Ashton who has his mouth covered and his aunts face close to his.
Again.
"Look, Ash I am sorry, I am really-really sorry, it was my mistake."
Ashton grabs her hand covering his mouth and takes it off swiftly "Mistake? It was no mistake. You did it on purpose. Do you have the slightest idea how much I suffered in pain because of you. Just please get lost."
Ashton tries to turn around and open the door, but Ashley stops him from doing so "Ashton Please, I didn't think it would cause you so much trouble. It was just a joke."
"Why? Just why are you doing this?"
"Okay let's talk about this…I do not have any motive to hurt you."
"But you did."
"So, did you not cuddle me that day?"
Ashton was speechless. He was trapped here, not to mention he did enjoy that time.
She leans in even closer "I am sorry, I won't do it again." Her voice full of guilt making a puppy face with her eyebrows knitted.
She was so close to Ashton, her breath colliding, their eyes fixed onto each other. Ashton staring deep in her eyes. He suddenly snaps out and shifts his gaze on the right side "Whatever, leave me alone." Ashton said in a low voice totally unimpressed. By his tone of voice, it was clear that he hadn't forgiven her yet.
He grabs the towel in her hand "Leave now please" His face had a cold look, totally not in a mood to be toyed.
For the first time, Ashley saw this cold, distant side of Ashton. It wasn't what she wanted. Her lips curved into a wry smile as she stepped back, unlocking the door. "You haven't forgiven me yet," she mused. "I'll make you forgive me."
Pausing at the doorway, she added, "And yeah, act normal around your mom."
Ashton didn't look at her he just walked in the shower with the towel drying his neck and pulls the curtain.
Ashley stares at his bare wide back and notices scratching marks but didn't point it out or asked him about this.
She walked out of the door.
"Whatever she says, I'm not forgiving that woman." He muttered to himself as he dried off. "And I'm definitely staying away from her."
Ashton walks out with towel wrapped around his waist, goes in his room to get dressed. He threw on a sleeveless yellow jersey—probably some basketball jersey—and a pair of knee-length shorts.
He then goes downstairs to see his mom, as she was angry, and he hadn't checked on her since he came. He goes down in the hallway of kitchen peeking inside, her aunt was still there cooking something. Her mom still nowhere to be found, he checks the hall and all the rooms. She was nowhere.
The last option was to go inside the kitchen and ask Ashley about mom which he didn't wanted to do.
He walks near the door frame of the kitchen and peeps in looking at her aunt.
Undeniably, she looked stunning. Every inch of her was dangerously attractive—the way her tight clothes hugged her body, emphasizing her curves, the elegant bun she'd tied up, exposing the delicate curve of her nape. The apron wrapped around her tiny waist only made her figure more enticing.
Ashton sighs "MOM!" He called out loudly, Ashley heard that but didn't turn around.
"Yeah?" His mother's voice responded from the dining area.
Apparently, she was in the dining room which was connected to the kitchen.
He walks in the kitchen to enter the dining area, as Ashton walked into the kitchen and found her seated at the dining table, scrolling through her phone. As soon as she looked up, her expression turned serious.
"Where have you been?" she asked, her voice laced with irritation.
"Nowhere just at my friend's place." Ashton walks to the table and sat on a chair.
"Which friend?"
"Darwin, the one I told you about"
"At this hour?"
"Yeah"
His mother exhaled sharply, setting her phone down. "I believe you, but remember—when you lie, you're not fooling me. You're only fooling yourself."
Ashton scratched the back of his head. "I wasn't lying… You were sleeping, so I didn't want to wake you up."
"Don't ever leave without telling me, okay?"
"Yeah mom, I am sorry." He said with a sorry face.
Her expression softened as she sighed. "You know I worry about you. Why would you go out without telling me?"
Ever since his father passed away when he was just a child, she had been his entire world—his protector, his provider. Balancing her job while raising him had been an uphill battle, and it was no wonder she was overprotective.
"I just—" Ashton started, but his mother shook her head.
"Just don't do it again, alright?"
Ashton nods his head.
Just then, a cheerful voice broke the moment.
"Alright, alright—food is ready! Apologies for being late, and thanks for your patience."
Ashley walked in with a bright smile, carrying a covered bowl in her hands. Her tone was playful, almost as if nothing had happened earlier.
She placed the bowl on the table. "I'll get everything else," she added before disappearing back into the kitchen.
One by one, she brought out more plates and dishes, setting them before Ashton and his mother. By the time she was done, the entire table was filled with food.
Ashton's mom blinked in surprise. "Ashley… don't you think you cooked too much?"
Ashley placed the last bowl down before taking a seat directly across from Ashton. "No, sis, it's fine."
With a small, satisfied smile, she untied her apron and draped it over the back of her chair.
"Okay, I'll serve," she said, reaching for a bowl and lifting the lid.
A rich, creamy aroma filled the air as the dish was revealed—perfectly seared scallops coated in a luscious brown butter sauce. The presentation was flawless, resembling something straight out of a high-end restaurant.
Ashton swallowed. His mouth watered at the sight.
The table was a feast fit for royalty—Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Sauce, Lobster Thermidor, Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, and even Chocolate Lava Cake for dessert.
Ashley smirked, noticing Ashton's expression. "Dig in," she said, handing him a plate.