"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
As soon as Alice and the group arrived in Bandung, they quickly checked all the preparations before the event started later that afternoon. Indeed, perhaps because the team Rumi chose to organize this year's event was well-trained and highly dedicated, everything could be completed and handled easily.Just before 4 PM, Alice and her team ensured there were no more obstacles. She and her colleagues believed that the venue was ready to be used, and even the tents prepared were ready to be occupied.When the clock showed 4:30 PM, the staff began arriving one by one, ending with the division heads and a row of managers.Everyone began entering their respective tents, choosing to rest for a while before the dinner event and the first activity of the evening."Alice, you can rest now. You haven't stopped working all day," Dita reminded, asking Alice to stop her activities."Yes, Alice," Nita and Rinda nodded in agreement. "Save your energy. We'll continue later tonight. Let us handle things
Ashton: Alice, have you arrived in Bogor?Ashton's eyes felt extremely tired. Since earlier, he had been constantly checking the phone screen, waiting for a reply to the text message he sent to Alice.It was now 1:30 PM. Alice should have arrived at her destination two hours ago. In fact, Ashton had already sent two messages. But why hadn't he received any response from Alice?"Does she even know I sent a message? Or... maybe Alice knows I sent a message but is too lazy to reply."Ashton sighed. To ease his anxiety, he decided to call Rumi. Even though calling his sibling had nothing to do with Alice not replying to his messages, he wanted some explanation."Rumi, where are you?" Ashton asked when his call was answered by his sibling."In your heart.""I'm serious, Rumi.""Do you think I'm joking?""Rumi!!!""I'm on the road. Why are you asking? Miss me?""I'm not crazy enough to miss you."Rumi laughed. He knew his brother was upset."So why are you calling and asking where I am?""I
"Alice, are you okay?"After fainting, Alice finally regained consciousness. In one of the VIP tents, Ashton and several medical team members were on standby.Ashton couldn't lie to himself. He looked very anxious, repeatedly asking the medical team to check on Alice's condition."I'm fine, sir.""Thank goodness."Ashton breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't even let go of her hand. He was worried after finding Alice unconscious earlier."How about we go back to Jakarta?" Ashton suggested, hoping Alice would agree."No need, sir. I'm really fine. If I go home early, what about my work? Besides, I feel bad for the others."Ashton shook his head. Even in this situation, Alice still thought about her work and colleagues. Being professional is fine, but be reasonable too."What if something happens to you?""I'm serious, I'm fine, sir. I feel much better now."Seeing her face, Ashton knew he couldn't change Alice's mind. Reluctantly, he let her carry out her decision."Then, how did you en
Ashton stared straight ahead. Right in front of him, Alice was glaring at him with a frown on her face.After causing a commotion in front of all the Quandra staff gathered in the middle of the field, Ashton led Alice to one of the VIP leader glamping tents. Ashton's intention was for Alice to rest after the unpleasant incident that had befallen his wife.However, instead of accepting his good intentions, Alice started to grumble. The girl felt that what Ashton had just done felt overly exaggerated."Alice... don't glare like that. Your eyes might pop out," Ashton teased, trying to lighten the mood. But here was Alice, sulking in front of him."Ashton..." Alice called out, sounding annoyed. "Why did you make such a fuss? In front of all the Quandra staff, no less. And why all the threats?"Ashton didn't care. His relaxed face was now adorned with a wide smile. When he was in this good mood, Ashton's charm skyrocketed 360 degrees. No kidding."Oh my, didn't Rumi say you practically beg
"Ashton, we need to talk."Just a few steps outside Alice's tent, Ashton encountered Gia. The beautiful woman immediately grabbed Ashton's arm, pulling him to one corner of the tent.Actually, even without Gia asking, Ashton also wanted to talk to his old friend. He thought he needed to take a firm stance on what Gia had just done to Alice.In the past, Ashton didn't care about anything related to Alice. He thought he married Alice out of necessity. They both agreed not to interfere in each other's affairs.But gradually, after being provoked by Rumi repeatedly, Ashton began to realize. As a husband, he needed to provide protection, attention, and take full responsibility for everything related to Alice."I also want to talk about something important with you," Ashton said.Gia nodded immediately, reaching out her hand to invite Ashton, who stood before her, to speak. Although she knew exactly what Ashton would discuss with her."Okay then, please go ahead," Ashton said. He looked at
"Alice, it's better if you just sit. If there's a royal throne, you should just stay there quietly. It'll make us uncomfortable if you join in such hard work."Alice instantly pursed her lips. Ever since Ashton announced their marital status, all the staff had been treating Alice with such special attention. Some were hesitant, some were afraid, and some intentionally kept their distance to avoid making mistakes that could get them in trouble with Ashton.There were also those who tried to get on Alice's good side. They acted friendly, but it felt exaggerated. They served her, but there was an underlying motive. They did all this hoping that their positions would be secure in the future and that everything would be easier for them.Normally, being treated specially should make us happy, especially when we're served and treated with extra care. But not for Alice. She felt uneasy instead. She was annoyed because she couldn't freely do anything anymore. Everything she tried to do was imm
"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
