Chapter 259 Snatching Victory from the Jaws of Defeat
As Ashton was sorting through the gifts, she too was reflecting on everything.
"Isn't my life just a series of bizarre twists?" she mumbled, looking down. "Finding out Chris was secretly going on blind dates behind my back, then breaking up. Watching him get engaged, and seeing my own mom take his fiancée's side, leading to our fallout. That should have been my rock bottom, right?"
Fiona nodded in agreement.
The day Ashton cut ties with her mom, she'd even bought her a plane ticket. She wanted to send her to some tranquil getaway for a much-needed vacation to relax and rejuvenate.
"Who would've guessed? Right after the falling out with my mom—a spur-of-the-moment decision—I ended up marrying Kenny. I was so down on my luck, I thought, 'How much worse can it get?'” Ashton chuckled ironically, then softened a bit. "But, who could have predicted how good Kenny would turn out to be? How he'd respect every single wish of mine."
It was a kind of care that she hadn't felt since her dad had left.
"I'm pretty straightforward," Fiona said as she sat down, crossing her long legs with an earnest look on her face. "In every aspect—looks, physique, domestic skills, capability—Kenny just outshines Chris. And honestly, I couldn't be prouder."
Fiona disliked Chris for presenting a facade of polished charm, but she had to admit, if you took Chris on his own, he was handsome, stable, with a decent financial standing and a good family background. He was better than most.
But next to Kenny? He was instantly average.
"That's true," Ashton agreed, raising an eyebrow slightly.
It hurt to think about someone she had loved so deeply for so long, even though the flame had now cooled. Just mentioning him made her heartache flare up again. But that was it.
Ashton had no desire to look back on the path filled with her silent endurance and grievances.
Late into the night, a weary Fiona fell into a deep sleep. But Ashton remained awake.
She still owed Kenny a wedding ring.
The poor guy hinted every day as casually as he could, pretending to be patient, but she knew he was eager. It had to be a men's ring, something suitable for the solemn events he often attended—nothing too flashy.
But a plain band somehow seemed inadequately heartfelt.
Ashton was at her wit’s end over it, rejecting yet another design draft.
Then, a WhatsApp message from Mr. Walker appeared. Ashton grabbed her phone and clicked the link — it was an update on the restoration of an old house on X street.
Kenny had mentioned something about this, intending to keep her posted on the renovation progress.
The message showed that the renovation, including the old plumbing and electrical work, was almost finished.
Ashton texted back, "That was fast!"
Kenny replied right away: "It's late. Still up?"
Ashton glanced at the crumpled design draft on her desk, concocting a feeble excuse, "Ate too much for dinner. Feeling bloated and can't sleep."
"Wanna go for a walk?" Kenny texted.
Ashton blinked at the message, wondering how someone in their early twenties could still muster the energy for a 1 a.m. stroll.
Before she could reply, Kenny quickly added, "It'll help you digest."
She stared at his message. Truth be told, if it weren't for working on the wedding ring design tonight, she probably would be up anyway, insomnia gnawing at her.
It had been a hectic few days. She had barely given a thought to Chris or her mother.
It was only during a sudden late-night chat with Fiona that she felt a familiar pang of heartache—just a basic physiological reaction from all these years, she assumed.
But the wounds she thought she had superficially healed were exposed once again by a sweep of emotion.
Ashton was always at odds with herself. When she'd initiated the breakup with Chris, she was resolute, yet somewhere deep down, she imagined he might come back to her out of love, leaving everything behind.
And though she'd also decided to cut off contact with her mother, she couldn't help but fantasize about reconciliation—about her mother realizing her mistakes, seeking Ashton out to apologize for past hurts. And she'd forgive her.
However, the harsh reality was that she was never the first choice for the people she loved.
In the past, she had been content with shallow reassurances, no matter how hurt she felt, because she feared that not accepting them would lead to a breakup. She dreaded being the one who was abandoned.
This time, she didn't accept it.
Chris was busy with his fiancée, their families joyously planning the wedding.
And her mother...
At least Chris had called once.
But her mother...
Ashton's eyes felt sore and swollen with emotion. She texted Kenny back, "Sure, come over."
Despite the onset of spring, the night was still tinged with a chill. Ashton changed into her joggers and stepped outside to find Kenny already waiting for her. Coincidentally, he too was in sportswear, and it matched the color of Ashton's outfit, giving off an unintentional 'couple look.'
"Why are your eyes red?" Kenny asked, noticing her state as she approached. He reached out to gently touch the area beneath her eyes."
"Just from staying up too late," Ashton replied, stretching and turning to walk. "Let's just walk around the neighborhood."
Kenny watched her slender figure moving forward. He didn't probe any further but simply followed.
"I told you that you bought too many gifts. My kid's jaw nearly dropped when they saw them," Ashton chatted as they walked.
Kenny smiled, "I wasn't sure what they'd like, so I got a bit extra. I'll keep it in mind for next time."
Turning her head, Ashton looked at him, "How about next time, I just take you to meet them?"
"Sounds great," Kenny's gaze was tender and filled with affection as he looked back at her.
The air outside was refreshing, lifting Ashton's previously somber mood considerably.
Side by side, they chatted in a casual, off-hand manner, enjoying the ease and comfort of one another's company.
Ashton had assumed they'd be the only souls brave enough to take a midnight stroll, but to his surprise, it wasn't long before they came across a lovely lady walking her dog - and not just any dog, but a majestic Golden Retriever at that.
A glance at Kenny was all it took for the recognition to spark - an unspoken question hanging between them.
"What's up?" Kenny looked at Ashton with a puzzled expression.
Just a shake of the head and a chuckle from Ashton. "Kenny?"
The sound of a familiar voice, filled with surprise, cut through the night.
As Ashton's gaze shifted from Kenny to the source of the voice, he realized just how small the world could be.
It was none other than the lady with the Golden Retriever, and she knew Kenny.
When the beauty called out his name, Kenny's instinct was to check the reaction of his wife, Ashton, who was clearly puzzled.
In those brief seconds of eye contact, the woman and her dog had already approached them. The pleasing scent of rose perfume tantalized Ashton's senses.
Defying the cold, she was dressed in a sporty tank top and yoga pants, showcasing an impressive figure.
"Is it really you?" The lady looked at Kenny with wide eyes and an open smile. "I almost didn't believe my eyes!"
Kenny pursed his lips, considering for a moment before asking with a mix of politeness and detachment, "I'm sorry, do I know you?"
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