Lahat ng Kabanata ng Obedient Surrogate No More: Kabanata 221 - Kabanata 230

It was much later when Ashton found herself reflecting on the reason behind her hasty decision to marry Kenny. The rationale, in truth, was glaringly simple: a person who had been 'good' for far too long no longer yearned to play by the rules. At that moment, she thought that whatever lay ahead, even if it were an abyss, falling would only mean one thing—a peaceful end.It was well past midnight when Fiona finally completed the first draft of the proposal. Glancing up at the clock, she noted it was half-past eleven. Ashton had yet to come home. Just as Fiona considered calling to check in on her, the door opened. Ashton walked in with her cheeks flushed. "You been drinking?" Fiona approached her, concerned.But when she got close, the anticipated scent of alcohol was absent. "I haven't," Ashton replied, instinctively avoiding Fiona's gaze.A secret wedding wasn't something Ashton could dare share with Fiona—not when she wouldn't allow herself to take her lifelo

Speaking of which...Fiona checked her phone for the time. Today marked the memorial service for Mrs. Solomon. A titan of her era, the service was expected to be a grand affair, with many dignitaries and business leaders in attendance.If what Darwin revealed about his past that day was true...Fiona didn't allow herself to dwell on it, her mind slamming on the brakes.Falling for a guy, that's a one-way ticket to heartache, she reminded herself.Steeling her resolve, she headed straight to the garage and drove home.The night's events had drained her, and Fiona fell into a deep sleep the moment she hit her bed after a shower.The next morning.As Ashton woke, he stared blankly at the ceiling.Then it hit him—he was getting married today!He sat up, confusion giving way to sudden anxiety.None of the excitement he'd felt while preparing the night before remained.Am I really ready to get married?The question popped into his head,

Ashton was full of regret.So much regret.She had been way too bold in front of Lilian just a moment ago.And now, was this not retribution?"Kenny?" Darwin spotted Kenny.Ashton had already turned around, jabbing Kenny’s shoulder twice in frustration.That's for keeping it a secret!Kenny, puzzled, caught her hand, then acknowledged Darwin, "Brother."Brother?Ashton was completely bewildered.Kenny seemed to understand her confusion, explaining quietly, "Distant relative, many generations removed, but still, in terms of seniority, I call him ‘brother’.""Oh…" Ashton began to fiddle with Kenny's palm.That’s for keeping quiet!"That’s for keeping quiet!""Darwin…" Lilian’s complexion had turned sour.She didn't want Darwin to encounter anyone associated with Fiona again."What brings you here?" asked Darwin, his brow slightly furrowed.Mrs. Solomon wasn’t fond of Lilian, so he’d made it clear that she didn’t need

Ashton too had assumed that the woman standing with Darwin was Lilian. He hadn't even intended to give her more than a cursory glance."My condolences," offered Kenny, his voice a gentle murmur.Ashton echoed the sentiment, "My condolences."At that moment, Kenny and Ashton were hand in hand. Fiona's gaze drifted casually from their intertwined fingers, recalling the announcement that had labeled them as Mr. and Mrs. Walker."Thank you, Mr. Walker, Mrs. Walker, for your thoughts," Fiona spoke with measured composure.Ashton's reaction was as if he'd been struck by lightning. His eyes shot up to meet Fiona's.While her mask concealed much, those expressive eyes could belong to none other than his precious Fiona."Babe?" Ashton's voice shook a bit as he quickly let go of Kenny's hand.Fiona's gaze was sharp as a blade.Kenny turned to look at her, then at Fiona, and again at Darwin.Kenny was a man who had no interest in poking his nose into oth

She was well aware of it, that much was crystal clear.Not that it needed saying, but if Lilian got into a fight with Ashton, she’d get whooped, no doubt about it.And Kenny...Was he genuinely smitten by Ashton, or just playing along with her act?“What kind of clout is he banking on?” Ashton speared Darwin with an icy look.Her gaze shifted to Fiona.“Lilian and I are not involved in the way you're thinking,” he clarified.Fiona lapsed into silence.Whether they were involved or not didn’t matter to her anymore.“Shall we order? Aren’t you hungry?”Ashton noticed a shift in Fiona’s mood as it turned sour.“Sure!”Over the past while, he had practically memorized the menu. In no time at all, he had ordered the dishes.“Baby, you’ve been working so hard on that project you’re slimming down. I've ordered all your favorites, so make sure you eat up!” Ashton cooed sweetly to Fiona.Her irritation melted away.Like Ashton said,