Ashley Darby Reflects on "Falling" for Luke Gulbranson Before Split and Gives a Divorce Update

Ashley Darby was put in the hot seat during Part 1 of The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 7 reunion — particularly when it came to her relationships with both Luke Gulbranson and Michael Darby. 

Keep reading for all the details on where she and the Winter House cast member stand and the status of her divorce, as well as past drama with Candiace Dillard Bassett, and more.

Ashley and Luke's Split

After confirming that she and Luke "are not romantically involved anymore" during the January 8 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Ashley further elaborated on their split during the RHOP reunion. 

"I started falling in love with the guy," she said, much to her castmates' surprise. "I did. After getting divorced, I think the first relationship can probably be the hardest, where you have consistent communication, you have someone being affectionate, all those things that I haven't had for so long."

Unfortunately, the complications of Ashley's ongoing divorce — and, as Luke apparently put it, her need to "reinforce stricter boundaries" when it comes to her ex — things didn't work out in the end. One particular incident, she recalled, "was a long weekend and Michael was supposed to have my children until Monday."

"He dropped my children off at the house on Sunday night and Luke was there," Ashley continued. "So, Luke had to leave immediately and get on a train to go back to New York."

The Status of Ashley and Michael's Divorce

Ashley and Michael may have announced their separation in April 2022, but they've still been legally married this whole time. However, that's about to change, because as Ashley revealed during the reunion, February marks the month she can move the divorce proceedings along.

Ashley's Prenup

Asked about the status of her prenup, Ashley said the terms of her and Michael's split "really just did not work out in my favor."

"According to the prenup, I'm not allowed to get alimony," she revealed. Then, when her RHOP castmates started to ask specific questions about the terms, Ashley added, "I didn't get into the nitty-gritty of it all that simply because my prenup was pretty iron-clad."

Thankfully, "I also have some language in my separation and divorce agreement about some safety nets in case I have financial difficulties," Ashley concluded.

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Ashley's Plans for Her Last Name

Does Ashley intend to remain a Darby? "For my children, yes," she said. "We are the Darbys." 

Before switching topics, Ashley said she wanted to make one major clarification. "Michael is a great father and we are really learning how to co-parent our kids healthily," she concluded. "We're getting into a good place with that."

Where Ashley and Candiace Stand

A viewer-submitted question brought up past remarks Ashley had made about Candiace being the "least-accomplished" RHOP cast member, pointing out that Candiace now has "a flourishing music career" while Ashley openly admitted she needed help purchasing her home. " That said, the viewer added, "do you still think she's the least accomplished or is that you?"

"I will say that I apologize to Candiace for saying that," Ashley responded. "And I am an accomplished woman and no one's going to detract or make me feel less than in any capacity."

Ashley Darby's Candid Conversation with Her RHOP Producer Includes Tea on Her Ex

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