Worlds Apart

Gwyneth could already tell what Asher and Liana were up to. She gave a slight frown but didn't seem mad.

"The bedroom next to the master is bigger. Let her stay there," she said calmly.

She'd already sent all her things off, so this place wasn't home to her anymore.

Asher didn't expect Gwyneth to be so easy to talk to. He sensed something was off when Liana tugged at his sleeve and gave him a sweet smile. "Honey, take me upstairs."

After taking care of Liana, Asher entered the master bedroom to find the place nearly empty. All of Gwyneth's stuff was gone.

He frowned, feeling a little off. "Where's all your stuff?"

Gwyneth sat on the edge of the bed, not even bothering to look his way. "I had them shipped abroad. I won't need to buy clothes when I get there."

Asher noticed the jewelry box on the table. It held every gift he'd given her over the years. "What about the gifts I gave you? Why didn't you ship them?"

Gwyneth scratched her head, realizing she'd forgotten to throw them out. "I forgot about that. I'll ship them tomorrow."

Asher's frown deepened, and he snapped, "Don't come asking for gifts later if you didn't ship them! I'm not wasting my time or money on you."

Gwyneth pursed her lips and said nothing.

After dinner, Asher pulled out two sets of car keys. He gave Gwyneth the Mercedes keys first. "I got this car a month ago. Once you're over there, you can drive the Mercedes."

Gwyneth took the keys without a hint of excitement.

"What about me, honey?" Liana pouted.

Asher pulled the McLaren keys from his pocket and gently grazed her cheek. "You know I wouldn't leave you out. I know how much you love this sports car."

Liana grabbed the keys and gave Gwyneth a smug smile.

Gwyneth's expression soured. Asher got her a Mercedes worth half a million dollars, but he dropped two million dollars on a McLaren for Liana. It was obvious he'd planned everything a month ago.

"The Mercedes is nice, too. Wyn, why do you look so down? I actually love driving the Mercedes." Liana smiled, pretending to be jealous. "The McLaren's too flashy. I'd rather have something more low-key."

Gwyneth frowned and handed the Mercedes keys to Liana. "If you want it, it's yours."

After all, her share was already clearly stated in the divorce agreement.

Asher observed with a sense of satisfaction as Gwyneth generously handed over the keys to the Mercedes. Normally, she would've caused a scene, smashed things, and yelled at him for being unfaithful.

Now, her ability to let it go showed she'd come to terms with it. This was exactly how he had always hoped she'd act.

…

Three days later, Gwyneth got a phone call.

"Ms. Payne, the custom birthday gift you ordered three months ago is ready. When would you like to pick it up?"

Gwyneth frowned. It was the high-end custom watch she'd prepared for Asher's birthday. She'd spent extra to have it ready for his birthday in two days, but now, it was all for nothing.

"Just give it to charity," she said.

"Pardon?" The staff sounded puzzled.

"I'm getting a divorce. Just give it to charity for me. Thank you," Gwyneth said calmly.

The staff paused for a few seconds before apologizing again and again.

Gwyneth hung up and took a cab to the hospital. The attending physician at the gynecology clinic was her close friend, Yvette Jennings.

Yvette looked behind Gwyneth but didn't find Asher. "Asher always came with you to the hospital no matter how busy he was. He's been less busy with work these last two years. Why doesn't he accompany you anymore?"

Gwyneth sat and gave a wry smile. She touched her belly, not wanting to part with the little one growing inside her. "Yvi, help me get ready for the abortion."

"Are you nuts?" Yvette's eyes went wide, assuming Gwyneth was just throwing a fit. "I get that you're angry, but it hasn't been easy for you to get pregnant after trying for three years. You finally got pregnant, and the baby's healthy—why end it?"

Gwyneth looked at Yvette and decided to be straight with her. Her voice caught as she spoke, "I'm getting a divorce. This marriage is draining me."

Yvette could almost tell what happened. She quickly got the abortion consent form ready and went with Gwyneth into the operating room.

Gwyneth was home two hours later.

Asher was in the living room, smiling fondly as he caressed Liana's belly. "Lia, you're my lucky charm. Gwyneth couldn't get pregnant after three years, but it only took you a month to make me a dad."

Liana flashed her most charming smile, clearly feeling pleased with herself. "Looks like it's not you, but some woman who's been the problem all along."

Gwyneth was changing into her slippers when those words made her stop. She quietly walked through the living room and up the stairs, looking pale.

Asher followed behind, giving her a brief look without catching how pale she seemed. He said coldly, "Lia's pregnant, so you can stop putting yourself under pressure to get pregnant. I promised her I'd give this baby all the love and care it deserves, and I won't hold back on any expenses."

After a pause, his eyes landed on Gwyneth's belly. "If anyone's to blame, it's your stubborn womb."

Gwyneth sat at the edge of the bed, her lips colorless as she looked up at him. "If both Liana and I were expecting, would you favor her kid?"