Eve Of A Thousand Wakes

Ashley Palmer barged into the forty-fifth floor of the Grayson Enterprises building. Jake was the Chairman, and naturally, he had the best privileges in the entire company—a lavish corner office at the executive corridor's end.

His private secretary, Tammy, waited outside his chamber like a sentinel. She was a tall redhead who deliberately wore clothes one size too small so that little of her curvy shape was left to the imagination. Ashley knew Tammy was one of Jake's many mistresses.

"Mrs. Grayson, this is a pleasant surprise," the secretary greeted her with a plastic smile. "Mr. Grayson is just about to wrap up an important meeting. Meanwhile, you can wait in the VIP lounge.

Tammy pointed curtly toward a luxurious waiting room adjoining the Chairman's office. "Perhaps some wine for you to relax?"

Ashley narrowed her eyes and ground her teeth. Pleasant surprise? Give me a break, bitch! You'd stab me in the heart if nobody were watching.

As the Chairman's wife, Ashley had endured his lies and infidelity in silence. Jake had numerous extramarital affairs, and he made no attempts to hide them. In fact, he returned home drunk every night to humiliate her by narrating his sexcapades.

Usually, Ashley would put up a forced smile and be pleasant towards Tammy, but today was different.

"Get out of my way, slut!" she snapped at the secretary and brushed past her rudely. Tammy's jaw dropped open, and she staggered back to the wall. What was up with the Chairman's wife today? Why wasn't she timid and tame as usual?

The corner office had a classy ambiance with mineral-plated desks and stylish swivel chairs. It boasted a luxurious lounge space with a liquor bar, a series of designer desk lamps, and elegant bookcases. 

As Ashley barged in, she ran into a pretty blonde intern in disheveled clothes. Barely in her twenties, she scurried out like a mouse, wiping her face with tissues.

Jake's chair faced away from the panoramic view of the city. He relaxed on it, untroubled by his wife's rude intrusion.

"Jake!" Ashley thundered. "Are you so shameless you're getting a blowjob from an intern in broad daylight?"

Jake Grayson swiveled around on his chair and left his seat. He was a handsome man in his early thirties. His wavy jet-black hair was swept back with pomade. After quickly fixing his roughed-up clothes, he walked over to the liquor bar and fixed himself a neat scotch. 

"What are you doing here, Ash?" Jake posed, gradually strolling towards her with his half-filled glass. "You know the rules. You're not allowed to visit me in the office."

"Stop pretending to be ignorant!" she demanded, slamming a file on his table. "You sent me divorce papers! This is madness?! First, you tricked me into marrying you and stole my company! Then I was made to work as a maid in your home! Now you want to get rid of me?!"

Jake stopped a few feet away, taken aback by her sudden outburst. Ashley was usually submissive and never voiced her anger before this. He had broken the woman's pride and beauty over the last year and now expected her to sign the divorce papers without protest.

Was there something different about Ashley today?

The Graysons and the Palmers were Norwich's wealthiest families, each with annual revenues of over ten billion dollars. 

Ashley's mother passed away when she was young. Her father, Arthur, died in a car accident last year. His body was never found as his vehicle went off a cliff. 

Arthur's will left 51% of Palmer Industries to Ashley and 49% to his younger stepdaughter, Scarlet. Arthur wanted his eldest trueborn child to be the Chairperson.

At that point, the young billionaire, Jake Grayson, swooped in with his rakish good looks and charm. He swept Ashley off her feet, weaving webs of romantic and amorous love.

They were married within a month of dating, after which Jake's tune changed. He convinced his wife to give over all her shares in Palmer Industries through careful manipulation.

"I will handle all your work, Ash…" he told her endearingly. "You can go on holiday and pursue your hobbies while I manage the business. I love you."

Ashley, love-struck by her husband's devotion, did as asked. She did not know that it had all been a sham. Jake had been planning a takeover with his stepsister, Scarlet Palmer. The latter had always been jealous of her sister's legacy and conspired with her husband to steal the company.

Jake took over Palmer Industries and installed Scarlet as the CEO. "How could you do this to me?" Ashley had demanded of her stepsister.

"You are an idiot!" Scarlet fired back. "Dad should have never made you Chairman. God knows why you were his favorite! I deserved that position, and now it's mine!"

Ashley was heartbroken, but after losing her family, she had nobody else in her life. She decided to remain committed to her marriage. If Jake wanted Scarlet to lead her company, so be it. However, her husband got abusive as soon as he stole her 51% shares. 

Jake revealed his true self, cheating on her with every woman he could lay his hands on. He abused and humiliated her, taking away all luxuries and making her live in a maid's room in the mansion.

Ashley, once believed to be the most beautiful heiress in Norwich City, now looked emaciated, weak, and pathetic. A scar ran across her cheek where her husband had struck her. He made her abort every time she got pregnant from his drunken lovemaking. It was a living hell for poor Ashley.

At the present moment, Jake's eyes flickered and focused on his wife with piercing intensity. What was Ashley so brave suddenly? He expected her to sign the divorce papers like the submissive bitch she was. An outburst from her was unexpected.

"Just sign the papers," he said in a frosty voice. "Or you'll regret it."

Ashley balled her fists. "You're already cheating on me all over the city. Why do you want to divorce me?"

Jake took a sip of his drink and shrugged. "Because I'm going to marry your sister, Scarlet."