CHAPTER 1: THE AFFAIR

"Good afternoon, Madam," greeted the middle-aged man in a tailcoat as a woman descended the stairs.

Victoria Ashbourne is the beautiful wife of the only son of the Ashbourne family. She has long golden curls and a delicate, doll-like face.

"Good afternoon, Jamie." She replied, her smile faint. "Is what I requested ready?"

He nodded. "Yes, Madam, it's all ready."

Victoria smiled. "Thank you, Jamie. Please tell the driver to get the car ready. I'm heading to Prague Castle. I'm having afternoon tea with my husband."

"Yes, madam," Jamie replied.

"Remember, it's a surprise, Jamie," Victoria called after him. "Edmund must not know about it."

Jamie gave her a small smile. "Yes, Madam."

Victoria's smile widened as she made her way to the living room. She had been married to her husband, Edmund, for over half a year, and they barely spent time together. He was either at work or on some business-related trip. She needed to take this opportunity to spend this time with him, especially with her mother-in-law's urge to bear an heir for the Ashbourne family.

"Madam," Jamie said. The car is ready for you. Everything you need for the tea has also been packed and placed in the car.

Arriving at Edmund's office, Victoria ensured she had covered her face correctly to avoid being detected by the security. If Edmund found out she was coming, he would find some random excuse to cancel her plans.

She arrived on the top floor and didn't meet his secretary at her desk.

"I wonder where Martha went to?" Victoria muttered as she headed to Edmund's office.

The door was slightly ajar, but Victoria still knocked since Edmund was keen on that.

"Martha, I thought I told you to clear my schedule and leave me alone for a while." Edmund snapped.

A female voice giggled. "Don't be mean; she's just being a secretary. Martha darling, could you get me a coffee?! I'm so tired right now."

"You shouldn't be tired around me," Edmund said, his tone low and hoarse.

Victoria wanted to push the door open, but something kept her frozen.

"Oh, please." The lady said, sounding amused. "By the way, Edmund, when are you going to kick your tramp of a wife out of your house?"

"Careful with your words, Laura," Edmund said and dropped a kiss on her lips. "I hate it when you refer to that lady as my wife."

Laura looped her hands around Edmund. "But she is your wife."

"Only because my mother said so." Edmund groaned. "Up to me, I'd kick Victoria out today. But my mother wouldn't let me; she really liked her for some weird reason."

"I hate the fact that she's in your Manor; it's supposed to be just you and me." Laura pulled him closer and kissed him.

Victoria kicked the door open when she couldn't take their words anymore. "Are you both done?!" She yelled, her hands fisted.

Laura pulled away from Edmund lazily and glared at Victoria. "Speak of the devil. What do you want?"

"What do I want?!" Victoria yelled. "You are in the hands of my husband, discussing getting rid of me, and you are asking me what I want?!"

Edmund rolled his eyes. "Enough with the dramatics, Victoria; what do you want?"

Victoria scoffed. "Are you kidding me? Are you both crazy?! Edmund, you are having an affair, and you're both acting like it's normal."

"Affair?" Laura asked. "Edmund and I are genuinely in love. It's because of your stupid appearance that we broke up. So, this isn't an affair, Victoria; we're just freely in love."

"Are you just naturally dumb?" Victoria snapped. "When you sleep with someone else's husband, it's called an affair."

"You're just a hateful person." Laura sneered.

"He's my husband. I'm his legal wife!" Victoria retorted.

"No, you're just a despicable girl who tricked Lady Eleanor by shameless means. I mean, if you didn't, how else would you get married into a prestigious family."

Driven by anger, Victoria threw the nearest vase at Laura and Edmund, who ducked.

"Are you crazy?!" Laura yelled.

"Are you okay?" Edmund asked Laura, his face masked with worry.

"So, you care for her that much?" Victoria asked, her voice filled with hurt.

"Shut your filthy mouth." Edmund snapped at her. "How dare you come here to make a scene in my office?! Let me make this clear, Victoria: you are nothing to me. Your veins carry dirty blood, so I despise you. I don't want to have anything to do with you, let alone have children with you."

