Overprotective Sons & Possessive Husband

Chapter 6: You are not my child

She didn't suspect it just once. This man would probably not have glanced at her more than once if Grandpa had not determined their engagement and this marriage had not been established on Grandpa's wishes. If he loved her, why wouldn't he let her kiss him and not even say "I love you" to her?

She adored him, almost servilely, so she persevered, gave in, and accepted him completely. He was honourable, haughty, and arrogant all at the same time. He was the Ashford Group's crown prince. Despite the fact that Grandpa Ashford lavished her with attention, this man was simply out of her reach.

As a result, she consoled herself for who knows how many times. She convinced herself she was the Ashford family's fiancée; she would be the Ashford family's young mistress in the future. Their engagement ceremony would be held in a few months, so she shouldn't make a fuss. That should suffice for her. Unfortunately, she was avaricious. She desired him not just in that way, but also in his heart!

Charlotte smiled a little bitterly, speaking with a low voice,

"You really... really want to be with me, right?"

Benjamin's thoughts were elsewhere, and the woman's perplexed expression flitted across his gaze. Charlotte couldn't help but tighten her grip on his collar when she noticed he was buried in concentration.

"Benjamin, do you truly adore me?" Please respond!"

"Charlotte, don't be wilful," Benjamin said lukewarmly as he pushed Charlotte away and returned to the front of his desk.

He dropped his steely gaze. His voice was dispassionate and deep, as if he were calming a tantrum kid.

But when did she ever have a temper tantrum?

Charlotte was a young girl. Grandpa Ashford had adopted a child five years before. He introduced her to Benjamin and got them married. The Ashfords were a wealthy and influential family. And Charlotte, the apple of Grandpa Ashford's eye, was even more so; she was aristocratic and reserved. She adored Benjamin, but he did not reciprocate her feelings.

This marriage was unnecessary for him, a wealthy family member. He was simply carrying out his grandfather's instructions.

Women were things he could deal without based on his personality. They were not required. Marriage was merely a means of keeping his grandfather happy. In reality, it was a contract in disguise. His relationship with Charlotte was no exception. It was merely a negotiating point. The Ashford family's ancillary branches were gradually making their moves, with several of them seeking his position. He was merely utilising this marriage to increase the Mu Empire's boundaries.

Love? This word was too luxurious for him.

What exactly was love? Was it upper-class socialites swooning over him, seeking after fame and fortune? Was it Charlotte, the obstinate and arrogant woman? Was it because of the unfamiliar models and artists wanting to be famous?

Who would still speak about love in this age of material needs, money and desires intertwined?

He had never loved another lady but his mother. Kinship and love were all beyond his grasp. He was apathetic, chilly, and closed off from the outside world.

With a wave of his hand, he could create a ruckus in the corporate world. His method of operation was cold-hearted and firm. In private, one may strike bargains with him, but they could never enter his heart.

Are we talking about love?

What an aberration.

The phone on his table rang unexpectedly. Charlotte answered the phone for him and received a voice message from the secretary's office.

"Director, the young master has arrived."

Beyond the door, a sequence of footsteps could be heard. Soon after, the office door was forced open, and a small head emerged.

"Daddy!" When the tiny guy noticed that Benjamin was not busy, he entered. When he realised Charlotte was there, a tint of unease came across his features. He addressed her directly,

“Mommy!”

Charlotte became uneasy when she saw this. She couldn't figure out why she wasn't close to this small child despite being his "mommy." Maybe it was because he wasn't flesh and blood. Their bond was obviously not as close as that of real mothers and sons without the blood tie.

The young fellow was really sensitive. Apart from Benjamin, he was estranged from everyone else. Most of the time, he acted like his father. They were made from the same moulds. His little face was emotionless all the time. He was reserved and solemn, just like an adult. He didn't look like a child his age. He was exceptionally mature.

Benjamin often accompanied him when he was three or four years old. He was like a little demon, mischievous and always up to no good. He was a hedonistic little ancestor who frequently mocked the maids at the Ashford mansion.

However, employment at the Ashford Group had become more difficult over the last two years, and Benjamin was always on the go. Without his father to join him, the youngster grew lonelier and quieter by the day. He eventually stopped talking.

Charlotte couldn't help but think of the little Benjamin when she saw his small face. He was likewise chilly and distant towards everyone.

Only in front of Benjamin did he exhibit a more or less childlike disposition. In any event, he was still a youngster. As a result, he would occasionally act spoiled and do unpleasant things to get his father's attention. Of course, Benjamin adored him and lavished him with gifts. As a result, Little Noah appeared bold in front of him.

Charlotte regained her composure.

"Noah, come here!" she said with a smile.

Little Noah gave her a look. He took a few steps towards her before stopping. As he turned to face his father, he appeared hesitant.

