Chapter5:The arrival
666 Words
The interior was stunning, with elegant wallpapers and art adorning each wall. Roman couldn't hide his excitement. "Wow! Mommy, why would you ever leave such a nice and beautiful house? It looks like heaven."
Kyle's eyes widened at his question. She was silent for a moment before clearing her throat to speak. "Umm... son, not now, please. I promise to answer all your questions later," she said, patting his shoulder.
"Okay, Mommy," he replied.
They finally reached the sitting room where Mr. Bruno Ashford and the others, Lila and Andrew, were already seated. But her father's countenance changed at the sight of Roman.
"Why did you bring him?" he asked in an annoyed tone.
"Roman is my son, of course I’d bring him with me," she retorted, pulling Roman closer.
"Hmm... she's right, Daddy. I mean, that is your grandson over there," Lila said, smiling vacuously.
Mr. Ashford wasn't ready for that. He slammed his hand on the couch, making Roman tremble. "I will never accept a b*st*rd as my grandson," he said, his anger evident.
Kyle felt frustrated but stayed strong for her son. "How could you say that? If you weren't going to welcome us, then why call us back here at all?" she barked at her dad.
"This weekend is Lila and Andrew's wedding party, and I also planned to announce Lila as the new Ashford heir. I thought you should be here for that, but not with the child," he retorted coldly.
"Well, next time something like this happens, just delete my contact and save us both the time. Goodbye, and hopefully never see either of you again," Kyle said, standing up, ready to leave.
But Lila had more drama in store. "Andrew, I'm having a headache. Let's grab some coffee," she said, kissing Andrew and rubbing his head, trying to make Kyle jealous.
Kyle wasn't ready for all that. She grabbed Roman by his arm. "Let's go, Rome," she commanded, leading him out.
They finally got out of the mansion, and Roman was ready to spill all his questions to his mom.
"Mommy! Why did you—?" He was cut short by Kyle's sharp interruption.
"Roman, please," she pleaded, but Roman was persistent. "But Mommy, you promised to answer all my questions," he said, feeling confused.
"I know, baby. I know. It's just that I'm exhausted already," she said, giving him a tight hug.
"Okay, Mommy," he replied, agreeing.
"Mommy! I'm so hungry," he cried out, yawning.
"Cover your mouth when you yawn. Let's get you something to eat," she said as she stopped a cab, and they hopped in.
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**Meanwhile, at Ethan Wright's **
"Kyle Ashford, 30 years old. Eldest daughter of the Ashford family," Kent read aloud from his phone. Ethan listened, narrowing his eyes.
"Ten years ago, her father, Bruno Ashford, kicked her out of the family because of some sort of scandal. She's been working as a fashion designer..." Kent continued, but Ethan interrupted.
"Hold on! Hold on!" He jerked up from his relaxed position. "Did you just say there was a scandal ten years ago?" he asked, trying to puzzle something out in his thoughts.
"Yes, sir!" Kent retorted. "The records show that Kyle Ashford left the country 10 years ago following a scandal that was exposed at Andrew Cooper's wedding," he continued, tapping on her profile.
"Let me see that," Ethan said, taking the phone from Kent. He stared at her picture for a moment, then sighed. "You know, there's something familiar about this lady," he said in a serious tone, still staring at the picture.
"Wait! What?" Kent asked curiously.
"Nothing," Ethan brushed it off.
The cab finally halted in front of a café. "Thank you, sir," Kent said to the driver as he paid him. They both alighted from the cab.
"Keep digging. I want to know what else you can find out about this lady," Ethan commanded, adjusting his collar.
"Okay, boss. Let's grab a coffee, " Kent retorted professionally.
- Writer