Victoria finally understood why Edmund often didn't come home. Every time he did, he just had dinner and then left on the pretext of something urgent.

"Disgusting!" Victoria approached them with the basket filled with snacks that Jamie had packed. "I hope you're both happy." She threw the contents of the two of them.

Laura was furious. "Are you crazy?! I'm going to kill you!" She yelled and tried to get up, but Edmund held her down.

"That's enough. Don't stoop down to her level of love." Edmund said and glared at Victoria. "You have done enough, and I will not tolerate your disrespect. Let's get a divorce. I'll give you ten million dollars, and you will leave my Manor and get out of my life without a trace. If my mother asked, this divorce is your idea and choice, are we clear?"

Victoria crossed her hands on her chest. "And if I say no?"

"Then I'll make your living hell." He said, his voice cold. "Trust me, Victoria, I will."

Victoria sighed. "Let me know when it's time to go to court. I don't want to have anything to do with you anyway; you can enjoy your stupid affair."

Laura grinned. "Coward."

"Says the person who lives off someone's husband. What do you do, Laura, apart from living off someone's husband?" Victoria retorted.

Laura shrugged. "Like you're any better."

Victoria shook her head. "Like you'd understand, I'm working with Mr. Harry Woods."

The room was silent before Edmund and Laura burst out laughing.

"Where in the world did you meet Harry Woods?" Edmund asked.

"She's bluffing, Eddie." Laura giggled.

Victoria shrugged. "Believe whatever." She turned around and left, her mind reeling with what had just happened.

Edmund had cheated and had even had the guts to threaten her and ask her for a divorce so he could be with that measly gold digger. She couldn't be called Victoria Ashburne; she was a free woman without ties to that family. She had to move out before Edmund made any more reckless decisions because of Laura.

Beep Beep!!

A honking had interrupted Victoria's thoughts. Instinctively, she moved out of the way, careful not to get hit by the car.

The car stopped, and a tall bodyguard got out of the vehicle. He opened the passenger's seat, bowing his head a little as someone else stepped out. Victoria's eyes widened in surprise that it was no other than Harry Woods, the man she had just bragged about working with when she was only getting to know him.

CHAPTER 2: DIVORCED

When Harry came down, naturally, Victoria lowered her head and stepped aside. Mr. Harry Woods was a real nobleman; his family was one of the most distinguished in Birmingham, and even the president had to be polite to him.

Unlike everyone who had kept their heads bowed, Victoria rose hers and stared at Harry.

Accompanied by his bodyguards, he headed into Prague Castle but stopped when he saw Victoria staring at him.

"Is there something on my face?" He asked her, moving closer. He was taller than Victoria, his broad shoulders towering over her.

"What?" Victoria asked, her mind still absent.

"You're staring openly at Mrs. Ashburne; I was wondering what exactly made you do that." He asked again.

His words snapped Victoria back to reality. "Good afternoon, Mr. Woods."

He smiled. "Afternoon Mrs. Ashbourne."

The name sent a sharp pain to her chest. "I'd really appreciate it if you called Miss Victoria instead."

Harry arched his brows. "That would be quite informal, would it not? "

"Doesn't matter." Victoria shrugged. She was way past caring about the image of the Ashbourne family. Soon, she won't even have any ties to them.

"It does matter in a society where people gossip about the tiniest details. We aren't close enough to speak on a first-name basis, Mrs. Ashbourne."

Victoria rolled her eyes. "Again, with the Ashbourne, do you not get tired of being so stuck up and formal."

She was surprised by her sudden confidence.

Harry chuckled. "Fine then, Miss Victoria." He said, his formal tone changed.

Victoria grinned. "Fair enough."

His secretary, noticing his boss diving into a conversation with Victoria, whispered in his ear. "Sir, we are going to be late. Mr. Luca is already waiting for you."

