A Love Trap

Chapter 332 The Meeting

Ashley didn't know that Andrew could be so childish sometimes.

She replied, "Okay, I got it! But you should let Johnny be with you. He is your personal assistant, after all. What if you need him for something important? I will take a taxi home. Don't worry about me, I will be fine."

Andrew insisted, "It's not a problem. I will be worried if you go home by yourself. Honey, don't worry. Okay? Johnny will give you a ride when you're ready to go home."

Since he insisted so much, Ashley couldn't refuse him. She had no choice but to agree.

So, she replied, "Okay, will do."

They chatted for a while and ended the call before Amaia could get to her desk.

Or else, the gossip-loving Amaia would ask Ashley about the person she was talking to.

As Andrew was going to work late, she figured that there was no need for her to tell him about the meeting she was going to have with Ron later on.

She was just going to see her brother. She didn't think it was a big deal. Besides, Johnny was going to be with her.

Ashley figured Andrew would not be mad at her for this.

Despite knowing how much Andrew liked to be in control and how jealous he could be, Ashley still decided not to tell him.

After her work was done for the day, she walked to her usual pick-up spot. Johnny was waiting for her.

Getting into the car, Ashley gave him an address. "Take me to this place first, I have something to do."

Johnny responded, "Yes, ma'am."

During the drive, Ashley asked, "Do you have to return to the office after dropping me off at home?"

Johnny replied, "No, ma'am. Mr. Lu said my work will be done after taking you home."

Ashley acknowledged his response with a simple, "Okay."

The car stopped in front of a quiet coffee shop. Ashley said, "Please wait for me for a moment, Johnny. I won't take too long."

Then she walked out. In just a few steps, she thought of something. She returned to the car and said, "If I take too long, you may leave. I will take a taxi home."

Ashley hadn't seen Ron for a quite some time. She might want to talk to him for a while longer and she didn't like to make Johnny wait so long for her. That was why she returned to the car and gave those instructions to him. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

However, Johnny shook his head and replied, "Miss Mu, don't worry about me. You may take your time. And I will wait for you no matter what."

The last time that he didn't insist on driving Ashley home, he got in big trouble. Andrew was angry with him for a long time. No matter what Ashley said, he was not going to agree and let her go home alone. He had to be the one to give her a ride home.

If Ashley knew what was on Johnny's mind, she wouldn't have bothered to bring up this suggestion.

She knew Andrew was just worried about her safety.

She replied, "Alright then. I will make it as short as I can."

Ashley turned around intending to leave after that exchange.

Out of curiosity, Johnny asked, "Miss Mu, why have you come here?"

Ashley wasn't planning on hiding it from him. So she replied honestly, "To meet a friend!"

Johnny's mind spun fast after hearing her answer. He wondered which friend she was going to meet. And more importantly, he wondered about the gender of this "friend". He also wondered if this friend might be Andrew's rival for his wife's love.

Johnny couldn't help but wonder if Ashley was going to see some guy who might pose a threat to his boss's love life. He started to debate in his mind whether he should stop Ashley from meeting this friend who might cause problems for his boss. He also mulled over whether he should tell Andrew about it.

Ashley didn't know that her simple reply would put Johnny in a tizzy.

However, she did catch the strange and anxious look on Johnny's face. So she explained, "It is a man but he is my brother. By the way, don't mention this to your boss! Or, I will make you regret it!"

Ashley added the threat to keep her secret safe.

She wasn't afraid of Andrew finding out; she just didn't want him to feel jealous.

Johnny's face froze. He wondered how Ashley knew he was thinking those things.

Watching Ashley leave, Johnny sunk into a deep inner conflict.

He didn't know whether or not he should inform Andrew about this. He knew who Ashley's brother was. It was Ron, the son of the Mu family.

Johnny knew that Ashley treated him nothing more than a brother.

However, he could tell that Ron had a thing for her. He wanted Ashley to be more than just his sister.

Now Johnny was in a tight spot. He didn't know if it was worth telling Andrew about it, especially after the warning he had received from Ashley.

After debating internally for a long time, he finally decided to keep Ashley's secret. He figured that even Andrew would listen to Ashley so he should also listen to her. He believed that she was the only one who could keep him safe.

Ashley walked into the coffee shop and saw Ron immediately.

Although Ron did not have outstanding looks or personality like Andrew, it was easy for people to notice him in a crowd.

He wore a white polo-shirt and a pair of black pants. His short hair was well-groomed. The gentle smile on his face instantly put Ashley in a good mood.

She walked over and greeted him, "Hi Ron!"

He smiled warmly at her and replied, "Is my Ash here?"

Ashley nodded and replied cheerfully, "Yup!"

This was the second time they had met since his return.

He was aware that she had already found the one she loved and was married to him.

But, he still cared deeply about her.

The love he had for her wasn't something that he could easily erase.

He had watched this fine young lady sitting in front of him grow up over the years. He had shared her happiness and sadness all these years. He had witnessed her metamorphosis.

Understandably, it was really hard for him to let her go.

He felt really sad. During the four years of studying abroad, he had counted down the days until he could see her again. But after he finished his studies what awaited him when it was time to be reunited with her was the news of her marriage.

However, he couldn't blame Ashley for anything. It was his own parents who forced her to do so.

Ron knew he should be happy about the fact that Ashley still treated him as her brother. However, his heart wanted more and he couldn't control those feelings.

He put some sugar in Ashley's coffee and asked, "My Ash is really smart! I guess you already know why I asked you to come, right?"

Ashley gave him a knowing smile and replied, "I do. So, Ron, are you going to intercede for Lena?"

He shook his head slowly. "No, I am not going to.

What she did was unforgivable. I wouldn't dare to help her get your forgiveness. I just want to apologize to you.

I am really sorry, Ash. I didn't protect you well. I said I was going to protect you when I came back. I promised to shield you from everything, but I didn't and I am so sorry for that."

Ashley could see and feel the pain in his eyes.

He was truly blaming himself.

She replied, "Ron, you don't need to apologize. None of it was your fault."

She never expected Ron to say this to her. She thought he would beg her for mercy for the sake of Lena. She had even prepared herself on how to respond in such a scenario.

However, Ron had really surprised her.

But she quickly recovered from the shock as she realized that Ron had not changed one bit!

No matter what, he always took her side. His love for her was strong as a rock.

She felt a lump forming in her throat, her nose tingled and she wanted to cry. Ron really cared about her.

Ashley had already thought about dropping the charges against Lena if Ron asked her to.