The next morning, Ashley was awakened by the noise outside her door. She opened the window and saw Eugene arguing loudly with a few neighbors in the yard.
"Why does she do this to me? I'm a college graduate!" Eugene's voice was filled with anger and resentment. "Ashley is just a country fat woman, what right does she have..."
Ashley sneered. It seemed Eugene still hadn't realized that the Ashley from yesterday was no longer there.
She quickly washed up, changed into a decent dark blue outfit, and walked out of her room.
"Good morning, neighbors," Ashley's voice was confident, instantly halting the argument in the yard.
Everyone turned to her, their eyes full of curiosity and surprise. This Ashley was completely different from the timid woman of yesterday.
"Ashley, listen to me..." Eugene tried to approach, but was stopped by her gaze.
"No, Mr. Eugene," she emphasized "Mr." with a certain formality. "Now it's your turn to listen."
She took out a folder from her bag, her movements graceful and professional. "Since you brought up the divorce yesterday, let's handle this matter decently."
The neighbors gathered around, clearly interested in the "show" unfolding. Ashley smiled inwardly. Perfect. She needed an audience.
"First, let's go over the economic account of our marriage," she opened the folder and pulled out a handwritten list. "Mr. Eugene White, from September 1981 to June 1984, the Taylor family has provided you with the following financial support:"
Her voice was loud and professional, like she was giving a presentation at a board meeting.
"Tuition: $8,400; living expenses: $5,400; books and supplies: $800; transportation costs: $600; car down payment: $1,200; clothing: $300; medical insurance: $400. The total is $16,600."
The neighbors gasped. In 1984, that was a substantial sum.
Eugene's face turned pale. "Ashley, you can't do this..."
"I'm not done yet." Ashley continued calmly. "According to our prenuptial agreement, you were supposed to work for the Taylor family business for at least five years after graduation in return for the investment. Now, you're breaking that agreement, and according to Clause 7, you owe a penalty fee."
She pulled out another document from the folder. "The penalty is 150% of the investment, which totals $24,900."
"What?!" Eugene could hardly believe his ears. "Are you crazy? I don't have that much money!"
"That's your problem." Ashley closed the folder. "Of course, considering we were once married, I can give you an option."
A glimmer of hope flashed in Eugene's eyes. "What's the option?"
"First," she said, "you pay the penalty fee immediately, and we part ways peacefully. I won't bring up your infidelity to anyone."
"And the second?" Eugene's voice trembled.
Ashley's smile turned even colder. "Second, you admit your mistakes in front of all the neighbors. Admit that you're an ungrateful, gold-digging man, and pay me $700 in emotional compensation."
"700 dollars?" Eugene sighed in relief. "I choose the second one."
"Wait," Ashley raised her hand. "I'm not done. You also need to issue a public apology in the Hell Herald newspaper, confessing your actions and supporting the Taylor family's public apology."
Eugene's face changed again. "This... this is too much!"
"Too much?" Ashley's voice suddenly became sharp. "When you were cheating on me with Amelia, did you think that was too much? You used my family's money, enjoyed their resources, and then turned your back on me. Isn't that too much?"
The neighbors began to whisper. Ashley knew the news would spread quickly throughout the town.
"I'll give you ten minutes to think about it," Ashley looked at her watch. "After ten minutes, I'll call my lawyer and have him file a lawsuit against you. By then, you'll be facing more than just a penalty fee — there will be charges for fraud, bigamy, and more."
"Bigamy?" Eugene looked at her in terror. "What do you mean?"
"Oh, didn't you know?" Ashley acted surprised. "While you were living with Amelia, our marriage hadn't been officially dissolved. And since you promised to marry her, that legally constitutes bigamy."
Of course, she had made that up, but Eugene clearly didn't know the law.
"I... I choose the second one." Eugene finally gave in. "700 dollars, and the apology statement."
"Good." Ashley nodded in satisfaction. "Now, please, say out loud what you need to say in front of everyone."
Eugene looked at the curious eyes of the neighbors, his face contorted in pain. "I... I, Eugene White, have wronged Ashley Taylor and the Taylor family. I'm an... ungrateful man."
"Louder," Ashley said coldly. "Let everyone hear it."
"I, Eugene White, am an ungrateful, gold-digging man!" Eugene almost shouted. "I betrayed my wife and let down the Taylor family! I'm sorry!"
The neighbors let out various sounds—some laughed, some replied, others whispered. Ashley knew that from today on, Eugene's reputation in this town was completely ruined.
"Good," Ashley took a piece of paper from her bag. "Now, sign this."
Eugene trembled as he took the paper. He saw that it was a simple agreement, acknowledging his mistakes, agreeing to pay $700 in emotional compensation, and promising to issue the apology statement in the newspaper.
"I... I don't have $700 right now," Eugene muttered.
"When will you have it?" Ashley asked.
"By the end of the month, when I get paid."
"Good," Ashley wrote a few lines on the agreement. "Then it's settled for the end of the month. If you break the agreement, I'll make sure the entire state knows what kind of person Eugene White is."
After Eugene signed the paper, he looked like he had been drained of all energy. He stared at Ashley, his eyes filled not only with fear but also with confusion. Was this really the Ashley he could humiliate at will?
"Now, you can leave," Ashley put the agreement back in her bag. "Remember, the newspaper statement must be published within a week, and you must pay the $700 by the end of the month."
Eugene slunk away, leaving a group of neighbors still chattering.
"Dear Ashley," an older female neighbor walked up, "I've never seen you so... strong."
"Thank you, Mrs. Johnson," Ashley Elizabeth smiled. "Sometimes, a woman has to stand up for herself."
"You're right," another neighbor said. "Eugene is nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing."
Ashley chatted a little more with the neighbors before heading back inside. She knew that by nightfall, the entire town would know what had happened today. And that was exactly the result she wanted.
She sat down on the worn-out sofa, looking at the agreement in her hand, a sense of unprecedented satisfaction filling her. This wasn't just punishment for Eugene — it was her first victory in this new world.
She knew the real challenge had just begun. Next, she would face a bigger world, more complicated enemies, and tougher battles.
But now, she was ready.
The phone rang, and Ashley walked over to pick it up.
"Ashley? It's me, Jack." A man's voice came from the other end, clearly filled with concern. "I heard Eugene that bastard wants a divorce?"
A warm feeling surged in Ashley's heart. Jack Taylor, her big brother, a veteran, a real man.
"Yes, Jack," her voice was calm. "But don't worry, I've handled it."
"Handled it?" Jack seemed surprised. "Are you sure? If you need me to come over..."
"No need," Ashley smiled. "I think it's time to go home."
"Home?" Jack's voice filled with surprise. "You mean... back to the farm?"
"Yes," Ashley said firmly. "I'm going home."