Harry nodded his head. "Such a shame, Mrs. Victoria, I have something significant to do. Maybe we could spare a few minutes to get to know each other better next time." I was very interested in your ideas and those you proposed at the St George's University public lecture."

Victoria was taken aback but then smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Harry. If you want, I could send them to your email."

"That's perfect; it'll be so much easier if you do." Harry replied, " I'll be looking forward to it."

Perhaps Harry was saying this casually, but this was a win for Victoria. A couple of minutes ago, she claimed to be working with Harry Woods even though she knew nothing about him, and now he was asking her about her research.

"Thank you, Mr. Harry," Victoria called after him.

When Harry was out of sight, Victoria hurried back to the Manor to pack her things and end this absurd marriage. She knew Edmund well enough to know he was impulsive and could do something foolish.

Just as she arrived at the fates of the Manor, she met two men in suits and a suitcase; they looked like lawyers.

They were standing beside a confused-looking Jamie.

"Jamie, who are these men?" Victoria asked when she got closer to them.

The first man bowed his head slightly. "I apologize for the intrusion, Mrs. Ashburner, but we were sent here by Mr. Ashbourne."

"To discuss about the divorce." She finished for him.

"Yes, ma'am." He replied.

"Jamie, I want you to go up to my room and pack my things, all of it," Victoria said.

"But ma'am…" Jamie protested.

"Just do what I said, and don't question me. You two, follow me to the study." Victoria said and headed up the steps.

They followed her into the study and arranged the documents on the closest table.

"Where am I to sign?" She asked them and picked up a pen.

The first lawyer was taken aback. "Wouldn't you at least hear the terms?"

"I know I'm going to be caught off by that dirtbag and be given ten million naira as a bonus." That's it, isn't it?" She asked

"Yes." He stammered and pushed the documents closer to her. "You're just meant to sign here.

Victoria glanced through the documents briefly, not completely trusting Edmund. When she was satisfied enough, she signed. "There you go. Now, where's my money?"

He nodded to the other lawyer, and he placed a call to somebody, probably Edmund. A moment later, Victoria's phone chimed.

"Like Mr. Edmund promised, ten million dollars and a house in your name."

"A house?" Victoria asked, confused.

"Yes, since you are moving out of the Manor, Mr. Ashbourne wanted you to have somewhere comfortable to stay."

"Comfort?" Victoria said and chuckled. "He's just scared and desperate. What exactly is the reason why he gave me that house, and don't lie to me."

The lawyers stared at each other. "The house is located on the east side of England. You are not to have any contact with the Ashbourne family after this moment."

"East side?" Victoria muttered. "That's quite far. He must be really scared, huh? Tell Mr. Ashbourne that he has nothing to worry about. I wouldn't dream of having anything to do with anymore." Victoria scoffed and walked out of the study.

She met Jamie and a couple of her maids in the living room; her bags were already packed.

"Madam, are you sure about this?" Jamie asked.

"It's already been done, Jamie. Edmund and I are not compatible. Id signed the divorce papers." Victoria replied.

The maids gasped while Jamie shook his head. "There has to be a way around it. We could call Lady Eleanor.'

"Do not disturb her," Victoria said, her tone firm. "This marriage is already over, but this must not leak to the ear of Lady Eleanor. It would worry her and could mess up with her health."

Thinking of Lady Eleanor, Victoria felt a little sad. She had been so good to her and repaid her by divorcing her son. It was because of Lady Eleanor that she had married Edmund. She hadn't loved him when they married, but she had promised herself to try to.

But Edmund was a chronic cheat and a liar. They hadn't even gotten officially married because Edmund always complained of being busy, and she lied to him, telling Lady Eleanor that she didn't want a significant affair. There were so many red flags with Edmund, but she had ignored them for Lady Eleanor.

"Maybe you could talk to Mr. Ashbourne then, couples therapy.". Jamie persisted.

"That's enough, Jamie. What is done is done." Victoria said. "Edmund would rather be with someone else and would rather be free."

