A Love Trap

Leaving Lena and Raymond behind, Ashley headed towards the Mu family's residence. But the engaged couple still managed to arrive before her. After all, they were in a car, while she was on foot.

She arrived at the residence and rang the bell. A maid answered the door.

The servant rolled her eyes at Ashley, turned around and walked away without even bothering with a greeting. It was evident that she had no respect for her.

If even the maid of the house treated her like this, it was easy to believe that Ashley had had a hard time in this family.

But she paid no heed to the maid's offensive behaviour. She didn't see any point in paying attention to people who meant nothing to her.

As she entered the living room, she heard them talking and laughing merrily.

All of them wore a bright smile, and the room had a cheerful atmosphere.

But with Ashley's arrival the gay atmosphere instantly turned sombre. They stopped chatting and stared at the intruder. Clearly they were unhappy with her presence.

'They don't want to see me, but they asked me to be here. They don't like me, but they put on a fake smile and pretend as though they are pleased to see me. Can't they just stop all this acting? I am sick of playing this stupid game with them, ' Ashley whined in her head.

"Dad, Mom," Ashley greeted her foster parents who were sitting on the couch and took a seat far away from them.

Aware that they disliked her, she chose to keep a safe distance from them.

"Ashley, you're finally here. Raymond told us a joke, and it was really funny," Lena broke the oppressive silence.

Although Ashley detested Lena, she didn't think it was a good idea to ignore her in the presence of her foster parents.

she responded coolly.

Ashley had sensed that she was the cause of discomfort for everyone. But it wasn't her fault. She was asked to be here, she told herself,

need a word with you, Ashley," Spencer began as he looked at her. He rose to his feet and headed upstairs. Peggy followed him knowing that her husband

them

Spencer Mu seated in the study, she entered the room timidly. Since her foster father didn't invite her

that night, Ashley? Your mother and I were so worried when we didn't

I was that night. She saw that

were not..." But her voice trailed off when she met her husband's warning

she didn't have the guts to defy her husband.

cast a furious glare towards

if she hadn't seen her

you," Spencer Mu inquired, pretending to be unaware of the fact

that room and I dozed off. That's all I remember," Ashley

to leave the room, he commanded,"You can leave us now. Stay and join us for lunch. Your mother has something to tell

replied meekly before letting herself

her to Mr. Du's room,

her, we have offended Michael and lost the chance to work with him. It's a big loss and it's all her

now. Don't forget to tell Ashley to go

care of it,"

...

halfway down the stairs when she caught sight of Raymond and Lena making out. After a pause, she continued to walk downstairs as if she hadn't seen

let go of each other and fixed their