Insecurities

The rest of the meal went in silence, Ashton's mood dwindled after Philip Gu's name was mentioned. Ashton finished up his tomato noodle soup, cleaning up everything without leaving even a drop of soup in the bowl.

Phoenix stood up to pick up the bowl to wash it. 

Ashton stopped Phoenix's hand from reaching out to the bowl, "I'll wash the dishes. You go to bed," Ashton said. 

"Okay, I'll go up first," Phoenix said.

With that being said, Phoenix left the dining table and headed upstairs to her bedroom.

Ashton picked up his bowl and glass and entered the kitchen. 

He took his time to wash the dishes while thinking about Phoenix and Philip Gu. 

How can he prevent Phoenix from meeting that guy? He couldn't be a control freak who would restrict his girlfriend's freedom, but he really hated the way Philip Gu looked at Phoenix. 

Ashton put both his hands on the edge of the sink and leaned forward. He released a heavy sigh.