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
Alice didn't know whether Ashton's sweet and kind demeanor was genuine or just a facade put on in front of others to be seen as an ideal husband. Or perhaps it was truly sincere, as he had become aware of and repented for his previously selfish behavior. However, from the start, Alice was reluctant to have high expectations. Moreover, she made sure once again that she didn't have any feelings about it. In principle, if Ashton behaved well, Alice would reciprocate many times over. But if he acted annoyingly and selfishly again, don't blame her if she responded in kind.Again, in the marriage she was in, Alice tried to sincerely fulfill her duties and responsibilities as a wife. If Ashton neglected her rights along the way, Alice didn't want to bother. She entrusted everything to God."Alice, please have a seat," said Rumi upon arrival at the restaurant. He immediately invited Alice to sit down and even gallantly pulled out her chair, which made Ashton annoyed."Alice..." Rumi called ag
As planned, during the campfire event that evening, Ashton gave a speech, thanked everyone, and handed out the prizes for the contests held by the office that week.Ashton also celebrated the office's anniversary by blowing out candles and cutting a cake, just like a regular birthday party.Interestingly, before the birthday celebration ended and the entertainment began, Ashton prepared a surprise. With the help of some staff, he brought out another cake and placed it on the table."Friends…" Ashton called for the attention of the staff gathered in the field. "Before I close the event, I want to share some happiness tonight. Since the office anniversary coincides with my wife Alice's birthday, I want to celebrate it with all of you."Immediately, the staff cheered and clapped. Some shouted for Alice to come forward to join Ashton.Alice, initially surprised, shyly stood up and walked towards Ashton, who was lighting the candles for her to blow out."Mr. Ashton, you're so sweet. I'm je
Anggia had just opened her eyes. Blinking a few times, the irritation from the unpleasant events at yesterday's office event immediately surged back and lingered in her heart.Turning towards the nightstand, Anggia reached for her phone. When she checked, a message notification made her jump.Quickly, Anggia sat up straight. Moving her slender fingers, she swiped the text message icon on the phone screen to carefully read what her colleague had sent her.Edric: Anggia, I’ve got the information you need. Let’s have breakfast together before you go to work. I have something to show you. I’ll tell you the location once we get there.A wide smile spread across Anggia’s pretty face. Impatiently, she climbed out of bed. Humming happily, Anggia hurriedly cleaned herself up, got ready, and put on some makeup. She then rushed to a café before heading to the office to meet the person she had paid handsomely to investigate something."Anggia!"As soon as she arrived and entered one of the well-k
Alice looked nervous. This was her second time traveling abroad. In the early days of college, she had participated in a student exchange program and was fortunate to have the opportunity to study design in Singapore.Somehow, Ashton had managed all the paperwork for today's departure. Earlier at his parents' house, Ashton had promised his parents to take Alice on a honeymoon as soon as possible. But Alice hadn't expected it to be this soon. And Japan was the destination he chose for their trip.Ashton claimed it was a birthday present for Alice while also keeping his promise to Umi Hana. The problem was that Alice hadn't prepared anything for their trip. However, Ashton assured her that all the items she needed had been packed by Bu Tina and put into the suitcase that Ashton had placed in his car."Why do you look so tense?" Ashton sounded concerned. He carefully observed how Alice's face had remained tense and serious since they left and even now, during the flight.Perhaps Alice wa
Anggia had just stepped out of Ashton’s office. As far as she remembered, she hadn’t seen him at the office since yesterday. If Ashton was on a business trip, Anggia should have known. But there had been no news or notification at all.Even though they had a conflict yesterday, she tried to remain professional. Besides, there were work issues that Anggia needed to report to Ashton. However, she was having some trouble. When she tried to contact Ashton, he didn’t answer her calls even once.“Where exactly is Ashton?” Anggia muttered outside his office.She was reluctant to ask Ashton’s secretary, who was stationed in front of the office. Usually, when she wanted to meet Ashton, she would just go straight into his office. But with no other choice, Anggia approached the secretary.“Is Ashton out of the office on a business trip or something?” Anggia asked directly, without any greeting or pleasantries.The secretary immediately looked up, stood up, and nodded politely.“Mr. Ashton has be