Chapter 148: Happiest Woman

Ashton's POV

I felt delighted you put Gael in his place," Dexter said as he joined me in the backyard after Gael walked out of the dining hall.

"I wasn't proud of what I did out there, I know I lost it, and I felt embarrassed to face Megan," I replied as I turned my head and looked at him.

Dexter looked haggard, and I could tell he was dealing with some emotional turmoil that made him sleepless. He was wearing tattered jeans and a black shirt. No wonder my sister was crazy about him, he got overloaded sex appeal, and I know he is a good man.

"I know you felt terrible, but believe me, dad felt worse that he couldn't even swallow his food. You weren't the only one affected by Gael's words." My brother-in-law said.

"We all felt guilty; what I did for my sister wasn't enough; I should have provided for her and my nephew, and that Gael man would stop bragging about what he did for Megan and insult all of us." Dexter added, and I could feel the bitterness in his voice.

"Yeah, and I hate to admit that Gael has all the right to do so since he was there for Megan during those times, and I was angrier with myself for being so stupid." I said as I looked at him, and he let out a heavy sigh.

"You weren't stupid, Ashton; you were only a victim of your father's manipulation and greed for power." He responded, and I was shocked by his words, and I wondered if it would be safe to talk about him and my sister.

"Like what happened to you and Isabelle?" I asked, and he shook his head.

"No, it is different; you are the man. You can fight him, Ashton, while I was weak and powerless; you have all the capacity to stop him." Dexter responded.

"That is my plan," I replied.

"How about you? When are you going to make your move? Isabelle is only waiting for you." I added, and his face turned serious as he looked me in the eyes.

"I don't think that is the case; your sister was in too much pain, Ashton, to the extent that she had forgotten how to love again. I wrecked her heart, and she felt too broken to give me another chance." Dexter said, and I could see the worries and pains on his face.

"I tried my best to win her over, but she was afraid that I would hurt her again, and her heart is now covered with coldness, and I don't think she was capable of giving me her forgiveness which I had been dying to receive." He added.

"I knew made a stupid mistake, but it was the perfect thing to do at that moment; I think you already knew what happened between us and why do I need to do it; God knows I wanted her back." He continued, and I let him talk, and I listened without interrupting him.

"For so many years, I waited for a chance to see her beautiful face again, and it felt like I saw her for the first time when we met during your wedding. She still looked like an angel." Dex declared as I could see the affection on his face.

"I realized I was such a fool for thinking we could pick up where we left off without thinking about the damage and the pain I inflicted on your sister." He stated as he looked at me.

"She hated me so much, Dex, and I realized I needed to move on and have a normal life again. You and Megan wanted me to be with your sister since you were both rooting for us." He added.

"Of course, I know there was no one out there who is more deserving of having my sister, but you, Dexter." I responded as I smiled at him, suddenly feeling confused as I saw him shaking his head.

"I am sorry, Ashton, but I wanted to have a life after many years of waiting for Isabelle; your sister told me she couldn't forgive me." He said with sadness on his face.

"I had been miserable for many years because of my guilt, but at least we finally have closure, and I now have a girlfriend." Dex added.

I was speechless, and I find it hard to believe since I know how much he cared for Isabelle.

"Are you giving her up?" I asked.

"I don't want to, but after my conversation with Isabelle during your honeymoon with my sister, I realized Isabelle is no longer the woman I used to love. She changed a lot, and I blamed myself that she became like that, but I didn't have a choice that time, Ashton." He responded.

"I need to accept what we have was over and find my own happiness." Dexter added, and I could feel the pain my sister was about to face.

I became more down after I had a heart-to-heart talk with Megan's brother, and it dawned on me why he didn't come and attend the party, but I felt glad he was not around since I am sure he would make a scene the moment he realized my father humiliated his sister.

Dexter came back inside the house while I remained seated on the patio chair, watching the clear sky. I was wondering how I would tell my sister the devastating news.

"Hi," I heard my wife's sweet voice, and I could smell her sweet fragrance that wafted in the air, and I found it hard to look at her since I was ashamed of what I had done a while ago.

"Hey," I responded, but I didn't turn my head and look at my wife. I felt her sit beside me, and the moment her skin brushed mine, I wished to take her into my arms, but I knew I needed to apologize to Megan.

My wife was silent, and I could tell she was waiting for me, and she was giving me a chance to speak what is running in my head."Can I take you out on a date tonight, my love?" I asked after a long moment of silence, and I could see a shy smile on her lovely face when I looked at her sideways.

"A date?" She asked, surprised.

"Why can't I ask to have a date and spend a private moment with my wife?" I responded, and she blushed.

"I didn't expect you to want to take me on a date after I insisted on having Gael around. Even if I knew there was a tendency, he would ruin our lunch." Megan said, and I smiled at her.

"The more I needed to take you to a fine restaurant, and I knew I messed up, Meg. I am sorry." I replied, and she stood up in front of me and put her arms around my neck.

"Aren't you angry with me?" Megan asked in disbelief.

"No, why should I?" I asked back as I put my hands on her hips and pulled her closer to me.

"I went after Gael without asking you if it would be okay," she answered as she looked at me.

"You only did the right thing, Meg. I knew I pissed him off, and I should have controlled myself, and I hope he didn't hurt you." I declared.

"Gael was jealous that I got back with you, and he became more hurt when I married you, but one thing I am sure of; he will never hurt me, my love." She replied.

"Good to know, and I am sorry if I couldn't control myself from feeling jealous of Gael. I need to ask for your understanding at this time. I messed up; I knew how much you wanted to catch up with your friend, and I ruined the moment." I stated, and my wife laughed.

"You look so serious right now, my love. To be honest, I loved watching your face turn red with jealousy, and I understood why you suddenly acted that way. I am so flattered, and I couldn't wait to have a date with my husband later," she responded with a broad grin.

The wide smile on my wife's face made me feel better, and I didn't expect she looked so calm, and I couldn't see a trace of anger on her lovely face. Megan leaned her head on my chest, and I caressed her back with my hand with gentleness.

Axel told my wife and me he would not join us since he didn't want to be the third wheel, and I couldn't stop laughing.

"Do you know what is the meaning of the third wheel?" I asked as I wandered where did he learn about that thing." Well, you need to be alone with mom, dad, So I am considered the third wheel," he responded.

"Axel, you are our son, and it would be more fun if you would join us." My wife interjected with our conversation.

"I have plans with Aunt Ava and Uncle Dexter, mom; they promised they will take me to the mall so I can have some fun at the game zone." He excitedly replied as I found my wife looking straight into my eyes. I looked at my wife, and we shared the same shocked expression on our faces.

"Why didn't you tell us about your plans with your aunt and uncle?" I asked, and he smiled at us from ear to ear, and I could tell he was excited to play with his aunt and uncle.

"Sorry, mom, can I go with them, please?" He asked with puppy eyes, and I knew my wife couldn't resist his charm, and I beamed as I realized he had inherited my physical appearance.

The day dragged on like forever, and I was standing at the bottom of the stairs as I waited for my wife, and when she came down and took one step at a time.

I was holding my breath as I gazed at my wife's beautiful face. I could no longer take it; I ran to meet her halfway by taking the steps two at a time, and my wife was giggling as she stopped in her tracks, and I took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

"You are so beautiful, Meg." I mumbled as we walked together with smiles on our faces, and I felt so excited to take her to one of the finest restaurants in Astikoz, and I wished to make my wife the happiest woman all over the world.