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My Husband Wants His Ex-Girlfriend on Our Honeymoon
The day before our honeymoon trip, my husband Liam’s ex, Ashley, suddenly showed up, crying that her husband was abusive and she was afraid to go home. Heartbroken, Liam invited her along—turning our romantic getaway into a trio with his childhood sweetheart. I confronted him, furious. He snapped, “Why are you making it hard for a woman who’s been abused? Are you even human?” Even my usually kind mother-in-law, Evelyn, sided with Ashley: “If Ashley hadn’t stepped aside, you wouldn’t be my daughter-in-law.” I stayed quiet, then packed my bags. They thought I was giving in. They didn’t know I was leaving—taking the Maybach keys with me. Because I bought that car. 1 Liam closed the door behind him and tried to reason with me softly, “Ashley married far away, and now she’s been wronged with nowhere to turn. We should help her however we can. Why are you so upset about this?” I stared at him, incredulous. “Do you even know what a honeymoon is supposed to be? Who takes their ex-girlfriend on their honeymoon with their wife? Doesn’t that sound insane to you?” Ashley married far away—but didn’t I? Liam frowned, clearly annoyed. “Chloe, why are you acting like everyone else? Ashley and I are ancient history. If her husband hadn’t abused her, if she wasn’t desperate, I wouldn’t even let her stay here. Why are you being so harsh?” Ashley was Liam’s childhood sweetheart. They dated about six months, three years ago, then broke up for reasons no one really knew. Afterward, Ashley quickly married a wealthy out-of-town businessman in a whirlwind ceremony. Everyone thought Liam would be devastated, but surprisingly, he seemed completely unaffected—throwing himself even deeper into work and study. I found Liam handsome and driven, and I was drawn to him. But I was too shy to make the first move—it was Liam who added me on Snapchat and pursued me. Once, I asked if he had someone he couldn’t forget. He told me, “You’re my future.” But now, he was willing to risk a huge fight just to bring Ashley along. I took a deep breath and asked one last time, “So you’re dead set on bringing Ashley?” Liam hesitated, then said, “It’s not that I’m dead set on bringing her. She just can’t be left alone right now. Can’t you see she’s terrified of being with any man? Only I make her feel safe.” A flicker of pity crossed his eyes. “She’s in such a state—I can’t just leave her here. Besides, there’s plenty of room in the car. Ashley even offered to pay for all the trip expenses. What more do you want to complain about?” The highest form of love is empathy. Liam clearly overflowed with empathy for Ashley—but was completely blind to how I, his wife, should feel. I looked at him with disappointment, as if seeing him clearly for the first time. Growing impatient, Liam said, “I’ve said everything—good and bad. What exactly do you want from me?” I searched his face for apology or guilt, but found only impatience and disgust, like I was some wicked witch blocking his way to his princess. The stubborn hope inside me faded. I looked at him coldly. “Fine. Take her then.” Liam froze a moment, then his face lit up. “I knew you wouldn’t be petty! I’ll tell Ashley right away!” I pushed him away. “Have a great time. I’m not going.” He frowned, grabbing my wrist. “What do you mean?” “Exactly what it sounds like.” Just then, the door burst open. Evelyn stood there, scowling. “It’s your wedding honeymoon! What kind of sense does it make for you not to go? What will people say about our family? You have to go!” 2 I sneered at Evelyn. “So what exactly are you suggesting?” She said as if it were obvious, “Of course, all three of you should go! My son’s up for a huge promotion. Don’t cause trouble!” Ah, so that’s why she suddenly butted in—worried rumors about Liam and Ashley would spread if I didn’t go. I smiled, fake innocence shining. “I get it, Evelyn. You’re worried about what people will say about Liam, right?” She shot me a sideways glance. “You know that, and you’re still causing a scene! Hurry up and pack your bags. My son hasn’t taken a vacation in ages. As his wife, you should be more considerate.” Liam stood beside his mother, nodding in agreement. Birds of a feather. Their united front was unwavering. I set down the clothes I held. “If you’re so worried about rumors, then don’t bring Ashley. You’re home, Evelyn—you can keep her company.” Ashley was scared of men—and Liam’s mother wasn’t one. What could happen with just two women? Clearly the best arrangement—but Liam immediately objected. “I told you, Ashley only feels safe with me. We’re all going together. Are you seriously worried something will happen between her and me?” “If I wanted something with Ashley, would I have married you?” His words pierced me like a blade. My eyes burned with tears threatening to spill. I looked up at the ceiling, my heart turning to stone. “If you want to take her, go ahead. I’m not going.” Evelyn glared, complaining, “Why are you so ungrateful? Ashley gave me her gold bracelet the moment she arrived and promised to pay all the honeymoon expenses. What more could you want?” Evelyn wore a leather jacket I’d bought her—an expensive Hermès winter piece. She’d said once she’d never had anything nice and got cold easily, so I spent eight thousand dollars on that jacket. She told me it was only two hundred and scolded me for wasting money, saying I didn’t think about the family. When I said I used my own savings, she laughed and said, “Better save that money for home renovations. Your marital home still needs furniture!” The living room had a ten-thousand-dollar sofa, hundreds of thousands spent renovating, and Liam’s daily high-end suits and shirts—none of which