Chapter 6: Off to a bad start

Ashley’s POV

"I'm so sorry for being late," I began, my voice barely a whisper. I knew I was already off to a bad start, because even in the movies, being late to a family dinner of this magnitude was almost like a cardinal sin, especially in a household like this.

Amarinth, her eyes slicing me up from head to toe, let out a dramatic scoff. "Well, somebody pinch me because this is a first. Or is the sky red? Since when did the almighty Ashton ever apologize for anything?" Her tone was dripping with sarcasm, and I could feel the icy daggers of her gaze piercing through me. Her reply made me realize that my sister had once again, shown off her talent for turning even the most mundane situation into a battlefield and provoking people.

Growing up, Ashton had always had a knack for blunt honesty, a trait I both admired and dreaded. She was never the type to back down and it was clear that on more than one occasion, she must have clashed with Amarinth because Ashton was a lot of things, which included but was not limited to–stubborn, self-absorbed, and had a mouth that was sharper than a two-edged sword.

I fought the urge to palm my face. Now I understood why Ashton dreaded dinner but she'd left me with a mess to clean up, and I was already waist-deep. Before I could respond, Alfred cleared his throat. "Now that everyone is here, let's eat. Annabel, would you like to say grace?"

As Annabel bowed her head and started the prayer, I stole glances at the people around the table. I realized then that Ashton had only given me the bare minimum. Names and relationships were one thing, but understanding the dynamics of a family was a whole different ball game. I felt like a fish out of water, surrounded by people who had known each other for years, their interactions a complex dance of unspoken rules that I was certain that my sister had most likely broken over and over again since she married into this family. I resolved to play it by ear, to observe and learn. After all, this was just one weekend. I could survive it.

A stunning centerpiece of vibrant flowers dominated the center of the table, surrounded by a display of silver platters and bowls. The buffet was a feast for the eyes, with a tantalizing spread of dishes that could feed at least twenty people. There were pastries, fresh fruit, towering sandwiches, and an assortment of other dishes that reminded me of just how affluent Ashton’s new family was. I'd have to spend at least my entire month’s savings to be able to eat lavishly like this.

As the others began to pile their plates, I noticed Annabel staring at me curiously. Raising an eyebrow, I signaled my confusion. To my surprise, she smiled. "I've never really noticed your freckles before," she said. "You look...different. But it's pretty."

I raised my brows, fighting the urge to whisper and ask her what exactly looked different about me, but I feared that I would give too much away about the fact that I wasn't Ashton and that would ruin the entire weekend or make Amarinth who was already barely tolerating me more ammunition to say something else this night.

"Thank you," I whispered.

Just as I was about to dive into my plate, Adam cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Father, there's an investment opportunity I think we should consider," he began.

Alfred nodded, his expression impassive. "I'm always open to new ventures, Adam. But perhaps you should discuss this with Andreas. He’s been doing a remarkable job as CEO. If your idea is as promising as you say, I'm sure he'll be interested."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Adam’s face, but he nodded in agreement. The underlying tension between the brothers was palpable, a silent battle for dominance playing out beneath the surface. I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. This was only the beginning.

The entire table was tense, everyone else seeming to hold their breath at Alfred’s reply. Adam leveled Andreas with a glare, his jaw clenched, while Andreas remained calm, his attention focused on his meal. I mentally thanked Ashton for at least briefing me on the dynamics. Alfred had passed over his first two children, naming Andreas as his successor to the conglomerate group three years ago. A decision that had not gone down well with Adam and Amarinth, who were now heads of the steel company and hospitality business respectively, positions they seemed to believe were beneath them.

Sansa, Adam's wife, attempted to lighten the mood. "It's such a shame our twins are away at boarding school. They would have loved to visit Aspen this time of year." Her voice sounded a little bit too high and it was clear that her laugh was forced, further worsening the awkwardness of the situation.

Alfred nodded, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "There's always Christmas, my dear. I miss my grandchildren terribly."

