Ashton silently watched as Ashley served the food, his face unreadable. His mother, unaware of the tension between them, happily picked up her fork and took a bite.
"Mmm… this is amazing, Ashley!" she praised, savouring the flavour.
Ashley beamed. "I'm glad you like it, sis."
She then turned her gaze toward Ashton, who was quietly waiting to be served, avoiding eye contact with her. A smirk played on her lips as she placed a plate in front of him.
"Ash, remember you used to love this dish when I cooked it for you?" she said playfully, sliding the serving spoon into the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, his long-time favourite.
Ashton paused for a moment, staring at the plate. He did love this dish. It used to be his comfort food when he was younger. Back then, he'd eagerly wait for her to serve it, showering her with compliments. But now? Now, the only thing he felt toward her was resentment.
Without responding, he took a bite, his face betraying no emotion as the soft meat melts in his mouth, the flavours, the taste, it was perfectly cooked. It was exactly the opposite of what Jenny cooked.
Ashley sighed and leaned in slightly. "You still won't talk to me, huh?" she asked softly. Softly enough that his mom could not hear.
Ashton didn't answer. He continued eating, his movements slow and deliberate, as if deliberately shutting her out.
His mother, noticing the odd tension, glanced between them. "Did something happen between you two?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Before Ashton could respond, Ashley quickly interjected, "No, no! We were just catching up, right, Ash?"
Ashton let out a quiet scoff but remained silent.
Ashley sighed again, playing with her fork. She wasn't used to Ashton ignoring her like this. He was always the one who sticked close to her in his mom's absence But now? Now, he barely even looked at her.
After a few more minutes of silence, Ashley spoke again, this time her voice softer, more serious.
"Ash… I really didn't mean to upset you. I swear, I didn't think it would hurt you this much."
Still, Ashton refused to acknowledge her, focusing on his food.
Ashley pursed her lips. She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping just enough so that their mother wouldn't hear.
"How long are you going to ignore me?" she whispered.
Ashton clenched his jaw but said nothing.
"Something surely is going on.." his mom's voice cut in between. "What is going on between Aunt and Nephew?"
Ashton and Ashley, they both flinched at her words.
Ashton turns his head, looking at his mom. "Nothing mom everything's fine we were just chatting."
"No" Ashley cuts in between "There is a problem sis"
Ashton squints his eyes looking at Ashley with a dead face.
"The problem is that Ashton is refusing to take me out and show me some good places in this city." She said with very innocent face.
Ashton's mom chuckles "Oh you're always like this Ashton, that's not good. You should be taking you Aunt to the mall maybe."
"I am actually busy with my work that's why I said no" Ashton said trying to dodge it.
"Tomorrow is Sunday, Take her somewhere."
Ashton places his fork on the plate and thoughts for a second before replying "You should come with us too, mom" Ashton tries to play a smart move by trying not to be alone with her.
"I want to be with you both but… sorry I have to go at my Colleague's place tomorrow, She's throwing a party but don't worry I will come with you next week."
Ashton is now stuck, the food he was eating was the tastiest he had ever put in his mouth, yet the situation made the food bland.
Ashton continued to eat his food while Ashley and his mom chattered nonstop. He had his food and left the dining area, going straight in his room.
Sitting down in front of his computer, he powered it on 'I hate to admit it but she cook exceptionally good'—only to be interrupted by a notification on his phone.
It was Jenny.
Forgetting about his computer entirely, Ashton picked up his phone and started chatting with her. Hours passed before he even realized.
As Ashton hasn't sleep properly at night, he slept on the chair with the screen still on.
Ashton blinked groggily, his neck aching from the awkward position he had fallen asleep in. The glow of the computer screen was the only source of light in the room, casting a dim blue hue across his face. His phone buzzed again, snapping him out of his daze.
Reaching for it, he squinted at the screen. Another message from Jenny.
Jenny: Hey, you okay? You just stopped replying.
He glanced at the time—6 pm. He had completely lost track of time.
Ashton: Yeah, fell asleep. sorry. I didn't sleep last night well.
Jenny: Okay.
'Just an okay, is she already mad at me like a typical girlfriend?'
Ashton sighed, rubbing his temples.
Just as he was about to shut down his computer and head to bed properly, there was a soft knock on his door.
Not again.
He stayed still, hoping whoever it was would think he was asleep and leave.
But the knock came again, this time followed by a quiet voice.
"Ashton… I know you're awake."
Ashley.
He exhaled sharply, debating whether to ignore her or just deal with whatever she wanted now. Before he could decide, the door creaked open slightly.
Ashley peeked inside. "Can I come in?"
"No," he replied flatly, turning his chair away.
She didn't listen. Of course, she didn't.
She stepped inside, pushing the door shut behind her. Wearing the same clothes she was wearing earlier, her long hair draped over her shoulders. As usual she was looking stunning
"You didn't finish your dessert," she said, holding a small plate with a slice of chocolate lava cake. The rich scent of chocolate filled the room.