Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Christina's expression twisted with rage as she screamed, "Fine! In your eyes, I'm nothing but a goddamn fool! Then tell me, Andrew-what about Aspen? She hurt you too! She wronged you just like I did, so why did you forgive her?"

Andrew let out a cold laugh. "Aspen and you? You think the two of you are even remotely comparable? You're the one who wrecked the Bridgefields' Stevens family, weren't you? But I'm not even interested in holding that over your head anymore."

She continued, "Let's just talk facts-Aspen's actually doing right by me now. She built a major company for me, works day and night without a single complaint, and never asks for anything in return.

"And just that alone? Already puts her far above you, Christina. Of course, there's one more reason why I accepted Aspen. After spending time with her, I realized she's pretty damn adorable."

When Christina saw Andrew's soft smile, she felt like her heart was set on fire. The pain was unbearable, and jealousy burned through her like poison.

She pointed at him, her voice trembling in disbelief. "Y-You really made Aspen your woman?"

Andrew did not try to hide it. He answered casually, "That's right. Aspen is mine now. She's obedient, gentle, and loyal. And if it comes down to it, I'll support her in taking over the Bridgefields' Stevens family and becoming the head of it all.

"Your Jayrodale branch has always been subordinate to Bridgefields anyway. Who knows? One day, you might have to show up and be at her beck and call. Of course, knowing Aspen's personality, she might just slap you a few times for fun— so don't say I didn't warn you."

Right then, Andrew's ride arrived, and he turned to leave.

Christina could not take it anymore. She broke down completely, lunged forward, and threw herself around Andrew's leg, clinging to it desperately.

"Andrew, please! I was wrong-I was so wrong! I'm begging you... Please forgive me! I won't mess with you anymore. I swear I'll stop scheming. Just give me one more chance-please, can we start over?"

Tears streamed down her pale, delicate face as she looked up at him, her eyes full of grief, begging for a sliver of hope.

Andrew gave a cold, dismissive smile as he tilted her chin up, towering over her. "This face... Once, I thought it belonged to the woman I'd spend my life with. But now? I think it's average at best.

"Let's not even compare you to others-next to my little servant Aspen, you're not even close. Even if you both carry the same last name and come from the same bloodline, Aspen's the one I treasure. So do me a favor, and let go."

However, Christina would not budge. She clung tighter, sobbing, "No! I won't let you go! Andrew, you were supposed to be mine! You're my man Dwon't let anyone steal you! How about this-I'll sleep with you, be your slave, just like Aspen. Take me back, please-I'm begging you! Just one last chance, okay? Please... please..."

Andrew stood in silence for a moment, not saying a word.

Christina took that pause as a sign of hope. Her face lit up, thinking he was about

to say yes.

Then, Andrew, finally spoke.

"Christina, you've become pathetic. If

you had stood your ground and owned your choices, I might have respected you a little. But now? You're just another shallow woman who chases power and status like it's oxygen.

"Keep your desperation to yourself. Aspen may be my little servant girl, but I adore her. You? Honestly? You're just not worth it."

With that, Andrew freed himself from her grip, got in the car, and drove off without a second glance.noveldrama

Christina collapsed to the pavement, limp and lifeless, her tears pouring like rain. With a wail of anguish, her entire body convulsed under the weight of heartbreak and humiliation.

Blood suddenly burst from her mouth, dark and fresh-she looked absolutely wrecked. She murmured, "I hate myself... for being so cheap, so blind, so utterly useless..."

People passed by on the busy street, but she did not care. Slapping her own face over and over, she beat herself until it was a mess of blood and bruises.

Irene and Leroy rushed forward and grabbed her, holding her tight as the three of them cried uncontrollably in the middle of the sidewalk. Crushing regret overwhelmed them because they knew that from this day forward, they would live in the shadow of Andrew's name.