101. Fresh Air

The autumn air greeted them with a cold breeze as Ashley's feet touched the floor of the international airport in the United States. After more than a dozen hours of flying, her body felt stiff and her mind drifted between exhaustion and curiosity. Beside her, Josh walked alongside her, pushing a trolley containing two large suitcases and two carry-on bags belonging to each of them. His face looked relaxed, as if he wasn't affected by jet lag at all.

Ashley also noticed that a few days before their departure, Josh's attitude had gradually changed. The man seemed calmer and no longer burdened by the revelation of his relationship with the girl.

“Finally, we're here. I just want to lie down,” Josh muttered with a grin.

Ashley just smiled slightly in response. Her eyes then darted quickly, scanning the crowded arrival area. It didn't take long before they spotted an elderly man in a black suit standing upright, holding a sign with their names on it: Josh & Ashley. His face was friendly, and his smile was polite. 

Ashley knew immediately—he was Mr. Smith.

Josh's mother had already informed them that there would be a man working for Josh's grandfather's company who would be responsible for taking them wherever they needed to go in the city. And the man 

“Welcome, Mr. Josh and Miss Ashley,” Mr. Smith greeted them with a slight bow. His voice was deep and authoritative, yet still warm. “I'm Smith, your family's personal driver. The boss has instructed me to pick you up.“

”Thank you, Mr. Smith,” Josh replied.

Mr. Smith added, ”If you'd like to take a short walk before heading to the apartment, I can take you wherever you'd like to go. The weather today is quite pleasant.”

Ashley shook her head slowly. “I think... I'd rather go straight home. I want to take a hot shower and sleep in a place that doesn't move. I can't feel my legs anymore.”

Josh chuckled. “Agreed. Let's go straight to the apartment, Mr. Smith.”

They then got into the shiny black car, a luxurious sedan with plush leather seats and a soothing lemon scent. During the ride, Ashley remained silent, gazing out the window. Skyscrapers, digital billboards, and crowds of people on the sidewalks filled her view. Everything was so foreign, yet... intriguing.

“This is my first time in America,” she murmured unconsciously.

Mr. Smith glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “I'm sure you'll like it. And I'm also sure that Mr. Big's apartment will make you feel at home here.”

Ashley didn't respond, just smiled slightly. She didn't know what to expect from the apartment supposedly owned by her grandfather—whom she had never met before. The man hadn't even shown up to her wedding with Josh.

Meanwhile, Josh turned to Ashley, who was looking out the car window. “Grandfather prepared it specially for the two of us to live in. Of course, he's already prepared the contents well.”

Less than an hour later, they arrived at a towering skyscraper in the heart of the city. The main entrance was made of thick glass, guarded by two security guards in black uniforms. Mr. Smith got out first and opened the door for them.

“Welcome to your new home. The penthouse is on the top floor,” he said, gesturing for them to enter.

Ashley followed Josh as he stepped inside. The interior of the building resembled a five-star hotel—white marble, crystal chandeliers, and the soft scent of vanilla in the air. After going through some formalities in the lobby, they took a private elevator that could only be accessed with a special card provided by the staff on duty in the lobby.

“Wow,” Ashley whispered as she stepped into the spacious main room, which combined the living room, kitchen, and dining area. It couldn't be compared to the Song family's main house where she lived, but for an apartment, this place was truly impressive. ‘Your grandfather has excellent taste.’

Ashley was quite impressed by the modern yet luxurious interior design.

The penthouse was more like a luxurious house than an apartment. As they moved further inside, they were greeted by high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. The glossy wooden floors and neutral-colored modern furniture created a warm and elegant atmosphere. The spacious balcony, which was almost like a garden, surrounded the ground floor from end to end.

Ashley walked slowly to conduct a quick inspection. After all, she would be staying there for quite some time—due to the commotion caused by Josh. 

In the living room, there was an L-shaped sofa covered in cream-colored fabric, a thick glass coffee table, and a bookshelf filled with a collection of classic literature. When she touched and tried to pick up and browse through some of the books there, she could tell that they were brand new and had never been opened.

Josh, who saw Ashley taking and putting back several books alternately, provided a bit of trivial information. “I heard Grandpa ask my mother what things you like. That's why he prepared everything in here for you. Including those books. Also this piano—I think. Can you play the piano?” 

Josh hesitated a bit when asking Ashley that question because he himself didn't know if the piano was for Ashley or had been there since long ago. In fact, he didn't know if Ashley could play the piano or not.

Beside him was a black grand piano that looked brand new. Ashley touched its surface while smiling at Josh's words.

“I can play a little. I'll play for you sometime,” she whispered to Josh. ‘So you used to live here alone? When you were in college?’

Josh laughed softly. ”No, of course not. This is the first time I've set foot here. My grandfather isn't that generous to just give me a place like this.”

Ashley nodded. She held back from reacting to Josh's words. She simply concluded that her grandfather had become more open because his grandson had married her—one of the Song family members.

She then walked toward the open kitchen connected to the dining room. The kitchen cabinets were pearl white, the countertops were made of marble, and the kitchen appliances looked brand new, as if they had just come out of a showroom. There was even a state-of-the-art coffee machine that seemed capable of making anything but coffee.

She opened a door beside the kitchen and found a workspace with walls filled with large windows. In the center of the room was a long table with modern reading lamps, and shelves filled with business and economics books filled the space. On the wall hung a large painting depicting a snow-capped mountain landscape.

Ashley scanned the spines of the books. The titles seemed to contrast sharply with the books displayed in the living room earlier.

“It looks like he prepared a special room for you too,” she glanced at Josh with a twinkle in her eyes.

Josh leaned against the door with his arms crossed. ‘You can take this study if you want.’

Ashley shrugged. ”Maybe I'll use it to read my own books.”

Then she continued her exploration. She climbed the spiral staircase with wrought-iron banisters to the second floor. The upper floor consisted of several bedrooms in addition to the master bedroom.

Upon entering the master bedroom—her own—she noticed a lounge area with direct access to a spacious balcony surrounded by a small garden. There was a comfortable chair near the door, complete with a fur blanket and a small tea table. The bed was large, with a thin white canopy hanging from all four corners. The bathroom also had a luxurious touch, fully tiled with marble. There was a large bathtub, a small chandelier above it, and a faint lavender scent from the aromatherapy candles in the corner of the room.

The view from this room truly showcased the glittering skyline of Los Angeles.

Ashley closed her eyes briefly as she stood on the balcony. Enjoying the fresh breeze that felt soothing to her heart.

A sense of relief she hadn't expected slowly enveloped her chest pleasantly.

“Maybe… this place could be a good start,” she whispered to herself.

“Ashley?“ Josh called from inside the room.  

Ashley turned around.  

”I asked Mr. Smith to wait. I've made a reservation at the restaurant. Get ready first.“  

”Alright."  

Josh gave her privacy by stepping back out of the room. The man had already brought all their luggage and placed it in the wardrobe room.  

Ashley entered the bathroom again and cleaned herself.

As the warm water flowed over her body, Ashley stared at the ceiling with wandering thoughts. She still didn't know what awaited her in this foreign city. But for the first time since she'd been with Josh, Ashley felt… a little more at ease.

Perhaps, this place wasn't just a stopover. Perhaps, it was the beginning of something bigger—and more important—than just a mere escape.