Chapter 5

ASHLEY'S POV

“What's going on, were you expecting anyone,” Richard asked.

“No_ no_t at all.” I stammered.

“Sorry for keeping you up this late. I had something I needed to sought out,”

“You don't need to apologize for my love. It's fine. Come on, give me your suitcase, and take off your jacket. You can take your bath while I go ask the maid to dish out dinner for us,”

“Alright my love, but you know I don't want you to stress because of the baby,”

“You don't need to worry, I am completely fine. Moreover it's just barely a month,” I said.

“That was so close Ashley,” I exhaled as I left the room and went downstairs. The maid had already dished the food before I got to the dining room. I quickly turned back to leave immediately I saw Max at the dining.

“Hey Ashley, you just got here, why are you leaving so soon. Beside we are all going to have dinner together here, you have to start getting used to seeing me everyday, sexy,” he said

“Will you lower your voice, and don't call me that” I quickly whispered as I turned my gaze. I went closer to the dinning and sat waiting for Richard, trying as much as possible to avoid Max gaze, pretending he doesn't exist. I wouldn't have come down if I knew he would be here. I don't why he can't just shut his mouth whenever he sees me. I can't afford Richard to suspect that there is anything going on between us.

Max's whole gaze was on me. He didn't take his gaze off. I quickly glared at him and signalled for him to control himself, as I saw that Richard was already coming downstairs.

“Hey pops,” he called as Richard walked towards us at the dining. “You've got yourself a beautiful wife. We were just catching up while waiting for you. She's really fun and interesting. She just has this striking resemblance with someone I knew back then,”

“It's nice to know you two are catching up. Moreover, Ashley gets that a lot. She looks like almost everyone, my fine wine,” Richard said, his voice laced with sincerity and love.

I managed to fake a smile while cussing at Max in my head. I just wished he would just shut his mouth for once. I quickly changed the topic before he goes any further to saying nonsense. “You are not bad yourself Max. I am glad you accept me, and I hope you see me as your father's wife. I promise to do better.”

“Yeah his fiancée you mean,” Max said, his voice laced with mockery. Richard and I raised our eyebrows staring at him. “I mean you to are yet to be married, so you are his soon to be wife if am not mistaken,”

“Yes you are right. Whichever way, we are still going to get married and nothing is going to stop that. Am I right Richard?” I said, my voice laced with conviction as I tried to remind Max that I belonged to Richard.

“Who knows what could probably happen. No one can tell,” he went further to be ironic.

“What do you mean Max?” Richard asked.

“Nothing Dad, am just saying. You know things happen these days and never can tell what might happen in the future,” Max's words sent shivers down my spine. I was scared that he was going to say something stupid if I stayed there any further, so I had to pretend I was full and feeling tired.

“I think I am filled Richard, and am kind of feeling sleepy, I need to go and sleep. Meet me upstairs when you are done,” I said as I stood up and kissed him goodbye. I turned, glared at Max as I went upstairs. He smiled and winked at me. Gosh! I hate him.

I knew I needed to trade carefully, and try as much as possible to avoid Max, but my desire for him keeps getting worse by the day.

I woke up late early in the morning, bothered about being late for work when I found out Richard had left for work already. I wondered why he didn't wake me, but found a note he had dropped for me beside the bed. ‘Good morning gorgeous. You seem to be fast asleep and I didn't want to disturb you. You can take a break, don't bother coming to the office today. I love you.’

I smiled, and got off the bed. I had forgotten Max lived in the same house. I showered and went downstairs to get breakfast when I heard a loud noise from the living room. I traced my voice to the living room. I quickly hid as I stumbled on Max and a lady making out on the couch. I was shocked, is this how he does, bringing ladies home and fucking them in his father's living room? I wondered.

I quickly turned my gaze, when his eyes caught mine. I left the living room to the dining. I felt irritated, and pained. My mood dropped, but I don't know why. Does his dad even know he brought a lady home? Anyways, why do I care? I tried to shove the thought away but couldn't.

I didn't understand the way I was feeling, but I knew it wasn't just irritation, but something more. Deep down I felt heartbroken, and hurt. It was as though he cheated on me. As much as I tried to shove the feeling away, I couldn't. I didn't know what it was but I think I have feelings for Max.

“No! It can't be. Not at all. Come off it Ashley,” I muttered as I try to shove the thought of it away assuring myself it was just a mere feeling that would fade. I pulled the chair out and was about to sit when the lady passed and left the house. I didn't even bother staring at her. I had to force myself to eat even when I knew I have lost my appetite.

“Hey sexy,” Max whispered in my ear from behind.

“Get off me,” I yelled, my voice laced with anger and irritation. He pulled his chair and sat closer to me.

“Sorry I was so horny, so I had to__”

“That's none of my business, you owe me no explanation,” I cut in.

“Are you sure?” he said seductively as he leaned closer. I felt a sudden rush of emotions, but struggled to get myself together. “What's wrong with me,” I muttered.

“Are you sure, Ashley. Huh_ because I saw the look on your face,” he said, smiling mischievously.

He leaned closer as I could feel his breath on my neck. I wanted to stand up and walk away but for no reason I couldn't. I sat there, while he used his finger to play with my hair. I turned my gaze away trying as much as possible not to kiss him, or fall for his trick. He turned my face to his, with his lips closer to mine. I couldn't help but stare at his sexy lips. I want them on mine.

I couldn't control myself, I kissed him. It was a quick one as I quickly removed my lips from his. I stared into his eyes for a while as he had a surprise look on his face. He suddenly pulled me closer and we shared a passionate kiss. His hands were on my boobs. We were kissing and caressing each other satisfying our long burning desire. We were lost in the moment.

“U_hm,” the maid’s voice brought me back to reality, as I quickly pulled away from Max, and stood up trembling.

Guilt and shock overwhelmed. I was speechless. What would happen now? I wondered.