Robert noticed that the room had fallen silent and laughed. "Don't mind me, guys. It's just that we know each other personally, right, Miss Parker?" He smirked at the end.
Ashley wanted to roll her eyes at him. If he thought he could corner her and she would just let him, he was extremely mistaken.
She smiled politely. "You're being far too polite to someone you've only met once and that too, just for a few minutes."
There was another moment of silence.
River interrupted, catching Ashley's signal. "Well, let me proceed with the dishes now."
Robert sat back, his gaze observing every little detail about Ashley. Initially, he had approached her just to tease Michael.
However, since the last two times they'd crossed paths, he simply couldn't look away from her. There was something about her that drew him in.
Just like how opposite poles attract.
His eyes lingered on her figure, then drifted to her left hand. He tilted his head slightly. Her ring finger was empty.
The ring was on her index finger.
Oh.
His eyes gleamed with sudden realization. His smirk widened as he looked into her eyes which were everywhere except on him.
Ashley was painfully aware of his piercing stare. What the hell?
Every time she saw this man, her instincts screamed at her to stay far away from him.
"I hope you enjoy your evening," River concluded, taking a step back. Ashley was relieved and couldn't wait to leave.
"Just a second. I recalled our first meeting was quite interesting, Ashley." Robert then looked at the foreign delegates he was accompanying. "Would you like to know? It's a fun story."
Though he addressed them, Ashley knew full well he intended to tell it regardless.
She raised a brow, immediately catching on to where he was going. "You can tell whatever you want, sir. However, we need to go, we have other responsibilities. We hope you all have a lovely evening." She smiled gently.
Ashley walked out and closed the door behind her. River looked at her with a puzzled expression, and she could see the questions written all over his face.
She sighed. "Long story. I'll tell you some other day." It was just her way of deflecting his curiosity. As for when she'd actually tell him, she wasn't sure.
"Sure, no problem."
As Ashley descended the stairs, she checked her phone. A message from Amelia had popped up.
I'm in the restaurant right now. If you're free, come to table 47 on the upper floor.
Ashley remembered Amelia mentioning she would be here once the restaurant reopened. She asked River, "Do I have anything else to do?"
"Not really. Today's duty was just to cook for the VIPs. Even if they order something later, I'll handle it. You can go if you want."
Ashley smiled. "My friend is here. I'm going to meet her, then."
"Sure. Want us to send something special for them?"
Ashley gave it a thought. "Earlier, I cooked an extra serving of King Fish. Can you send that over?"
"Definitely." Ashley gave him the table number and changed into her regular clothes before heading out. Since it was officially the end of her first day, she wanted to finish it on a good note.
Spending time with Amelia might help.
However, her luck wasn't on her side, as she ended up bumping into Robert again.
And this time, he was alone.
"Mrs. Clark, so good to see you again," Robert said, blocking her path.
Ashley took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself to deal with him. How could my luck be this bad tonight?
"Unfortunately, I can't say the same."
A chuckle escaped his throat. "So feisty."
Ashley crossed her arms. "Do you need something from me?"
Robert shoved his hands into his pant pockets. "I was just wondering if Michael's bank balance dropped so low that he has to let his wife work the day after their wedding?"
Rolling her eyes, she snapped, "Perhaps you should concern yourself only with matters that involve you."
Robert licked his lips. "Well, that's exactly what I'm doing."
"See, you may have all the time in the world, but I'm not as free as you. So kindly let me pass." She moved past him, only to be stopped by his next words.
"A love story of three years, a surprise engagement, a flash marriage, and then hiding the ring on your first day at work from your colleagues."
Robert turned and took a few steps toward her. Standing two steps behind, he leaned in close to her ear. "I wonder what kind of relationship that is. Don't you think it's a little… strange?"
His tone dripped with confidence.
Ashley closed her eyes briefly, then created some distance between them. Facing him, she asked, "Do you have a girlfriend?"
Robert raised a brow, surprised by the question. "Well, no."
"Then why don't you spend this much time eradicating your singlehood rather than thinking about someone else's relationship?"
She continued, "What's going on between me and my husband is none of your business. And for your information, our relationship is going really well. So don't go looking for gossip."
Ashley didn't wait for a reply as she walked into the dining area where Amelia was waiting.
That man was seriously irritating.
She stopped a waiter and asked for directions to table 47, as mentioned by Amelia.
On her way, Ashley pulled the ring off her index finger and slid it back onto her ring finger.