Chapter 12

"Why are you back?" She heard her voice echo around within the walls of the massive room. But her eyes remained fixed on Asher who was seated opposite her, looking undeniably handsome in his black suit, and some tendrils of his brandy colored hair, falling to his face.

He studied her thoughtfully. "You are not happy that I am back?" His voice was as usual, cold and indifferent, having an intimidating tone.

She furrowed her eyes at his question, frowning lightly. It wasn't that exactly. According to what she knew about him, Asher Reed only came to the mansion once a week, and last night he was with her. She didn't expect him to be back so soon. But maybe this was a good thing. At least she wouldn't have to think about how to get him back home, so she would ask him to take her to the Golden award night.

She adjusted on the king-sized bed, pulling the sheets over her body. "No. Why won't I be happy my husband came home to me sooner. I am very happy, I am just a little bit surprised, that's all." She said, staring back at him with a faux smile.

"Hmmm" Asher simply nodded, still watching her which made Abigail somewhat uncomfortable.

"Is something wrong?" She broke the awkward silence between them.

"Still not going?" He spoke in a low drawl, his eyes unmoving from her.

Abigail subconsciously brushed her brown hair, boring into Asher's emerald green eyes.

"Go where?" She asked uncertainly, in confusion.

"Your growling stomach is making my ears hurt, Abigail." He spoke in an icy tone, but there wasn't any irritation or annoyance laced in it. "Go down and get something to eat."

Abigail swallowed hard, her cheeks flushing. She hadn't realized her stomach was growling even in her sleep.

She was hungry, but she couldn't afford to eat proper food, not until she lost some fat.

She cleared her throat, falling on the bed. "Actually, I am still very sleepy." She lied, and her stomach growled again. Traitorously. She squeezed her stomach, shutting her eyes in embarrassment.

"I see your stomach disagrees with you. Come down stairs. Do not make me come get you." Asher sounded firmly, without breaking a smile or showing any emotion. He stood from the sofa, heading towards the door, but paused when he noticed Abigail was still positioned on the bed.

He swerved around. His magnetic, yet cold stare zeroed on her.

"You would rather prefer I come get you?" He asked, raising his right brow.

Abigail felt her heart leap in her chest as Asher began to take slow steps towards her. Abigail swallowed hard, jerking from the bed to meet him only a few feet away.

"We can go downstairs." She muttered, hurrying past him. From a mile away she could smell the sweet aroma of the dinner being arranged on the table by the servants.

Her eyes rounded scanning the silver tray of delicacies that stood on the glassy dining table.

She gulped down, looking away from the food. Her stomach protested more, but Abigail didn't care. Her main priority was to lose some weight, and return to the Abigail she once was. The beautiful and perfect figure Abby.

Abigail settled on the chair farthest away from these delicacies. She called for the housekeeper, and on cue Miss Melissa brought in her dinner. A bowl of fruits, just as she instructed.

She peeled her face away from the delicacies that were on the table, refusing to be tempted by them. She did not let these foods destroy her weight loss plan.

Asher took his seat, right opposite her. The servants served him some pasta and sauce, after which he began eating.

Abigail rushed her dinner. It didn't take long for her to finish her fruits. She wiped her lips with the napkin and stood up in her short white dress that stopped around her thighs.

She walked past Asher, faking a small smile. "I am full, take your time to eat, Asher."

She took a step when Asher's voice sounded behind her.

"Sit down." He ordered. The tone of his voice was firm, one that no one could dare refuse. She turned to look at him, but he did not look her way.

Abigail obediently sat down in the seat that was next to his. She watched him for a few minutes, her hunger intensifying. "Asher, what can I do for you?" She asked, she was in such a hurry to leave the tempting food on display.

Asher placed his spoon down and looked up at her frostily. "Why did you eat so little?"

"I told you before, I am not really hungry." She said,

"Then please, put an end to your growling stomach." He voiced, his emerald green eyes piercing in the blue depths of her gaze.

Abigail exhaled. "I want to lose some weight, and gain my perfect figure back. And for that, I need to watch what I eat. Fruits and vegetables are greatly recommended for me."

Abigail's gaze narrowed at the way Asher was regarding at her. He was staring her like she had completely uttered the most idiotic words he has heard.

He called the housekeeper, asking her to serve another plate of food. Quickly Miss Melissa did as he instructed. And she dropped the plate in front of Abigail.

Abigail's gaze went from the food to Asher who still didn't look his way.

"What is this?"

"Eat first." Asher sounded, taking a spoon in his mouth.

Abigail scanned the food and calculated the calories in the plate in the food. She waved her hand, shaking her head at Asher. "I won't eat it. No matter what. It has so many calories in it." She stood from her chair, about to leave the dining room but Asher's cold and firm grip clutched her wrist. He pushed her towards him and she fell instantly on his lap.

Abigail's eyes widened, and her heartbeat spiked up. She jumped up to leave his grip but he pinned her further in his arms.

"Asher, let me go" She wriggled, but instead of letting her go, Asher pressed her body into his. His face a breath away from her. He stared at her like he was studying her while Abigail held her breath, afraid that any wrong movement from her could unexpectedly touch.

"Want me to feed you?" He asked, his sweet minty breath settled on her.

Abigail inhaled deeply as he leaned closer to her. Abigail's heart was banging against her chest, but thankfully, the loud ringing of Asher's smartphone pierced through the air. Asher pulled away, his cold eyes fell on his smartphone. Abigail followed his gaze, and on the screen of Asher's phone held the picture of a beautiful woman.
It was the caller.