SWNOVELS Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Ashley sensed his intentions and took a step back. “Joan, what’s going on?”
With those few words, Joan was left speechless.
He had been infatuated with Ashley for years, relentlessly pursuing her since their college days.
Unfortunately, Ashley’s strict upbringing had forbidden her from dating until graduation.
Even after winning her favor, Joan hadn’t dared to cross that line.
Four years had gone by without so much as holding hands.
Finally, upon graduating, he had thought he could secure a future, removing the thorns from this rose.
Unexpectedly, on the eve of his proposal, news of the Jones family’s wedding had arrived.
Ashley had married suddenly, following her parents‘ orders, leaving no room for objections.
Joan, disheartened, didn’t know where he had lost.
If the man she married had been a wealthy heir, he could have accepted his defeat.
But the man was an outsider, without a stable job, reportedly managing a mental hospital in Nantes.
Losing to such a man had left Joan feeling utterly humiliated.
Bound by their engagement, Ashley seemed to transform.
No matter how Joan expressed his affection, he received no response.
That is, until Caroline knocked on the door, stating that Ashley was in trouble, rekindling Joan’s hope.
With a chance in sight, Joan couldn’t be too forceful, concealing his greed and eagerness. “I’m sorry, Ashley, I…”
Ashley interrupted, “Joan, thanks for helping me this time.
“If you can negotiate the cooperation, I won’t treat you unfairly.
“But in matters of the heart, I’m married. Until a divorce happens, I won’t do anything to betray my husband. Please respect that.
“If you don’t agree, I’ll leave now!”
The atmosphere grew awkward. Joan sought help from Caroline, who covered for him.
“Ashley, you’ve misunderstood Joan. He’s just excited to meet an old friend after so long.”
Joan quickly nodded. “Yes, yes, that’s right.”
Caroline changed the subject, asking, “By the way, Joan, didn’t you say you’d treat us to a big dinner tonight?”
Joan took the hint and said, “Oh, right, please come in. For hosting two beautiful ladies today, I’ll pick up the tab!”
Before entering, Caroline purposely hung back, whispering, “You don’t know Ashley’s temperament. Why rush?
“Patience is a virtue.”
Joan reluctantly agreed, then added, “But what about Carlos…”
Caroline reassured him, “No need to worry. I asked Ashley. They have no emotional connection, not even marital intimacy. They’re just keeping up appearances until the marriage contract expires.
“Don’t worry, with me here, there won’t be any sl*p–ups. I won’t let that useless Carlos lay a finger on Ashley!
“When you seal the deal between the Jones family and the Maredar Group, Ashley will be yours sooner or later. She won’t get away!”
Joan’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Caroline, once it’s done, I won’t forget your help!”
Caroline waved it off. “No need to repay me. I just don’t think Carlos is deserving of Ashley. I don’t want Ashley to waste her youth.
“Tonight, I’ll help you create an opportunity, let you escort Ashley home,
and make that useless Carlos realize the difference between you two!”
As night fell, Carlos opened the door, and soon after, the barking of a dog filled the air.
Following the barks came Eva’s scolding words. “Carlos, do you have the nerve to come back? Going to the Maredar Group, what the hell is the matter with you?”
Carlos explained truthfully, “I wanted to see if I could assist Ashley with her problem.”
Eva scoffed, “Solve Ashley’s problem? With your abilities?
“Carlos, take a good look at yourself. What capability do you have to solve her problems?
“Please, from now on, if you see people when you go out, keep a low profile. Don’t mention that you’re the son–in–law of the Jones family; I can’t bear that disgrace!”
Hearing the ruckus in the living room, Carlos’s father–in–law, Bill Jones, emerged to ask, “What’s all this late–night fuss about?”
Eva, sporting a discontented expression, shot back, “Do you think I’m doing this willingly? It’s all because of this fine son–in–law you found!”
Bill leaned toward Carlos to say, “Carlos, it’s getting late. Go out and get Ashley.”
Carlos nodded. If it weren’t for his father–in–law, he’d have left this chaotic house a long time ago.
It was his father–in–law who had pushed for this marriage against all odds. Sometimes, he had to consider the bigger picture.
Eva jabbed a finger, reminding him, “Take Teddy with you. Let him finish his business before you come back. Don’t let those stray dogs get too close; they’re crawling with fleas and filthy!”
Even when Carlos stepped outside, Eva’s tirade continued. “Stiff as a board, says one thing, does another. Truly useless!
“I can’t fathom how that ineffectual Carlos ended up with the marriage contract the old man left.”
Bill furrowed his brows as he asked, “Alright, isn’t that enough? Must you speak ill of our son–in–law?
“I think Carlos is quite promising. He’s just a diamond in the rough. Give him a chance, and he’ll surely rise.”
Eva widened her eyes as if she’d heard something outlandish. “Who? Carlos? You think he’s a diamond in the rough?
With a chuckle, she continued, “Heh, if Carlos were a real diamond, even Teddy could be gold!”
When Carlos got out of the door, his world was finally peaceful.
He lit a cigarette, faintly hearing his mother–in–law’s relentless complaints in the background.
Suddenly, a warm sensation brushed against his leg.
Carlos kicked the dog away. “Your owner can berate me all she wants, but you also dare to mess with me?”
Teddy whimpered and scurried off, its tail tucked between its legs.
Carlos, albeit reluctantly, followed. If he lost Teddy, he could k*ss returning home tonight goodbye.
Did he expect Ashley to intervene?
Now she wouldn’t miss an opportunity to make matters worse for him!
He hadn’t walked far when he halted in his tracks.
On the edge of the road, a silver BMW was parked, and two people stood beside it.
Carlos didn’t recognize the man, but he looked sharp, decked out in a suit and leather shoes.
His wristwatch gleamed in the moonlight, a clear sign of success.
As for the woman, she was none other than Ashley, his newlywed wife of less than a year.
Just as the dog’s barking interrupted, both parties simultaneously turned their heads, and it felt as if time stood still.
Ashley hadn’t anticipated Carlos witnessing this scene.
There was nothing particularly inappropriate transpiring, but Caroline had left shortly after dinner.
Ashley had indulged in a few extra drinks, and Joan had insisted on escorting her home, a gesture she couldn’t decline. Before stepping out of the car, Joan had gallantly opened the door for her.
It had been that simple, devoid of any physical contact.
Initially, Ashley had no intention of explaining herself, but for some inexplicable reason, beneath Carlos’s scrutinizing gaze, her eyes involuntarily looked away.
She was about to speak when she suddenly realized she was still clad in Joan’s coat.
With these unexpected developments, all the words she had wished to utter became stifled. It was too late for explanations now.
Ashley couldn’t help but find the situation amusing. She had sought a divorce from the outset, so if he wanted to misunderstand, so be it. Did clarifying things really matter now?
Carlos, too, noticed this, and his expression remained unchanged.
If he wasn’t mistaken, the man was probably Ashley’s first love she had mentioned earlier in the day.
Carlos had assumed he could remain unaffected, but his heart felt like it was being torn apart. His emotions were spiraling out of control.
He flicked the cigarette away and strode forward, as though marking his territory. He grabbed Ashley’s arm and drew her into his embrace.