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
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
Maybe it's luck or maybe it's misfortune. Just a few minutes ago, Rumi flat-out rejected his mother's suggestion to find him a wife or arrange a marriage with a woman she had chosen.Rumi's pride was seriously wounded. Imagine, he is already thirty years old. Not a child who needs everything chosen for him. Is it really necessary to follow his mother's wishes all the time?Just think, from school, lessons, extracurricular activities, choosing a favorite college, to picking a major, Rumi followed everything. Even though he never dreamed of becoming an architect like his brother.From a young age, Rumi had a talent for music and leaned more towards the arts. He even dreamed of becoming a model or an artist. It would be a waste not to make full use of his handsome face.However, his dreams had to be shattered. Instead of being supported, both of his parents wanted him to follow in his brother's footsteps. Also, why was Ashton so annoying since they were kids? Always being the role model
If you pay close attention, since becoming Ashton Wolf's wife, Alice has attended countless events hosted by her husband's extended family. From post-wedding receptions, birthdays, anniversaries, welcoming distant relatives, festive gatherings, achievement celebrations, social gatherings, and tonight, Alice even has to accompany Ashton to a family dinner.Actually, Alice enjoys attending such family gatherings. Besides strengthening relationships and gaining new relatives, she can become closer to and familiar with the many members of Ahmad's extended family. However, there are some things that sometimes make Alice reluctant and a bit unwilling to attend, especially when Aunt Hilda is there, always butting into every conversation."Why aren't you getting ready?" Ashton asked as he exited the bathroom. He walked towards the closet, then chose the clothes he would wear to the event soon."Can't I just stay home?" Alice sat on the side of the bed, her face clearly showing her reluctance.
"With this, the court has decided that Ms. Anggia is sentenced to five years in prison, with six months deducted for psychiatric rehabilitation, on charges of attempted murder and assault."After more than a month of various investigations, Anggia's sentence was finally decided.In the courtroom, the woman, who looked beautiful in a white shirt and black pants, initially appeared calm. Throughout the trial, Anggia even smiled several times.However, upon hearing the sentencing verdict, Anggia suddenly screamed hysterically. She lost control and started to lash out, refusing to accept the decision."This isn't fair!" Anggia shouted. Two officers approached, trying to calm her down and keep her from falling to the floor."Calm down, ma'am."Anggia turned and glared sharply before shouting again."Ma'am... ma'am... I'm not your mother! Do I look so old that you'd call me 'ma'am'?""Okay, please calm down, Ms. Anggia."Anggia looked displeased. She tried to break free, writhing to escape
It didn't take long for Ashton to return to work. After ten days of recovery, today he truly started all his activities as usual.Knowing her husband was so enthusiastic about getting back to work, Alice gave him incredible support. Since early morning, she had been busy in the kitchen preparing several breakfast dishes for her and Ashton."Are we having a party?" Ashton asked as he entered the dining room. He didn't know Alice had cooked this much. "There's a lot of breakfast food."Alice, who had just finished cooking, walked to the table carrying several plates of food. Turning to her husband, she smiled."No, honey. It's not a party. I just cooked a lot to celebrate you starting work again. So you can be full and energetic at the office."Ashton took a step forward. Spreading his arms, he hugged Alice tightly."You're so sweet, my wife.""Of course! I've always been, right? You're just realizing it now."Ashton laughed. It wasn't new for Alice to tease him. Typical of a woman, why
"Sweetheart... why are you crying?"Ashton's consciousness had fully returned. After being examined for a while and confirmed to be in good condition, the medical team and other family members gave him some time to be alone with his wife.Inside the treatment room, Ashton turned slowly. He found Alice sitting there, holding his right hand tightly.Upon closer inspection, he noticed his wife's eyes were swollen and puffy. Ashton was sure it was from crying too much and not getting enough sleep."I'm awake now. You should be happy, not crying. Besides, why stay sad when happiness is free.""I know," Alice replied softly. "I'm like this because I missed you so much," she murmured, her voice trembling. Soon, tears fell down her cheeks again.Anyone would be moved. Just imagine, after two days of uncertain feelings—fear, worry—about something bad happening to her husband. And now, after a long wait, Alice's prayers, along with those of their family, were answered by God.Ashton, who had be
"Zayn, Hana, from the bottom of our hearts, we both apologize for what Anggia has done."Frans and Celine are Anggia's parents. They came to the hospital specifically to visit Ashton and apologize for their daughter's bad behavior and the chaos she has caused in the past few days.Frans was clearly embarrassed. His relationship with Zayn's extended family had always been very good, and now, everything was at risk of being ruined because of Anggia's reckless actions, which no one had predicted.Everyone knew Anggia as a good person. She was smart, independent, and accomplished. Frans was very proud of his only daughter.Frans knew that Anggia had liked Ashton for a long time. Because of her love for Ashton, Anggia had once asked for permission to change her religion so their relationship could go more smoothly.As a father, Frans initially disagreed. But seeing Anggia's strong determination, he couldn't bear to refuse and gave her permission to choose her own faith.However, if God say