Chapter 4

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 attend to. I'll visit again when I have free time."

Alice then approached, extended her hand, and shook hands with Hana and Zein in turn.

"Let the driver take you, Alice. It's already late. It's not safe to go home alone," Zein instructed, and Alice immediately nodded in agreement.

"Have you said goodbye to Ashton?" Hana asked afterward.

Alice shook her head. Not only did she not meet to bid farewell, but she also saw her brother-in-law only once during her stay. After that, she had no idea where Ashton was or what he was doing.

"Not yet. I don't know where Ashton is."

"He's in his office. Just go and see him before you leave. I'm sure there's something important he wants to discuss with you."

Alice obediently nodded. After saying goodbye to Ashton's parents, she quickly made her way to Ashton's office on the second floor.

In reality, Alice felt reluctant to go there. Although not explicitly mentioned, she was aware that her brother-in-law seemed to dislike her. During their acquaintance, he rarely spoke to her, let alone engage in small talk. Even in their university setting, where he was a lecturer and she a student, Ashton rarely invited her or other students for casual conversations.

Ashton even earned the nickname "two-door refrigerator lecturer" for being tight-lipped and never showing any charm. Nevertheless, many female students idolized him.

"Excuse me."

While uttering a greeting, Alice timidly knocked on the door. She was afraid of being ignored or overlooked by her brother-in-law.

"Come in."

Hearing a clear response and being invited inside, Alice quickly opened the door. Upon entering, she found Ashton seated in his office chair.

"Excuse me, Ashton. I'm sorry to disturb you," Alice whispered cautiously. From her movements, it was evident that she was nervous. She even bowed her head while speaking to Ashton, who was clearly in front of her. "I'm leaving now. Thank you for allowing me to stay here."

Ashton stared in silence, observing Alice from head to toe. If closely examined, Alice indeed fell into the category of a beautiful woman, even more so than Miranda, just as El Rumi had mentioned.

However, it didn't change anything. Beauty alone wasn't enough, and it wasn't a measure for him to quickly move on. Until this moment, Ashton's heart was still filled with thoughts of Miranda.

"Ashton," Alice addressed when he didn't respond. "Are you okay? I'm leaving now."

Ashton snapped back to reality, nodding. Finally, after a brief silence, he spoke.

"Yes. You can go home tonight. When you get home, don't forget to pack. Tomorrow, Mom will pick you up and bring you back here."

Alice was taken aback. Slowly trying to digest what Ashton had just said. Why would she be asked to pack and promised to be picked up by Ashton's mother tomorrow?

"W-what was that just now? Pack? Picked up?"

Ashton nodded.

"I made sure your ears aren't having problems. Tomorrow, Mom will pick you up and bring you back here. Starting tomorrow, you will move and live here, in this house."

"Move?"

Ashton nodded again, answering Alice's curiosity that had arisen.

"Yes, move. You haven't forgotten about what we both promised Miranda regarding marriage, have you?"

"I-I haven't," Alice stammered. There was no way she could forget about that. In fact, she didn't want to discuss it, hoping Ashton had forgotten about it. But, unexpectedly, her brother-in-law seemed to have already planned something. "I haven't forgotten that promise."

Ashton nodded.

"It's good that you remember. That's why I decided that the day after tomorrow, the two of us will get married."

Alice stared with her mouth agape. She knew that someday what she had promised with Miranda would come to fruition. But, she didn't expect it to happen right now. Especially just a few days after her brother-in-law's death. Is Ashton not in his right mind?

"I didn't hear it wrong, did I? The day after tomorrow, we're getting married?"

Ashton nodded. He took a step forward, intentionally approaching Alice while staring sharply at his sister-in-law. Continuing to approach, Alice involuntarily stepped back systematically.

"Ashton..." Alice muttered, feeling nervous. She couldn't retreat anymore. There was a large door that prevented her from moving backward. Of course, she felt trapped now.

"Listen carefully," Ashton said with a heavy voice. "The day after tomorrow, we are indeed getting married. We are both fulfilling what we promised to Miranda."

Alice swallowed her saliva. Feeling intimidated by what Ashton was doing. He seemed to lock his position, making it difficult for her to move.

"You need to know," Ashton continued. "I don't love you, Alice. I'm doing this out of obligation because we've already promised. So, I hope you can cooperate. And remember well, after we get married, don't expect too much, let alone dream of having a happy marriage."

Ashton then stepped back, turned around, and left. Leaving Alice alone with mixed feelings.