Would Accompany Her To Washroom?

On not getting any response, Ashley looked around and noticed the silence.

Everyone was looking at them with...adoration in their eyes?

Her confusion didn't last long as she noticed the proximity between her and Michael. There was no space between them.

She was practically pressed against his body. Abruptly, she stepped back—but her feet faltered.

But before she could have touched the ground, an arm sneaked around her waist and pulled up her body.

The hair on the back of her neck stood up as Ashley found herself breathing the same air as Michael. Their noses were nearly touching, with just an inch or two between their lips.

Her eyes shivered as they met his. Ashley had never dated before so she was definitely not used to being in the close proximity to any male.

The last time he had merely held her hand, and she had felt the lingering touch for the next two days.

*Click*

"What a perfect shot! My gosh! I love you guyss so so much!"

The eye contact broke, and Ashley awkwardly stepped out of his arms—this time more carefully. She had no desire for that to happen again.

"Sir, your family has arrived at the resort. It's time for the engagement to begin."

For the first time, Ashley was relieved with the appearance of Steve.

She exhaled and quickly stepped out the set up.

Steve came over to her, "Miss Parker, kindly put your ring in this box for some time."

A man behind Steve held out a small ring box. Ashley gladly removed the ring and placed it inside, not bothering to hide her reluctance to keep it on any longer.

The ride to the resort booked for their engagement was comparatively shorter. It was just a twenty minute ride.

Nestled amidst the otherwise crowded streets, this resort no doubt was a breathtaking one. It gave away the air of luxury.

Ashley suddenly recalled the conversation she'd had with Skylar a few months back. They were talking about this very resort, with Skylar hoping to get engaged here.

And now she was here.

What an irony!

Ashley stepped out and so did Michael. He came here in a separate car.

Walking over to her, he offered his arm, and thus, their journey to the engagement hall began.

The rings were exchanged in the presence of the entire Clark family. Ashley had met the key members last week, but this time even the extended family was present.

Ashley remembered Steve mentioning that some major business partners were there too, along with a few close friends.

Two hours had passed, moving from one person to other and greeting them. A light music played in the background as she faked the smiles and blushes.

Her jaw had long began aching but the night appeared to be still young.

Michael was quite good at this socialising part because if left to her, Ashley would have ruined it all.

They had met almost everyone except for the family members now which was so weird to be honest. Ashley knew this much that normally family members are greeted before any other guests.

Jeremy Clark wasn't present, but aside from Amelia, her parents, and James, the rest of the family had quietly disappeared within minutes after they exchanged rings.

Ashley passed a smile to another one of the business partner as he bid them bye. He seemed to be the last one and she quickly pried her hands away from her now fiancé.

Michael did not mind her action. They were at the corner and quite hard to spot otherwise.

"Won't we be meeting your family?"

"That desperate to hear the taunts?" Michael remarked casually.

Ashley squinted her eyes. "Can you not reply for once like a normal human?"

"That was my human answer."

Ashley took a deep breath to calm herself. Steve stood close to them and reacted swiftly just as she was moving past them. "You can not be seen without Boss anywhere."

His monotonous voice irritated Ashley.

Ashley replied with slight annoyance. "I am pretty sure he won't be coming along to the restroom at least."

Ashley did not throw a single glance back and went out of there.

As she opened the door to the rest room, Ashley saw the person she least wanted to bump into right now.

Sofia Jonnes, aka, her future mother-in-law.

She was washing her hands and had not yet seen her.

Ashley stood there, half-thinking if she should just turn around and move quietly.

It didn't take her long to analyse how stupid this move was because by the time she was about to actually move, her would be mother-in-law had already seen her.

"Oh see, who we have here?" Her sharp eyes glanced at her.

Okay, not that hard to understand how she was not pleased to find Ashley here.

"Good evening, Mrs Clark." Ashley smiled politely. Not sure if that was how one normally greeted their future mother-in-law.

Perhaps it was her psychological reaction, but Ashley was getting quite intimidated with the passing seconds. Though she didn't let it show on her face.

"Perhaps, good one for you only." Sofia Jonnes did not say anything more and moved past her.

How much Ashley wanted to tell her that it wasn't good for her as well!

But Ashley was glad that the meeting did not last long. She was so not ready for the sharp taunts that would have come at her.

Ashley quickly did the business for which she was here and got out. Leaning by the door outside was Michael.

All alone.

No guards around.

Ashley raised a brow as she came to stop before him. "You seem to be waiting for me."

Michael clashed his eyes with her. "I am."

"Afraid that I would run away in the mean time?"

Michael straightened up and brought out something from his pocket. It was a small box.

"You got no reason to run away."