Ch. 281..285: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 281-285
Chapter 281: Pregnant
Ashley stared at Tristan with confusion. She wasn’t able to understand the reason behind his gratitude, yet she was moved by his charming smile that didn’t leave his face even for a second.
As she kept looking back at him, she suddenly remember that she fainted and was about to talk with him when she heard him say," You are pregnant"
For a moment she didn’t react but when she finally absorbed his words, she found herself crying silently. Her lips tremble while her tears kept rolling down her eyes making Tristan panic.
"Ash... why are you crying" he immediately pulled back, alarmed by her reaction.
Tristan was expecting her to show her happiness but what is saw was the opposite. Instead of smiling, she cried which was enough to stir Tristan’s happiness.
"Y-you aren’t happy" his smile dropped and now he stared at her with much hesitation. She said she was ready for the baby but her reaction was giving him mixed responses.
Surprised by his words, Ashley stopped crying. She didn’t realize her tears would end up giving a wrong impression.
"No...it’s not what you think" Ashley quickly got up and sat facing him.
"How can you think I won’t be happy? It’s our baby, Tristan" she said cupping his face and watched his stressed look falter.
"I am crying because I’m happy" she further stated.
The smile returned back on his face and he quickly pulled Ashley into his embrace." You don’t know how happy I am Ash. It still feels like a dream to me" he said burying his face in the crook of her neck.
The moment she passed out, he quickly called the doctors. Since there was no one at the house, he didn’t leave her side until the doctor came and checked her. He confirmed that she was expecting and asked him to bring her to the hospital for a few tests.
His happiness had no boundaries. All he did after the doctor left was sit next to his sleeping wife and shower her stomach with numerous kisses.
"Okay now stop hugging me. You are squeezing the baby" she said and slowly pulled him away.
"I just can’t wait to see it already" Tristan’s eyes looked down at her stomach as he placed his palm on it and slowly caressed it as if he was assuring his child that his father already loves him so much.
*****
Heaving out a sigh of relief, Avera glanced at the girl who almost landed them into big trouble. If not for her quick move, Tristan’s men would’ve found the man and he would’ve ended up telling her name.
"From now on we need to be more alert of our moves, especially you Natalie" she warned looking at her girl.
Natalie didn’t answer back but bobbed her head in agreement. She had no other choice but to agree with Avera since she was the one who saved her from the problem she brought herself into.
Moving her eyes from Natalie, she then looked at Brooke." I want you to keep appearing in front of Alice. I want to see her going crazy" her words spoke poison with no ounce of sympathy in them.
She resented Alice and now she wanted nothing but to see her in pain. She sought help from her but she bluntly rejected it, so now she had to face the consequences.
****
Gwen was busy working when she received a call from Tristan informing her to cancel all his meetings and when she asked the reason, his answer made her squeal with joy.
She couldn’t believe she was soon going to become an aunt and wanted to share the news with Karl as soon as possible.
Gwen was about to step out of the cabin when the phone on her table rang. It was from one of the investors whom they had a meeting with. Since it was important, she couldn’t cancel it and rather decided to attend on her brother’s behalf.
Picking the bag, she left a message for Karl before she left for the meeting.
Soon she reached Acme Corps where she was guided to the Chairman’s office by his assistant.
"Boss will be here soon," the assistant said and walked out of the cabin leaving Gwen alone.
Opening the folder in her hand Gwen went through the document making sure she don’t blunder anything wrong.
While her eyes were busy reading the papers, the door of the cabin opened and a man in his sixties walked in along with his assistant. Getting up from her seat Gwen politely greeted them but soon the smile on her face dropped when she saw another person walking in along with them. It was none other than Linda.
Her attire was different from the one she had seen every time she met them. She looked so professional and that made her doubt her memories of her.
’Is she the same girl who loved exposing her body’ Gwen thought as her eyes stared at Linda who passed her a polite smile as she walked past her and took the seat next to the old man.
"Have a seat, Miss Gwen" she heard Charles Mendes, the founder of Acme Corps say and she quickly took the seat.
Her eyes kept darting back and forth between the old man and Linda. She couldn’t comprehend what she was doing here but when she heard the old man say, he eyes widen in shock.
"I was hoping to meet Tristan in person as I wanted to introduce him to my granddaughter. Since she is soon going to manage the business I want him to discuss the project-related queries with her" Gwen snapped her head at the old man as a whisper come out of her mouth.
