Chapter 28
From the way I spoke so gently, I must have sounded like a thoughtful wife.
Ashton’s gaze darkened for a moment before he began a brief introduction.
“This is Henry Lowell, the owner of this courtyard and heir to a prominent family of doctors. He has a deep passion for medicinal herbs and ingredients, which is why he cultivates them here.”
The beautiful woman beside Henry was his wife, and the little boy toddling next to them was his son.
After exchanging polite greetings, I couldn’t shake off a growing unease. I had been trying so hard to keep my pregnancy a secret from Ashton—what if Henry inadvertently revealed it?
I shot a worried glance at Jared, silently pleading for his help.
Just then, Mrs. Lowell returned with a bowl of freshly prepared cuttlefish stew, smiling warmly. “Try some, Mrs. Fuller. I loved this when I was pregnant. It might taste a little strange, but my husband added nourishing herbs that are especially beneficial for you. How many weeks along are you?”
A surge of panic shot through me, but I forced a smile. “It was six weeks, but Ashton and I hadn’t planned for the child. That’s why we decided on an abortion.”
The woman’s eyes widened in surprise, doubt flickering across her features. “You don’t look like—”
“These are just lingering symptoms of a false pregnancy, Mrs. Lowell,” Jared smoothly interjected as he set down his teacup. “She’ll be fine in time. But I must say, I admire you and your husband. You’re both so experienced that you could tell just by observing her.”
Henry narrowed his eyes slightly but said nothing further. His wife, however, still appeared unconvinced.
After the meal, Henry whispered something to his wife. She cast a brief glance my way, nodded, and left the room.
Then, he turned to Ashton. “Since you’ve made the effort to come here, I’ve prepared some herbs for Mrs. Fuller. If she takes them consistently, it won’t be difficult for you two to have another child.”
Ashton gave a slight nod and then glanced at me, his expression unreadable. I had no idea what he was thinking, but it felt as if he had deliberately brought me here for Henry to examine me.
Why? I truly had no clue.
Feeling uneasy, I remained silent as we left.
By the time we got into the car, the sky had darkened. Joe, unable to stand the sight of me any longer, insisted that Ashton drop me off.
Knowing they still had matters to discuss, I got out of the car voluntarily. “I’ll take a cab,” I said.
Ashton didn’t argue. He simply told me to be careful before driving away with the other two men.
My mind swirled with worries, keeping me from sleep. I considered calling Jared, but I knew he would be with Ashton. With nowhere else to go, I ended up at Hour Bar.
The place was fairly packed when I arrived.
Macy, upon spotting me, nearly exploded. “What the hell are you doing here? You should be resting at home!”
“Relieving my boredom,” I said, sliding onto a seat.
She pressed her fingers to her forehead, exasperated. “You just had an abortion a few days ago, Scarlett! Can you not take better care of yourself?”
Knowing she was only worried, I flashed her a smile. “Give me a glass of orange juice. Let’s chat.”
“I’m not here for entertainment,” she muttered before heading to the bar counter.
As I sat there, my thoughts kept drifting back to Herb Garden. Why had Ashton taken me there? Did he suspect I had kept the child?
Before I could dwell on it further, Macy tapped me on the shoulder. “What are you spacing out for? Didn’t you say you were bored to death? Come on, I’ll take you somewhere fun.”
I followed her, puzzled. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
The street was lined with bars, and I assumed she was just taking me for a walk. “Don’t you feel bored taking me out instead of managing your own place?”
She scoffed. “There are people watching the bar for me.” Then, pointing to a dazzling nightclub ahead, she grinned. “You said you were bored, so I’m about to show you a whole new world.”
I rarely went anywhere other than Macy’s bar, so the moment we stepped inside, the pounding music overwhelmed me. My ears practically rang from the volume.
Macy navigated the place with ease, leading me to a comfortable booth on the second floor before calling over the manager. “I want two of your best men.”
The manager nodded without hesitation. “Of course. I’ll bring some over for you to choose from.”
I turned to Macy, horrified. “What are you doing? Why are you hiring male hosts?”
She raised a brow. “To keep us company, of course!” She then slid a glass of juice in front of me. “Take a look and pick whoever you like. They’re much more attentive and gentle than Ashton. Stop wasting your time thinking about him all day. It’s time you put on an attitude too!”