This was my first time in K City. Being the country’s capital, it came with rich historical background. Not only did it pay homage to its rich past, but it also served to usher in its even brighter future.
However, such a large city meant that it came with its own set of problems, namely traffic. Ashton had one hand on the steering wheel while his other drummed impatiently against the steering wheel.
I looked at the scenery outside the car window distractedly. I may have seemed calm on the outside, but I was actually quite nervous.
I had never met Ashton’s aunt before.
The city center was a glorious sight. In an area where every square inch of land was worth a lot of money, they had also developed natural green pockets and parks. The people who lived here were super-rich with their cars dotting the parking lots.
When I got out of the car, I noticed that even shrubs and trees in the area were exotic. There was also an eye-catching lily pond in the center, where pink and white lilies were in full bloom.
Ashton took me along a cobblestone path. As we walked up the stairs, we soon reached another stately-looking Oriental-style villa.
In the two years that I’d been with Ashton, I’d seen plenty of luxurious villas. The property in front of me was particularly outstanding and overwhelming.
Standing at the gate was a very composed woman who looked to be in her thirties. She wore a dress the color of ink, embroidered with daisies.
As soon as she saw us, she greeted us with a joyous smile. “Well, I’d been expecting you both for breakfast instead! Since you took so long to arrive, we can only have lunch.”
“I apologize. The traffic was terrible!” replied Ashton, looking sheepishly at her.
His gaze returned to me. All this while, he hadn’t let go of my hand yet. “This is my wife, Scarlett.”
The woman looked at me indulgently as her smile widened. She pulled me towards her for a closer look. “So she is the woman father chose? She has an elegant and good-natured air, plus she also looks beautiful even though she’s with child!”
I grinned and said, “Hello, Aunt Sally.”
George Fuller only had three children in his lifetime. Out of the three, two were sons. The eldest died young, leaving only one other male in his wake. The second son was more carefree and wasn’t particularly interested in corporate affairs. Little else was known about his daughter, Sally Fuller.
With all the introductions out of the way, Aunt Sally then led us both into the villa. With its white walls and black tiles, the building had a simple color palette. However, there was no denying that the materials and overall design were top-notch.
Next to the villa was an open-air yard area. From here, I could see someone sitting under a sunshade, drinking tea with a book in his hands. Next to him lay a large gray Tibetan mastiff. I wasn’t particularly fond of dogs, especially large ones like this intimidated me.
I couldn’t help but lean against Ashton, instinctively clutching his elbow.
Having noticed my reaction, Ashton paused to glance at what triggered it before looking away.
“That’s your Uncle Benjamin’s son, Marcus,” said Sally with a smile. “You’re both of the same age, Ashton.”
Ashton nodded and said nothing else.
I had been feeling odd since I entered the villa. Sally looked to be only a few years older than Ashton, yet when she introduced Marcus, she referred to him as ‘your uncle Benjamin’s son’.
Ashton had never even mentioned anything about Sally Fuller. Although I had my doubts, I couldn’t just blurt my thoughts out and ask questions. That would’ve been tactless.
As we entered the foyer, I couldn’t help but glance at Marcus, who was still lounging on the deck. He was dressed in an off-white shirt and gray slacks with white household slippers. Marcus exuded an air of elegance and gentility, despite the attire he was clad in.
A man like this would’ve been the perfect catch for any woman.
Suddenly, I heard my name being called in the distance. Putting aside my thoughts, I hastily continued down the foyer.
“You’re pregnant, dearest,” said Sally with a gentle smile. “You should watch your movement.”
I nodded. My scalp prickled as I had the feeling that someone was watching me. Instinctively, I turned around.
Marcus had been looking at me, his gaze clear as day. As our eyes met, I was stunned. I smiled on impulse and nodded slightly, hoping that it would pass for a greeting.
He furrowed his brows at me for a moment and went back to his book.
The foyer leading into the living room was bright and luxuriously decorated. An expensive and well-maintained grand piano was placed near the staircase, further highlighting the sophistication of the decor.
Sally instructed her staff to set about preparing lunch before inviting us all to have a seat in the living room. ‘Your Uncle Benjamin is at the office, but he’ll be back soon.”
She then directed her gaze at me before asking, “You’re seven months pregnant, right? Do you know when the baby is due?”
I smiled at her gently before glancing at Ashton. “Yes, he’s had everything arranged.”
Sally nodded. The grin on her face was enough to warm anyone’s heart.
After a brief chat, Sally ushered us into the backyard for some tea. Although the two were family, Ashton did not speak much, so Sally had to fill in most of the gaps.
She asked about all sorts of things. From the Fullers to the company and of other updates, but the one thing she hadn’t asked about was Old Mr. Fuller.
Ashton’s responses were brief and made for sufficient banter as he answered each of those questions. A cursory glance in Sally’s direction made me notice that she had red-rimmed eyes. I gingerly got up and said, “Why don’t you both catch up, Aunt Sally? I’ve been sitting for too long, and my back feels a little uncomfortable.”
Sally got up as well, with some concern etched on her face. “We have a personal doctor employed here. Shall I ask him to take a look at you?”
I quickly shook my head. “There’s no need, really! I’ll just take a walk. Please, continue.”
