The exposed part of her skin were flawless. Her beautiful eyes were gently closed, and her long lashes resembled buttery wings resting on her cheeks. Her forehead was smooth and clear.
Ashley was sleeping so soundly that Richard initial intention to pick her up and move her was halted. She looked so delicate and innocent in her sleep.
His mind flashed back to the scene in the hall where Ashley had been about to remember mask could the face beneath really be as ugly as her supposed wicked heart? The parts of her face that were visible suggested otherwise, they showed beauty.
Driven by a strange impulse, Derek's hand moved toward Ashley's mask inch by inch.
For dome reason, the close his hand got, the more it trembled uncontrollably. He couldn't understand why be was suddenly so hesitant.
His hand finally reached Ashley's mask, and he was just about to pull it off.
In the midst of her sleep, Ashley suddenly opened her eyes, her face filled with confusion. A handsome face came into view.
"What ate you doing?"
Richard immediately withdrew his hand, feeling uncharacteristically uncertain for the first time.
"I'm telling you to get up and sleep on the couch."
Ashley glanced at the large sofa. Though it was spacious, it was nowhere as comfortable as the bed.
She had figured Richard wouldn't share the bed with her and that someone would have to sleep on the couch. To get ahead, she has gone to bed early, but she didn't expect him to wake her up anyway.
The bed was warm and cozy, and Ashley leaned against the soft pillows, though her hand was tightly gripping the blanket underneath.
"I'm not going. I'm tired. You sleep on the couch."
Richard narrowed his eyes, a strange emotion flickering across his mind. Ashley was acting like a stubborn child and refusing to get out of bed.
But within a second, his demeanor turn cold. His dark, pool like eyes stared intently at Ashley.
" Did you know who you are talking to? Do you believe I'll throw you out to sleep at the door?"
Ashley bit her lips and released her grip on the blanket. Slowly, she sat up. She couldn't afftto go head to head euth this man.
As soon as Ashley settled into the sofa with her blanket, the room was plunged into darkness with a sudden click.
Ashley stomped her foot in frustration. What type of man was this? She hadn't even had the chance to spread her blanket probably.
On the large bed, Richard Andrew turned over, frowning. Even though the woman had only slept for a short while, her scent had already permeated the blankets.
The next morning, Ashley woke up early and began her morning routine.
When she went downstairs, she found Mabel already seated on the sofa, with a servant bringing her fresh fruit and tea.
Madam Imogene was also seated nearby.
Mabel glanced upstairs and met Ashley's gaze. She frowned coldly. Could Richard have shared a bed with this ugly woman last night?
Mabel had spent sleepless night after returning home, as soon as dawn broke, she rushed over to investigate. No, she shook her head immediately. It was impossible.
Richard was too dignified to share a bed with someone so unattractive.
The ugly woman had darre to challenge her last night. Today, Mabel would maysure she paid for it.
Little did Ashley know that Mabel was highly favored by Imogene and practically considered herself as half - owner of the house.
Ashley came downstairs, and Mabel wavedvat her with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Miss Weston is awake.
Come over and gave a seat"
Miss Weston?
Ashley found the title amusing. She paused her steps on the stairs and glanced sideways at Mabel, who was smiling but with eyes that remained cold.
"Sure, I'll come and chat with Miss Anderson."
Ashley turned and walked towards the living room, but there was no empty seats left. She had to walk past Mabel to reach the sofa inside.
Mabel, ever so considerate, said, "Miss Weston , come this way. I'll make room for you."
Ashley didn't suspect a thing. " Thanks."
As Ashley walked past Mabel, she suddenly tripped hard over something, stumbling violently. Her knee slamming into the corner of the coffee table, sending a sharp, piercing pain through her entire body.
"Miss Weston, you should watch where you're going. The floor is so flat, and you almost fell. Did you hurt yourself?" Mabel feigned concern and reached out to hkeo Ashley.
What a turn of events! Ashley gasped dodging Mabel's hand. She bit back her pain and sat down, detemined not to show any weakness.