Chapter 18 First Meeting
The man hial was sweet, but it did make me feel like I was in love. It only made me realize how liked my sal blackcoffee and howly won a pret as the macchiato, I looked at her occasionally while thinking about how she and How would meet lii twodays
Altoncity’s business Team would start at 9:30 am. Asanusher, Ashley would be waiting at the entrance for the guests to arrive. Rowan would see her as soon as he entered the vence, andCupid’show and arrow would do its work.
an start tomorrow. It pays quite well.“ookle
“Ashley, do you want to take on any other part–time jobs? I can introduce you to a tutoring job that you can start tomorrow. It p opportunity to ask Ashley this when she cleared a table beside me.
She smiled at me gratefully but turned me down. “Thanks for the offer, Ms. Sadler, but my classes are starting in a few days. I’ll need to head back to can put once I’m done with an ushering job in two days.”
I was surprised. Yes, it was almost time for university classes to me. It looked like I was a step too late. If I’d asked Ashley about this a few days earlier, perhaps Tamally would’ve been able to prevent her from appearing before Rowan’s eyes.
o stop them from meeting forever I could
I quickly moved past this, though. Knowing how Rowan’s and Ashley’states were intertwined, I wouldn’t be able to stop ther prevent it this tine, but what about other times in the future?
“Oh, you’re welcome. II just uuddenly occurred to me.” I took another sip of my coffee and smiled. “Are you gonna quilt your job here, too?”
“Yeal, I won’t have time to come over once classes start.” Ashley looked around, seemingly reluctant to part with the place. Then, she tumed back to me and
Helt a little awkward. It she low everything I knew, she’d probably get the hell away from me.
just then, more customers came. Ashley need off to attend to them, and I sighed in elit. I got up, settled the bill, and left. 1 probably wouldn’t drop by
Serendipity anymore.
The wheels of destiny had already started farming. Watching everything that was about to happen from a spectator’s point of view wasn’t any easier for me than it had been in my previous life
Since the incident with bron, I’d realized how strong the butterly effect was I was sure
I
was sure there would be changes that I would have to face in the future.
Thanks to Paula and George bring around, Rowancame home for lunch and dinner every day. He would also share a bed with me. But compared to his calmness and composure, I became increasingly ardous Lasked, “What time are you going to the business foram tomorrow!
“8:00 am” Rowan lay beside me in bed with his eyes shut……….
“Can you bring family members along?” I really wanted to witness his and Ashley’s legendary meeting: After all, in my previous life, his love story with Ashley had been all the ragronline for a long time.
He turned to look at me, a hint of mockery in his eyes. “Family members? Are you talking about yourself?”
I blinked “Well, legally, that’s what I am.”
او
Generally speaking, these business forums allowed guests to bring their spouses asustants along. Many entrepreneur couples would go together, and with Dad’sidentity and status, it was perfectly fine for me to tag along
Rowan didn’t seem to think that, though. He snorted. “Youthinkquite highly of yourself, don’t you?”
Lipped onto my side and stared at his side profile. From the side, his features looked even more chiseled than usual, especially where his brow bone and nose bridge met. It was almost annoyingly flawless.
To think a handsome and wealthy man like himself had eventually fallen for a regular young woman. It was such a typical Cinderella story.
“if you don’t bring me along, till talk to George and ask him to let me tag along.” I said. This time, it was threatening
George would definitely wonder why Rowan wasn’t the var bringing me along. Then, he would suspect that Rowan treated me badly.
As expected, my threat worked. Rowan’s gaze was filled with venom as be glad at me, “Wake up at 8:00 am tomorrow. I won’t wait for you even if you’re just a
“Wright T’I be up at 7:30 am. I need to apply makeup.” I smiled happily at him.
I’d already considered things I needed to understand more about how Rowan and Ashley had gotten together. That way, after our divorce, I could write a booke their love story and use my Identity as Rowan’s ex–wife to market it. I’m sure many people would be interested in it.
