Basically, all the gossips revolving around Nancy was related to Ashton. Anyhow, the magazine did not publish his front profile blatantly.
He was looking at Nancy with his back at the camera. It seemed like a photo taken during an event.
Obviously, the reporters did that to boost the sale of the magazine.
“It’s all nonsense,” he said abruptly.
Startled by his words, I withdrew my gaze from the magazine and looked at him. “What did you order?”
“A family bucket, ice-cream, hamburgers, coke, and French fries.” Summer was thrilled!
I frowned. “Can we finish them?”
She sulked. “Mommy, I can only eat this once a month. I must satisfy my cravings.”
Ashton concurred with her logic and it made me upset. “Summer, eating and working are the same, don’t bite more than you can chew. When you can’t finish it, you waste money. When you can’t deliver a promise, there’s a price to pay and you might even lose the person you love. Do you understand?”
A crease formed between Ashton’s brows. “She’s only four!”
“It’s the same even if she’s a year old. There’s no need to wait until she’s eighteen to understand the principle that she can learn now.” I might have sounded harsh, but I strongly feel that these are things that Summer needs to grapple with at an early age.
He sighed and indicated for us to wait at our table.
Summer seemed to have realized she over ordered. She kept silent for a while and then approached me. “Mommy, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
I nodded. My eyes were fixed on Ashton as he walked toward us.
He put the food on the table and told Summer, “Eat whatever you like and enjoy yourself.”
She waited for my approval before digging in.
I did not have much appetite. The big screen caught my attention. It was still broadcasting the videos of Nancy promoting the jewelry.
“Whether it’s Rebecca or Nancy, to me, it’s all for show. If you mind, I won’t bring along a female companion to any social events.” He sounded firm.
I heaved a soft sigh. “You don’t need to do that. I’ve found my life’s goal and I know what I want. You don’t have to worry about what I think.”
He grimaced. “So, you’re mad at me?”
I denied because I did not care. “Regardless of who you’re with, these are just tactics used by the media to entertain its audience. They can do that at our expense, but we shouldn’t dwell in it.”
A warm smile settled on his face. “I’ll cook tonight.”
I chuckled.
“Huh? Didn’t we plan to dine out tonight? Are we still going for a movie later?” asked Summer with a greasy mouth.
Her reaction made us laugh. Ashton cleaned her mouth and replied gently, “Whatever you say.”
Summer made the call for the rest of the outing and the day seemed so perfect.
When we returned home, it was already late. The exhausted Summer fell asleep on Ashton.
Maybe we walked too much the entire day. My previously injured foot started throbbing painfully.
Post injury effects?
Ashton sent Summer back to her room. When he got out, he saw me pouring hot water into a bucket. Without hesitating, he took over and tested the water temperature.
Seemingly, the water was too hot. Thus, he added some cold water. Thereafter, he untied my shoelaces, intending to wash my feet for me.
I blocked his hands and refused. “I can do it on my own.”
He was adamant. “The old injury hasn’t healed completely. Apply some ointment after soaking your feet in the hot water.”
As he spoke, he immersed his long fingers into the water.
Some fates are inextricably intertwined. I can’t seem to get rid of him.
He helped me massaged my ankle. “There must be many happenings going on in K City. You’ve been staying here for a long time. It’s time to go back.”
He lifted his head. “Are you asking me to leave?”
“It’s a suggestion.”
He kept quiet as he continued to massage my ankle attentively.
It had almost been two weeks since he came to R Province. I know how busy it could get at Fuller Corporation. He was always seen engaging in virtual meetings on his laptop and settling a lot of documents.
Even so, the heart of Fuller Corporation was in K City. Clearly, his stay in R City would never be a viable long-term solution.
I was so used to having three meals a day and managing major and menial tasks in the yard. Therefore, I was reluctant to live with him in K City and surrounded by the hustle and bustle.
It may seem that his subtle intrusion into my life has portrayed a harmonious union between us two. It’s actually just an illusion because he will leave ultimately.
It was a starry night. I could not fall asleep as I pondered over Summer’s future.
I knew better than anyone that she didn’t belong in R Province. I might have found my peace and my pace of life, but she was only a child who needed exposure and a better environment to learn and enrich her life.