After a moment of thought, Jamie said, "I understand. I won't stop you. I hope you'll be happy in the future, Madam."

Victoria nodded slightly. "I hope you can, too."

The maids helped her pack her bags into her car, and Victoria said goodbye to each of them, wishing them a good life.

On her way out, she glanced at her rose garden. It was in bloom this season, the one thing she would miss about this place. With a sad smile, she got into her car and drove off, leaving her life as an Ashbourne behind.

CHAPTER 3: FINAL HOMECOMING

Victoria hired someone to clean her new house. Before it was ready, she had to stay in a hotel for a while.

Leaving the Ashbourne family felt freeing for Victoria. It meant she didn't have to learn all that heavy social etiquette or attend endless charity galas and balls. She had more time for herself now.

Late at night, Victoria sat at her computer desk, typing away. She was intrigued by Mr. Woods' words during the day, so regardless of his interest in her ideas, she wanted to send them to him.

Victoria studied energy and power engineering at university with a minor in economics. She always had top grades, and one of her patents had even been sold. Lady Eleanor bought it.

She sent the email to Mr. Woods. As a public figure, his work email was public, and he received many daily emails. Victoria was curious if he would see hers.

After that, Victoria took out her phone, intending to text someone, but halfway through typing, she deleted the message.

Feeling restless, Victoria lay on the bed, tossing her phone aside. Eventually, she sent the message anyway. Surprisingly, the person responded immediately and even called her.

"Good evening, Professor Julia!" Victoria said excitedly.

The voice on the other end was older but powerful. "Dear Victoria, it's been a while since you called me. I thought you'd forgotten about this old lady after getting married."

"I'm sorry, Professor Julia," Victoria apologized.

Professor Julia chuckled, "It's okay. Dear Victoria, you texted so late. Do you have a problem?"

Victoria hesitated momentarily, then said firmly, "Professor Julia, I want to go back to university."

Julia was very pleased. "My lab is always open for you, and so is Professor Langley."

Victoria’s eyes welled up. "I'm sorry, Professor Julia. I shouldn't have been so stubborn, and I shouldn't have married so early."

Julia didn't blame Victoria. Instead, she comforted her, saying, "Victoria, everyone makes mistakes in life. Only by making choices do you know if they are right or not.

When you got married, I didn't stop you because I knew you were a free person. You have your own thoughts and your future. Now that you're back on the right track, as your teacher, I fully support you returning to my lab. Tomorrow at nine in the morning, I hope to see you in the lab. For now, don't think too much, and get some sleep."

"But I..." Victoria started.

"Don't think too much. I'll help you with the enrollment process," Julia, an assertive old lady, said. "And my lab, I decide who stays. Anyone who's not happy can get out."

Victoria smiled. "Thank you, Professor Julia."

"Good night, Victoria. I look forward to seeing you," Prof Julia hung up.

Victoria was very excited. She bounced on the bed several times before kneeling to calm herself. As she thought about it, she started crying again, "This is great, so great!" She could go back, and Professor Julia wasn't mad at her. This was great.

She thought about all the friends she left for the past six months. There wasn't much communication between them all this while. It will be a rude shock to them when she finally resumes back to the lab. Will they be happy to see her? Victoria was caught up in two worlds of uncertainty at that moment.

Victoria had requested to leave the lab six months ago because of her marriage. After understanding the situation, Julia didn't force her to stay but hoped she could be happy.

Victoria wasn't happy at all. She didn't like meaningless social activities; she liked standing on the stage, speaking in front of the camera, and presenting her ideas and research results.

Victoria needed to be cut out of the daily galas and strictness around her. The entire environment felt choking on what she loved doing, and for a while, she felt lost. She was very excited that Professor Julia had been open to taking her in without much to say.

Now, she was finally back on track.

Excited, Victoria couldn't sleep. She turned on her computer, looked through all the experiments she hadn't finished before, and downloaded many papers on energy and power engineering from the past six months. As she read through them, she fell asleep in front of the computer.