"Granddaughter"
Gwen was shocked to learn about Linda being Charles’s granddaughter. She couldn’t blame herself because he never introduced his granddaughter to the world and now all of a sudden he did that too in front of her.
’What an irony’ Gwen laughed mentally at her fate.
The woman who she never wanted to come across was sitting in front of her. Her eyes and lips smiled at her as if they were mocking her somehow and all she could do was to return that smile back to her.
Chapter 282: He himself couldn’t understand
"Sure, I will convey your message to the boss" Gwen kept her professional tone agreeing to Charles’s request. She had nothing for her to object to since Linda was going to take control of Acme Corps after her grandfather’s retirement.
She didn’t let her issues get in between the project but little did she know the girl whom she was ignoring, for now, had a huge plan brewing in her brain.
After the meeting finished Gwen got up to leave. She stepped out of the cabin and headed towards the lift when she heard Linda’s voice from behind and her steps halt right in front of the lift’s door.
Turning back she watched Linda sprinting towards her. She carried the same fake smile while she approached her.
"Sorry, I couldn’t talk with you properly. My grandfather isn’t a fan of cheering personality" she stated.
’As if I was dying to talk with her’ Gwen said inwardly but maintained her polite smile without letting it falter because of Linda’s words.
"It’s okay after all we are at work and it’s necessary to keep your relation aside," Gwen said and watched her bob her head.
"You are right but once we are not working I would like us to keep our conversation casual. It’s too awkward for me to maintain this professional look. I hope you understand" Linda said with a friendly tone.
Looking for some time Gwen nodded and soon they heard the screeching sound of the lift.
"It was nice meeting you" Gwen tried to end the conversation as she was getting late.
"Me too. I hope it will be nice working with you" Linda said and watched Gwen smile at her in agreement before she turned and step inside the lift with the door sliding close on their smiling face.
Once the door closed Linda’s smile faded and her face turned evil as she glared ahead with venom dripping from her eyes.
"You insulted me, Gwen. Now it’s time to let you taste your own medicine" with an evil smirk Linda turned and walked away.
****
Knight Mansion
"Hmm... I am full" Ashley whined pushing back the spoon away from her mouth, giving Tristan a pitiful look.
"Just this one then we are done" Tristan forced back the spoon once again towards her lips and watched her glare at him before she opened her mouth and sip it.
"Hmm, not anymore please" Ashley felt like her tummy would burst any second if he keep her stuffing with food. Not too long ago, they had their breakfast but here he was once again making her eat.
Tristan didn’t force her and placed back the bowl on the side table before he wiped her lips and pass her a glass of water. Once she was done drinking it, he climbed down from the bed and headed towards the wardrobe, and started looking at their clothes.
"Ash, we need to go shopping. These dresses are not going to fit you after five months" Tristan said rubbing his chin. The moment doctor said him that Ashley was pregnant, he had been planning a few things he needed to change and one of them was her wardrobes.
"Five months, Tristan. We still have five months until you change my wardrobe" Ashley rolled her eyes at Tristan’s words. His mind was thinking way too ahead.
"But still we need to decide on the design. So we should start doing it from now on" Tristan closed the door and walked back towards the bed and sat next to Ashley.
"See, it’s less stressful if we start working on it from now on. By the time you reach the fifth month, everything will be ready and you don’t have to worry about anything"
Ashley stared at her husband for a few seconds before she heaved out a sigh." Do as you wish. But still, I prefer that we should go with the flow and enjoy the process instead of stressing from now on" she knew his worry was acceptable but that doesn’t mean they would not have enough time for this minor things.
Ashley didn’t argue any further and turned around reaching her arm to get her phone from the side table when she heard Tristan say.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Informing Miley about my leave for today" she mumbled unlocking her phone and gaped at Tristan in shock.
"You already told her?" she asked showing him the text reply Miley send her.
"Yes and from now on she also has to take extra care of yours or else, I will deduct her pay," he said adjusting himself next to her with his arm stretching on the head on the backrest as he leisurely sat next to Ashley.
"You can’t scare her like this" Ashley scowled keeping her phone back on the side table.
Tristan just kept smiling at her frown-marred face and leaned forward as he kissed her lips. She looked more beautiful in his eyes and he couldn’t stop himself from thanking her.
Ashley too gave in as soon as he deepened the kiss. His kisses were slow and gentle, full of love that she forgot everything and kissed him back with the same feeling.
