Chapter 34: Reclamation
Diane’s POV
I stared at the text from Joan with a mix of disbelief and triumph. After a month of being locked out of my own home by Liam, Holbrook had finally sent over the security codes to the mansion.
"Court order worked, but there’s something else I’d like to discuss with you when you get home," Joan’s message read. "Holbrook caved. Here are the codes to the mansion. Let me know when you’re going."
My fingers trembled slightly as I typed my reply.
"Heading there now. Need to get those documents for Robert."
I set my phone down and took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions brewing inside me. This wasn’t just about retrieving work documents anymore—it was about reclaiming a piece of myself that Liam had tried to take away.
As I grabbed my purse and car keys, a flicker of anxiety sparked in my chest. I hadn’t been back to the mansion since the day I discovered Liam’s betrayal. Would the memories be too overwhelming? Would I find more evidence of his infidelity?
Part of me didn’t want to know. But a stronger part needed to face whatever awaited me there.
The drive to the estate felt surreal. Each familiar turn of the road brought back memories of happier times—when I’d return home, eagerly anticipating Liam’s embrace. Now, I was returning as an intruder, armed with nothing but a court order and security codes.
I pulled up to the imposing wrought iron gates that guarded the Ashton estate. For a moment, I just sat there, staring at the mansion that loomed in the distance. The sprawling structure, with its manicured lawns and elegant architecture, had once represented everything I thought I wanted—security, success, love.
Now, it just looked like an elaborate facade, as false as my marriage had been.