A Love Trap

Ashley felt relieved when she heard Ellie's voice. If Ellie took a bit longer to come back, Ashley might have been suffocated by Raymond's hug.

"I'm alright." Ashley smiled as she thanked Ellie.

"We can leave now. I've already finished your discharge papers," Ellie said when she held Ashley's arm as she tried to separate her from Raymond. They walked together towards the door.

"Ashley!" Raymond called out to stop the two ladies and ran towards them.

Ashley stopped and turned around. She looked at Raymond with cold, indifferent eyes. With a blank expression on her face, she said to him,"Raymond, our relationship is over. I do hope we can get past our history and be normal friends in the future, but you are now engaged to my sister Lena. What do you think she would feel if she sees you following me around like this? You need to stop."

Ashley would have cried if she said this a month ago. She really loved Raymond and never imagined that she would say such words to him.

However, she found the courage to say the words that Raymond needed to hear. Ashley felt relieved after saying what was on her mind.

She realized that the connection she had with Raymond was similar to that of a brother and sister. She did admit that his kindness made him attractive. His gentle nature and how he understood her were part of his charms. However, it all disappeared the moment Ashley saw him and Lena sleep together.

"Ellie, we should go."

Raymond was stunned by what happened. He never imagined Ashley to be so cold to him. She even mentioned Lena's name just to rub the fact that it was over between Ashley and him. His feet, like his heart, were reluctant to move on, so he just stared at Ashley's back as they left.

"I'm really happy to leave this place. You can't do much in the ward. Do you have any idea how bored I was in this hospital?" Ashley complained to Ellie who walked by her side. The bright smile on her face showed no signs of the fact that she was sick lately.

"On the bright side, it seemed that you've learned your lesson. Hospitals are boring places so you must avoid being sent here. You must take good care of your health especially when I'm not around. If you are ever brought here again, I'll punish you." Ellie scolded Ashley sweetly. She pretended to threaten her with an angry stare.

"Yes, my queen. I understand." Ashley mocked her with a childish smile. They felt relieved that they could joke around each other again.

They continued to walk until Ashley pulled Ellie by her sleeve to get her attention. She said to her,"Ellie, I really crave for hot pot right now. How about we eat one outside?"

"Ashley, have you forgotten that you have just got over your cold?" Ellie denied Ashley's request.

"It's not that I've forgotten. I've been eating hospital food for such a long time. They are very bland and I think I lost my sense of taste during my stay there. I really want to eat something spicy now that I'm healthy. Ellie, please…" Ashley held Ellie's hand while begging. She pleaded with a sweet voice like a child.

After she heard Ashley's words, Ellie also started to crave for hot pot.

It was one of the many things they enjoyed doing together. However, they became so preoccupied with their jobs that they didn't have the time to go to a restaurant

to agree with her. However, she knew it would only take a little push to have her change her mind.

to Ashley's sweet talk. She

felt disappointed on how she easily caved in. Other people would've thought Ashley was a modest, reserved woman.

the lively Ashley. She didn't want her to be gloomy

the comfort of their

and sat down at a table. They looked at the menu

She took out her notebook and asked for their order. However, the two of them couldn't

replied the waitress,"Red

and said,"No. Two-flavor soup for the hot pot,

but Ellie ordered a two-flavor soup. Ellie still didn't want Ashley to

soft spot for her. They decided

soup. They talked about the last time they ate together outside. It

apartment. They decided to clean their bedroom that afternoon. Afterwards, they helped each other to prepare dinner.

…

his hand. He stared at the paper with a blank face. It looked like his eyes were focused

Johnny tried to say something,

hour. He hasn't turned a page nor reacted about its contents. What's going on in his

get off work now. Shall we go to the hospital and visit Miss Mu?" Johnny finally spoke. His voice was clear but deep inside he feared on how Andrew

like he wanted to hear those words

the document in his hand. His previously blank face was now filled with vigor. He stood up and fixed his tie

why Andrew acted so distractedly today so he said those words. He never imagined

parking lot. He started the car, drove towards the gate and waited

Andrew to stop the car as they drove by Harkim Restaurant. They both got off and entered the restaurant.

Miss Mu in the hospital. Did he decide to have dinner first before his visit?'

was confused but he followed Andrew towards the establishment. He stopped just before the entrance and let Andrew enter alone. Johnny waited for his boss at the

few minutes, Andrew exited Harkim Restaurant with several boxes in his hand.

was constantly being surprised by Andrew's actions. He knew that this started when Ashley appeared in

intensify as her influence on Andrew's behavior became more apparent.