Chapter 93

After Fiona and James left, Ashleigh had spent the whole Saturday devising possible ways to get Adrian's attention. But each suggestion only made her realize how unmatched she was against a woman like Caelia. Though Arthur left her that evening with words of encouragement her heart remained heavy…. and her aunt took notice. The next morning, Mrs. Smith insisted on driving Ashleigh home herself, sending the driver back to his quarters for extra rest. Ashleigh was surprised to learn her aunt could drive but agreed anyway. Whilst Mrs. Smith maneuvered the car with ease, Ashleigh remained glued to her phone, glaring at a particular message— or rather, the lack of a response from Adrian. 'He really knows how to make me feel shitty, doesn't he?" she muttered as she saw her message marked as read. 'What's the matter, dream girl? Why so angry at your phone?" Mrs. Smith's voice broke through her thoughts. She glanced at Ashleigh before returning her focus to the road. Ashleigh quickly shoved her phone in the bag and sat up.. 'It's nothing serious aunt." Mrs Smith arched a brow, giving her a long look when they stopped at a traffic light. 'Are you sure Ashleigh? You can talk to me, you know." Ashleigh adjusted her seatbelt with a sigh. 'It's not worth talking about, it's stupid anyway." 'I want to know even your most stupid thoughts Ashleigh, if it bothers you this much, tell me." her aunt's voice softened, pressing the gas pedal as the light turned green. Her voice softened. 'After what happened to you in college, I felt awful for not fulfilling my responsibility as your guardian" Ashleigh's heart clenched at the sorrow in her aunt's voice, and she turned to see her aunt's face drawn. She reached out, placing a hand on her aunt's shoulder. 'I'm always grateful for you Aunt. Always. I was a little hurt at the time so I said things I didn't mean, but I know you only want the best for me." Mrs Smith smiled slightly, but Ashleigh could still see the guilt in her eyes. She pulled her hand away, playing with her fingers absentmindedly. 'It's just that I'm upset at Adrian." Her aunt chuckled. 'That much is clear, dear. He has been at the center of your emotions lately." Heat crept up Ashleigh's neck, and the urge to drop the conversation nagged at her. But she forced herself to continue. 'On Friday night, Fiona saw him in an article with a lady named Caelia. It speculated about a possible relationship between them" she said. Mrs. Smith's eyes widened. 'What?" Ashleigh nodded. 'Arthur said that their families have a close relationship, so it's natural that they…." she trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. The thought alone was suffocating, so she would not bother speaking it out. The car was silent for a moment before her aunt spoke again. 'Although this is shocking news, why are you concerned?" Ashleigh glanced at her aunt in disbelief. 'Why shouldn't I be, Aunt? I'm his wife, and he is in tabloids with another woman!" 'Hmmm" her aunt pondered. 'You never wanted this marriage from the start. The last time we spoke, you couldn't wait for the remaining two months to be over. I thought this revelation would bring you some relief." Ashleigh bit her lip, the weight of her past words pressing on her. 'Is it bad if I don't feel the same as I did last time?" she whispered. Her aunt beamed. 'Of course not, dream girl. I just want you to admit it yourself and stop hiding your feelings." she continued, tapping on the wheels in excitement. 'My niece is finally in love!" Her aunt's words caused her heart to skip, and she buried her face in the car seat. For the first time, her feelings for Adrian felt undeniable, and the realization both thrilled and terrified her. Loving a man like Adrian is one thing, keeping him was another. 'Aunt" her voice came out weakly, 'I don't even know what to do now. He is already moving on with someone much better than me." 'We only bicker and fight… I don't think I've ever actually been nice to him in these past months. Why would he choose me?" Ashleigh lamented. Mrs Smith's laughter filled the car. 'Well, from what I see, you're just like your mother." Ashleigh sat up, startled at the information. Her aunt never spoke about her mother, no matter how many times she asked. Mrs Smith's eyes remained on the road, but her hands trembled slightly. 'She was tough on the outside, but when she fell in love…. her whole world revolved around that person." she said quietly. Ashleigh's eyes glistened. 'Really?" Her aunt nodded but fell silent again, making it clear she wouldn't say more. Frustration flickered in Ashleigh's chest, she wondered why the mere mention of her mother was like reopening an old wound. Mrs. Smith let out a big sigh as they neared the Cagliari estate. She breezed through security and drove towards the mansion. 'Listen dear, do you want me to speak with Adrian about this Caelia girl?" she asked, and Ashleigh immediately shook her head. 'No Aunt, that will be too embarrassing." She refused, watching as the mansion gates became more visible. 'I already look pathetic enough in front of Adrian, I don't want to sink even further." The gates opened and her aunt pulled into the driveway of the mansion then switched off the engine. She grabbed her hands, and gave her an earnest look. 'I don't think you look pathetic, Ashleigh." she countered. 'To you and your friend, it seems like you're competing against her, to me it is against yourself." Ashleigh furrowed her brows, but remained silent to let her aunt explain further. 'You fought with this marriage for so long, then you fought with accepting the fact that you had feelings for Adrian. Now you're fighting with the fear of losing your. It is all valid, dear" Ashleigh swallowed hard, stunned at her aunt's ability to read her like a book. She glanced outside to see Susan and Mr. Atkinson waiting at the doorstep for her. 'So dear," Mrs. Smith continued. ' Instead of worrying about the grand things, start with the simple ones. Love is more about the little things rather than the big gestures." Ashleigh considered her aunt's words. 'What if I'm too late, aunt?" Mrs. Smith grinned at her. 'Dear, I think you are just in time." **************** As Ashleigh stepped into the house, Susan carried her night bag wit a huge smile whilst Mr. Atkinson greeted her with a polite nod. 'Welcome back, Mrs. Cagliari." She glanced around. 'Where's Adrian?" Mr. Atkinson hesitated for a moment, which caused Ashleigh to frown. 'He's gone to the office Madame." 'Office?" she repeated to herself, looking back at him. 'But it's Sunday, and so early in the day as well?" 'Yes, he seemed unsettled yesternight, and he instructed that no one disturbs him as well" Her heart skipped. 'Did something happen? Was it about Caelia, was this why he didn't reply to my message?" Her mind raced on what to do, but all led to one direction: To go to him. Straightening her shoulders, she turned to face him fully. 'Mr. Atkinson, tell the driver to come take me to Adrian's office." He looked at her skeptically, unwilling to move. 'Madame, he told me specifically not to let you–" 'I know that, but do as I say" Ashleigh demanded, and he bowed before walking off. 'Let me see the sheer stubbornness in you, Mr. Cagliari." she whispered, watching as the car pulled up in a matter of seconds. 'You'll have to talk to me, whether you want to or not"