"Where have you been?"Alice sighed deeply. She had just arrived home and hadn't even had a chance to enter her room when she saw Ashton blocking her way. Her husband was sitting on the sofa right in front of the room, as if he had been waiting for her return."It's already eight o'clock, Alice." Ashton glanced at the digital clock on the wall in front of him. He lifted his chin, signaling Alice to look at it too. "You left for lunch and only come back now?""Did you forget? You're the one who asked me to accompany Mom for lunch. Who knew she would have all these shopping plans."Alice defended herself while taking repeated deep breaths. It wasn't her fault that she couldn't return to the office immediately after lunch and carry out her duties as an assistant.After accompanying Hana for lunch, instead of being taken back, her mother-in-law took her around to shop for various things. As a result, Alice was only taken home after everything was done."You can remind Mom that you have wo
Alice rushed into the room, closing the door behind her. Intending to sit at her desk, she found Ashton deeply engrossed in something, looking serious.Yet, it was only half-past seven in the morning. There was still thirty minutes left to relax before starting work. Alice wondered why her husband had left so early today. And she was sure Ashton had skipped breakfast again, just like he had done a few times before. Typical!"You're so focused on making money that you forget to eat. But money isn't everything," Alice muttered while straightening things on her desk. Taking out a food box from her bag, she prepared to have her breakfast.Because she had a presentation scheduled with one of the project supervisors this morning, Alice deliberately chose to have her breakfast in the room. She thought it better to leave for work earlier than usual to avoid being late due to traffic."What were you saying, Alice?"Ashton interjected while still engrossed in his laptop work. Alice was sure his
Ashton appeared silently transfixed in his bedroom. Sitting back on the sofa, one hand busy stroking his chin adorned with tiny hairs. For some reason, ever since he left work until he arrived home, Ashton's mind was preoccupied. Dimas' words during their introduction at the office earlier in the day had stirred his thoughts.Dimas wasn't a stranger to Ashton and Gia. The three of them had gone through college together. Then, Ashton and Gia had to part ways with Dimas as he received a scholarship to pursue his master's degree in Japan.After a long time, Ashton, who was currently looking to hire a replacement manager, received news that one of the applicants was Dimas. Because they were acquainted and aware of Dimas' skills, Ashton and Gia agreed to choose him to join Quadra C&T Corporation."So, you really know Alice?" Gia still seemed curious as she escorted Dimas to his new office. Without beating around the bush, she repeated the same question to her old friend."Seriously," Dimas
On the way to the restaurant, Ashton and Alice were silent, each enjoying the quiet.Alice remained silent because she was still upset with Ashton’s annoying behavior and drama earlier at home. Ashton, on the other hand, wanted to talk but was unsure how to start."Alice," Ashton called softly. Given their close proximity, Alice heard him clearly."Yes?" Alice responded without taking her eyes off the road ahead."Quoting what Dimas said at the office earlier, do you really have a serious relationship with him?"Alice turned to look at him, narrowing her eyes with a mocking grin."Are you curious or very curious?""I’m serious, Alice.""I’m serious too," Alice shot back, unwilling to let their conversation ruin her mood any further. "Besides, whether I have a relationship with Dimas or not, isn't that a private matter? You were the one who insisted from the beginning that we shouldn’t interfere in each other’s personal affairs."Ashton, who was driving, nodded. He acknowledged that it
"Ashton, you jerk!"Alice had lost count of how many times she had cursed. The frustration from last night’s events still hadn’t subsided.Imagine this: to hide her marriage to Ashton, Alice had agreed to hide in the restaurant’s bathroom at his request. She did this so her presence wouldn’t be noticed by Gia, who had unexpectedly shown up like an unwelcome ghost, immediately spotting Ashton and approaching him.Alice thought she wouldn’t have to hide for long. She naively believed that her husband would quickly handle the situation and then take her home. However, instead of being called, phoned, or informed to come out, Ashton didn’t give any indication of what Alice had hoped for. After waiting for nearly thirty minutes, she finally decided to boldly leave the restroom.And what a surprise awaited Alice. Instead of finding Ashton, she found a note he had left with a waitress for her to read."Alice, I went home first. Gia insisted on getting a ride home, and I couldn’t refuse. So,
It's almost half past seven in the evening. Yet, strangely, Alice still hasn't come home. The girl didn't bother to give any updates or reasons to Ashton as to why she's coming home late tonight.Usually, when Ashton arrives home, Alice has already prepared dinner and all sorts of things. But today is different. Upon entering the dining room, Ashton realizes it's not his wife who cooked tonight. Even after waiting for a few minutes, he finally realizes that Alice hasn't come home at all. So, where could his wife be?"Alice didn't tell you she'd be coming home late today?" Ashton asks Tina as she pours a drink. He's been waiting, but there's still no sign of her coming home."Not at all, sir. I didn't dare to ask anything," Tina replies.Ashton furrows his brow. Why wouldn't Tina dare to ask? After all, he often finds his house assistant chatting amiably on every occasion."Why not?" he asks."This morning, Ms. Alice was in a bad mood, sir.""What do you mean by a bad mood? Was she ang
The Cold War between Ashton and Alice continues unabated. Several days after their heated argument, it seems they still haven't found common ground.Instead of apologizing for the fatal mistake he made, Ashton insists he was right. He argued that he left Alice in the restroom to avoid various opinions and perceptions from Gia, who suddenly appeared at the restaurant where he and Alice were.But what's so hard about apologizing? Moreover, Ashton also displays indications of applying double standards, where he's allowed to go out with other women while forbidding Alice from going out with Dimas. Yet, they weren't alone like Ashton often is with Gia.What sin did Alice actually commit? Why has Ashton always shown such annoying behavior towards her from the beginning? If there's a saying that goes 'women are always right and men should always yield,' then it seems to be the opposite of what's happening between Ashton and Alice."What exactly did I do wrong to Ashton? Why does it seem like
It seems like what Rumi said the other day has been bothering Ashton's mind. Despite his efforts to deny it, Rumi's words keep echoing in his head.Like venom spreading, one by one Rumi's words begin to infiltrate every corner of Ashton's mind. And, upon reflection, there might be some truth to what his brother said."It's up to you whether you want to love Alice or not. But, the problem is, your status is that of a lawful husband. How can you let another guy trample on your dignity like that? Are you really okay with your wife going out, being taken to dinner, escorted home, and given attention by a guy who supposedly had a serious relationship before?""But, Dimas and others don't know the real status and relationship between me and Alice."Rumi scoffed. The man smirked mockingly."Still. Your ego doesn't feel offended, huh? Your wife is clearly being flirted with by another guy. Right now, it's okay because people don't know. But, what happens when everyone finds out? Won't it beco