That gimmickalone would eamme a huge sum. It was a great deal.
The following meming, I woke upon time and applied light makeup, alterchanging into a classy outfit, i left the house with Rowan
When we arrived at the verse, I looked at the imposing hall before me. The doors weer wide open, and a few pretty ushers stood on both sides. Ashley was among them, and she stood out in her form–fitting dress, Rowan unbuckled his seatbelt and get out, evidently not noticing Ashley yel
I said to him, “You head inside first, I need to touch up my makeup!
In my previous life, Ashley knew Rowan was marted but had never met me or spoken to me. In this life, I felt it was better for her not to know about my relationship with Rowan Not yet, anyway.
Rowan couldn’t care less about me. He got out of the car and left. Though the window, I watched him head to the entrance. Finally, heaved before Ashley. His back was to me, so couldn’t see the change in his exporssion.
All I noticed was on evident falterin his footsteps. He seemed to be appraising Ashley closely. The sight of it made my heart crash to the bottom of a pit, it hurt like hell, but it also made the dust settle.
Chapter 18 First Meeting
22
Of course, Rowan wouldn’t do anything with so many people watching, no matter how talen he was with Ashley. It wasn’t the right place and time, so he soon entered the venue.
I only got out of the car after watching him disappear into the hall. Ashley was surprised to see me but soon regained her composure. She greeted me softly. “Ms.
Sadler.”
I smiled at her and headed inside to take my seat without saying anything. Rowan had already taken his seat in the front row, and the forum’s organizer was beside him. They seemed to be discussing something.
My seat was beside Rowan’s. When I headed over to take my seat, I heard the organizer saying, “Alright, I’ll send her number to you later.”
Then, he gave me an awkward look before hurrying off. I remarked, “He’s a lot smarter than Pansy was.”
Rowan tumed to give me a look that was more disgusted than usual. It was probably because he didn’t want to listen to my rattling when Ashley was all he could think about now.
But the more he didn’t want to listen, the more I wanted to tell him. “Pansy didn’t recognize me despite sitting beside me for so long, you know. She even said I was just to show.”
“It’s normal,” he said coldly.
“Do you mean it’s normal that she’s not that smart or normal that I’m for show?” I asked curiously.
He didn’t answer me. Instead, he stared at Ashley as she approached us. His eyes were brighter than I’d ever seen them.
I recognized that look—I’d looked like that when I’d first met him. It was too bad Ashley’s eyes were on me. She didn’t spare Rowan a glance at all. It made me feel pretty good, actually.
Now, I was starting to believe she genuinely loved Benjamin and that she’d truly meant it when rejecting Rowan in my previous life. What else would explain why she didn’t notice Rowan despite his burning gaze?
Chapter 19 Harboring Secrets
Ashley had come to distribute earphones. She placed my pair on the table before me and smiled at me. Then, she did the same to Rowan Surprisingly, Rowan smiled back and even thanked her. This was already signaling how special she was to him.
Ashley glanced at him a second time, and atrace of awe Dashed in her eyes. No matter how loyal and faithful a woman was to her relationship, she wouldn’t be able to deny Rowan’s handsomeness, she was the shy type, so a simple thank you from him was enough to make her blush
Suddenly, I thought of something. Did she act like she didn’t see him earlier because she was afraid she would be interested in him?
This short interruption quickly passed, and the forum officially started. It was mainly on the joint development of Alton City and Curtino City as well as their samunding areas. The goal of the forurn was to come up with an implementable plan for said development.
Alton City had grown rapidly in scent years, and most of its markets were close to saturation. They had to be expanded.
I didn’t know much about these things. Listened to Dad, Rowan, and George mention a thing or two about this, but most of the time, I was caught up in my thoughts.
When the forum was over, Dad came to me, “What are you doing here, hy?”
