Chapter 60
Ashley was still in her robe. Remembering the lingerie, she paused as she noticed Chase’s stare. Then, she nonchalantly continued. She placed her things down, then removed her robe, revealing the lingerie in its entirety.
Chase was clearly surprised. Ashley was sure he knew Emily had given her the lingerie. He probably assumed she wanted something to happen between
them
But she didn’t. And how he felt was not something she should care. She wasn’t going to avoid wearing something she liked just because he might
misunderstand.
With that thought, she shed her robe without hesitation, ignoring his gaze. She settled into the pool, a couple of feet away from Chase.
He looked away. They were silent. From the corner of her eye, she saw his well-defined chest and subtly shifted her gaze.
Just as she thought they’d remain silent, he asked, “Want something to eat?” The resort had provided snacks. He pushed a tray toward her.
Ashley said,…Thanks.”
He didn’t speak. She picked up a pastry and nibbled it. She wasn’t hungry, though.
After one bite, she pushed the tray back. The clear water allowed her to clearly see his lower abdomen.
Chase showed no signs of erection. Other women might think he was… impotent.
But Ashley knew him. He was aroused was simply because she held no appeal for him. It had nothing to do with what she wore. She’d long since figured that out.
They were almost divorced; she didn’t want anything to happen between them, and she’d known this lingerie wouldn’t work on him.
She subtly shifted her gaze. The hot springs were blissfully relaxing in this weather.
After a while, she felt drowsy.
Not quite asleep, but sleepy. She rose and said to Chase, I’m leaving.”
‘Mm.
Ashley got out, put on her robe, and left. She noticed he was also getting out.
As she went to the elevator, she bumped into Emily.
Emily asked, ‘Already finished?”
Ashley nodded. “Yes.”
Emily was about to ask more when Chase appeared. He was heading upstairs to change. She wanted something to happen between them, but the distance between them clearly showed nothing had. It was just another failed attempt.
Emily sighed. One of my friends is here for medical treatment. She just called me; I need to go back. You two enjoy yourselves.” She patted Ashley’s hand, then turned to Chase. Don’t give Ashley the cold shoulder, understand?”
“Understood.”
At that moment, the other elevator doors opened, and Ethan stepped out. Ashley was surprised; she hadn’t expected him to be at the resort. Emily and Chase, however, didn’t seem surprised. Clearly, they knew he was here.
Ethan saw Ashley, raised an eyebrow, then warmly greeted Emily.”Emily, you’re leaving already? Won’t you have lunch with us?”
The Sterling and Smith families were close. Emily had practically watched Ethan grow up. She smiled kindly.”No, no, you all have fun.”
They saw Emily walk to her car. Once the car was gone, Sam excitedly asked, “Uncle Smith, why are you here?”
Ethan gently pinched his cheek.”Your dad asked me to come and I just rushed over. I’m pretty awesome, right?”
“Dad asked you to come?”
“Yep.” Ethan grinned. “Knowing your great-grandmother was leaving, I told Uncle Zark and Aunt Tanya to come. They’re on their way. Are you excited to see them?” He deliberately looked at Ashley.
She noticed and knew it was intentional. Sam was thrilled.
He was about to nod, then hesitated, glancing at Ashley.
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.

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