rare smile. It had been so long since I had seen him this happy.
That night, Ashton stayed over at my place. Space was limited, so I set him up on the couch.
When I got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, I saw him curled up awkwardly on the small couch, sleeping fitfully.
I sighed softly. For someone his size, it had to be uncomfortable.
I walked over quietly and picked up the blanket that had slipped to the floor, gently draping it over him.
To my surprise, his eyes suddenly opened. Startled, I quickly whispered, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”
Ashton’s eyes gleamed brightly in the dark, and he asked in a hoarse voice, “Why are you up?”
I smiled faintly. “The baby’s pressing on my bladder. I’ve been getting up a lot at night.”
He did not respond. He simply got up and helped me back to bed. Only after I was settled did he softly say, ” Goodnight, Pip.”
I smiled slightly and murmured back, “Goodnight.”
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 9
Ashton originally planned to stay for two days before returning to Regensburg. However, the next morning, Mallory called. He gave me a few instructions before leaving in a hurry.
I stood in the living room, staring at the creases on the couch and the neatly folded blanket. I laughed bitterly to myself. No matter what, she would always come first. What was I expecting? This was so foolish of me.
After that day, Ashton called regularly to check on my health. But he never mentioned coming back to stay with me again.
Instead, he sent Cameron over multiple times and hired a high–end nanny for me at great expense. When Cameron and the nanny finished discussing my care arrangements, I noticed the nanny giving me a peculiar look.
She probably thought I was Ashton’s secret mistress, hidden away to have his child.
Even so, I just smiled indifferently.
She could think whatever she wanted.