By the time they pulled back, Ashley was panting heavily which made Tristan panic." I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to leave you breathless" he apologized for ignoring her condition and letting his desire take control over his mind.
Watching him getting worried made Ashley smile. She couldn’t believe he was the same man who would always make her moan his name just to enhance his sexual desire. Never once he stopped even after she asked him and now, he was getting worried because he kissed her too damn hard, leaving her breathless.
"Why are you smiling?" he asked. His brows creased into a deep frown.
"Nothing. I was thinking about how many times you are going to keep saying sorry. Are you sure you will be able to control your monster Tristan knight" Ashley pursed her lips as she tried to fight back her smile.
She knew Tristan was like an untamed beast. He thrive for more and was never satisfied. She wondered how he was going to control himself.
Her words made Tristan turn quiet as he pondered on her words. After long thinking, he finally asked," H-how long we can’t do it" he asked chewing the inside of his mouth. He didn’t think after impregnating her they would have to put a stop to their sexual life.
His eyes watched her earnestly as if he was scared of her answer. How was he supposed to live without worshipping his wife? It was like torture for both him and his little member.
Ashley stared at Tristan’s pale face before she burst into a fit of laughter. Her contagious smile made Tristan even more nervous.
"You really have no clue about it, Tristan," she asked controlling her smile and watched him shake his head in denial.
"Tsk Tsk, then my dear husband brace yourself because you are going to have a tough time silencing your monster" patting his cheeks lightly she watched his face turn ugly as it lost all color.
Ashley just wanted to tease him and see how long he was going to keep his hands off her. Without saying anything further she climbed down the bed leaving the clueless Tristan to sit alone and deal with his problems.
*****
Gabriel reached the classes on time but learned that Ashley wasn’t going to come and that kind of surprised him.
’Why would she take a leave’ he thought.
Gabriel had been attending the classes because of Ashley as he wanted to get close to her and now when he found that she isn’t going to come suddenly he started to feel lonely.
He couldn’t understand why would he get upset but he did. Maybe because he liked teasing her which was why he was getting upset or maybe he had started to like her company.
’No! This can’t be’ his subconscious mind obliged.
Blinking his eyes Gabriel tried to brush off that unwanted feeling he was starting to feel because of Ashley’s absence.
"Are you ready" he heard Christina’s voice and quickly snapped out of his thoughts.
Forcing a smile, he bobbed his head and soon they started with the class.
The entire time he performed any scene, his mind would drift to Ashley and that would make him forget his lines.
"Riel, what’s wrong with you? Why are you messing up your lines" hearing Christina’s pissed voice, Gabriel heaved out a sigh.
"I need some time to rehearse the dialogues," he requested and quickly excused himself.
What was wrong with him, he thought as he walked towards his chair and took a seat.
Max who had been observing his boss’s displease actions made him wonder what was wrong with him. He seems to be in a bad mood since he found out that Ashley wasn’t going to come.
’Is the boss starting to have a feeling for Ashley’ he wondered as he watched Riel’s sullen face.
Chapter 283: Feeling for his prey
Riel canceled the class as he couldn’t concentrate and kept making mistakes. He asked Christina to dismiss the class as he wasn’t feeling good and wanted to rest.
Agreeing to his request Christina ended the class and Riel left along with Max. Reaching the parking area, Riel stopped in front of his car but didn’t step in. His mind kept drifting towards Ashley and he wanted to know the reason why she skipped the class today.
He turned to face Max and was about to instruct him but stopped when he realized what kind of stupidity he was doing.
’Why am I so worried for her’ he thought and pulled back his attention from Max and quickly climbed into the car.
He needed to erase this uneasiness from his heart as it was creating a hurdle in between his revenge. What if he liked teasing her but that doesn’t mean he would end up getting concerned for his prey?
Getting into the car, he asked," Any news from Tori?"
"No boss. Everything seems to be going smoothly there" Max answered and turned on the car before driving away from the Academy’s building.
"Make sure she doesn’t get into any trouble"
"Yes boss"
Sitting in the backseat, Gabriel leaned behind and closed his eyes. He was trying to get Ashley’s face out of his mind but every time his mind turned silent all he could think was about her.
"Check why Ashley didn’t make it to the class" before he could understand, he spoke.
Max moved his eyes between the road and the rare mirror as he watched Gabriel looking at him in surprise. He could see the confusion marred all over his face as if he also wasn’t expecting to utter it in the first place.
