He had the call on speaker. Joe took a few seconds before he replied in an aggravated manner, “Ashton, what else could I possibly say to her? She lashed out and scolded me earlier. Don’t tell me you’re calling me to yell at me too?”
Ashton let out a cough and said in a deep voice, “It is understandable for her to scold you. I was even beaten up because of you. Find an opportunity to apologize to her.”
Joe frowned. “What for? I didn’t even provoke her. Why should I apologize?”
“If you don’t apologize, I will have to sleep in the guest room. Do you think you should apologize now?” Upon hearing Ashton’s words, I became speechless instantly. It sounded as if I had mistreated him.
Joe paused for a while then said, “Ashton, you… Are you in love?”
Without any hesitation, Ashton nodded. “Yes, she is my wife.”
“Alright, I’ll set a time and invite Jared as well. Let’s have a meal and I’ll apologize to… your missus!”
“Yes!” Ashton hung up right after.
I hid under the blanket and couldn’t see what he was doing. A few seconds later, he turned off the lights and plopped onto the bed.
He tugged the blanket a few times. “Scarlett, it’s winter now. K City’s way colder than J City. If you don’t share the blanket with me, you might need to help me dial for an ambulance tomorrow morning.”
Soon, he stopped tugging and lay quietly next to me.
Listening to his shallow breathing, I thought he might have fallen asleep. I wriggled out of the blanket carefully and saw his upper body laying bare beneath the dim light.
Normally, he would sleep in his pajamas. It was obvious that he slept without clothes on purpose that night.
After some time, his body was cold to the touch. Upon seeing him fast asleep, I removed the blanket that was wrapped around me and placed it over him.
Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and slithered under the blanket. With his arms pulling me into his embrace, I could feel the coldness from his body surrounding me.
“So you’re worried that I might catch a cold? Hm?”
I wanted to kick him instantly. However, he held me down swiftly and said, “Your leg is still hurt, don’t move too much.”
“Ashton, you bastard!” I couldn’t help but yelled. Then I pursed my lips and stared at him sullenly.
He pulled me into his arms again and uttered, “Joe didn’t do that on purpose, and it’s my fault for not handling it well. Initially, I should have made our relationship known to the public, but I had some work to manage in K City. Many people are eyeing on K City too. If someone catches our weakness, I’m worried I might not protect you well then.”
He let out a sigh and hugged me tightly.
I was speechless for a moment. I knew he had a lot on his plate, and that was why I had never forced him.
I had a good sleep that night. After many rainy days in K City, the sun was bright when I woke up the next day.
Ashton wasn’t in the bedroom. As I stretched my body, my ankle was still hurting. I got out of bed and was getting ready to wash up.
Mrs. Eriksen brought some breakfast to the room while Ashton and Jared followed her from behind.
Upon seeing that I was awake, she placed the breakfast on the bedside table and said, “It seems like a good day today. I think it’ll start snowing these two days. Letty, go ahead and wash up. After your breakfast, come downstairs and we’ll admire the winter roses in the courtyard. They have just bloomed yesterday, how beautiful.”
I was surprised. There weren’t winter roses or snow in J City. Based on what she had said, it would start snowing in just a few days. I beamed. “Yes, yes, that’ll be great!”
After Mrs. Eriksen went downstairs, Ashton had Jared examine my sprained ankle.
“Her ligaments were strained. She should be fine after applying medicine and having a few days of rest.” While saying that, he removed his rubber gloves and threw them into the trash bin.
Ashton nodded. Then he looked at me and said, “Rest up after you have your breakfast. I have something to discuss with Jared in the study. Call me if there’s anything, alright?”
I nodded obediently.
Since I had just woken up not too long ago and hadn’t washed up yet, I got out of bed and headed for the shower after they left bedroom.
The moment my foot touched the ground, a sharp pain shot through my entire body. Fortunately, I could get used to it after taking a few steps.
After a brief shower, I returned to bed, panting. It seemed like I had overestimated myself, and it would be difficult for me to go to work that day.
I reached out to grab a glass for some water. However, I lost sight for a moment and dropped it on the floor instead. The glass shattered instantly.
While I was on the floor picking up the glass pieces, the bedroom door opened. Ashton frowned angrily and said, “Did you scald yourself?”
He walked towards me and carried me onto the bed. While doing so, his lips were tightly pursed and his gaze was intense.
I felt as if I had done something wrong. “No, the glass shattered.”
He lifted his head and gazed at me. “Do you want some water?”
I nodded.
He got up and poured a glass of water for me. Meanwhile, he told Mrs. Eriksen to help with the cleanup.
Upon remembering he had a discussion with Jared, I said immediately, “Go back to the study. Dr. Crest must be waiting for you.”
