Chapter 232 Coming Home
Ashton had always longed to return and live in the house her father left behind, but one reason or another kept pushing that dream to the back burner. At the start of the year, when she decided to move back to the states and grow her career, she even mentioned it to Chris, considering the house had seen better days and was in desperate need of a renovation.
Chris was back home at that time.
She had hoped for his help in checking the place.
But Chris had said...
"The neighborhood's right in city center, sure, but it's pretty run-down, and Maria might not like it. Why not just stay at our family home?"
Of course, Ashton knew Maria wouldn't be happy.
But she didn't want to live there.
Staying in the Shaw family home meant that she and Chris had to constantly dodge the appearance of impropriety.
Back then, she naively thought that renovating the place would mean she could move in with Chris. Even if it wasn't every day, one or two nights a week seemed blissful enough for her.
But who could have known...
Before the summer could peak, their relationship had quietly withered away in the unexpected chill of late spring.
"The neighborhood is old," Ashton finally said to Kenny, "Is that okay with you?"
Kenny nodded without hesitation: "The place has a real authentic vibe, I dig it."
"Really?" Ashton's dim gaze brightened instantly, "Though it’s true, there’s a lot of great, old-school places to eat around there. If you like, I can take you out every day, a month straight without any repeats!"
"Sounds like a plan," Kenny replied, visibly cheered by the idea.
Ashton felt lightened by his enthusiasm too.
"But a lot's aged there, definitely in need of a makeover," Ashton looked at Kenny, "Will it take some time?"
She thought back on how Chris had said no and wished she had just gone ahead and started the work on her own.
"It's not far from here to there; wanna go check it out?" Kenny offered.
"Now?" Ashton felt adrift.
Kenny nodded affirmatively, "Yeah, your business is just kicking off, and you've got lots on your plate. Leave the renovation planning to me. Let's head over and you can tell me all about your ideas."
Ashton looked at Kenny.
He really did seem dependable!
Before long, they were standing outside Ashton's family’s old home. Despite its age, the neighborhood was well-kept, exuding a peaceful charm that was neither dirty nor disorganized—quietly inviting serenity.
Ashton might not live here, but the housekeeper kept the place tidy weekly.
The locks had been updated to modern keypad locks for convenience.
After Ashton used her fingerprint to unlock the door, she didn't rush inside. Instead, she toyed with the lock, then waved Kenny over, "Here, register your fingerprint first."
Kenny's eyes sparkled with excitement.
With poised grace, he extended his hand, his demeanor calm as he input his fingerprint.
Fingerprint recorded, she was about to step through the door when the one opposite sprang open.
A middle-aged woman, mop in hand, stood there. "What are you up to?"
"Catherine!"
Ashton was full-on shielded by the towering presence of Kenny.
She hadn't caught sight of her when the door across had opened. But at the sound of Catherine's voice, Ashton wriggled past Kenny, beaming a warm smile and greeting her neighbor.
"Oh my, sweetie, you're back!"
Catherine dropped the mop and patted her thigh affectionately.
"Yeah, I'm planning to move back here soon. Looks like I'll be your neighbor again and—I'm not gonna lie—I'm looking forward to sneaking over for more of your soup!"
"Oh yes, you've always loved my soup since you were little! It's wonderful you're moving back!"
Catherine's gaze shifted to Kenny, and Ashton followed her look before blushing as she introduced, "Catherine, this is my husband, Kenny."
With a gentle smile and a nod, Kenny greeted, "Catherine."
"You got married?!" Catherine clapped her hands together, "That's fantastic! Such a handsome young man; your dad would be at peace knowing this!"
Ashton chatted with Catherine at the doorway for a while before bringing Kenny inside.
The house seemed frozen in time, the same as it was when her father had left. Ashton took it all in, feeling a pang of sadness. Back when she enjoyed blissful days here, she never could have imagined losing her father or choosing to cut ties with her mother.
"It feels just like home," Kenny said.
Ashton turned away from her contemplation and agreed, "Yeah, if it wasn't for the furniture and a lot of the stuff starting to show its age, I wouldn't want to change a thing."
Kenny nodded thoughtfully.
Then Ashton led Kenny around to point out things that needed fixing. He was a quiet listener, taking the task to heart and capturing each detail with his camera.
After the tour, Ashton glanced at Kenny, "I don’t know, Kenny…is it fair to just dump all this on you?”
"In a marriage, we don't keep score," Kenny replied with a light tone, putting away his phone.
There was a brief pause before he teasingly added, "And really, Mrs. Walker, if you have time to think about that, you might as well ponder over…" He lifted his right hand, the back facing Ashton, and wiggled his ring finger, "my ring."
Ashton's head drooped.
"I will."
Seeing her suddenly dispirited, Kenny chuckled, "No rush, take your time."
After seeing the house, it was already late when they stepped out.
Ashton thought for a moment and decided to treat Kenny to a late-night meal.
Feeling a tad guilty, Ashton had even packed a little something for Fiona, her favorite treat.
The car cruised smoothly through the empty streets late into the night.
Ashton's gaze dropped to her wedding band, the thoughts of Kenny's ring weighing on her mind.
As her mind wandered, an idea began to take shape.
Back in college, she had taken a course in jewelry design. Even though her skills were amateurish at best... Kenny's ring, with all its sentimental value, simply couldn't be matched by anything she could buy, no matter the cost. It seemed to lack a personal touch.
So... She decided she would try to make one for him herself.
A one-of-a-kind.
Yeah! That settled it, and she was quite pleased with her decision.
"What's got you so happy?" Kenny glanced her way.
Ashton, lost in her thoughts and plans, had completely forgotten to keep her expressions in check.
"I'm not telling," she said with a mysterious smile.
She had been staring at the ring, and how could Kenny not guess that she was concocting a special wedding band for him?
Still, Kenny played along.
"A secret?" he asked.
"Yes!" Ashton nodded, "You'll find out in time."
"Alright, I'll be looking forward to it," Kenny replied, echoing her good mood.
After rounding another corner, they would arrive. Just then, Ashton's phone buzzed with a sharp ring.
Assuming it was Fiona urging her return, Ashton reached for her phone. But it wasn't Fiona.
A familiar string of digits appeared, a number she knew by heart.
All the joy vanished from Ashton's face.
She had deleted Chris's number a while ago but never blocked it. Consequently, everyone related to the Shaws had been blacklisted except for Chris.
With a firm press, Ashton ended the call and was about to finally block him when Chris called again. But this time, before she could hang up, Kenny pulled the car to the curb.
"Chris?" he asked.
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