Ashley's pov
---
I stood at the door of my dad's hospital room, wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans. I was nervous, afraid he still might not acknowledge me, even with this heat-giving mask on my face. I gripped the lunch bag tightly and stepped inside.
"Hi Dad, how are you feeling? I cooked some porridge for you. Hope you enjoy it," I said quickly, already moving toward the door, wanting to escape when I heard his hoarse voice call me back.
"Ash," he said, and my heart sank. "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry for ignoring you. Please don't go. I want you to take the mask off."
I turned back slowly, my head hanging low to hide my face. He motioned for me to come closer, and I took a few hesitant steps toward him.
"I'm sorry, Ashley," he said again, and then he pulled me into a hug. "I want you to feed me, please."
"Okay," I agreed, forcing a weak smile.
Later, when my dad was discharged from the hospital, we went home together. I watched him from the couch, content and watching TV, and I smiled. I was relieved he wasn't like those evil stepfathers or mothers from the movies I used to watch as a kid.
"Dad," I said, breaking the silence.
"Hmm?" he replied, glancing my way.
"I'm going to see my husband. It's been a while now."
"Okay, honey. I'll see you later," he said, and even though he sounded polite, there was a hint of something deeper in his voice—an understanding of what I was trying to do.
As I left the room, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, despite everything, we could find a way to move forward together.
---
~ Charle's pov ~
---
**Ring, ring.** The phone vibrated on the table as Charles picked it up.
"Hello?" he said, his voice steady.
"Hello, Charles! Mission accomplished!" Mia's voice bubbled with excitement. "That foolish best friend of mine came crying to me a few hours ago about her mom's death. This is great! We should inform our parents quickly about this news."
"Great job, Mia. I knew I could count on you," he replied, satisfaction lacing his words. "But it's not yet time to tell our parents. Just wait a few days, and you'll see—I'm about to kill two birds with one stone."
"What will be my reward?" Mia asked playfully.
"Tonight at 10:00," he replied with a smirk.
"But what about the promise you made to me?" she pressed, her tone shifting slightly.
"Don't worry, Mia. I'll mention the marriage agreement to my parents. They already like you, unlike your best friend, whom they detest. Bye for now."
As he hung up, a thrill coursed through him. Everything was falling into place, and tonight would be a turning point for both of them.
Just then a knock broke him out of the trance.
He made his way to his bedroom door and opened it only to see the face of his deaarr wifeee.
"Babe!!".
Ahh, her voice makes me want to vomit
"How are you doing bae,come in". With gritted teeth I answered.
~Ashley's pov~
I'm fine babe, can I come in, I said excitement bubbling in my voice it's been so long since I have seen him and it has been killing me.
"Come in"
**********************
We sat on the couch I was watching TV while he pressed his phone looking at it with so much seriousness and I decided not to disturb him thinking he was working on something but I shifted uncomfortable on the couch.
Charles looked up from his phone, a hint of surprise on his face. "Hey, Ash, what's wrong?" he asked, setting his phone aside.
Ashley took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "It's Mom," she said, her voice cracking. "She passed away."
Charles expression changed, but only for a split second. Ashley didn't notice the flicker of relief that crossed his face before he stood up and opened his arms to her.
"Oh, Ash, I'm so sorry," he said, pulling her into a hug. "I'm here for you."
Ashley let herself be enveloped by Charles warmth, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her. She told him everything – about the hospital, the doctors, the final moments she shared with her mom before she was rushed to the hospital. Charles listened attentively, his face a mask of concern and sympathy.
But as Ashley pulled back to look at him, she didn't notice the calculating glint in his eye. She didn't see the way his mind was already racing with the implications of her mother's death – the inheritance, the property, the freedom.
All Ashley saw was the man she loved, the man she thought loved her back. And in that moment, she felt grateful to have him by her side.
Hours passed, and Ashley's emotions began to settle. She and Charles ate dinner, watched a movie, and tried to distract themselves from the weight of the day.
But as the night wore on, Ashley's mind began to wander back to the conversation she'd had with Charles. She recalled the way he'd listened to her, the way he'd hugged her. And she remembered the look in his eye – a look she couldn't quite place.
At first, Ashley brushed it off as her imagination. But as she lay in Charles lap, staring at the ceiling, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
*It wasn't until later, much later, that Ashley would realize the truth – that Charles comfort had been a ruse, a carefully constructed facade designed to hide his true feelings. And by the time she discovered the truth, it would be too late.*
Ashley got off from Charles lap as he has been urging her to go home since it was late, she looked at the clock and as it was already 10:00 sighing she stood up and was about to bid goodbye when the doorbell rang.
Ashley stood there frozen wondering who would be here at her husband's house this late and just then Charles stood up too alert and restless.
*******************
"Dear readers,
I want to start by apologizing for the delayed release of this chapter. Unfortunately, my schedule has been incredibly busy this week. Moving forward, I'll be taking a temporary hiatus from releasing new chapters. However, when I do resume, I plan to release a substantial number of chapters at once.
I hope you'll consider adding my book to your library, as I'm confident it will be an exciting and worthwhile read. I appreciate your patience and understanding as I take the time to complete the book before releasing new content.
Thank you for your ongoing support. I'd be grateful if you could continue to engage with my story by voting, commenting, and liking as new chapters are released.
Once again, thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to sharing more of my book with you in the future."