Worlds Apart

In the fifth year of Gwyneth Payne's marriage to Asher Crowe, he tells her thrice that he wants to bring Liana Quayle along with them when they migrate.

Gwyneth puts down the dishes she's just prepared and asks him why.

He's frank with her. "I don't want to keep this from you anymore. Liana lives in the residential area beside ours. She's spent nine years with me, and I owe her too much. I must bring her with me when we migrate."

Gwyneth doesn't cry or kick up a fuss. Instead, she books a ticket for Liana on their flight.

Asher thinks she's finally seen sense.

On the day they leave the country, Gwyneth watches Asher and Liana board the flight. Then, she turns and boards another flight that will take her back to her parents' home.

"Mrs. Crowe, are you sure you want me to cancel your flight ticket for moving abroad with Mr. Crowe in a week?" Milena Brooks' voice came through the phone, sounding confused. She was Asher Crowe's assistant.

Gwyneth Payne stood on the balcony. She glanced at the withered trees below and made her decision. "Yes. Book me a flight to my parents' place for the same day and get Liana a flight overseas for that day, too. I'll see them off to settle down overseas in a week, then head back to my parents' place."

Milena was taken aback on the other end of the line. Liana Quayle was the other woman in Gwyneth's marriage. Milena couldn't figure out what Gwyneth was up to.

Even though she was puzzled, she nodded. "Got it, Mrs. Crowe."

Gwyneth ended the call.

Asher was in the living room. He jumped to his feet as soon as he saw her walk in. He looked impatient. "Have you decided yet? Lia's still waiting on my answer."

Gwyneth had just finished getting the meal ready ten minutes ago.

Asher came home and cut to the chase. "I'm done hiding this from you. Lia actually lives in the neighborhood next to ours. She's been with me for nine years, and I owe her so much. I have to take her along when we move abroad."

Gwyneth had barely set the dishes down when her smile instantly disappeared.

This wasn't the first time Asher had mentioned taking Liana abroad. When he first brought it up, Gwyneth had flipped out, wrecking the living room and cursing him for saying such a thing.

The second time Asher brought it up, Gwyneth completely broke down. She slapped him and left home for a week. He hadn't called her at all during those seven days.

Gwyneth decided to let them have their way this time. "I asked Milena to book her flight. You both can leave together."

"So, you have finally come to your senses?" Asher's frown faded, and a smile spread across his face.

Gwyneth dropped her gaze and twisted a strand of spaghetti around her fork. A rush of bitterness flooded her. "I thought