I picked up my glass, intending to take a sip of water, when Thomas, Amarinth's husband, leaned forward. His eyes held a certain intensity as he offered me a glass of wine. I declined politely, the last thing I needed was alcohol to impair my judgment in this already tense atmosphere.

Before I could recover from his unexpected attention or read any meaning to his sudden niceness when it was clear that his wife hated Ashton’s guts, Margaret's voice cut through the air. "Ashley, dear, are you and Andreas trying for a baby soon?" The question hung in the air, heavy with expectation. I choked on my water, my face turning a brilliant shade of crimson.

Of all the questions if been expecting to hear tonight, a baby?

“That's a bit rude, Mum,” Annabel chided, “you're putting them on the spot."

Margaret shrugged nonchalantly, "They've been married for over six months now. There's no time like the present. And Andreas, you're always working. I think it's time you started trying whenever you have time to touch your wife instead of working too hard at the company. She looks like she’s tired of waiting for you to come around and I know you both could use a vacation.”

A collective gasp rippled through the room and even Alfred seemed taken aback by Margaret's bluntness. My face turned a shade of crimson, my throat tightening as I felt my heart pounding in my ears.

Andreas cleared his throat, his hand reaching out to pat my back. I flinched at the unexpected contact but quickly relaxed when I realized everyone was watching. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to me. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low.

I nodded, trying to adjust to the way my skin tingled as my hand brushed Andreas’, surprised by the gesture because he'd all but acted like I was an inconvenience and stormed out of the room like he couldn't wait to leave.

He turned to Margaret, his voice firm, "With all due respect, I would appreciate it if you didn't put my wife on the spot like that again."

There was a tense silence as everyone watched the unfolding drama. Even Annabel looked like she still couldn't believe her mother's comment. Margaret, however, seemed unfazed.

She opened her mouth to respond, her expression enjoying the scene, but Alfred placed his hand over hers, shaking his head gently. "Tonight is for enjoying each other's company," he said firmly. "The quicker we eat, the quicker we can all retire for the night and prepare for tomorrow."

Confused, I leaned in to ask Andreas what was happening tomorrow. As he turned to face me, his brow raised, and my heart skipped a beat. The proximity was startling and I shook my head almost immediately, looking away. Trying to stop my frantically pounding heart, I turned to Annabel instead, my cheeks flushing with mortification.

“What's happening tomorrow?” I managed to whisper.

"There's a hunt early in the morning," Annabel explained, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's the highlight of every visit. And then, in the evening, we're hosting a dinner party for the townsfolk."

The rest of the dinner passed quietly, a tense undercurrent hanging in the air. As everyone began to rise from the table, Annabel reached out to hug me, her embrace warm and comforting. "Goodnight, Ash," she whispered, leaving a gentle kiss on my cheek, an action that caused my eyes to widen in surprise. Were Ashton and Annabel close? It was clear that Andreas’ other siblings didn't care about my sister and her husband, and I wondered if Annabel was really genuine or just like them.

 As she turned to give Andreas a kiss on his cheek, I caught a glimpse of his stoic face softening for a brief moment. He nodded towards her, and then, as quickly as it had disappeared, the mask was back in place.

Andreas and I walked upstairs in silence, the weight of the evening's events heavy in the air. With each step, a growing dread settled in the pit of my stomach. I knew what was coming next; spending the night together with my sister’s husband. My mind raced, conjuring up scenarios that ranged from awkward to downright terrifying. What if he didn't want to continue being cold to me like he'd been when he first arrived?

As we entered the room, I opened my mouth to say something, but Andreas beat me to it, "I'll sleep on the couch,” he announced.

Relief washed over me, but it was quickly replaced by confusion. Why would he choose to sleep on the couch? Ashton had said that they weren't on great terms but was it bad enough that they couldn't even share a bed?

Something was off, and I hoped that whatever it was, I would be able to figure it out sooner rather than later.