A while later, Kate finally calms down. I did something similar with Claire, but that was just lending a shoulder to a friend. This... is different. I think this as I run my fingers through her smooth hair.
I use my free hand to caress the ring on her left hand.
Ashton: I talked to my agency on the way here.
Kate: Hm?
Ashton: I can't straight up put the news of our marriage out there, but... I AM allowed to post a picture with my "girlfriend" on my social media.
Kate: W-We just talked about this yesterday... You didn't have to take action so soon.
She looks up at me speaks, her voice cracking because of crying too much. I smile at her.
Ashton: Today was an accident, but I don't want something like that to occur again. Also, it's better to give the people a heads-up about our relationship because it's only a matter of time before anyone figures out that I live here.
Since we already live together, it could put Kate under danger if someone photographs us together. I mean, netizens can be really... cutthroat at times. Honestly, they frighten me.
Kate:... Okay.
We exchange a smile and a comfortable silence falls around us. Just then...
Katie: MEOW!!
Both:..!
A sudden cry from Katie catches both of off-guard and we turn to look at the direction of the sound. Katie, who is now able to walk slightly, is sitting by the door frame.
Kate: I guess that she's hungry. Mrs. Yan must've gone home for the day, I'll go-
Ashton: Ah, I'll do it.
Kate's about to get up, but I place a hand on her shoulder and sit her back down. Then I head inside and take Katie in my arms.
Ashton: Are you hungry? Let's get you some food! Ow! What did you scratch me for? Did I get it wrong?
Kate:....
I walk off with Katie while Kate stares silently at us.
Later...
Both, Kate and Katie, are calm now so we commence with our dinner. Kate starts telling me how her time with Ms. Norris went, excitedly.
Kate: She was so sweet! I originally planned to ask her if she could give me some pointers, but she offered me a job instead!
Sweet? That doesn't sound like her at all.
Ashton: That's great! So, what's the job?
Kate: Well, her assistant will going on maternal leave in about 2 months. She asked me if I'd be interested in filling the position till she gets back. If I impress her, she'll make me her Assistant #2!
Ashton: Really! When do you start training?
I can only imagine how happy she must be right now, she has always wanted to work alongside Ms. Norris. I guess dreams really do come true, huh.
Kate: Tomorrow. Her current assistant is going to show me the ropes. I can't wait!
She's practically stomping her feet in joy like a child. The moment is too cute for me to bear and I let out a chuckle.
Ashton: You sure are excited.
Kate: I know! I still can't believe it!
Ashton: You have to go to the studio directly, right? I'll take you there.
Kate seems rather surprised at my suggestion. That's at least taking one step further. Today we reached the studio in seperate vehicles, that's why it didn't count as "making her relationship with me clear".
Kate: Alright. Oh, that reminds me! My brother's fiancee will be present at the party. Even though he couldn't make it because of work, I thought that I'd at least introduce you properly to her.
Kate's brother... I've heard so much about him and might've even seen him in person, but that was decades ago. I don't really know what he looks like right now or what his current name is.
If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't even have met Kate all those years ago. I really wanted to meet this guy.
Ashton: Okay.
Kate: Actually... It's a good thing that my brother isn't going to be there.
Ashton: What? Why?
Huh? Why would she say that? I thought that she was on very good terms with him.
Kate: I don't know how to put it nicely so, I'm just going to say it. He hates you.
.... What?! How's that possible?! Is it because he's very protective of her? I guess I would hold a slight prejudice against Leah's boyfriend, if she ever got one. However, I wouldn't go as far saying that I hate him!
Ashton: But I haven't even met him!
Kate: Well... You have. He said that he interrogated you over and over again after our marriage and you refused to admit our relationship. He thinks that that you don't care about me, that's why he doesn't approve of you.
Interrogated me? I don't think that anyone has-..… I-It can't be....
Ashton:.... What's your brother's new name?
Please don't let it be who I think it is!! I-I don't know how I would be able live if it's really the person I have in mind..!
Kate: It's Troy Anderson.
Ashton:........
.... WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?! Is THIS the bad thing that I kept feeling was going to happen?! I... This.... No.... Why?! My mind has completely gone blank and I don't know what to think.
Claire... She's my soon-to-be sister-in-law?! Th-This is ridiculous! It has to be some kind of a nightmare! I knew that it was immoral of me to have feelings for another woman while I'm married, but this just takes it to another level!
Does Claire know about this? Is that why she pretended not to know me in front of Troy? Or should I say Trevor?! If she had known about this, why did she keep me in the dark about this?!
I have so many questions! Damn it, I really can't understand what goes on in that woman's head!
Kate: Hey, are you alright? You don't look too good. It's-
Ashton: I suddenly had a headache... I'm going to bed.
I can't even look her in the eye. I get up and am about to pick up my plate when Kate stops me.
Kate: Let it be, I'll clean up.
Ashton:... Okay.
Sensing that something's off, she says nothing else. I leave the dining area and head upstairs. I pop in the shower for the second time since I came home today.
I was hoping that I could get rid of my feelings for Claire if I just cut her off from my life. Now, that's impossible. We're..... family. I would be seeing her often, knowing that she doesn't belong to me and that nothing can ever fix this.
Why does it have to be so painful? Over the years I've heard people say that love is worth the heartbreak, but is it really? If I had a choice, I would choose to never love anyone ever again.
However, there are no "ifs" in life, are there. I keep standing there, drenched for who knows how long only to realise; you can't wash away your feelings....