In her dream, Victoria took her latest research results to an international exhibition. She confidently presented her research results, earning applause from the audience.

"Beep beep beep... Beep beep beep..." There was no applause, just the sound of an alarm clock.

Victoria slapped her face, quickly washed up, grabbed breakfast from the hotel, and headed to Saint George University. She promised to meet Professor Julia at nine, and she absolutely couldn't be late.

Saint George University was one of the top universities in Birmingham and was renowned worldwide. Students who could study here were not regular people.

Victoria hurried to the laboratory. On the way, she met many students. Their faces were so familiar, their smiles so sweet. Everything made Victoria happy. She hastened her steps towards the lab, as she couldn't wait to see Professor Julia.

Victoria was the first to arrive at the lab. The lab door wasn't open yet when she arrived, so she waited outside.

Soon, a tall boy walked over, looking surprised to see the golden-haired girl before him.

"Oh, Victoria!" Martin exclaimed excitedly. "Oh my God, is it really you?"

Victoria smiled at him and greeted, "Good morning, Martin."

Martin asked, "Are you back? Or do you need to see the professor about something?" Before Victoria could answer, Martin continued, "Victoria, I really hoped you'd come back to the lab. With you around, Professor Julia would be less grumpy. Her throat isn't good; she should be less grumpy."

Victoria replied, "Okay, I'll work really hard from now on to keep Professor Julia from getting grumpy."

Martin nodded. "Welcome back, my friend!"

He reached out his arm, intending to hug Victoria.

Victoria hugged him tightly. "I'm so happy to work with everyone again."

Martin nodded. "Alright, let's go in and work on the data. We want to surprise Professor Julia."

He entered the lab password. "Professor Julia can give everyone a different password; just remember to ask her."

Victoria used to have a lab password, but it became invalid after she left the lab.

Nine o'clock came, and all the students arrived, but Professor Julia hadn't yet.

"Wow, Victoria!" a girl hugged Victoria excitedly. "I'm so happy to see you!"

"I'm happy too, Sarah," Victoria replied, hugging her back.

Everyone welcomed Victoria's return and suggested going out for a drink to celebrate tonight, which Victoria didn't object to.

After six months, Victoria returned to the place she loved so much.

CHAPTER 4: CONFLICTS IN THE LAB

"Enough talking; it's time to work," a thin old lady appeared at the laboratory door, holding several documents.

"Good morning, Professor Julia," the students greeted her, pushing Victoria forward and allowing her to interact more with Professor Julia.

Victoria thanked them for their kindness and slowly approached Professor Susanna, saying, "Good morning, Professor Julia, I'm back."

Professor Susanna looked at Victoria with a severe look, then smiled, "You seem to be in good spirits. I hope you can work with this good spirit."

Victoria smiled brightly and nodded, "I will, Professor Julia."

Professor Julia clapped and exclaimed, "Alright, children, back to your stations. Today is a good day for Victoria's return. Let's use perfect experimental results to welcome her back."

The students were thrilled and returned to their positions.

Victoria asked somewhat nervously, "Professor, where should I go?" She was prepared to do odd jobs because it was a process every newcomer in the lab had to go through. When Victoria first entered the lab, she did odd jobs for over a week.

"Go back to your original position," Julia handed her the documents, "these are the enrollment procedures you need. I've already taken care of them for you. Stay in the lab with peace of mind. But I must make it clear to you, now that you're back, don't leave easily. I don't want to hear you finding excuses to leave the lab again. You can do anything: travel, vacation, or even have a baby, but you must not leave the lab."

Victoria was touched, "Okay, Professor Julia, I will work hard and not disappoint your expectations."

Professor Julia smiled again and hugged her gently, "Welcome back, my child."

Victoria returned to her experimental table. Not much had changed; her things were still there, and the table was immaculate. She was delighted to be back; she was quite ready to set things right now that she was back.

"Professor Julia kept this position for you all this time," Sarah leaned over, "Professor Julia organized your experimental table for you. She said you would come back. We all thought you wouldn't, especially after you married into the Ashbourne family."

