The dining table fell into a sudden silence.
Leonard was utterly baffled. "…"
Hadn't he even gotten a chance to speak?
Was the matter settled just like that?
He glanced at Vivienne, then at his daughter, noticing their unified reaction. He decided against voicing his objections, not wanting to sleep in the study again.
Not long after the meal, Ethan departed. As his girlfriend, Aria offered to see him off. Their hurried silhouettes suggested urgency.
Melanie, pleased with herself for foiling Ethan's plan to infiltrate Snow family's company, knew Aria and Ethan would likely devise another scheme. Meanwhile, Asher kept stealing glances at her, seemingly wanting to speak.
After a brief ponder, Melanie suggested to Asher, "Let's take a walk outside!"
"Alright," Asher agreed.
Leonard watched them leave, his emotions a jumbled mess. "…"
Sighing, he thought, 'These young people nowadays, bold enough to flaunt their love right under their parents' noses.'
Grumbling, he headed upstairs.
Once they stepped out of the Snow family's gate, Asher reached out, pulling Melanie close and pressing her against the wall.
"Were you distant with me because of what Aria said?" He had long pondered over this question, and now the answer was clear, save for her confirmation.
Melanie bashfully nodded. "Yeah, do you think I'm really dumb?"
Her actions, driven by Aria's words, had made her hesitate to get closer or confess, fearing misunderstandings for him.
She realized how foolish she had been, allowing Aria to manipulate her so easily.
Asher's gaze darkened slightly, realizing the last thorn in his heart had been thoroughly removed.
Resigned, he nodded. "Yes, very dumb, very silly, very naive…"
Melanie was taken aback. "? ???" I was being self-deprecating!
Shouldn't you praise me or comfort me?
She looked at Asher discontentedly, awaiting his next words.
Asher's sharp gaze penetrated her thinly veiled thoughts. He pinched her cheek gently and whispered, "But I like it very much."
Melanie's face flushed red.
She had expected comfort, not a sudden declaration?
Wait a minute...
She was confused, unable to process.
She needed a moment to herself.
Observing her reactions, Asher's heart softened. "Close your eyes."
"What?" Melanie was bewildered.
Suddenly, darkness enveloped her vision as Asher sighed and covered her eyes with one hand. His other hand gripped her waist, pressing her against the wall as he kissed her deeply...
Aria and Ethan, their plan foiled, began to argue, the first time Ethan had shown such temper towards her. Aria was furious yet helpless.
How could she have known Melanie would use her own words against her?
Who could have anticipated this turn of events?
Aria was on the verge of tears, feeling wronged and with no one to console her. She swallowed her grievances, the consequences of her own choices.
After a long time outside, Aria managed to compose herself, not wanting the Snow family to notice her distress. However, just as she neared home, she spotted two figures in a corner.
Her legs felt leaden, refusing to move forward, as she witnessed Asher, usually as bright as the moon yet ruthless towards her, passionately kissing Melanie against the wall.