I didn’t pay for. But in Evelyn’s eyes, all that was just her son’s due. Ashley’s one, possibly fake, gold bracelet had swayed her completely—making me feel pathetic and laughable. Seeing Liam and Evelyn’s hostile faces, I didn’t get angry. I laughed. “You’re right, I’m ungrateful. If Ashley wants to go, then let her. You won’t listen to me anyway.” They wanted a threesome—I didn’t. Whoever wanted this weird family could keep it. Not me. Thinking I was giving in, Liam lowered his voice, “We’re not ignoring you. We’re discussing it with you.” I looked at him with derision. Discussing? Had they ever given me a chance to say no? The moment I tried to say no, they’d accuse me of being unreasonable and jealous. That’s discussing? Liam sighed. “Okay, my tone was harsh, but aren’t you to blame? If you weren’t so jealous, we wouldn’t be fighting.” “Let’s let this one slide. But don’t do it again.” He made the outrageous demand—and somehow, it was all my fault. Before, when we fought, Liam yelled and screamed, then backed down, admitting faults—only to flip it and blame me. I used to think both sides were responsible, always blaming myself. Looking back, my brain must have been fried. Liam was the problem. I wasn’t wrong at all. 3 The next morning, Ashley woke early and cooked a huge breakfast spread—every dish imaginable. Evelyn’s eyes lit up, praising nonstop, “Ashley knows how to keep a home, unlike Chloe, who can’t even cook rice without ruining it.” Ashley shyly glanced at Liam. “My dream was always to cook for the man I love, so I researched recipes.” I sat expressionless, picking up my fork. If some people loved cooking—fine. Not everyone’s destined for leisure. Some are born to work hard. Liam saw my sour face and got annoyed, “Chloe, Ashley got up early to cook. You could at least thank her.” Seeing him defend Ashley, I snorted. “She stays rent-free at my place. Why should I thank her? Check how much a night costs at a luxury Manhattan hotel.” Ashley’s eyes filled with tears. “I married a jerk. I know I’m a guest, but Chloe, aren’t you being too harsh?” I rolled my eyes. “Too harsh? Did I force you here? Did I force you to cook?” Evelyn slammed her fork down, “What’s all this fuss about?!” The tension spiked. The three of them sat together, making me feel like an outsider. When Liam or Ashley spoke, Evelyn didn’t care. But the moment I said something, she slammed her fork. Before marrying, Evelyn promised to treat me like her daughter. Is this what she meant? Anyone else would think Ashley was the daughter-in-law. I put down my bowl, ready to retreat, when Ashley grabbed my arm, “Chloe, it’s my fault. If I hadn’t been abused, I wouldn’t be hiding here. Please don’t fight over me.” “I’ll leave now. No matter what that man does, I won’t break your marriage.” Ashley said she’d leave, but her eyes never left Liam. True to form, Liam pulled her close, full of concern. “Chloe! Why are you so aggressive? Ashley won’t stay forever. Can’t you tolerate her a little?” “Her husband’s company went bankrupt, and he took it out on her. Now you’re mad and taking it out on her too. How are you different from him?” Ashley nestled into Liam’s arms, weeping like she’d won. I chuckled. Who was really aggressive? Evelyn chimed in, “Always fighting! You’ll chase all the luck away!” Looking at them, I wondered if they’d be so united without me. I nodded. “You’re right. I’m not generous. You two have fun. I’m not going.” 4 Ashley’s eyes flickered with triumph, though she feigned concern. “How can that be? You’re Liam’s wife. Don’t say things you don’t mean.” Liam glared. “What nonsense? Go pack your stuff. Don’t say hurtful things.” I turned and left. Ashley cautiously asked, “What if Chloe really won’t go? You two always wanted to go to the beach, right?” Liam snorted, “Impossible. She’s been looking forward to this trip forever. Even if we leave first, she’ll find a way to catch up.” A cold laugh echoed in me. When he chased me, one frown from me would ruin his appetite all day. Now, knowing I’m furious, he’s still determined to bring another woman on our honeymoon. This was a challenge. If I agreed, next thing I know I’d be changing diapers for her baby. This compliance test won’t work on me. So when Ashley and Liam got in the car, ready to leave, I stayed put. Liam pounded on the door. “Chloe? Ready yet? Come out now! If you don’t, we’re leaving without you. You’ll figure out how to get to Hawaii yourself!” Ashley pleaded softly, “Chloe, stop being difficult. If we leave late, we’ll hit traffic.” I ignored them, opening my phone to play Candy Crush. Liam tried the door—locked. He coaxed softly a moment, no answer. Then he shouted, “Chloe, don’t regret this! If you’re not coming, we’re leaving without you!” I scoffed. Minutes later, they returned. Liam’s tone softened, “Chloe, do you have the Maybach keys?” After finishing my game, I glanced at the keys on my bedside table, and quietly messaged my best friend Sarah, a divorce lawyer: “I want a divorce. Help me draft an agreement.” Sarah replied instantly. Still ignoring Liam, he pounded harder on the door. Male pride flaring, Liam kicked the door, “Chloe, what’s wrong with you? You’re stopping us from leaving? How can you be so cruel?!” The door didn’t budge—paid a fortune for it. Evelyn cursed and knocked, “You’re ruining my son’s trip! How can you be so heartless?!” Ashley, annoyed, said, “Liam worked hard to buy this car. Why hold onto the keys?” That stunned me. My parents gave me this car before marriage—when did it become Liam’s? Did she really think Liam got successful alone and now wanted to reel him back in? That thought made the whole situation even more interesting. I got up and opened the door, looking at Liam, “Are you absolutely sure about bringing Ashley?”