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Mae Than Al
Chapter 68
“Tim ready, let’s go!” Ashton’s voice snapped me out of my racing thoughts.
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Walking downstairs, we ran into my elderly neighbor again. She smiled at Ashton, “Such a nice young man! Come by often, okay? Maybe help clean up around here too.”
I thought to myself, “This old lady isn’t shy about asking for favors.”
But Ashton just smiled and said, “Su
Always so helpful. He was probably just being polite- no way he’d actually come back, right?
Outside, Ashton looked around. “It’s an older neighborhood, but nice overall.”
“Used to be better. More renters now, so it’s gone downhill,” I said casually.
He nodded and followed me to my car. As I started the engine, he asked, “How much is rent around here?”
I turned to look at him. “What?”
Buckling his seatbelt, he said, “Just wondering about typical rates, for when I’m looking.”
Something felt off about his question, but before I could think about it…
“What are you treating me to?” he asked, changing the subject.
“What would you like?” I asked, pulling out of the neighborhood.
“I’m not picky–whatever you want,” he said easily.
After all his help today, I figured he deserved somewhere nice. But the moment we walked into the restaurant, I saw exactly who I didn’t want to see.
Worse, she spotted me too. She looked surprised, then started heading our way.
Some people really have no shame.
That’s what I thought watching Selene approach us.
A mistress with any decency would avoid the wife. But these days, with people’s morals going downhill, here she was, bold as brass.
Selene carried herself like she had something to prove.
“Elaine, what a coincidence! Having lunch?” she asked, though her eyes were glued to Ashton. She
hadn’t looked away since spotting him.
I didn’t need to explain how attention–grabbing he was. Everyone stared – even old ladies. What happened in my neighborhood earlier proved that.
“Obviously. Why else would I be here? Sightseeing?” I shot back. I had zero patience for her.
It wasn’t about being petty. I just couldn’t stand how she played innocent while acting like a homewrecker.
If she’d just been honest about wanting Logan, I would’ve stepped aside.
Instead, she played games and tried to provoke me. She brought this mess on herself.
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My sharp tone made her look hurt and embarrassed. Without Logan here, who was she putting on this
act for?
Wait – was it for Ashton?
People can be narcissistic, thinking they’re irresistible.
Selene, being pretty enough, probably thought even more highly of herself.
Especially now as a young widow, probably desperate for a good man.
But wasn’t she already with Logan?
Why y was she still hunting, looking for better options? Or did she just want any man I was with?
Even though Ashton and I weren’t together, I didn’t want her setting her sights on him.
Seeing her flirty looks, I smirked. “Ms. Vaughn, here for the healthy menu? The food’s great here- perfect for pregnant women like you.”
Selene looked uncomfortable, glancing nervously at Ashton.
I had to laugh. She was clearly trying to catch his eye.
This woman – while stringing Logan along, she’d flirt with any attractive guy. Was she keeping her options open?
Finding out Logan wasn’t her only target actually made me feel better. Wonder how Logan would feel knowing he was just one option on her list?
“Are you both dining with us? Please follow me,” the waiter approached.
“Yes, somewhere nice please,” I replied, walking away without another word to Selene.
Knowing her game, I walked extra close to Ashton. But I misstepped and stumbled slightly.
Ashton quickly steadied me with his hand on my shoulder, keeping it there until I shrugged him off. Then he sat down at our table. He never asked about Selene – I appreciated his sense of boundaries.
“Order whatever you want,” I said, handing him the menu.
This time, he didn’t play the “anything’s fine” card. Instead, he studied the menu seriously.
I glanced out the window and saw Selene on her phone. Wonder who she’s calling?
Right then, Logan’s car pulled up. I watched him get out, open her door, and hover protectively like she might hit her head.
In all our time together, he never did that for me.
The difference between caring and not caring was crystal clear.
I should’ve known better than to look it only hurt.
As I was about to turn away, Logan looked up. Our eyes met through the window, and he frowned.
I quickly looked back at Ashton. He’d finished ordering, and surprisingly, picked all my favorite dishes.
But how could he know what I liked? He couldn’t know me that well. Maybe we just had similar taste.
I wanted to ask but stopped myself. Asking would show I cared too much.
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Instead, I said, “Want a beer?”
“I don’t drink,” he declined, “and I’ve got things to do later.”
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Right, house hunting. Thinking that’s why he refused, I offered, “It’s fine. I’ll come with you. Make sure no one rips you off.”
“No need. I’ve already-” he paused. I waited, curious.
His dark eyes met mine steadily. “I’ve decided to look on my own. Want to see more places.”
I nodded, relieved. I didn’t really want to go anyway. It would be tiring, and I’d feel responsible if anything went wrong with the place.
Since he didn’t want alcohol, I ordered two sodas.
Suddenly, a shadow fell across our table, followed by that all–too–familiar voice: “Weren’t you super busy with work? How are you here having lunch?”
Logan, that jerk, had finally shown up.
I wondered what story Selene had fed him this time.