Victoria apologized, "I'm sorry, I was too stubborn."

Sarah shook her head, "No need to apologize, Victor. I respect your choices. When you left, I wished you well, and now that you're back, I still welcome you, but..."

Victoria noticed Sarah's solemn expression and asked, "What's wrong?"

Sarah whispered, "Amelia didn't come today. If she had, she would have surely made trouble with Professor Julia and argued with you."

Victoria knew Amelia; she joined the lab after Victoria and was very talented but had a bad temper. She didn't like Victoria and often picked fights with her. Victoria didn't want to argue with her, so she tried to avoid confrontation in the lab as much as possible.

There had been a few instances where Amelia and Victoria had almost crashed; it had taken Professor Julia's entrance into the lab to evade such a fight. Since Victoria had such an encounter, she did her best to stay as far off as possible.

Today, Amelia wasn't in the lab, and Victoria thought she might have left, too.

"When will she come?" Victoria asked.

"I don't know," Sarah shrugged. "She said she had been too tired recently and wanted to rest for a few days, so she asked the professor for leave. You know, the professor has always favored you and Amelia, so usually, she approves Amelia's leave requests."

Although Professor Julia liked Victoria very much, Victoria should have taken advantage of this to avoid trouble in the lab. Victoria was usually the most reliable person in the lab. She was intelligent, diligent, and willing to help others, so everyone in the lab liked her.

But Amelia was different. She came from a wealthy family and was very smart but had a bad temper and often got into arguments. Her biggest issue was with Victoria.

"It's okay, I won't argue with her," Victoria thought. She could have done it now if she had gotten along with Amelia peacefully before.

However, whatever Victoria thought, Amelia didn't know the same.

Amelia arrived in the afternoon while Victoria was cleaning her experimental table. She saw Amelia, dressed in designer clothes, standing before her table.

Wearing sunglasses, Amelia disdainfully said, "Oh, isn't this Lady Ashbourne? How come you're in our little lab?"

Victoria replied calmly, "I'm here to do experiments."

Amelia slammed her hands on the table, displeased, "Since you've left the lab, you shouldn't return. You're not welcome here."

Victoria liked peace, but it didn't mean she had no temper. "Amelia, I didn't come back to argue with you. If you have something to say to me, wait until break time. Now it's working hours; please go back to your experimental table."

"Traitors shouldn't use good experimental tables," Amelia blocked Victoria, "you shouldn't do experiments here; you should go to the utility room to do odd jobs!"

Victoria frowned, "Amelia, please don't waste my time."

Amelia sneered, "It's really funny. You've been gone for over three months; why didn't you think you were wasting time then? And for you, coming back to the lab is a waste of time, right? After all, you're a vain woman."

Victoria clenched her fists, "Amelia, I'll warn you again, stop it!"

Amelia momentarily took aback, then laughed, "What, you want to hit me? The professor hates violence in the lab. If you hit me, be prepared to be kicked out of the lab."

"My lab also doesn't allow anyone to quarrel or bully other students inside," Professor Julia appeared beside them at some point, "Amelia, go change your clothes back to the lab coat. This is a place for experiments, not for showing off your new sunglasses and clothes."

Amelia bit her lip and said resentfully, "Okay, Professor, I'll change my clothes now."

Professor Julia nodded, then said, "Both of you, focus on your experiments and try to show me successful results as soon as possible. Don't waste precious time on meaningless things."

"I understand, Professor," Victoria said.

Professor Julia glanced at them again before going to another experimental table.

Amelia glared at Victoria hatefully and threatened, "You wait and see, I'll make you leave the lab sooner or later."

It felt too right to laugh at Amelia's reaction and threat, but Victoria felt a deep pity for her instead. She wished to learn why she was on edge, perhaps a family issue.

Victoria smiled, "Professor Susanna said no bullying in the lab, Amelia. Have you forgotten what the professor said so soon? Or do you want the professor to repeat it?"

Amelia snorted and went to the changing room with her bag.