Chapter 387
Chapter 387
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Sam loved Christmas. In the past, Ashley would decorate the Christmas tree with him every year. They’d go out at Christmas Day, soaking up the festive atmosphere. But since he went abroad with Chase, she hadn’t celebrated Christmas with him…or at all, really.
Ashley had tried to let it go, but Sam was still her son and she had raised him for years… Seeing all the holiday cheer on the bustling street brought a flood of memories, disrupting her peace.
“Ms. Jones?”
Ashley turned. It was Matt.
She nodded politely.“Mr. Adler.”
“What are you doing here alone?”
7
Ashley suppressed her emotions, offering a small smile.“Just picking up some plants for home.”
Matt had seen her standing alone in the crowd, her figure and expression lonely, almost melancholic. He didn’t know her well enough to understand what could be causing such sadness.
He asked, “Want something to drink?”
Ashley shook her head. “I’m almost done. How about you? What are you doing here?”
Matt replied, “I was having dinner with a friend, but he left early.” Noticing she seemed unprepared for the late–night festivities, he added, “There’s a big fireworks show later. Want to stick around and watch?”
He wasn’t asking her out, just telling her.
Ashley chuckled. That explains the crowd.”
They weren’t close, but as she continued to speak, she stopped. She saw three people in the crowd: Chase, Tanya, and little Sam. They were heading toward the square, also presumably for the fireworks.
Matt saw the change in her expression and glanced in the same direction. He saw them, too. He froze. He’d heard rumors recently that Chase had a child. There’d been whispers about him being married for years, but nothing concrete. It was all hearsay. Many dismissed the child rumor as gossip, including him.
Seeing Chase, Tanya, and a little boy enjoying the holiday together really surprised him. But that didn’t automatically mean the boy was Chase’s son. Tanya was supposedly only around twenty–five, and had been studying abroad. It didn’t seem likely she gave birth to a child during her phd.
While Matt was thinking, Chase and the others had disappeared into the crowd. He looked back at Ashley. She was longer paying attention to them.
Matt remembered she and Tanya didn’t get along, but her reaction to seeing Chase and Tanya was…odd.
He asked, “Want to go take a look?” He was talking about the fireworks. Ashley had wanted to say yes, but now…
She sighed. Missing the fireworks just to avoid Chase and Tanya felt like a loss.
Therefore, she smiled.“Okay.”
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They joined the crowd. As they reached the barriers, a spectacular firework display erupted on the opposite bank, drawing gasps and laughter. The sounds were quickly swallowed by the booming fireworks. People were taking photos and making wishes…
Seeing Ashley quietly watching, Matt asked, “Do you want me to make a video of you?” She shook her head.“No, I’ll just watch.”
Just then, Tanya glanced their way. Despite the distance, Matt’s height and striking appearance made him instantly noticeable. Besides, they had met a few times before. Tanya was considering letting Chase know she saw Matt when she saw Ashley, who was partially obscured by Matt.
Her smile vanished. Why were they together? The watching–fireworks–together thing was usually for family or couples. Ashley and Matt, besides a dance at a gala, barely knew each other. Why…
Tanya checked again, confirming it was just the two of them.
“Aunt Tanya, look! It’s so pretty!”
Sam, noticing Tanya’s distraction, leaned in and excitedly said.
Tanya turned back.“Yes, sweetheart.”
Chase looked over, sensing her distraction.“Anything wrong?”
Tanya quickly replied, “Nothing.”
Sam was captivated by the fireworks, so he didn’t see Ashley. When Chase turned to Tanya, his eyes met Ashley’s. It lasted for a moment.
Ashley flinched, her lips tightening, and quickly looked away.
Matt turned, his profile visible to Chase. Though just a profile, Chase recognized him instantly.
Seeing this, Tanya said, “They’re here too…”
“Mm.” Chase responded flatly, looking away.
Tanya smiled thinly. But…the sight of Matt with Ashley quickly soured her mood. She looked again at Ashley,
Noticing Tanya’s gaze, Matt nodded at her.
Tanya returned the nod. Matt should have come to greet her in person, but considering the tension between Ashley and Tanya, he didn’t.
Tanya frowned and looked away. After that initial glance, Chase didn’t look at Ashley again. Sam, busy taking pictures with Chase’s phone, was completely oblivious to Ashley’s presence nearby.