"Okay boss" Max agreed as he couldn’t ignore his boss’s command and quickly pulled out his phone making a call to one of their informer.
After some time, they got a call in return where the informer told about Ashley not feeling well as he saw a doctor paying a visit to the Knight mansion. He also confirmed that the doctor was called for Ashley and no one else.
"Okay" ending the call Max looked at Gabriel who had his eyes eagerly gazing at him through the rare mirror.
"What did he say" Gabriel sounded restless as he questioned Max loudly.
Breaking the gaze, Max cleared his throat and said," Mrs. Knight isn’t well. Our informer saw a doctor leaving the mansion" he purposely introduce Ashley formally making Gabriel realize where his concern was heading to.
Though he was surprised to see Gabriel change in front of Ashley still, there was a thin line between them. Ashley was married and was the wife of his enemy Tristan Knight and it would be better if he keep it that way.
He couldn’t let his boss forget what he was here for and what was his purpose to befriend Ashley Knight.
Gabriel pursed his lips at Max’s formal introduction of Ashley and that was enough to silence him. Staring at Max, he pulled away his eyes and looked out of the window.
Throughout the drive, he never once spoke and let the journey turn silent.
*****
Hospital
Noah had been taking care of Alice the entire time. He was so worried for her that he didn’t let the nurse do their job and kept reminding them about her surgery.
"They know what they are doing Noah. Don’t go pointing their mistakes" Alice wonder how Noah handled his employee. Was he always like this complaining and criticizing them? she thought.
"That’s why she mistakenly touch your bandage" he stated, scowling at the nurse who just left a minute ago.
"Okay now stop sulking and come here and sit next to me," she said patting the space next to her.
Adjusting his mood Noah followed her words and took the seat next to her on the bed. He was content to see her looking fresh. The paleness on her face faded and she looked a lot better than yesterday.
"Are you sure, she didn’t hurt you" he still asked not sure if she was trying to save that nurse from his scolding and was secretly enduring the pain.
"No.. she didn’t" Alice replied but this time a little sternly which was enough to silence Noah.
Nodding his head in understanding, he then reached to hold her hand and was about to kiss it when he heard a knock on the door.
One of his men stepped in informing them about Theon who wanted to meet Alice.
"What is he doing here?" Alice mumbled as she stared at Noah doubtfully.
Noah too had no clue how Theon Keller learned about Alice’s accident. Thinking for some time, he then looked at the guard and motioned him to send Theon in.
"Why would you do that?" Alice questioned when she watched him giving Theon permission to meet her.
"There is no harm in meeting him. After all, he is your dad" Noah kept his tone gentle and kissed her knuckles in assurance when the door of her room opened and Theon stepped.
Alice’s breath hitched at the sight of her father’s overly changed appearance. The proud man he used to be was gone, she could feel it when he looked at her with yearning eyes.
"A-Alice" she heard his husky painful voice and her thoughts broke.
Blinking her eyes a few times, she motioned Noah to help her sit on the bed. She didn’t know how she was supposed to look at her father. All these years, she longed for his fatherly love, and now when she had finally lost hope, he was here to meet her.
Why now when everything was going fine in her life?
"I’ll wait outside" they heard Noah as he looked at Alice. Passing her an assuring smile, he walked out of the room giving the two the privacy to talk.
The was a long pause between the two when Alice decided to speak. "Have a seat Mr. Keller" she couldn’t bring herself to call him dad as he had lost that right on her.
For her, that word held the utmost respect, but her father didn’t deserve it.
Theon raised his head to look at Alice who never once glance his way and that was enough to increase the guilt he was feeling.
After losing everything, Theon realized how stupid he was to run after something which will only bring misfortune to him. He always wanted a son for carrying his legacy and failed to notice the angel he already had in his life.
He always looked down on Alice and tried to use her for his benefit but now he realized how stupid he was. His greed cost him everything. Not only he lost his empire but also lost his daughter.
Gripping his heart from falling apart, Theon composed his emotions and forced a smile. "It’s okay. I-I just wanted to see if you are fine"
Alice scoffed watching him act like he really cared for her. She just couldn’t digest the fact that her father was actually concerned about her health. Where was this concern when she suffered from depression?
Her eyes sharply glanced at him, watching through his action. She just didn’t want to believe him but to her surprise, she watched Theon silently cry.
Alice opened her mouth to speak but couldn’t. She had never seen her father tear up but now, it made her feel strange.
