Take the trash out.

Ashley Pov. 

Food was served, and I watched as he fed her like a pro at child care. This was certainly not the man I knew; it was not the same person who had left home with me. "You should eat, Ashley. We have a lot to do after this and won't have time to sit down again," Ian reminded me from the other end, and I slowly dug out my food.

 Surprisingly, the Chef had not only served me my favorites but also made sure not to add ketchup to my plate. I did not like it, and I do not remember ever relaying that information to anyone. The kids constantly laughed at Ian's lame jokes, but the atmosphere was calm, like always; nothing good lasts long. The gates were soon opened, and a white Range Rover, a grey pouch, and a black Mercedes drove in. Instantly, my cutlery found its way to the floor, making everyone turn to me. 

"Lily.. are you okay?" Lydia was first to ask and it took me a while to know she was referring to me. Lily, a name no one has called me by since the passing of my grandparents. "Oh" I picked up my cutlery but I couldn't bring myself to eat more food. I felt myself tense up and the food I had eaten threatened to come out. Of all days, it had to be today. "Ashley?" The stern cold voice of my husband snapped me out of my thoughts. I could barely see the others, my eyes barely lingered on him for a few seconds and they were back on the new guest.

 "What's wrong?" he demanded. How could I tell him I knew those cars by heart? I had bought them separately for different occasions. The white Range Rover was mine, it was a little gift for myself so I could ease shopping and visits to my parents' place. I wouldn't have to wait for Edward to pick me up after work and drop me off at the mall. The Grey Pouche ... A gift I had gotten for my ex-husband when he won the Noblesse contract. It was a dream come true not only for the company but for us and as a thank him I got him his favorite car in the color he loves most.

 My hands clenched beneath the table. I was caring and had put everyone before me but what did I get in return? The black Mercedez was a gift for my parents. Mom had been complaining non-stop about how things were hard and Samantha's lifestyle was barely leaving them with crumbs to fall back on every month after her monthly tiffin. It was a big shot but I had gotten them a bank card with a substantial amount to be released every month, and to spice it up I got them the car. I could afford it so why not? But all that ended up with my fighting for my life at the mercy of their doing. 

The kids quickly ran to them as they stepped out of the car, leaving Lydia Alexandrai and me. Ian walked over with some staff to help carry the goods they brought inside. Samantha not only drove my car, but the smugness on her face was evident—she had won. 

"You can stay with Lydia," Alexandria said, placing her in my arms and I was more than willing to stay with her. I took her into my arms, we took back our seats watching them spray around money that wasn't theirs. The cold stone Alexandrai was back. He no longer wore a smile and his eyes appeared colder than before. I watched them exchange pleasantries and the slutty little sister of mine batted her eyelids like a drenched peacock but neither Alexadrai nor Ian looked in her way. He was not the kind of man she could mess around with. 

"Why is she all over Alex? Doesn't she know he is married?" Lydia frowned like a jealous wife. Her eyes were heavy and I could see her body wanting rest but she was forcing herself to stay awake. "Aren't you angry because I am pissed?" I chuckle at her words. I wasn't angry. Edward had given me the greatest lesson of my life. No man who values his wife would let another woman come between them talkless his wife's younger sister. Alexandria Hale was far from such. He was not only a man of great power but one who could smell desperation from afar and Samantha reeked of it. 

"WoW! See who we have here?" my mother's taunting voice tingles in my ears. I did not want Lydia to hear her viel words and I looked down to her but the little angel was fast asleep. Such calm and peaceful souls did not deserve such an end... It should have been reserved for people like my mother. 

"Hello...Mrs Manfield, so nice to finally meet you" I couldn't extend my hand as I carried Lydia. My mother scoffed glaring at my sister who instantly left the men to join her. "See who we have here baby. So this is how low you have settled? From a leading CEO to a nanny " I chuckle, her words ringing in my head. I wasn't a nanny hence there was no need to shy away and even if I were, I owed them nothing. 

"I think you have mistaken someone else, I have never been a CEO, I do own my own company but it has always been handled by others" Samantha scoffs. 

"Yeah right. Ashley, it's time you drop the act. Alexandria Hale isn't here to clean up after you and we all know you just want to climb into his bed but guess what? Edward will tell him of your past and the slut you are" Wasn't she the slut? I thought but I couldn't say it out loud.

 "You are trash," my mother added. I was done with them, I couldn't care less about the consequences of my next actions but I signaled the staff. He hurried to my side to take my orders and I held on to Lydia, my gaze never leaving my pretentious mother and her ungrateful daughter. "Please do take the trash out.. trash is meant for the dumpster and not inside the house Lydia isn't feeling well and I wouldn't want her infected"