“was bored at home, so I tapped along,” I answered, bad knew I wasn’t the entrepreneurial type, se forums like today’s would be unbelievably boring for me. He was surprised I was there..
“You came with Rowan, didn’t you?” He turned to look at Rowan, who was chatting with someone nearby. His actions conveyed his usual superiority, compared to other bigwigs in the industry, he was young, yet he’d already achieved such success.
I nodded. “Yeah.”
“That’s good. You’re his wife, so you should attend more functions with him and solidify your status,” Dad said seriously.
Just then, George approached us. “Long time no see, Sammel!*
“George! I think it’s been close to half a year since we last saw each other!” They shook hands and started chatting
I took the opportunity to slip away while looking around for Ashley. She was probably getting ready to leave after getting paid for the job,
I searched every comer of the hall, finally finding her at the back door. Sure enough, she’d already gotten her pay and was waiting for an Uber.
When she saw me, she said happily, “Hi, Ms. Sadler!”
“So, this is what you meant when you said you had a part–time job as an sucied over to her and started talking to her.
“Yep! This is my last job for the summer, and I’m gonna celebrate with Benji later! She asked enthusiastically, “Would you like to join us?!
I nodded without even thinking about it. “I’d love to, but won’t be in the way of your date?”
She blushed, “It’s not an actual date- we’re just eating together. It’s perfectly fine to have you with us!”
All men liked women who blushed easily, huh? Ashley looked like an adorable little pink rose.
Since she didn’t mind, I took the shameless route and tagged along with her. Benjamin was already waiting at the agreed kebab shop, and he was evidently flustered when he saw me. He hurriedly stood up. “Ms Sadler, Ash”
“I ran into Ms. Sadler at my part–time job today, so I invited her along for kababs. The meal’s on me today! Ashley linked as with me like we were the best of friends.
“Sorry for disturbing you and Ashley on your date, Benjamin” Ismiled apologetically.
He shook his head vigorously. “No, no. It’s fine! Hurry up and sit!!
Ashley and I sat on one side of the table while Benjamin sat across from us. We ordered the kebabs we wanted and waited for them to be served while waiting for the charcoal bumer before to heat up. A grill had been placed above it, and there were plates before us.
Ashley was excited when the leamed I was an Alton University ali, She chattered to me about the university’s happenings while Benjamin grilled the kebabs. He would occasionally give Ashley adoring look and me a complicated look.
We were getting along nicely when Ashley’s phone pinged. She picked it up and glanced at the text she’d received. I stole a look at it and saw the familiar omber– it was from Rowan. As expected, he’d made his move
Ashley’s expression shifted after she read his text. She seemed confused and surprised. Then, she put down her phone without replying
“Who is it, Ash?” Benjamin asked with a smile
“Oh, just some spam” She lowered her head and ate her kebab, sounding a little diffident.
I gave Benjamin a pitying look. He was still happily grilling, oblivious to the fact that a monster was teaching out its claws for his precious girlfriend.
I don’t know what came over me, but I got up and said, “I need to use the ladies“.”
I went to the restroom and texted Benjamin. “Didn’t you like the Panamera? Why didn’t you drive it away the other day? You even left the key right on my doorstep. It’s a good thing Windwall Estate has top–notch security and doesn’t allow strangers in. Otherwise, the car would’ve been stolen.“.
After that, I touched up my makeup and tidied my hair before returning to my seat. Bergamin didn’t dare to look at me anymore and focused on grilling My actions were reminiscent of a sugar mommy who was desperate to have a sugarbaby
the kebabs.
Meanwhile, Ashley was distracted. Rowan had called her when she hadn’t replied to his text. It scared her, and she rejected the call, loolding flustered. She huntedly replied to his text, but I couldn’t see what she wrote.
pretended not to know what was happening and “kindly” reminded her, “You can just block whoever’s harassing you, Ashley,”
“oh, uh, yeah. Ilmow that.” She put her phone face down on the table and nodded.