Chapter 39: Dinner

Megan's POV

"It was Isabelle's idea that we are here in this place, Meg. Ashton's sister paid for everything, and she should be here right now, but their mom asked her to come home to Astikoz, and she boarded their family chopper and flew early this morning," Zachary declared, even though I didn't ask him why they were at the nature retreat center.

"She was excited to be here. She told us this place saved her life after your brother broke up with her. In this place, she learned to accept the truth even if it hurts," Zach added.

I saw a lot of guys from the male department who participated in the tree planting earlier. It made me realize some men wanted to relax and connect with nature as well, and I found it fascinating that many of us joined the tree planting and Gardening Lesson 101.

"Ashton urged me to join him since Isabelle couldn't make it. I planned to go home this weekend to Astikoz before the playoffs, and I couldn't say no to him. It's funny how he hated Isabelle for compelling him to attend this event without knowing this is what he needed all along. And of course, he didn't expect that you would be here, Meg. And I know he is now on cloud nine," he declared, and I couldn't stop blushing as I raised my eyebrow at him.

"Come on, Meg, you should know by now that he is still crazy about you," his best friend declared, and I hated myself for loving what I heard. I became so excited about it, even though what I saw on Ashton's face earlier was so hard to decipher.

"I don't think so, Zachary. It is very difficult to talk about Ashton and me at this moment. And to tell you honestly, I came here to clear my mind of Ashton, and I wanted to spend my time without thinking about him even for three days. I was so shocked when I saw him here at the center. And now, how could I have a peaceful weekend knowing he is here?" I asked as I released a soft sigh.

"Meg, you chose not to tell Ashton the truth, and you left the Pritzgold mansion in a hurry because you were so hurt when you found out Lauren was there with him on that day. But you didn't learn the whole truth, and I guess it's about time you give him a chance to explain his side. It has been eight years, and I can still see the same anger on your face from when you left Ashton's house and vanished from Astikoz," Zach responded.

"You can tell me what happened, Zach, and I will listen to you, and let’s see if it is justifiable," I said.

"It is not my story to tell, Megan. You should talk with my best friend so you can release all the hatred you’ve kept in your heart for so long because it will consume you, and it might be too late. I know I am not in the position to tell you what to do, Meg. But even if we didn't see each other for eight years, we are still friends," he declared.

"And being one of your close friends, I want to tell you that it is better to let go of the past so you can move on with your life. You are too beautiful to spend your entire life miserable. And I think Ashton deserves to know that you have a child," Zach stated as I looked at his handsome face and realized that, in terms of physical appearance, nothing had changed with Zachary—he had become even more attractive, like Ashton.

"You heard everything Ashton said that day. You know how painful his words were. And if you were in my shoes, I guess you would have done the same thing. I was very emotional at that time because I was pregnant," I declared.

"Of course, I understand, Meg, but I just want you to know that after his parents sent him to WEN University, Ashton was troubled. And when his family returned to Astikoz, he came back and begged me to help him speak with you. We even asked your sister for help, but Ava didn’t even know where you went. We wanted to see Alice, but your sister informed us you were together," Zachary responded. I couldn't believe he had come back.

"He stayed in our house for the rest of the summer before the first semester started. We searched the entire Astikoz City for you, but we couldn't find you anywhere, Meg. If you had only seen how lost Ashton was at that time, maybe you would realize he deserves to know the truth," Zach continued as we made our way to the kitchen.

"He felt devastated when he couldn't find you, even though we asked for our friends' help from the Academy. So many of us were looking for you. He tried calling your phone countless times, but I am sure you already changed your number," he added, and I could feel the rapid beating of my heart.

"You don't need to get back together, Meg. All you have to do is try to be civil with each other, and I’m asking you to please tell him about your child," he said.

"I don't know, Zachary, if it would be best to tell him about our children," I blurted out. It was too late to take it back, and I could see the shock on his face.

"You have twins?" he asked in disbelief, and I nodded my head and told him everything about Abigail. I could see the pain on his face as he listened to me speak about my little girl who became my little angel.

"Thank you for telling me about Abigail, Meg. It means a lot to me. And after learning everything, I can say the more reason you need to tell Ashton the truth," he said.

"I think there is no need to inform Ashton about the twins. He is getting married, and I don't want him to feel guilty about what happened to my little girl. It’s better to leave it that way," I responded.

"It is all up to you, Meg, but I hope you think about it," he said as we neared the kitchen.

Zach sent me to our cottage, and I was shocked when I learned their accommodation was across from ours. I couldn't believe I felt so thrilled knowing Ashton would be there for the entire three days.

"Are you ready?" Alice asked me after I tied my long hair in a ponytail. She was excited to eat our dinner after she learned that most of the ingredients came from the retreat center's garden.

"Yes, Al, I am ready," I responded to my best friend as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I loved wearing my emerald cami dress. Before we left our cottage, I grabbed a shawl since I could tell it would be cold outside, as big trees surround us and there are different types of plants in the area.

I couldn't stop myself from darting a glance at Zach and Ashton's cottage as we stepped down the front steps of our cute little house. I couldn’t contain the hammering of my heart as we entered the dining area. I realized dinner had already started since all the tables were already occupied. We got our plates, and as I gazed at the variety of food on the table, my mouth watered right away, especially when I saw all the vegetable dishes on the buffet table.

It took me so long to choose what food to get since there were so many options. When I was done, I could no longer see my best friend near the buffet table. When I turned around, I saw Alice smiling and waving at me.

I beamed at my best friend, but my smile faded right away when I realized she had joined their table. She was sitting beside Ashton and across from Zachary, and since there was no vacant seat elsewhere, I had no choice but to walk toward them as I tried to control my heart from pounding furiously against my chest. I couldn't stop the knots forming in my stomach.

"Good evening, Megan. You look great tonight," Ashton said as he looked at my face, which made me blush instantly. He stood up from his chair, and his masculine, sexy voice made my entire body shiver. I could tell even his voice still had the same effect on me, and I could no longer hear Zach's words as I listened to the loud beating of my treacherous heart.

Why do I need to feel this way again? I can't deny I felt disturbed after talking with Zach this afternoon, and I became so curious about what he meant when he told me it's not his story to tell. Is there something behind Ashton's rejection of me?

"Thank you," I mumbled as I avoided Ashton's intense gaze. I’m sure one look at him and my heart would betray me once again. He didn’t return to his seat until I settled myself beside Zachary, and I didn’t know how I would survive eating my dinner while Ashton was looking at me with such tenderness.