Alice appeared silent. Her eyes were busy gazing at the row of bottles filled with various kinds of medicines and vitamins that she had bought some time ago when she went to the obstetrician.It was all because of Aunt Hilda. The old woman, who was always so critical and nosy, had managed to provoke Alice and ultimately made her decide to go with Ashton to the obstetrician."From the series of examinations that you've undergone, there doesn't seem to be any issues or problems with your pregnancy. Everything is normal. No diseases or abnormalities were detected."Dr. Agatha was the specialist Alice chose to check on her pregnancy condition. After conducting a series of tests and examinations, it was confirmed that Alice and Ashton were in good health."So, Mr. Ashton himself also doesn't have any issues.""But... why am I not pregnant yet, doctor?"Although she had been assured that everything was fine, Alice was still worried. She was curious if there was something they had missed or
Alice was still wearing her pajamas while cooking and preparing breakfast for Ashton. Since he requested fried rice with sausage last night, Alice was now busy in front of the stove, making the dish her husband loves.Without needing assistance from the helper, Alice skillfully added all the ingredients. For her, preparing breakfast was a crucial activity she had to do herself. She hoped that what she cooked and served would delight Ashton's taste buds and motivate him for all his work today.Concentrating on cooking, Alice didn't notice her surroundings. She didn't even realize when Ashton approached until his strong arms clearly pulled her body and hugged her from behind."You're so serious. I've been calling you, but you didn't respond."Alice laughed without turning towards Ashton."I was focused on cooking, Honey. Sorry if I didn't hear you.""You're forgiven. Good thing I love you."Alice clicked her tongue and laughed."Alright, wait at the table. It's almost done and ready to
"Ashton, why are you crying?" Her voice was unmistakably weak and slightly hoarse. Like someone just waking from a deep sleep, Alice clearly struggled to gather her strength to address Ashton, who had just released her from his embrace and was now busy kissing the tops of her wrists.Alice blinked repeatedly. Overwhelmed with a dizzying sensation, she tried to compose herself. After closing her eyes briefly, she finally mustered the courage to throw another question at her husband, who had been silent since she first opened her eyes."Ashton... why are you just silent? A-Are you seriously ill? Or did the doctor say I don't have much time left?"Ashton actually wanted to laugh. But he refrained from doing so. The overwhelming emotion enveloping his heart right now was more dominant than anything else."I'm fine," Ashton finally replied. He looked at Alice with a gaze that was hard to interpret. "How are you feeling? Are you feeling better?"Alice sighed audibly. She was annoyed that in
"Ashton, I implore you. Marry my sister."At that moment, Ashton shook his head repeatedly. Instead of accepting Miranda's offer to marry her sister again, he adamantly rejected his wife's request.Ashton Wolf, a man working as a contractor and lecturer, had officially married Miranda Stone, a designer, just three months ago. Despite knowing from the beginning, before deciding to marry, that Miranda was suffering from stage four brain gland cancer, he chose to maintain the relationship and make her being his wife.However, Miranda's condition had worsened over time, and she was currently hospitalized. Worried about leaving Ashton alone and with no one to care for him, Miranda asked her husband to marry her sister, especially since Alice was also an orphan, with no one to care for her."No. I don't want to!" Ashton flatly refused. "Besides, why should I marry Alice? I love you, Miranda, not someone else.""Ashton... Alice is my sister. Besides, I can't make you happy. I am seriously il
"What?! Marry Ashton?""Yes. I beg you, please marry and become Ashton's wife after I'm gone."Alice shook her head repeatedly. Just arriving at the hospital, she was already confronted with an unreasonable request.Last night, after returning from class, Miranda contacted Alice. The woman, six years older than Alice, asked her to come to the hospital immediately.In essence, Miranda and Alice were just stepsiblings. Alice was originally the baby brought by Rauf Alfarezi when he married Fatima, Miranda's mother, who had been a widow for a long time.Being cared for together made Miranda cherish Alice as a real sister. Until Fatima passed away, Alice stayed with Miranda, as Rauf himself disappeared, leaving the two of them behind.During last night's phone call, Miranda asked Alice to come quickly, claiming she had something important to discuss. Alice had no idea and never expected that her sister would suddenly ask her to marry her brother-in-law upon arriving at the hospital room."
Ashton was truly overwhelmed by sadness. On the fourth day after Miranda's departure, he still seemed to linger in the atmosphere of mourning. Many family members had tried to console him, but Ashton appeared to continue closing himself off. It was as if Miranda's departure had truly shattered his life.He couldn't even bring himself to start the day for work. Engaging in even the slightest activities, he seemed completely devoid of enthusiasm. It was as if the center of life within Ashton had suddenly stopped rotating forcibly."Ashton, how long are you going to be like this? It's not good to linger in sadness for too long," Zein expressed his deep concern. Never before had he seen his son so deeply distressed."Mama is sure that Miranda wouldn't want you to mourn her like this," Hana added. Alongside her husband, she tried to make Ashton understand and put an end to his grief. After all, there was no benefit in sinking too deep into sorrow."From the beginning, I knew that Miranda
Upon the departure of her sister and to avoid unnecessary back-and-forths during mourning events, Hana asked Alice to stay at Ashton's house for a few days.Feeling that her time was sufficient, and also not wanting to overstay her welcome at her late brother-in-law's house, Alice decided to bid farewell. Moreover, she had many tasks and responsibilities to attend to.Since Ashton's parents happened to be staying there as well, Alice chose to say her goodbyes before leaving. She wanted to express her gratitude for the hospitality she received during her stay."Aunt. Uncle..." Alice greeted as she approached Hana and Zein, who were sitting in the living room. "I want to say goodbye for now."Hana and Zein both looked up, offering warm smiles in response to Alice's words."Why the rush?"Alice smiled politely and shook her head. She didn't want to overstay her welcome, and there were academic and work responsibilities waiting for her."I have to leave because there are matters I need to
Alice looked down shyly. In front of her, Hana Syanaz was busy sorting through and selecting clothes for her to wear later.Like Ashton's previous statement, today the birth mother of the man came to pick up Alice and even helped pack her belongings. Instead of taking Alice straight home to Ashton's residence, Hana made a detour to one of the famous boutiques.Alice thought that the mother-in-law of her late stepbrother stopped by intentionally because she wanted to buy clothes or was looking for something.However, Alice's assumption was completely wrong. As soon as they entered the boutique, she found out that Hana was actually looking for clothes for Alice to wear in the solemnization ceremony.Yes, Alice had to be aware. Once again, quoting Ashton's words from last night, whether they liked it or not, the two of them had to prepare because the day after tomorrow, they would soon be getting married, as promised to the late Miranda."Alice.""Alice Ashborne."The baritone voice of t