Chapter 30 Hitching a Ride Even if I told Rowan, he’d still get things done in his own way. With his domineering nature, he’d stop at nothing until he claimed Ashley as his own Telling Ashley about it wouldn’t change anything either She might feel guilty and be too ashamed to face me. Then, she’d proceed to distance herself from Rowan even more. If that happened, his pursuit would only become more aggressive On the other hand, breath Rowan What good would one out of telling him? I’ve thought about all my options, but they all led to the same conclusion. “Why are you telling me this, then Ivanasked again. so you know that I’m not being kept in the dark. I’m willing to get a divorce, but Rowan isn’t. “Tielt elt slightly pained. “I hope you’ll stop comincing him otherwise, ww how much I liked Rowan best. He grew up with him and was naturally a witness to me ten–year–long crush seemed to be quite taken aback by my sudden words. He asked with a quizzical expression He fell silent for a long time. I didn’t know what he was thinking about. He didn’t speak until the moment before we parted ways “I suppose it’s better now that you’ve come to terms with itTM used to be too stubbom 1 thought that I could change his mind if I was persistent enough. As someone who was observing from the sidelines, Ivan knew better than anyone that the marriage was one–sided. Then, I The walk back home was the lightest I’ve ever felt in my life. It was about time someone else knew that I was over Rowan 1 hummed as I made my way had a bath and had a good night’s sleep. Thad to attend my father’s birthday celebration the next day, so I woke up rather early. After preparing my gift, I sent Rowan a text. “Remember to drop by toy parents‘ house today In my past life, he didn’t show up. I even made up some excuse for him by telling my parents he was occupied with work It was possible that he wouldn’t show up today either, but I wasn’t going to make excuses for him anymore. Happy birthday, Dad pulled my dad into an embrace as soon as I got to their house. Then, I planted a kiss on his cheek. Watching from the sides, my mom laughed. “Why are you here so early? Have you had any breakfast?” “Yes, I have—what do you think my household statt is for Linking arms with my dad, I replied cheerfully and sat down on the sofa. in that no one else was showing up at the door, he immediately grew upset. shy are you alone? Where’s Rowin? Upon noticing incrasingly impudent!” His expression snurrd as he exclaimed, “He’s becoming int I willed sheepishly and stayed silent. With my father’s status, there should’ve been many who would love to celebrate his birthday with him in person. However, he was a simple and honest man who didn’t enjoy things like that. Every seat, he celebrated his birthdays with his family at home. As 1 was his only daughter, he would’ve appreciated it if Rowan could come along with me. It would’ve been liveller that way He didn’t think that he wouldn’t show up i Just as my parents were beginning to complain about him, I caught a glimpse of a tall and bean figure in the doorway. He was even bolding a gift. I promptly clasped a hand over my father’s mouth. “Rowan is here, Dad. ” He swallowed the rest of his sentence. His expression was slightly awloward as he glanced toward the door. Rowan’s here. Why aren’t you coming in? Mom asked as she came out of the kitchen. She looked quite happy upon seeing him. “Tjust got her. Rowan smiled politely in response He walked over and sat across from me and my dad. He donned a gray, striped vest and looked extremely handsome and sophisticated. “Happy birthday, Dad Here’s a small token of my appreciation. ” He placed his gift on the table. It looked like a box of tea. My dad was involved in politics. Hence, luxurious gifts would be inappropriate as they could soil his modest image. He loved drinking tra. Rowan was quite smart–he hit right on the money. My dad didn’t think it was appropriate to umrap the gift in Rowan’s presence. He only laughed and said, “We’re just glad that you’re here. You didn’t need to bring “I’m usually so occupied with work that rarely get the chance to birthday pay the b both of you a u a visit as it is. How could I possibly show up empty–handed when it’s your Despite being aloof most of the time, Rowan was actually a decent conversationalist. Besides, he shared common goals and interests with my dad. So, he wouldn’t have acted on his emotions or tried to flaunt his authority here Rowan was a businessman through and through. Hence, when he was willing to have a falling out with everyone because of Ashley, I was extremely shocked. Chapter 30 retching a Ride My dad dismissed his words with a wave. “It’s alright. There’s nothing wrong with a man who prioritizes his career. ” 2/2 in, I I was very amused by the front they were both putting on. Their conversation was pleasant, and it would often circle back to work. Once I got bored of listening in decided to help my mother out in the ditchen. Around noon, the entire table was filled with delectable dishes. We sat around the table making light conversation as we ate. It felt like 1 was dreaming. Soon after we were done with our meal, my dad received a call. “Why the formalities? I really appreciate the thought, but I’ve already had lunch. ” “Alright, alright! I’ll be there soon. ” We didn’t know what the call was about, but he looked resigned and happy at the same time. After he hung up, he told us, “That secretary of mine found out it was my birthday and organized a luncheon with some people from my department. They’re insisting that I go. ” “You should go then. It’s a nice gesture, my mom replied. He nodded. “Right, I’ll take my leave then Do stay for a while longer, Rowan. ” “Sure, Dad,” Rowan responded. A few minutes after my dad’s departure, Rowan began to talo his leave. He said goodbye to my mom and claimed that he needed to make a trip to the office. Upon hearing this, I immediately followed after him and plopped myself on his passenger’s seat. “What are you doing?” he asked coldly. would’ve been a hassle to get a cab. ‘Give me a lift,” I answered shamelessly as I buckled my seatbelt. My car had been sent for servicing. It would’ve He pursed his lips and looked displeased. There was no way he wanted to drive me, but he couldn’t possibly just leave me in front of my own house. In the end, he complied with my request and headed toward Windwill Estate first. There was a faint scent of perfume in the vehicle. It was identical to Ashley’s–was she in this seat earlier today? Didn’t she tell me she was going to distance herself from him? Why did they meet up again? I felt extremely puzzled. Something felt off. Was she really cheating on Benjamin? Based on her personality, she couldn’t possibly have accepted Rowan’s feelings this quicldy–that was why he acted so crazy in the past. The more he couldn’t get to her, the more he yearned for her. Then, he gradually tell in love. I took out a lipstick from my bag and slipped it in between the gap at the side of my seat. Then, I reclined it a significant amount If Ashley ever got in his car again, she’d definitely adjust the seat and come across the lipstick “I’m going to take Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates… a nap. ” I shut my eyes and carelessly crossed my legs before trying to get some rest. Rowan didn’t respond. The car ride was silent until his phone rang. He shot me a look before picking up openly,