I look down at my watch. I need to leave right about now. I finish tying my shoelaces and head for the door. Just as I'm about to turn the knob open, I hear someone's footsteps from upstairs. I guess Kate woke up.
Kate: Ashton?
She calls out to me in a confused tone and I turn to look at her to see her rubbing her eyes, still drowsy.
Ashton: 'Morning.
Kate: You're leaving already?
She starts walking down the stairs, combing her hair with her fingers.
Ashton: Yeah, the shooting starts early today.
Kate: I see, did you eat anything?
Ashton: Yeah... I'm getting late now, if you want anything, you can ask Mrs. Yan for it.
Kate:....
It's awkward and I can't stand it... I'm about to open the door when it hits me. Yesterday..!
Ashton: If everything goes according to the schedule, I'll be back by 7. If I'm not, you don't need to wait up for me.
I don't want her to suffer because of me, she doesn't deserve it. I say my goodbyes to Kate and leave for the studio...
The car halts in front of the studio and I take a deep breath before getting off. As soon as I step out, I'm surrounded by camera flashes and a swarm of reporters. Don't they have anything better to do? I ignore them and walk inside.
*Ker-clack*
I open the door of the room assigned to me. I spot Leah sitting on the couch, typing away on her laptop. She raises her head to look at me and then turns away in a huff. I knew she'd still be mad.
I put my bag away and approach her.
Ashton: What'cha doin'?
Leah:... None of your business.
That's cold.
Ashton: Considering the fact that you're my manager, it definitely IS my business.
She gives me an irked glance.
Leah: What do you want?
Ashton: Well...
I place a paper bag on the table.
Ashton: I bought you a banana smoothie.
Leah:..!
Her eyes light up when say this. For her, the 'get her to forgive you- starter pack'= banana smoothie. She's loved it since we were younger and it's one of her biggest weaknesses. She's about to pounce on the bag but holds back.
Leah: Ahem, you can't earn forgiveness by bribing people.
She turns away, flustered. Oh, yeah? I know her better than anyone else and if I do this...
Ashton: Very well, so I guess I'll have to drink this myself.
I nod in agreement and take the cup out of the bag.
Leah:..!
*Swish!* *Slurrrrp*
What the... The cup suddenly disappears from my hand. I look over to Leah to see her hurriedly sipping it. That was faster than before. I throw her an amused and glance when I lock eyes with her.
Leah: What? Never seen a hypocrite before?
Ashton: None like you.
I flop down on the seat beside her.
Leah: This doesn't erase the fact that you're still being an ass to your wife.
Ashton:....
Leah: You haven't told her yet, have you. Look, you both were married for benefit, you can't divorce each other. You'll be married for the rest of your life, you'll have to learn to be honest with her.
My whole life... She's right but, I miss my privacy. It's not I don't like Kate per se but, we saw each other just a week ago and got married in a flash. It doesn't seem fair. I inwardly sigh and look over at Leah.
Ashton:.....
.... Giving me such mature advice while sipping on a smoothie like a kid?! What am I going to with this girl? No matter how much I'm fond of her, she has to grow up. Speaking of which...
Ashton: What are you planning to do in the future?
Leah: What?
She looks at me, puzzled.
Ashton: You have to find a job sooner or later if you really want to utilise your Masters in Finance, you can't just keep being my manager.
Leah:...!!
She looks away, feeling uneasy and her face clouds over. Did I say something wrong? I peer at her face just to make sure if she's okay. However...
Leah:... I can't work for any other company besides the Emperor Group obviously so... If I plan to go there, I'll just be another employee. I don't want give up what I have until I come up a better idea.
Ashton:...
That's true. I hate these norms. Wait a second..
Ashton: Didn't the old man (my father) always say that you would inherit the Emperor Group if I don't do it by the time I'm 30? There's still 2 years for that, but if you want, you can go for it.
Her eyes widen slightly.
Leah:.. For real? You're okay with it?
Ashton: I don't intend to take the position up anyway.
She looks at me for a moment before placing her empty cup back on the table, concealing a smile. What was that about?
Leah: Then I'll consider it.
She gets back to her work, leaving me with my unanswered questions. Something felt off. I feel in unknown feeling brewing in my chest. Why do I feel that something terrible lies behind that smile?
But that's not possible, Leah's like my own sister, she won't do anything like that. Right...?