Chapter 5
Rebecca was momentarily stunned by my words. Her eyes darkened slightly before she turned to Ashton, tugging gently on his sleeve. In a soft voice, she murmured, “Ash, I was out of line last night. I see that I have disturbed both you and Scarlett. Can you ask her to stay and have breakfast with us? Just take it as an apology from me, please?”
I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh internally. Some people never had to work for affection. All they had to do was bat their lashes, play the part of a delicate flower, and they could get away with anything—even cruelty.
Ashton had initially ignored me completely, but the moment Rebecca spoke up, he lifted his gaze toward me and stated coldly, “Let’s eat together.”
It wasn’t a request. It was a command.
Did it hurt? I supposed I had grown numb to the pain by now.
I forced a smile and nodded. “Thank you.”
I had never been able to refuse Ashton. He was the one I had fallen for at first sight, and shaking off that love felt impossible.
Perhaps today was a rare stroke of luck because, for the first time, I got to taste something Ashton had cooked. Fried eggs and bacon—nothing extravagant, yet it left a deep impression on me. I had always thought of Ashton Fuller as someone far removed from mundane tasks, a man who would never lower himself to do something as simple as cooking.
“Scarlett, try the eggs Ash made. They’re really good!” Rebecca beamed, placing one on my plate. “He used to make them for me all the time when we were together.”
Then, with an affectionate smile, she placed an egg on Ashton’s plate as well. “Ash, you promised to take me to see the flowers today. You won’t break your promise, right?”
“Mm,” Ashton responded while eating, his movements as elegant as ever. He rarely spoke unnecessarily, but when it came to Rebecca, he always answered every question, acknowledged every request.
Jared remained quiet, eating in a composed manner as if he were an outsider observing a performance he had seen countless times before.
I lowered my gaze, gripping my fork tightly. Grandpa’s funeral was today. If Ashton went with Rebecca, what would happen to our plans to visit the Fullers’ family home?
Breakfast felt like an empty formality. Ashton barely ate before heading upstairs to change. Setting my utensils down, I followed him.
In the bedroom, Ashton was already undressing when I entered. His back was turned to me, his toned physique on display. Embarrassed, I instinctively turned my back to him. “Grandpa’s funeral is today.”
I heard the rustling of fabric, the soft zip of his jacket. His voice, as indifferent as ever, broke the silence. “You can go on your own.”
My brows furrowed. “He was your grandfather, Ashton.”
Ashton was the eldest grandson of the Fullers. If he didn’t show up, what would the family think?
“Joseph Campbell is handling it. Talk to him about the details,” he replied flatly, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.
His complete detachment stung more than I cared to admit.
As he moved toward the study, a wave of frustration surged within me. My voice rose before I could stop myself. “Ashton, does no one matter to you but Rebecca? Does your family mean nothing to you?”
He stopped momentarily, turning his sharp gaze on me. His eyes were cold, void of warmth. “You’re not in a position to lecture me about my family.”
After a beat, he scoffed. “You’re not worthy.”
His words were a bucket of ice water poured over me, chilling me to my core.
I stood frozen as I listened to his footsteps fading away. A bitter chuckle escaped me.
Not worthy.
Two years. I had spent two long years trying to get him to warm up to me, and this was all I had to show for it.
“I thought you were shameless, but I didn’t expect you to be a busybody too,” a mocking voice sneered from the doorway.
I turned to see Rebecca leaning against the frame, arms crossed. Gone was the sweet, innocent act. The mask had slipped, revealing the cold amusement in her eyes.