Ashton completely ignored my words as he turned to face Emery. He knocked his knuckles on the table rhythmically as he stated calmly, “Scarlett’s obituary was published two years ago. If you’re trying to get something from me, try not to make such stupid mistakes.”
Emery froze as if Ashton had struck exactly at her weakness.
I was, however, utterly stunned.
I was dead two years ago?
A string of words flashed through my mind. The law states that once a person has been declared missing for four years, their immediate family or spouse can apply for their death certificate.
I lay on that bed for six years, but the obituary was only issued two years ago. The person who wanted to prove that I was dead had given up a long time ago. Once the four years were up, he or she immediately filed for the death certificate.
It was at this very moment that I understood what Marcus had meant. Just take it that Scarlett no longer exists.
My head hurt from the unwelcome revelation. I looked at Ashton. The only people who can apply for a death certificate are my immediate family. Who did the deed? Was it my missing family or this indifferent man in front of me?
I was fairly certain from his expression that Ashton still held out hope for his wife’s survival.
My heart sank inexplicably as I processed the thought. There was an odd sort of ache in my chest.
But now’s not the time for me to be sad.
I regained my composure and stood up before addressing Ashton, “I don’t know what happened in the past, but you can see that I’m clearly alive now. I definitely have the rights and means to raise my own child, so I would like to spend some more time with Gregory.”
I truly believed that I could make up for lost time with my son.
Ashton lifted his head slowly and stared at me. The deepness in his gaze was chilling. “Did you not understand what I said earlier?”
He paused and glanced at Gregory before continuing impatiently, “I’ll make myself clear then. Gregory’s mom is dead. No matter how alike the two of you are, don’t ever fantasize about becoming her replacement. Trust me; you do not want to test my patience.”
His words confused and angered me. “Mr. Fuller, you’re the delusional one. No one is trying to pass off as your wife. I am your wife. I’m Carlette.”
I pulled out the ID from my purse and showed it to him.
I had to admit that my move was rather childish, but in the heat of the moment, this was the only way I could think of to prove my identity.
I thought he’d be convinced when he saw my ID. Instead, he cast a disdainful glance over the card and laughed mockingly.
My hands shook as my diffidence rose.
Just then, Emery came over and looked at my ID. She frowned and tugged on my blouse. She seemed to be coaxing me to stop. “Keep it, Letty.”
“Why?” I couldn’t understand the situation. I snapped, “Can’t my face and ID prove that I’m Ashton’s former wife and Gregory’s mother?”
“The former Mrs. Fuller was named Scarlett, not Carlette,” Joseph explained.
There was no more fight left in me at Joseph’s words. I tightened the grip on my ID sheepishly.
Now I recalled Marcus’s words as he handed me my ID. “Carlette, not to be confused with Scarlett.”
Was this just a big misunderstanding? Could I really look so alike to someone else?
Witnessing my daze, Ashton let out a deep sigh. He appeared to rein in his anger as he said quietly, “The Jade has been performing well under your management, but that doesn’t give you leeway to stick a nose into my private business. I want you to prepare an official apology for this. I don’t want to see this happen again, or I won’t be so forgiving next time.”
