Chapter 7: It's hunting day!

Ashley’s POV

Heading into the bathroom to change into my nightdress, I tried to shake off the curiosity that had gripped me. Ashton’s instructions were to just make it through the weekend with her in-laws so why was I curious about the state of her marriage? Even if I figured out why, it wasn't like it was something I could change. 

“You just need to make it through this weekend, Ash” I whispered to my reflection in the mirror and let out a sigh, making my way back into the bedroom.

When I came out, I found Andreas already lying on the couch, a book in his hands. He looked up as I entered, his expression neutral but eyes locked on me and I suddenly felt self-conscious, looking away.

Taking in the vast expanse of the king-sized bed, I hesitated. Perhaps it was unnecessary to share the bed, but, if Ashton was his wife, wouldn't it be strange to not offer? "You don't have to sleep on the couch," I stammered, my voice barely a whisper. "The bed is big enough for four people. We can put pillows between us, too if you want.”

Andreas paused, his bookmark slipping between the pages of his book. Slowly, he stood up, removing his shirt in a casual yet deliberate manner. As he turned to face me, I couldn't help but feel a surge of heat rising to my cheeks. Forcing my eyes to the ground, I waited with bated breath as his steps got closer, his proximity making my heart race. 

"Are you trying to be cute?" he asked, his voice low and husky. The question caught me off guard, and I raised my head, my eyes meeting his. "We've never slept in the same bed since we got married. Why would you suddenly want to now?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. Instead, I simply stared at him, feeling increasingly awkward and confused.

My mind raced, trying to process what he'd just said. I wanted to ask why he hadn't been sharing a bed with Ashton, but the realization of how that would sound held me back.

Ashton had merely said that they weren't on good terms, but not sharing a bed with your husband since they got married was strange. Too strange, in fact, but it was exactly like Ashton to never tell me everything, only what she felt was important.

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Sleep wherever you want," I muttered, mentally reminding myself again that my sister’s marital affairs were none of my business and I was only here to do a job.

A cold smile crept across his face. "More like the woman I know," he said, returning to the couch.

Climbing into bed, I pulled the covers up to my chin. I pulled out my phone and typed a message to Ashton: "You need to explain what's going on between you and Andreas. Why is he an ass? Also, why are you not replying to my messages?" I hit send and set my phone on the nightstand, hoping sleep would be a welcome escape from the chaos of this evening.

As I lay there, staring at the ceiling, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was in over my head. I fought the urge to look sideways, and even though I knew that pretending I was the only one in the room was futile, at least, on the bright side, whatever conflict they were having meant that I wouldn't have to do anything beyond keeping up appearances for the rest of the family.

I didn't realize when I dozed off, but a sudden sensation of being watched jolted me awake. My eyes flew open to find myself staring up at a face inches from mine. With a blood-curdling shriek, I tumbled out of bed, landing with a painful thud on the cold, unforgiving floor.

Annabel was instantly at my side, her hand reaching out to help me up. "I'm so sorry, Ashley! I didn't mean to startle you," she apologized, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Slowly, I pushed myself up into a sitting position, my heart still pounding in my chest. As I looked around the room, I realized Andreas was gone. The couch, where he had been sleeping, was empty, the blankets neatly folded. He must have gotten up early.

Annabel was dressed in jeans and a tucked-in shirt, her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. She looked ready for adventure. "I asked my brother about you and he said you were still asleep, so I came to fetch you!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's hunting day!"

I blinked, remembering that Annabel had told me about this last night at dinner. A part of me was curious and excited to see what this activity might entail, fond memories of horse riding at my aunt’s ranch where Ashton and I had stayed after our parents died enveloping me, while the other part remained wary. Today was yet another day to pretend to be my twin sister and hope that I wasn't caught.

Rushing into the shower, I came out to see Annabel reading a book as she waited for me. I opened my box and picked out a fit, throwing it on in hurried steps. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I had to give it to Ashton. If there was one thing she knew how to do that I had absolutely no clue about, it was putting outfits together. The way she'd effortlessly thrown together all the ensembles that I'd be wearing this weekend was nothing short of magic or maybe it was just me that had zero fashion sense. I ran a hand over the soft fabric of the cashmere sweater that I knew cost a fortune, feeling a mild pang of jealousy.

Checking my phone as Annabel linked her arm through mine and we headed downstairs, I saw that Ashton hadn't responded to my message. I hesitated, my fingers hovering over the call button. Perhaps I should give her a ring. But then, with Annabel glued to my side, calling my twin sister who was supposed to be here instead of me was definitely a bad idea.