Chap 4

Ashton

“Here’s your coffee, sir,” the stewardess said as she placed the tray in front of me.

I didn’t respond. I simply picked up the cup and took a sip before returning my attention to my laptop. But when I noticed she was still standing beside me, I looked at her.

I stared at her coldly. I saw her swallow and take a step back under my gaze.

“Get lost,” I said irritably, and she immediately obeyed.

I knew exactly what she wanted—that’s why she stayed. She wanted to seduce me so I could sleep with her.

But that would never happen.

I have a wife.

I busied myself typing on my laptop while waiting for us to arrive in the Philippines. When we landed, I immediately stood up and walked out. I grabbed my sunglasses and put them on.

The warm sunlight greeted me, along with the fresh air.

“Good morning, sir,” the flight attendants and pilots greeted in unison as I stepped out.

I walked down the stairs and headed straight to the limousine. I got in, and the car immediately started moving. I sighed in satisfaction before closing my eyes.

“Finally,” I whispered.

After two years of waiting, I had finally achieved everything I needed in Canada. And now, I was back in the Philippines.

I came back because I left something behind.

My wife.

That night came back to me—the first night we spent as husband and wife. I didn’t expect to feel something so unfamiliar, something that almost made me reconsider leaving for Canada.

I was too lost in my thoughts that I didn’t notice the car had already stopped in front of their house.

I stepped out immediately and walked straight inside. A few maids stopped what they were doing, lowering their heads to greet me.

“Ashton,” an old man’s voice called out.

I looked at Mika’s father. He looked shocked to see me. It was as if he had seen a ghost.

I wasn’t surprised by that reaction. Everyone thought I was an ugly old man, ald, overweight, and all sorts of things. I couldn’t blame them. I barely showed my face to anyone.

I preferred a peaceful life, not fame.

“Arnold,” I called his name. My eyes briefly shifted behind him and landed on a woman who was also staring at me in shock.

I returned my gaze to the old man.

“A-Ashton, it’s really you…” Arnold said, his voice trembling as he stepped closer, unable to take his eyes off my face.

“Where is she?” I asked immediately.

He was about to shake my hand, but I ignored it. I didn’t come here to greet him.

I came here to take my wife.

“C-congratulations. I heard you won as Governor in Canada,” he said.

I watched as he pulled the woman behind him forward.

“T-this is my daughter, Allysa—Mika’s sister. She’s more beautiful than Mika, right?” he said, forcing the woman closer to me.

“H-hi… I’m Allysa,” the woman said in a sweet, pretentious tone, about to touch my hand.

I stepped back. I moved away from her, staring at her without emotion.

I didn’t agree.

My wife is far more beautiful than her. I turned my attention back to Arnold.

“I’m here to take her. I’ll bring her with me to my mansion,” I said, watching his jaw drop in shock.

I ignored them and turned to the maids standing behind me.

“Where’s my wife?” I asked coldly.

“S-she’s in the library, s-sir,” one of them answered nervously.

Without another word, I walked straight toward the first door where she was.

When I opened it, I saw her standing by the window, staring outside.

I heard her gasp when the door opened. The moment she saw me, I immediately noticed the shock—and fear, in her eyes.

My brows furrowed.

“Unhappy to see me?” I asked mockingly.

---

Mika

My heart was beating so fast, so loudly, I didn’t know how to calm it.

My trembling hand reached for the glass of water on the table, and I drank it quickly.

“L-leave me for now, Yna,” I told the maid behind me who was watching me with concern.

“O-okay, ma’am. I’ll just be outside,” she said before leaving.

I let out a heavy breath and leaned my hand against the table.

I didn’t know what to do.

How was I supposed to stop Ashton from leaving me?

I shut my eyes tightly and massaged my forehead. My hand slowly moved down to my cheek—it was still red, still stinging from the slap earlier.

And I knew that wouldn’t be the last thing my father would do to me if Ashton decided to leave.

If only I could run away from this house.

He’s the Governor of Canada… what if he came back for another reason?

“Ahhh…” I groaned in frustration, running my fingers through my hair. My thoughts were all over the place.

Feeling weak, I walked toward the large window and stared outside.

That’s when I noticed the limousine parked in front of the house.

My eyes widened. The fear and nervousness in my chest returned instantly.

Then—

I heard the door behind me open. I gasped and flinched.

I slowly turned around… and my eyes widened in shock when I saw him. The man who left me that night.

“Unhappy to see me?” he asked first, his brows furrowed, his expression almost angry.