By the time Ashley stepped out of the mall, she was exhausted, carrying only two small shopping bags–one for herself–and the other contained two boubou gowns she felt would be gorgeous on Michelle.
Ashley had spent hours browsing, trying to wrap her head around the ridiculously high prices in every store she entered. With the card in her purse, she could afford it, but she was determined not to be wasteful.
She hadn't planned on spending much from the $500,000, but at Novaspire Mall, that seemed nearly impossible. If only she had realized sooner that the mall catered to the affluent and top celebrities. Now, she no longer blamed Michelle for the excessive amount on the card. Instead, she found herself wondering why the old lady had their driver bring her to such an expensive place in the first place, rather than a more affordable mall.
Christian would never have let her set foot in a place this expensive, even in her dreams. And Katelyn? She would have Ashley's head on a platter if she heard about it. But here she was, getting spoiled by a family she barely knew.
Lost in thought, Ashley didn't notice the familiar figure walking towards her. And as soon as she turned her gaze to her right, her heart skipped a million beats, eyes jamming onto Lorenzo Grey's.
He was approaching her direction with a stunning brunette and a cute little boy in his arms. As their eyes met, he flashed her that knee-weakening smile.
Ashley couldn't explain how he managed to do it, even after eight years. But for a few seconds–Just a few–her brain stopped functioning. And she almost smiled back too. Almost.
It felt like the universe was messing with her, throwing Lorenzo in her path at every chance it got. First at the hospital, then the party, and now... She couldn't help but wonder who the brunette and cute little boy were.
Quickly, Ashley averted her gaze and rushed in the direction of her car, pulse racing as if she'd just been caught stealing.
But on reaching there, her driver was nowhere to be found.
Just great. Really awesome.
"Ashley," Lorenzo called, his deep voice low and smooth, as he approached Ashley like the god of beauty descending from Olympus, effortlessly commanding attention.
Ashley cussed before turning to find him standing only a few feet away–with the people she assumed were his wife and son by his side.
It was strange seeing Lorenzo with his family—a complete contrast to the flirtatious man from the day before. Ashley thoughts began to race. Had he left her eight years ago because of the brunette beside him? She didn't mean to sound bitter, but the woman was nothing like her in looks. And yet...
A slow anger bubbled inside her, but she forced a smile, masking it well.
She wasn't jealous. Or maybe, just a little–but she suddenly felt suffocated by the sight of them.
Lorenzo set the five year old down, and the cute thing flashed a bright, toothy grin at Ashley. She returned the smile, though a bit awkwardly, before shifting her gaze to Lorenzo.
He and the boy were dressed in matching outfits, a sight that had at first caught Ashley off guard. Lorenzo looked… good. Too good. His strong arms and toned, hairy legs were hard to ignore. Then her gaze shifted to the tattoo running up his arms and disappearing beneath his sleeveless top.
Lorenzo noticed her ogling him, and a naughty smirk appeared on his lips. "Can you stop running every time you see me? I'm starting to think I have a disease."
His voice yanked Ashley out of her thoughts, and she quickly composed herself, hoping he hadn't noticed how long her eyes lingered on his inked arm. She had a weakness for men with tattoos.
"I'm not running from you. I just didn't want to keep my driver waiting," she shot back. And without missing another heartbeat, changed the subject. "Nice to meet your family."
Lorenzo noticing the way Ashley's voice trembled slightly at the mention of "family" understood she'd made a baseless assumption in her small head.
"This is Bryan and Renee, my… kid and cook." he introduced them.
The slight hesitation in Lorenzo's voice didn't go unnoticed to Ashley, as if he were searching for the right words. She caught it immediately and couldn't help but think he was lying.
If Renee was the cook, then where was his wife? Why was he even on a shopping spree with his cook?
Before she could dwell on it, Bryan's tiny voice cut through the air. "Uncle Lorenzo, is she your girlfriend? The one you used to miss very much?"
Ashley blinked, stunned not just by the question but also by how Bryan addressed him. Uncle? Was that what Lorenzo wanted the boy to call him in public? And his girlfriend? Hell no.
Lorenzo visibly tensed, embarrassment flashing in his eyes as he glanced between Ashley and Renee. Then, crouching slightly toward Bryan, he cleared his throat. "No, Bryan. Now go with Aunty Renee to the car. I'll join you shortly."
But Bryan wasn't done. "You said lying was bad, Uncle Lorenzo. Are you shy to tell me and Aunty Renee the truth? She's a beautiful aunty, and I like her already. Can she follow us to our house?" Bryan asked at a go, eyes shinning expectantly at a mortified Lorenzo.
Renee barely held back a laugh while Lorenzo pinched the bridge of his nose, visibly exasperated. "No bry, she's a busy aunty, and can't..."
Bryan didn't let him finish before turning to Ashley with an innocent grin, his missing lower tooth only making him more endearing. "When will you visit Uncle Lorenzo and me, beautiful aunty? We don't have anybody to play with us when Aunty Renee isn't around."
Ashley had been rendered speechless from the moment Bryan began to speak, but now–she turned a complete mute.
Sensing her discomfort, Lorenzo quickly stepped in again. "Please, take him now," he told Renee, who took Bryan's hand and gently began to lead him away.
But after a few steps, Bryan turned back, his mouth parting as if he had more to say. But Lorenzo wasn't taking any chances.
"One more word, and those toys are going back to the store," he warned, challenging Bryan with a look.
Bryan's lips snapped shut in an instant, making it clear just how much he loved his toys.
Ashley exhaled, relieved the conversation was over, yet something about the little cutie lingered in her mind. That kid was something else. But she had to admit—she liked him.
Still, something about him struck a painful chord. His ginger hair–though slightly warmer in color– reminded her of Vanessa. But then again, a lot of kids did.
********
Christian Harrington sat in his study, business documents spread before him, awaiting his signature. Yet, no matter how hard he tried to focus, his mind refused to cooperate. A single thought gnawed at him, refusing to go away.
He was still reeling from the shock of Ashley's latest achievement and her unexpected connection to the Flynns. But what unsettled him more was her comment at the party about him needing a checkup.
Could he really be…? He couldn't even bring himself to complete the thought. But after four years of marriage to Ashley—and now years with Kayla—without a child, the possibility was beginning to feel disturbingly real.
The sudden ring of his phone jolted him from his thoughts. Seeing Gabriel's name on the screen, he answered without hesitation.
"Heh, where are you? I just got a call that the construction supplies still haven't reached the site," Gabriel said, his voice laced with worry.
"What? Call the suppliers and find out what's going on," Christian replied, his frown deepening.
"I already tried. I couldn't reach the main supplier, and the other is demanding an outrageous upfront payment before sending any materials."
Christian's frown tightened. Something about this felt off. Securing the Beverly Road construction deal had been a challenge, and he couldn't afford any delays. They had only three months to complete the project or lose it to another company.
"I'm heading to the office now. Get ready—we're going to the site." He ended the call, quickly arranging the documents on his desk. Grabbing his coat from the back of his chair, he strode out of the room.