Benjamin turned around, and the harshness on his face softened as he saw the small kid. He sat on the sofa, his massive hands lovingly patting his lengthy legs. Little Noah's eyes curved up and he hurried to his side when he saw that. Benjamin raised a corner of his mouth, and the child sat on his lap.

Little Noah's looks were similar to his, yet beneath the darkness of his brows, he was dignified and compassionate - nothing like his coldness.

More like the shy girl from six years ago....

His eyes were a little strained. That stunning and out-of-this-world appearance would haunt him for many nights. Her expression was sometimes shy, sometimes flustered, and sometimes sunken beneath his body.

That girl was the most stunning person he had ever seen!

He had yet to fully appreciate her, and then she went from his life.

Little Noah was born six years ago with a very frail body due to early labour. He lamented to some extent, knowing that the other child was not saved.

He always imagined his heart to be as hard as ice. Because his grandfather adored children, he decided to achieve a long-held desire and sought for a young woman for surrogacy.

He never expected to save only one of his children.

He was always remorseful and terrible about it, therefore he adored Little Noah above anything else. Under his care, Noah grew up healthy. He was, however, not close to Charlotte.

The child was pure at heart, yet he was vivacious! Normally, Charlotte would lavish attention on Little Noah at the Ashford home, treating him as if he were her own. When she was alone with Noah, though, her stare was solely filled with envy and disgust.

She despised herself for her infertility. How much could she really care for this child because he wasn't her flesh and blood?

As a result, Little Noah was always distanced from her.

"Daddy, I want to play with your remote-controlled racing car!"

"Remote-controlled racing car?" Benjamin furrowed his brows.

"Haven't you had enough of it? "What's the point of playing with one again?"

"I just want to play around with it!" Little Noah sighed.

Benjamin's eyes glowed with a special compassion.

"Okay, daddy will buy it for you."

"Daddy, not only do you have to buy me one, but you also have to play with me!" Little Noah slid into his arms, relishing the moment of warmth between them.

Charlotte, who was standing on the side quietly, appeared to be in a daze!

For some odd reason, she had convinced herself that she would never be able to penetrate the world of this father-and-son duo.

…

Brielle brought Aaron to the Kinslee household on Friday night. Henry was initially opposed to her and Aaron moving out, but after learning about her situation and her struggles, he agreed to have her come to the house once a week to accompany him to dinner.

Despite Brielle's reservations, there was no other way out of this. She owed him a lot, after all. Her fate would have been far worse if Henry had not brought her away from the welfare centre.

Brielle went after her son while carrying the goods she had purchased. Aaron jumped up the stairs and noticed Henry had been waiting for them in the corridor for quite some time. Following the company's demise, they sold the villa where they had previously resided and relocated to a condominium located distant from the city centre. There was no lift and it was on the eighth story.

When Aaron saw his grandfather, he raced over to him and threw himself into his embrace. Henry's heart was flooded with joy as he saw his gorgeous, young grandchild. Despite his fragile frame, he managed to hold him up high and hug him into his folded arms even after a long day.

"Grandpa!" Aaron smiled, his bright eyes sparkling amusingly. He grasped his neck and softly cried out to him.

"Aaron is so well-behaved!" Her father moved in closer and kissed his lovely cheeks.

"Has Aaron recently paid attention to mommy?"

"Yes, Aaron is well-mannered!" Aaron's small and lovely face was adorned with a sweet smile.

Brielle carried the items up the stairs. She made her way into the kitchen after entering and began preparing dinner. Maya was still sleeping, and Aurora was out with her friends and wouldn't get home till after dinner.

Henry sat on the sofa, Aaron in his arms. Aaron joyfully danced and exclaimed, "Grandpa! Aaron and mommy went to the mall today, and she bought me a remote-controlled racing car! Aaron wanted to bring it along to play with Grandpa at first..."

The little man became apprehensive and dropped his head, playing with his little fingers.

"But Aaron has no idea how to play... Aaron is afraid it may be spoiled, therefore he refuses to open it."

Her father's demeanour changed somewhat as he listened to his comments, and his large palm fondled his forelock.

Aaron was always incredibly practical. He never asked for anything extravagant. To him, a hundred-dollar toy was already a luxury item. Nonetheless, he wanted it from the bottom of his heart.

Henry recalls taking the little child to a tiny garden to play once, and the latter observed a father-son pair. They were messing about with a remote-controlled racing car. They were in charge while having a great time on the lawn. Aaron, meantime, huddled in a corner and observed the whole scene in envy.

The little child imagined how pleased he would be if his papa could play with him like that one day.

However, for as long as he could remember, he had never seen his father and his mother had never mentioned him. He could recall asking his mother where his father was. When he asked, he noticed his mother's sad demeanour. He never asked the question again after that.

Aaron's straight and lovely nose was scratched by her father, who laughed and teased him.

"Next time, Grandpa will help you assemble and play!"