Chapter 32: The Hickeys on Her Neck

Layla's expression softened briefly, but she quickly returned to her usual self, showing no emotion. Ashton's mother had always been the one warm presence in their superficial marriage, yet even her kindness couldn't make Layla change her mind. With a slight smile, Layla graciously responded, "Tell your mom I send my best wishes. I'll drop by to see her when I get the chance." Despite Ashton's hopes that mentioning his mother would sway Layla, she stood firm, catching him off guard. After all, her relationship with his mother had always been on good terms. Ashton found himself unsure of what to do next. Taking a deep breath and hesitating for a moment, he slowly walked up to Layla and knelt before her, a level of humility he had never displayed before. The things that happened recently had made him realize that he was losing her, and the idea of life without her was too much to bear. The looming fear of losing something important left Ashton feeling panicked and lost. He grabbe