll leave you to get back to work. Make sure you have your juice before going to bed," she said before leaving the room.

 As she left the study, a smirk appeared on her face, just what she wanted. She believed she was this close to getting her son and Reese betrothed.

 Mrs. Montclair texted, He'll be at work tomorrow. You should go ahead with our plan" 

 ....

 Ashley wandered into the hospital garden, settling on a bench as she watched patients and their families pass by, chatting and laughing.

 The emptiness in her chest only deepened. The only family she had left had just cut her to the core all because of some girl.

 She pulled out her phone, hoping for a message from Dante but nothing. Her heart sank further as her thoughts began to spiral. What is he thinking? Where is he?

 She didn't return to the room until the sky had grown dark. When she stepped inside, she found Tristian fast asleep. With a sigh, she set the food from the hospital cafeteria down on the table.

 She sat on the couch and pulled out her phone again. Her fingers hovered over the screen as she typed a message to Dante, but just as she was about to send it, she stopped herself.

 At that moment, Tristian stirred. Rubbing his eyes groggily, he noticed her on the couch.

 "Sis... I'm really sorry about everything I said earlier," he mumbled.

 Ashley didn't look at him. Instead, she quietly dished out his meal and handed it over.

 "Here. Eat something so you can take your meds."

 Tristian took the plate, then gently grabbed her arm.

 "Please, say something. I hate seeing you mad at me."

 She sighed. She knew her brother well, he wouldn't stop until she spoke.

 "I'm not mad at you anymore, Tristian. I also realized I made some mistakes. I shouldn't have treated you like a little kid."

 She offered him a small smile, ruffling his hair.

 Tristian smiled back. "I know you were just trying to look out for me, Sis."

 "If you want to be with her, then go ahead. She seems... pretty nice," Ashley said. Then she leaned in and added in a soft whisper, "Just don't forget to use protection."

 Tristian's eyes widened immediately, his cheeks turning red. "We haven't even gotten to that stage, Sis and I don't plan to anytime soon," he muttered, clearly embarrassed.

 Ashley chuckled softly, finally relaxing for the first time that day.

 Just then, her phone buzzed. Hoping it was from Dante, she quickly pulled it from her pocket curious, but what met her eyes left her stunned.

 Her smile faltered.

 It was from Jude again, this time, a link. Her fingers trembled as she tapped it.

 Just watch how I ruin you for cheating on me and calling me the bad guy. Hope you love this little surprise. Next time, don't ignore my messages, you slut.

 Why now? she thought, her heart pounding.