He looks mad.
He practically hauled me out of the room.
Once the bathroom door clicked shut, Lucas exploded.
âAshlyn! Explain! Explain yourself now!â
Sister? Madeline Saunders?
Lucas could not hold it together any longer.
Ashlyn regarded him quietly. His inky gaze was clouded over by storm clouds of hostility.
âLucas, you never asked me about my relationship with Ms. Saunders. You also never asked me if I was her. How is this my fault?â
Ashlyn leaned back against the wall, her enchanting countenance shining with tranquil composure.
His arm held the back of her neck and his voice lowered to a dangerously menacing tone, âAre you blaming me? Are you blaming me for not paying attention to you? Or for not understanding you?â
Ashlyn returned his gaze with her own puzzled expression. âThat wasnât my intention at all, Lucas. Why would I need you to pay attention to me?â
âWhat more are you hiding from me, Ashlyn?â Lucas growled threateningly.
The hand which held her neck gripped it tighter. âDonât make me guess anymore.â
âWhen did I make you guess? Youâre the one who likes playing games. Youâre also the one who sought out Ms. Saunders and begged to meet her.â Ashlyn wrenched her neck out of his uncomfortable hold.
âMrs. Field is waiting for me. You betterâ¦Umph!â
Her lips were suddenly corked.
Mrs. Field was worried about Ashlyn and had come out looking for her when she saw the pair headed towards the bathroom.
When she arrived in front of the bathroom, she heard odd sounds coming from Ashlyn inside the bathroom.
I know all too well what sounds those areâ¦
She was bewildered by this development.
Whatâs going on? Lucas and Ashlyn? Thinking back, I have to admit Lucas had a strange attitude towards Ashlyn.
I watched Lucas grow up and understand him fairly well. But Iâve never seen him care about anyone so much.
But isnât Lucas married?
Could Ashlyn beâ¦
Mrs. Field was dumbfounded.
The bathroom was dimly lit. Ashlyn was pressed against the wall, her face bright red.
Lucas glowered at her, jealousy screaming from his gaze. âJust how many people do you have in your heart? First Jared, then the twins, and now Mrs. Field. They all know you better than meâ¦â
Jealousy was driving him up the wall.
Iâm only a man.
After four years together, sheâs the most familiar person to me in this sea of strangers.
Is there greater agony than this?
Ashlyn cut him off, âLucas, during the four years we were married, I was never completely honest about myself because I felt it was unnecessary. You know best how our relationship was. You donât love me and vice versa. Youâve also never looked into my background or cared about my family, hobbies and life in general. All you wanted was a wife to stay home and greet you every day you came home. So isnât it rather ridiculous that now you stand here, screeching about how you donât understand me? The only thing weâre familiar with about each other is our bodies. Nothing else.â Ashlyn turned her head away from the imposingly cold man.
She yanked the handle of the door and left.
When she returned to the room, the server at the entrance curtly informed her, âMs. Berry, Mrs. Field had something to attend to and already took her leave. She wanted me to tell you.â
âNoted.â Ashlyn nodded before stepping into the room.
Lucas continued standing in the bathroom. A long time passed while he remained statuesque.
His heart was utterly vacant. Melancholic winds seemed to sweep in and out of the void.
In the Field family villa.
Joseph Field entered, closely followed by his mother.
He took in the historical garb she was dressed in and a headache immediately set in. âMum, can you not always dress up in such weird get-ups? Youâre no spring chicken anymore so why are you still trying to cosplay?â
âYou know nothing.â Mrs. Field shot him a glare before tossing her custom-made historical costume onto the sofa and kicked off her embroidered slippers.