The proud Theon Keller was crying and she couldn’t believe her eyes. Everything seems to be different and that somehow pained her heart.
Theon stood there a few steps away from her bed as he blinked off his tears and smiled looking at his daughter. He cursed himself for never seeing her worth. He trust others but never once tried to understand his own daughter.
Every wrongdoing he did with his daughter kept reminding him how badly he failed as a father. She only longed for his love and care like every other child but what he did, was he treated her like a toy playing with her emotions. Differentiating her existence from someone he wished to have.
Now when he wanted to meet her eyes, he couldn’t because the guilt was eating him alive and it was better if they don’t interfere in her life.
"We are leaving this city forever" Theon words snapped her head in his direction.
"I just wanted to see you once before we leave" he further added.
Theon was finding it hard to have a normal conversation with his daughter. He had always been unfair to her blaming her for things she didn’t do. He was so blinded by his powers that he failed to see the good in her.
Alice watched her father smile as he wiped off the tears that failed to stop from rolling down his eyes. He looked so tired and that hit her hard.
"W-why" she finally managed to speak.
Though she kept telling herself that she didn’t care but deep down she did. She wasn’t a heartless girl but with time she managed to keep her emotions in control.
Chapter 284: Forgive your father
"There is nothing left for us here," Theon said pulling away his eyes from her.
"I know, I don’t deserve to say this but still, I... hope one day you will forgive us" his heart felt heavy as he conveyed his words.
Theon was in no place to seek her forgiveness but still, he wished she would do it one day. He was repenting and he knew he had to do it until his life come to an end one day.
Alice pursed her lips as she listened to his words carefully. Her eyes welled up watching him choke on every word he spoke. She didn’t know if she could bring herself to accept them back as her parents as the damage they cause will take time to heal.
It wasn’t a wound of a few days, she bared it since her childhood. Forgiveness was something she had to think of very wisely.
When Theon didn’t hear back from her, his hope died. He already knew the answer yet he was hoping for her to forgive him.
Smiling at her sadly, he bobbed his head as if he got her answer already. There was nothing left for him to wait there. Gathering his broken heart, he paid a final glance at Alice but before he could know his feet found their way to her bed and he bend down kissing lovingly on Alice’s forehead.
"Forgive you father" he whispered with a sad tone and before Alice could see him, Theon turned around and walked out of the room in hurry.
Alice was rendered speechless and just watched her father leave. The tears she had been holding back found their way down her cheeks as she silently cried.
As soon as Theon stepped out of Alice’s room, he collided with Noah who had been standing there all the time.
Hiding away his tears, Theon forced a smile the moment their eyes met. He looked at the man whom he bad-mouthed in his anger. He was shameful of his actions and the words he spoke to him not knowing his identity.
But Theon was glad that because of Noah he finally saw the true face of the Greys who ditched him when he needed their help the most.
Holding no grudge against Noah, Theon passed him a thankful smile as he placed his hand on his shoulder and said," Thank you for allowing me to meet her. I know it’s hard for you both to trust me but, I indeed regret everything I did with you both. A sorry won’t change the damage I caused her, but still, I wait for the day when she will forgive me"
"She will" Noah answered with a meaningful look and bid goodbye to Theon before he returned to the room.
****
The news of Ashley’s pregnancy made the whole Knight Mansion bloom with happiness. Late in the evening, everyone gathered in the living area, giving their best wishes to the couple who was soon going to embrace parenthood.
"From here on you have to take care of yourself even more dear," Grace said gently cupping Ashley’s cheeks and kissed on her forehead.
Ashley couldn’t stop herself from blushing. It was all new to her. The feeling of having a life growing inside you was tremendous. She couldn’t describe it in words.
"How old is the baby?" she asked turning her attention towards Tristan.
"Three weeks old" Tristan answered.
Later in the noon, Tristan took Ashley for the check-up where the doctors ran a few tests and it was confirmed that the baby was three weeks old. It was too small to even notice but that was enough to bloom Tristan’s world.
After spending some time with the family members, Tristan then took Ashley back to their room. Even their dinner was served in the room where Tristan feed Ashley. He made sure to follow every word the doctors said.
"Don’t worry, everything gonna be fine" Ashley assure placing her palm on his hand and he moved his eyes to stare at her.
The moment those words left her mouth Tristan froze before he turned his eyes and met her gentle one.
Heaving out a shaky breath, Tristan closed his eyes before he moved and sealed her lips.
