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Novel Catalog
Chapter 4: She Is Different
“Why are you in such a hurry?” Cason’s voice was cold, though there was an edge of confusion in his tone.
Ainsley didn’t hesitate. “You’re right, I want to get it done as soon as possible.” Her words were firm, and there was no trace of hesitation in her demeanor.
Cason swallowed the words he was about to say and glanced at Kaliyah, pulling her away from the scene. His expression darkened as he took a few steps, trying to regain control over the situation.
But then, unexpectedly, Kaliyah stopped. She turned around and walked back toward Ainsley, her eyes softening. “Ms. Easton,” she said with a gentle smile, “No matter what, I owe you a thank you.”
Ainsley blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. “What are you thanking me for?”
Kaliyah glanced at Cason, who was standing just a few paces away, and then tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Her smile was tender as she reminisced, her voice filled with emotion. “Back then, Cason and I separated by accident. When I came back, I thought we could never be together again. But I know you love him very much. If not for your help, we might never have had the chance to reconcile.”
Ainsley’s expression turned cold, and she lifted her chin slightly, meeting Kaliyah’s eyes. “You’re mistaken,” Ainsley replied, her voice calm but firm. “I’m not divorcing him for you. I’m not that generous or kind. I’m divorcing him because I don’t want to love him anymore. And I won’t love him, not ever again.”
Her words were like a cold splash of water. Ainsley had spent three years trying to be the perfect wife, trying to win Cason’s heart, but all of it had been in vain. Three years—she could have bought lottery tickets every day and might have had better luck. But making Cason love her? That was something she could never achieve.
And now, the moment she made the decision to divorce, she had also made the decision to let go.
Ainsley had done everything for Cason, and in return, he brought another woman to see her. But there was no regret. None at all.
Kaliyah seemed momentarily taken aback, caught off guard by Ainsley’s cold, decisive response. She opened her mouth but then closed it again, unsure how to respond.
“As for what happened between the two of you,” Ainsley continued, her voice turning even colder, “It has nothing to do with me.”
With that, she turned, walking away without a backward glance.
The dinner with Mathew Baldry was set for 8:30 p.m., but it was still a little before seven when Ainsley arrived back at her apartment.
For the first time in ages, she felt a weight lifting off her shoulders. She wasn’t staying in the Baldry mansion anymore, and that thought alone made her feel lighter. After a quick shower and a moment to charge her phone, she decided to take her time getting ready.
For the first time in years, she dressed for herself. She picked out a rose-red dress that she had always loved but never had the chance to wear. She applied makeup—something she hadn’t done in a long time. Back at the Baldry house, Lindsay had disapproved of her makeup, saying it made her look too bold, too immodest. Cason hadn’t cared either way.
But tonight was different. Tonight, Ainsley was going to be herself.
After putting on her dress, contact lenses, and makeup, she felt like a completely different person. She was no longer the docile, obedient wife who had lived under the Baldrys’ roof. She was Ainsley Easton, a woman who would no longer be silenced.
Ainsley called a taxi and made her way to the Baldry estate.
When she arrived, the housekeeper looked a little surprised by her appearance, but nonetheless, he greeted her with respect and invited her in. The title of Mrs. Baldry still lingered in the air, a reminder that Cason’s grandfather likely hadn’t accepted the divorce yet.
As she entered the dining room, she was met with a tense atmosphere. Mathew Baldry sat at the table, his face stern and unyielding. Cason was there too, but it was Kaliyah who caught Ainsley’s eye. She was sitting beside Cason, looking delicate and graceful, her gaze flicking between Ainsley and the man she was with.
Mathew, however, smiled warmly when he saw Ainsley. “Aisy,” he said, his tone softening, “Come, come. It’s been so long since you’ve joined me for dinner.”
Cason’s eyes followed Ainsley as she walked into the room, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he looked… stunned. His gaze lingered on her, wide and filled with something close to surprise.
Ainsley removed her glasses and set them aside, revealing her eyes—bright, bold, and no longer dulled by the expectations of others. Her rose-red contact lenses gave her eyes a striking glow, making her look both alluring and proud.
The woman who once timidly agreed to everything now stood before them, confident and unbothered. She was a woman who knew her worth and no longer cared to live in someone else’s shadow.
Cason stared at her, his heart pounding. He didn’t know what had changed, but this wasn’t the same woman who had quietly accepted his neglect. This was someone different. Someone he didn’t know how to deal with.
And Ainsley? She felt a strange sense of satisfaction as she took her seat at the table. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken tension, but for once, she didn’t feel the need to bend under it.
She was finally free.
