ley's heart leaped to her throat; she closed her

going on?" Ja

er was much more intimidating than her Ashley's superio

have slipped t

g his son to pacify him. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassmen

per. A puppy cr

to stroke his son. Then he a

er throat and no

at Jasper, and she missed the

Jasper got out with his son while

ught her attention. The front door was made of bamboo that emanated an ancient aura.

interest

rd with curiosity. He pulled Nelson

eks, slicing the fish's head." Ashley recited the lines of the poem as a small smile graced her lips. "It's actually a poem of a Chinese c

of jeans and a plain shirt. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders like it always did. Jasper listened to the story

n. Your knowledge about poetry and

a little child." Ashley withdrew her gaze from the board and looke

ame from a wel

ssors; my uncle is a diplomat. I've hear

ity. I met your mom two years ago;

but there was a glint of pain and mockery in her eyes. "Mr. J

in." He held Nelson'

d her to follow them. Ashley couldn't

eemed simpl

anging from the ceiling, illuminated the place. A row of wooden boards were dangling on the wa

aurants that normal people couldn't afford. However, the simplicity of the place made her u

ant was empty except for a family dining in a corner. The wa

e little boy skipped towards Ashley. He wrapped his arms aro

iled and caressed his soft ha

ikes." Jasper answered, taking a

now if he was s

I have your p

n and saw Nelson's expectant face. "You want my

ne calls. I learned from them." He

ll write

clapped his h

ve kissed his chubby cheeks if Jasper was not by his side. She couldn't ima

pens and papers in her bag. She wrote her number on a p

e note into the pocket of his s

hair before filling his glass with water. Ne

drink som

Jasper had poured for his son? She stole a glance at the ma

going well

sip of water. "There is no progre

nds reality shows or events, so he is free most of the time. I don't think he has

odded. She didn't kn

ge today? Why do I feel like I've k

Mr. Jas

all me

." Ashley stamme

rgot what she

sentence midway, so she picked a ran

teacup tightened. Ashley chastised he

ere. She would come and see me when I grow up and become a

ther was dead, but didn't

his mind. Ashley was curious to find the woman who had mana

an array of appetizers. Ashley remembered that they hadn't ordered anyth

on the adjacent table—the couple had come with their son, who was the same age

room? I remember being in Mommy's arms

ink. "I think the air conditioner was too s

, Ashley almost s

red at him before turning to look at his mother. "Mom

k; her cheeks were flush

her chin in the palm of her han

orners of her lips that

life she ha

marriage or yearned a happy family. Ashley p

ed her. She craved for a happy family that would put an end to her fears. She didn't want to be li

nd her daughter c

oking like them?" Nelson asked, pointing at

d his head t

match to the mighty man. "We are different. The

t eyes sparkled

Ashley grew uncomfortabl

the diff

n't make up

embarrassment. "I need to drop Ashley at her office. Her boss will scold her if she

to work on my own. Your extravagant presence would draw unn

Jasper shrugge

hat his presence would sp

e line of cars caught everyone's attention. All the workers cast strange looks at them and whi

ou free tomorrow? Can I see you?

eful life for a few days. If I irritat

elson's face vanished. "But you can come and see me. Don

punched the a

of the people. However, to her utter dismay, a few colleag