"You have to maintain your attitude while at Mom's house. Show everyone that our relationship is fine and there's no problem."Before getting out of the car, Ashton gave a command-like warning to his wife. He asked Alice to behave sweetly and affectionately in front of the extended family gathered at his parents' house today.Like it or not, Ashton had to do this. He didn't want too many questions from both parents and relatives if he and Alice kept their distance."Yes, Mr. Ashton. Don't worry. I won't embarrass you.""Good," nodded Ashton. He then turned off the car engine. Gesturing for Alice to get out, he walked towards the main hall which seemed already crowded with relatives who had come.Alice paused for a moment, surprised. How could she not be surprised and awkward when entering her in-laws' house, Ashton suddenly grabbed her wrist without prior permission. Holding it casually, he walked side by side with Alice. Right now, they looked exactly like a real married couple. Affe
"What are you looking at?"Alice immediately scoffed upon hearing Ashton suddenly addressing her. Right now, she was still seated right next to her husband. Ashton himself was already lying down. He seemed to be getting ready to sleep.Forced to stay overnight and in order to please Ashton's mother who was celebrating her birthday, Ashton and Alice couldn't refuse. As a result, tonight they had to share a room, even if unwillingly, sharing the same bed.Earlier, to avoid any unwanted incidents, Ashton even divided the sleeping territory between them. He even used many pillows as dividers.As a result, the space to lay down became narrow and limited. But, what else could they do? If they didn't do this, they were worried that one of them might unintentionally do something unwanted."Who's doing the looking?""Well, you. You've been staring at me as if your eyes are about to pop out. Besides, I'm self-aware, I know I'm good-looking. But, you don't have to stare so much."Alice pulled a
"Tina, has Mr. Ashton already had breakfast? Or is he still in the room?"It's almost seven o'clock now. Usually, when Alice goes to the dining room to have breakfast or pack lunch, there's always Ashton, either enjoying his meal or getting ready for work.However, it's been almost ten minutes since Alice sat down. She hasn't seen her husband anywhere. That's unusual. Normally, every morning when he's off to work, they always cross paths. So, where is he this morning?"He left for work at half-past six, Ms. Alice," Tina replied.Hearing Tina's answer, Alice was slightly surprised. Instantly, she wondered why Ashton would leave for work so early in the morning. Did her husband have an urgent meeting, or perhaps a morning appointment with a big client?"He seemed to be in a hurry," Tina added. She looked like she was helping Alice pour milk into a glass. "I'm also puzzled why Mr. Ashton left so early this morning. Plus, he didn't even have time for breakfast at all.""So, Mr. Ashton did
However, as she was busy packing the food into the lunchbox, Alice faintly heard the sound of footsteps approaching her. Just as she looked up, she found a man smiling at her."Good morning, Miss."Alice clicked her tongue. Meanwhile, Tina shook her head in response to the unusual greeting from Rumi."Hi, good morning. Looking for Ashton?" Alice asked as she tidied up the lunchbox, which was already filled with food."No," Rumi shook his head. "I'm not looking for Ashton.""Then?""I came here on purpose to see you. Want to commute to work together."Alice looked up. Her brows furrowed instantly. After all, it wasn't unusual for Rumi to invite her to commute to work together."Together?"Rumi nodded."Because you often mention that you always commute to work alone using online motorcycles or public transportation. That's why, since I'm not that busy today, I took the time to stop by and invite you to commute to work together.""Is it okay?" Alice reassured."Yeah, it's okay. I'm singl
Ashton glanced at the circular watch on his wrist. Realizing it was almost seven in the evening, he prepared to head home. As he walked along the corridor of the company building towards the lobby, he felt occasional pain in the back of his head. He was also somewhat tense. Perhaps it was because he had been in front of his laptop for too long. Moreover, there was a lot of work today that drained his brain and energy."Ashton!"Just as he exited the elevator, he heard a woman calling out. Turning, Ashton spotted Gia, who seemed to be leaving."Yeah?""Are you heading home?"Ashton nodded slightly."Yeah. Want to go together?""No," Gia declined. "I brought my car. Maybe next time. You should hurry home, eat, and rest. You look really exhausted.""Yeah," Ashton nodded again. He confirmed what Gia had just said to him. He had been feeling tired all along. Fortunately, he was going home with a driver today. Not driving himself as usual. "My head also feels really heavy. Plus, there's a l
Alice enjoyed her breakfast this morning peacefully and devoutly. At precisely fifteen minutes past seven, she finished and tidied up the empty plates to the kitchen.Upon returning to the second floor, she found Ashton's room still tightly closed. Usually, at this time, her husband would already be sitting neatly in the dining room. Did Ashton deliberately skip breakfast again? Or could something have happened to him?Standing in front of the bedroom door for a few moments, Alice's reverie was interrupted when she noticed Tina walking with a tray containing a glass of water and tea to be taken to her husband's room. Curious, she immediately approached and threw a question."For Mr. Ashton?"Tina nodded."Yes, Miss. It seems he's sick. Earlier, when he asked for tea, I saw his face was very pale.""Is Mr. Ashton sick?"Tina nodded again."From his appearance, he does seem sick. He looks weak.""Could it be his gastric illness acting up because he skipped dinner yesterday?""It's possi
Pain or being unwell is something Ashton dislikes the most. Ah, surely everyone on this earth, if asked, would not like being sick.To say being sick is one of the things that can absolve sins, still, if there's a choice to be healthy, surely everyone would choose to live healthily.Ashton, accustomed to working, to being active, to doing anything productive and not idling, of course, feels extremely bored and listless in his current state of illness because he can only sit idly in his room.While sitting leaning against the headboard of the bed with a tablet in his hand, Ashton has repeatedly checked his email to ensure whether his assistant has sent him the documents he needs to read or sign.He has also repeatedly checked the time, hoping for the day to pass quickly so that he can return to work as usual tomorrow.Not only that, he has also gone in and out of his room countless times. From just reading books in the study, watching TV in the family room, or briefly sitting in the di
"So, does Mr. Ashton want to eat now or later? If you're hungry, I can prepare it for you."Ashton paused his game for a moment. Then he turned to his house assistant."Later. Let's stick to the usual mealtime. Besides, I'm not hungry yet."Tina nodded and chose to excuse herself to continue her work. Meanwhile, Ashton resumed playing. Until not long after, the doorbell in his house rang. Shortly after, Tina entered again, then conveyed the news of who was visiting his house at this late hour."Sir, excuse me. Mrs. Gia is looking for Mr. Ashton outside."Ashton looked up. His brow furrowed."Gia?""Yes," Tina nodded. "She said she wants to visit Mr. Ashton."Ashton nodded and got up from his seat. He walked slowly, intending to approach Gia who was in the living room. There, he could see his female friend looking neat. Ashton could guess, surely Gia stopped by his house right after work."Gia."The woman in the white blazer immediately turned. She stood up, showing a face full of conc