"Is Mr. Ashton going crazy or what?""Why crazy?""Well, yeah, crazy. Yesterday he sent lunch from that super expensive restaurant with a ton of food. And now? He's sending all sorts of breakfast foods for all of us. Is this just some kind of reward? Seems kinda weird.""Weird how? I don't get it.""Oh, come on, don't be dense. Just think about it. He says it's a reward, but is it really necessary multiple times? Mr. Ashton never used to do this before. Could it be that he's deliberately sending food for Alice?""Meaning? Ohhh, I see. Mr. Ashton is deliberately sending food to get Alice's attention?""Yeah! That's what I mean. Like what Mr. Dimas does. But Mr. Dimas is upfront about it. Whereas Mr. Ashton is being sneaky. Sending lots of food deliberately, including for us, so it's not too obvious that he's actually got something going on with Alice.""True! Suspicious, Mr. Ashton is smitten with Alice.""If he really is, it'll be interesting.""Why interesting?""Well, because Alice
Alice looked anxiously hopeful. From earlier, even since at home, before she really left for work, she already looked uneasy.Although she was known for being an extroverted person who was easy to get along with and blend in with anyone, Alice felt that this time her aura was different.For some reason, she still felt nervous when she realized that today she had to participate in a competition and be watched by almost all the employees of Quandra. Especially since the higher-ups were also present. Considering today was the first day that marked the beginning of a series of events for the next seven days.If she could have refused, Alice would have preferred to just be a spectator. Cheering, encouraging, or if necessary, being a supporter in the front row. But, because of Rumi's antics, she had no choice but to struggle to participate in all the activities that would take place. So tiring!"Why are you so tense? It’s like you’re about to go to war."Dimas, who had been standing at the
Meanwhile, on the field, Dimas was already lined up with the other competitors. Holding the relay baton, he looked ready. Listening carefully and waiting for the whistle to start the event."All participants, get ready!!!"The announcer started giving instructions. Looking at all the participants, and then, on the count of three, blew the whistle to start the race.Dimas in his position started running. The man in a white T-shirt seemed to excel and was able to get ahead of the other six participants.Usually, a relay race team consists of four athletes, but this time it was made different. Each team had only two people. Moreover, the winners of the first, second, and third places had to compete again to determine who would take the top spot.When he was about to reach the meeting point, Alice focused and got ready. As Dimas approached, Alice immediately reached out her hand, grabbed the baton from Dimas, and then ran as fast as she could.Luckily, before the race started, Alice had d
"If your ankle still hurts, you should take a break. I'll give you a few days off to rest."In the dining room, right in front of the dining table, Ashton stared at Alice as she enjoyed her breakfast. The girl seemed relaxed as usual, as if nothing had happened.But Ashton clearly remembered how much pain Alice was in yesterday after she fell. Honestly, he was so worried that he immediately took Alice to the hospital. Fortunately, nothing serious happened to his wife."I'm feeling better," Alice said after finishing the food in her mouth. Taking a sip of warm milk, she looked back at Ashton. "My ankle doesn't hurt like it did yesterday. After taking the painkillers, it feels much better.""Are you sure?"Alice nodded repeatedly. If she thought about it, her ankle wasn't as sore as yesterday."Yes. Besides, how could I just take a break? Because of what happened yesterday, the next competition had to be postponed. That's why I have to work today.""If it still hurts, why push yourself,
"Alice. How did you get to work earlier? When I went to pick you up at home, Tina said you had already left for work?"Alice, who was preparing for a cooking competition at the time, immediately turned around. She gave Rumi a puzzled and bewildered look in response to his question.Alice hadn’t forgotten. It was impossible to forget that earlier that morning, while she was waiting for Rumi, Ashton had clearly said that his sister couldn’t pick her up as usual because she had to take Umi Hana somewhere.That’s why, with Ashton’s persuasion, Alice agreed to ride with him to the office. Even though, in the end, she had to be dropped off wherever Ashton pleased, not at the destination."You came to my house? To pick me up? Didn’t you have to take Mom somewhere this morning?" whispered Alice, looking around nervously, afraid someone might overhear their secret conversation."Take Mom? Who said that?"Now Rumi was the one looking confused. He seriously didn’t understand what Alice was talki
Alice should be grateful. Luckily, after Ashton replaced Dimas to accompany her in the cooking competition, it eventually yielded the desired result.Whether it was because their food was genuinely delicious, or because Ashton, the owner of the company, was present, their team emerged as the winner.However, deep down in her heart, Alice admitted that the Rica-Rica dish her husband made yesterday was indeed delicious. Yes, even though it was very spicy and she couldn't finish it.After the competition, something funny happened. Remembering Dimas who suddenly disappeared, Alice asked Ashton to let him out, and it turned out Ashton had locked him in the restroom of his office."If anything happens to Mr. Dimas, you'll be responsible, Mr. Ashton," Alice warned. She didn't want her husband to get into trouble, nor did she want Dimas to experience anything bad."Relax. You don't need to worry; Dimas will be fine. The executive restroom is nice. It’s even designed with a bed," Ashton replie
"I thought you two forgot today was your visit day."Alice glanced at her husband as they sat in the dining room. If Ashton hadn't reminded her, she would have forgotten it was their scheduled visit and overnight stay at her in-laws' house.Thankfully, Ashton had the foresight to bring a cake, making Hana delighted instead of upset."How could we forget, Mom?" Ashton defended. "We were late because there was an event at work. I'm sure Rumi already told you about the competitions Alice had to join."Hana nodded. As Ashton mentioned, Rumi had indeed informed her about the event at her son's office."Yeah, Rumi said you both won the cooking competition, right?""Yes." Ashton nodded. "Luckily, I was on Alice's team. Otherwise, there's no way she could have won. You know how good I am at cooking, Mom."Hana laughed while Alice rolled her eyes. When is Ashton not boastful? Whenever he talks, he always brags, even if what he says is true."So, when are you giving us grandchildren?"Alice's f
Alice felt like laughing out loud. You could say that what happened to her husband this morning was divine retribution for teasing her while at his parents' house.Just imagine, Alice was already weak and terrified seeing Ashton, who looked like he wanted to pounce on her. Yes, even if Ashton had demanded his marital rights that night, Alice would have reluctantly agreed. However, she was still unsure about fully giving herself to Ashton, who clearly did not love her. Moreover, it concerned giving away the only valuable thing she had.At that moment, Ashton looked so convincing. He climbed onto the bed majestically and approached like a hungry lion ready to pounce.Alice had prepared herself to deliver a kick or at least throw a pillow and bolster for protection. But instead of "devouring" Alice as he had proclaimed, Ashton suddenly laughed. Then he lay down, face down, and fell asleep just like that. And he wasn't wearing a shirt!Alice checked to make sure Ashton was truly asleep. H