"She said your uterus is weak" Tristan recalled the doctor informing them about Ashley’s health condition.
Back then he didn’t realize but when the doctors pointed it out he remember Ashley being kicked by Marcus multiple times on her stomach. It made him feel miserable as he couldn’t stop that thing from happening.
"But she also said if we take precautious nothing will happen to the baby"
"I know" Tristan pursed his lips, resting their forehead together as he tried to calm his uneasy heart.
"So when will the shoot begin," Tristan asked changing the topic. He was yet to disclose the news about him being the producer of the movie.
"A weak later but before that, I have to polish my acting skills" Ashley sighed before pulling away.
She had this displeased look on her face that made Tristan arch his brow." Is something bothering you?" he asked as he immediately understood her mood.
Ashley chewed the inside of her mouth cursing herself for being so obvious with her expressions. She was contemplating whether she should tell Tristan about Riel or should she let things handle by herself. But then ended up choosing the latter.
She knew her jealous freak husband will never let that man live in peace until he chose to leave the institute on his own.
"No, it’s nothing. It’s just that I missed the class today, so tomorrow I have to work a little hard" she lied but partially.
Ashley avoided meeting his eyes knowing how his eagle-like piercing eyes can easily catch her lies. But little did she know he already has.
Ignoring her lies Tristan pulled the duvet over themselves and laid down on the bed with Ashley wrapped in his arm. He knew Gabriel was trying to befriend his wife but he didn’t know his wife would never let anyone that easily.
"Is someone trying to irk you?" he asked out of nowhere which made Ashley gasp in shock.
"How did you know?" she asked staring at him in disbelief but soon understood when he gave her are you serious look.
"Jack" she mumbled as she eyed Tristan with sharp eyes.
Chapter 285: I saw someone
"Haha... Ash. Why would Jack do that" Tristan felt like sweating under her scrutinizing gaze but still tried to maintain his composure. He cursed himself for being so obvious with his look earlier.
"Because you asked him to" Ashley wasn’t going to bat this lie. She now understood why all of a sudden Tristan appointed Jack as her bodyguard.
He knew the boy was good with words and she will never be able to see through his intentions.
’Huh, how did I end up getting fooled’ Ashley could only sigh in defeat as she laid back in his embrace.
"You knew Sky won’t be able to act out of his character which was why you chose Jack. You knew the boy will be able to have a normal conversation with me without letting me doubt his motive" Ashley felt like punching this man and that’s what she did.
"Ouch" Tristan groaned in pain, looking down at Ashley with wide eyes.
"What! You deserve this beating Tristan Knight. How can a man be so over-possessive of his wife that he would ask his men to stalk her, that too in front of her eyes" without letting him compose from the previous punch Tristan received the other one.
This time Tristan couldn’t handle the pain and held her wrist stopping her from punching him.
Watching her one hand being held, Ashley tried to use the other hand but before she could punch him, she found herself getting pinned on the bed with Tristan quickly hovering over her frame.
"Let. me. go" Ashley wriggle in his hold, trying to break free but as expected Tristan didn’t let her go.
"I won’t unless you promise me that you won’t punch me again," Tristan thought his gentle wife won’t be able to beat him but he forgot he was the one who had been training her self-defense and had already seen how strong Ashley was.
Ashley glared at him and continued using her strength.
"Don’t tire yourself, Ash. It’s a waste of time" Tristan tried to state the fact. Even though she was strong still she couldn’t beat his strength.
Trying a few times, Ashley finally found her getting tired and in the end she gave him. "Argh..." she groan at her defeat before she shot a glare at him only to find him smiling at her cheekily.
"I told you" Tristan grinned at his win that only lead to anger her further.
Staring at him for some time, she said," On the couch. Today my dear husband, you will be sleeping on the couch" her words took Tristan in shock and his smile dropped the next second.
"And before you object or come up with any lame reason then I will extend the days" Ashley was in no mood to forgive him. He had been going over the board in his jealousy and he needed to be through a lesson.
His hold around Ashley’s wrist loosen and she took the chance to push him down the bed." Now if you’ll excuse me, I am very tired and want to sleep" pulling the duvet over herself Ashley pointed at the couch before she reached her hand towards the side and turned off the light.
"Good night" yawning she turned to the other side with her back facing Tristan and closed her eyes.
Standing next to the bed like a dumbstruck fool Tristan blinked his eyes suddenly absorbing the reality. He was just thrown down from the bed.
