Mark would take her to lunch every day.

He was cold to me.

The scandal was affecting the company.

He wanted me to go with him to the press conference on Monday.

I wanted to say that Brittany was not a mistress.

I had gotten in between her and Mark, and had blackmailed Mark into marrying me by getting pregnant.

He told me that I would be Mrs. Mark, and I would have to take on a little bit of hate.

That way, the company would settle down, and Brittany wouldn’t be affected.

He said that it was my fault for acting the way I did at the wedding, so I had to take responsibility.

I didn’t accept it, so I blocked him.

Mark's parents came to me, warning me to do what they said and not think I could do whatever I wanted.

I did the same to them and Mark.

And I quit the company.

I was talented, and some companies had tried to recruit me, but now they were hesitant.

I knew Mark's family was responsible.

They were forcing me to go to the press conference.

But I didn’t want to compromise.

After being rejected again, a client contacted me, saying they were developing an overseas business and needed someone, and the salary would be better, but the job was overseas.

I was an only child, so I said I would think about it.

Back at the hotel.

Dad called, saying Mom had a headache again.

I took a cab home.

When I opened the door, Mark was there.

Mom took my bag, looking alive and well.

I stared at her. I had been sold out by my parents.

At the dinner table, Mark sat next to me and kept giving me food.

The three of them were getting along, as if they were a family.

Mom said, “Mark is a great son-in-law. He’s rich and cares for Ashley.”

Dad was smiling and pouring Mark drinks.

He said that I was bad at the wedding and thanked Mark for being patient.

Their way of being made me feel weak.

I held the milk Mom gave me.

“It’s okay, since we’re married. Even if Ashley is bad, I’ll be patient, but the press conference..."

Mark was looking at me.

He was smiling.

I spilled the milk all over the table.

I looked at my parents and said, “Am I your daughter? Why do you never side with me? I already told you, I won’t be with Mark anymore!”

Mark frowned. He was used to it. He was confused about why I was so stubborn this time.

Mom paused while wiping the table and threw the rag at me.

The milk was dripping down my face.

She smiled at Mark. “Mark! I didn’t teach Ashley well. She wants a divorce over this little thing.”

She slapped me and said, “Ashley, you’re not 20 anymore! You’re 30! Mark doesn’t think you’re old, so you should be grateful and not get a divorce! What’s wrong with you!"

“It’s just the wedding. You have to think about your child and your parents!”

My face hurt.

Mark was surprised that Mom would do that.

He stood up and helped me. Mom's next slap landed on his shoulder.

He said, “It’s okay? I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Then he turned to Mom. “I won’t be soft, even if you’re her mother.”

Mom froze.

I laughed. "What are you pretending for, Mark? This is what you wanted, right?"

He started to panic.

“Ashley, you..."

"You want me to be the mistress for Brittany? Okay, I’ll go to the press conference, but you’ll regret it!”