Back in the Maybach, Armond noticed Ashton’s presence and took it as his cue to leave. He drove off with Nora and Linda.
Then, Ashton got off his car and walked towards me. Against the headlights, it made his tall and lean built more prominent. This gave me butterflies in my stomach.
While wearing his signature smile, he pulled me into a deep embrace. “Scarlett, that was amazing. Your words just now must’ve really got through him.”
I chuckled lightly while teasing, “It’s not right to eavesdrop on conversations.”
“Oh? Was that eavesdropping? Surely you must have noticed me.”
I pouted childishly. “That’s still eavesdropping!” While saying that, Ashton had draped his coat over my shoulders to shield me from the chilly September weather. Then, he led me to his car.
Seeing his familiar back lifted my spirits; I felt whole again.
Apparently in a good mood, he reminded chirpily, “Next time, inform me before you go anywhere. It’s dangerous to be out alone.”
I sat down in the passenger seat before replying, “I need my own space as well!”
“I only need you to inform me. I will not restrict your movement or anything.”
“It’s the same either way!” I shut my eyes without giving him a chance to reply.
Helpless, he blanketed his coat on me and pulled me into a tight embrace. He had clearly ignored Joseph’s presence.
While pretending to be mad, I pushed him away. “Don’t touch me.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Can’t I have some privacy?”
Ashton remained patient. “Scarlett, I’m not trying to restrict you or anything. I’m just concern for your safety.”
“But it sounds like I have to report my every movement to you.”
Feeling powerless against my tantrum, he gave in. “All right. It won’t happen again. I’ll work on my tone.”
“Again?”
“My bad. No more next time. Whatever my dear wife says, goes. Just don’t ever leave me. Is this better?”
I decided to push his buttons further. “Is this better? Why are you making it seem like I’m forcing you?”
Ashton still remained his cool. “How would you like me to speak?” Meanwhile, Joseph had started the vehicle.
“Will you do anything I say?”
Ashton raised his brows. His hands playing with the back of my palms. “No. Not anything.”
“So those were just words to pacify me?”
He broke into a laugh. “As long as my dear wife’s happy, I don’t mind pacifying you all the way.”
I glared at him. “I don’t need your pacifying. I’m not a child.” Our bickering continued throughout the rest of the car ride.
By the time we arrived back at the villa, it was dark outside. I headed straight to the bath while Ashton sat on his chaise lounge reading his book.
Around half an hour later, I came out of the bath and found him still sitting in the same position. Finding his focused expression endearing, I found myself walking towards him. I took the seat beside him. “How many times have you read this book?”
He raised his head, smelling the scent of wine on me. “Next time, don’t drink so much.”
I leaned against him before retorting, “I didn’t! I was just accompanying Linda and Nora. They were the ones who got drunk. I’m sober as a judge.”
“Drinking is prohibited unless you’re with me.” He raised a brow.
“You’re being a tyranny!”
He smiled while placing his book aside. Then, he took the towel from me to dry my hair. “Since you have admitted to being my wife, it’s only right I take good care of you.”
His drying technique was so soothing that it left me feeling drowsy. I closed my eyes while enjoying his treatment.
After some moments, I was reminded of work. “Are you really giving up on the Lavelian Village project?”
All this while, Ashton had not updated me on any progress. I knew that dragging this on would do nothing good for Murphy Corporation.
He replied calmly, “No hurry.”
“How long more will this last?”
“You’ve got to ask Armond about this.”
Oh right. In order for this project to start, Armond has to get the relevant connections.
He held on to my shoulders from the reminder. “Have you decided when you’re returning to K City with me?”
I pursed my lips, half-drowsy. “Haven’t I already said? We have to complete this project first. We can’t just give up halfway.”
“Is being stubborn your way of getting me to stay on this project?”
Still in his embrace, I laughed hysterically. “Mr. Fuller, it’s not wrong to interpret it this way. Lavelian Village project was once under my lead, so I really wish to see this through the end.”