Scoffing at his situation, Tristan crane his head a little on and saw Ashley fast asleep. He tried poking her arm but she didn’t move which only led him to pick up his pillow and walk toward the couch like a defeated man.
If he wasn’t been concerned about her health, he would have used his charm on her seducing her for giving in.
Staring at her with pitiful eyes Tristan laid on the couch and closed his eye, slowly with the sleep engulfing his mind.
*****
In the middle of the night, Ashley stirred in her sleep suddenly feeling thirsty.
"Tristan, I am thirsty. Can you please pass me the glass of water" she mumbled in her sleepy voice stretching her arm to her side on the bed but frowned when she found the spot empty.
Snap opening her eyes she then remembered her demoting Tristan on the couch. Taking a deep breath, she slowly pushed herself up on the bed and turned her head to the right, and she gaped.
Tristan slept there on the couch uncomfortably with his left hand and leg hanging on the side. It looked like he had been having a hard time adjusting his tall frame on the small couch.
Feeling pity for her husband, Ashley soon dropped the idea of letting Tristan sleep on the couch the entire night and climb down the bed.
Reaching towards Tristan, Ashley kneeled next to the couch. The corner of her lips curled up into an amusing smile and she leaned forward, placing a kiss on cheeks.
She didn’t have the heart to wake him up but she fears, the next day he would end up having body pain.
"Tristan, let’s go to bed" she whispered and watched him stir.
"Ash"
"Hmm, it’s me. Let’s go to bed" she once again whispered and this time watched him open his eyes.
"But you wanted me to sleep on the couch" he stated, getting fully awakened.
"Yes, but now I don’t want you to sleep on the couch. Look at yourself, you are on the verge of falling off the couch" Ashley moved back showing him the way he had been sleeping all the time.
Seeing his awkward sleeping position, Tristan immediately got up and Ashley took him back to the bed.
Tristan was about to lie down on the bed but stopped when he watched Ashley pick up the water jar and was about to leave.
"Where are you going?" he asked stopping her midway and watched her turn.
"Going to fill the jar," she said showing her the jar in her hand.
"You wait here. I’ll go and fill t for you" climbing down the bed, Tristan walked to her and took the jar from his hand, and left the room.
Heaving out a sigh, Ashley was about to walk back to the bed when her eyes caught something and she instead walked towards the window.
Opening the window, she stared outside and frown when she saw a figure standing behind the trees outside the mansion gates.
’Who’s that’ she thought as a frown marred on her forehead but before she could analyze Tristan returned.
"What are you doing there? Don’t stand there for too long you’ll end up catching a cold" placing the water jar on the side table Tristan walked toward her and looked out of the window following her sight.
"Is anything wrong?" he asked breaking her gaze and she turned to see him.
"I thought I saw someone there," she said pointing in the direction she had seen a figure standing.
Moving his eyes from her, Tristan looked outside the gate but found no one." There’s nobody" he said and she snapped her head in that direction and frowned even more deeper.
"B-but I saw someone’s shadow standing there, right behind that tree?" Ashley couldn’t blame her eyes. She wasn’t sleepy anymore.
"I’ll ask the guards to check" Tristan quickly instructed the guards to check the premise and to their response, there was nothing suspicious around.
"There’s is no one outside. The guards checked everything, but no one was found. I think you are tired and need some rest" Tristan reached to close the window before he guided Ashley to the bed.
"You seem to think too much wifey. Now no more stressing and go to sleep. Come here" Tristan patted the place next to him and asked her to join him in bed.
Contemplating for some time, Ashley soon drop the thought before she crawl next to Tristan, laying in his embrace with her head resting on his chest.
Caressing her hair, Tristan coaxed Ashley to fall back asleep but lost him and he couldn’t forget the words she said earlier. Even if the guards didn’t see anyone, he couldn’t ignore Ashley’s confident words.
She can’t be wrong but to stop her from pondering on it he chose to brush it off.
Not too far from the Knight Mansion, a car drove at the high speed until it reached its destination, and the person driving that car stepped out.
Gabriel strode inside the base with an unexplainable expression. His head wasn’t at peace until he saw Ashley standing by the window as she watched in his way and suddenly everything turned peaceful.
The entire day he tried to get himself busy with some work but as time passed by his mind kept drifting back to Ashley’s thoughts. Suddenly this woman had captured his mind and he didn’t realize when he ended up in front of her house.