39. I'm Alright

Ashley's head tilted spontaneously, accompanied by a frown and a raised eyebrow. “No.”

'Is it that obvious?'

For a moment Ashley was silent and thoughtful. She was confused whether she had just accidentally said something she shouldn't have said. Or were there words or gestures that she didn't realize she had done that suggested that something wrong was going on between her and Josh.

If it was the case that she refused to inform Josh because her current condition was fine—it shouldn't have provoked Jason's suspicion, right?

Ashley had no idea if it was something that could bother him.

Or, perhaps, should she have just obeyed when Jason intended to tell Josh?

After all, no matter how much ego and pride she had to maintain, the thought of having to take care of her own wounded self like this would probably exhaust her even more. It wouldn't hurt if she took the opportunity to take advantage of Josh. With Jason here, there was no way Josh would blatantly reject and ignore.

However, regarding the suspicion implied by Jason's question just now, no matter how hard Ashley thought, she really didn't know where the peculiarity of her attitude or words lay. Even so she still couldn't let Jason have suspicions that could cause or even spark other problems. At least, for the time being, she herself should be careful. 

So Ashley tried once again to convince Jason. Just in case, for him to think things were going as normally and reasonably as possible.

“I just don't want to make Josh worry. If I have to tell him, I'll tell him everything when I meet him later.”

Jason was still narrowing his eyes.

Ashley thought that this man seemed to be the type of person who was too expressive and therefore not good at hiding his heart.

“It's good that you two were okay,” Jason answered briefly.

But Ashley suddenly felt uneasy, 'Huh? Already?' Just like that? That was too easy for him to believe.' Whereas she should be happy that she didn't have to rack her brains to find other excuses just to convince Jason.

Meanwhile, Jason himself thought that there was no point in confronting Ashley. He probably did have a very good reason to be suspicious about his brother and the girl's relationship not being good. Because he had very clear evidence that Josh was at another girl's house on his wedding night. Even the next day, Jason caught Josh and Ashley in separate places.

Apart from the problem of his brother whose heart was blinded by Sharon, Jason felt he could not easily judge the situation between Josh and Ashley.

The two of them were bound in a marriage based on the business interests of their respective families. Their not being together was not necessarily due to any problems. It could be their own desire as they are still adapting to each other. After all, an arranged marriage is never easy. And for Josh or Ashley, beyond the obedience they display, they still have their own authority. That was why Jason had no intention of getting involved with their affairs.

“Where are my orders?” Jason then turned and threw a question to Mr. Kwak, “Did you buy it?”

“I have, sir,” the middle-aged man handed Jason a black paper bag.

“Are you sure you bought everything correctly?” Jason reflexively peeked over the top of the open paper bag without confirming the contents. He just wanted to check in passing if the items purchased by his driver were not wrong. After Mr. Kwak said yes confidently, Jason handed it to Ashley, “Take this. You need to change your clothes.”

Ashley spontaneously looked down to see her own condition. Afterwards, she realized that her current clothes were completely messed up due to being exposed to a lot of red wine liquid. Its distinctive pungent smell also clung to her body. It gave off a slightly sticky and uncomfortable sensation.

She had no choice but to accept Jason's gift. While expressing her gratitude, her hand stretched out to accept the paper bag. But because she felt a strange awkwardness, she tried to express her apology as well.

“You... really don't need to do that.”

“Huh?” Jason frowned.

“I feel like I've been too much trouble for you. While it's not all your fault. I'm really sorry for bothering you and taking up so much of your time.”

Jason just smiled after hearing that. 

“Again, I know this is not my fault. But I want to remind you too, that it's not your fault either. So you don't have to feel guilty like that. I was just doing what any normal human would do. It's not a big deal to me. So just relax,” he explained slowly and casually, as if he was completely sincere in doing this. Then turned to Mr. Kwak behind him for support, “Yes, right?”

“Yes. You were the one who helped that old lady, Miss. But, sir, what about yourself? Your shoulder,” Mr. Kwak pointed at Jason's shoulder which he had complained of pain earlier, ”have you had a checkup? The results are okay?”

“You're hurt too?” Ashley was surprised.

“Ah-it's fine,” Jason spontaneously rotated the shoulder of his arm to show that he was fine, ”it was just compressed by the seat belt. It doesn't hurt now. Not something to worry about.” Jason grimaced. He intended to put on a smile, but he himself wasn't sure what that look on his face was. Because what really happened was, when he moved his arm, the pulling and dull pain came again.

“Are you sure?” somehow Ashley was able to catch Jason's rather strange facial expression. “You told us to do all kinds of tests. But you didn't do them yourself even though your shoulder was hurting.”

“Yes, really. It's fine now,” Jason tried to reassure Ashley as well as Mr. Kwak who both portrayed a look of uncertainty on his face.

“I think you should still get checked and medicated. Usually, trauma like that will be more painful tomorrow.”

Jason let out a short breath with a smile, “No need to worry about you like that, really. Tomorrow, if the pain comes again, I'll get it checked out.”

Ashley's forehead furrowed, “It's not that I'm worrying about you for any other reason, but, I feel even more guilty for getting you hurt. Being indebted like this, I don't know how to repay you.”

Jason replied with a low, crisp laugh, “If you feel that way, treat me to a meal sometime. That way I'll consider it paid off.”

Ashley agreed to the proposal. “That's all I need to do? Deal? Okay.”

“Anyway, you really need to change your clothes soon,” Jason reminded.

Ashley, with one hand holding the paper bag strap, got off the bed slowly and tried to stand on her uninjured leg. She managed to stand well that time. But when she started walking, she lost her balance. The pain from the scratches on her leg was enough to make her muscles weaker and defeated by the intense pain attack.

She almost faltered as her hands struggled to find support.

Jason, who saw all of that, quickly rushed over and held Ashley's body. He became a fulcrum by strongly embracing Ashley's body. Instantly making Ashley's shock pile up even more.