A Love Trap

Ashley didn't give the coat back to Ellie in the end. After all, she had started trembling now due to the cold.

Although it was summer, the temperature here varied greatly in a day. Ashley, however, forgot about that when she left for L City in the afternoon. It was indeed cold for her especially since she only wore a light T-shirt.

After about 10 minutes, the bus that the girls had been waiting for finally arrived. Only a few people were waiting for the bus, so there were many empty seats to choose from. Ashley and Ellie picked the two seats by the window.

"Ellie, what happened? Normally you would have come back by now. What took you so long this time?" Ashley asked.

Ellie told her the truth. "Well, my grandpa fell and broke his ankle a few days ago. And you know about his heart disease. How could I leave him alone in the hospital? I needed to stay here to look after my grandpa. That's why I have stayed for a few more days than I usually did."

"But why didn't you answer my calls? Do you know how worried I was about you because you didn't return my calls?"

"Come on! Do you know how busy I am? I need to take care of my grandpa in the hospital and my grandma at home. I have little time to check my phone. Plus, I usually keep my phone at home. I was in the hospital when you called me.

But why did you rush here all of a sudden? What about our shop? Did you take care of everything?"

Ashley nodded and answered, "Of course I did." She already took care of everything when she left.

"Oh no!" Ashley shrieked all of a sudden.

Her cry made all the other passengers turn and look at them.

Ellie turned and was greeted with a distressed look on Ashley's face. "What's wrong?" she asked.

Ashley looked at her best friend for a few seconds, and then shook her head. She decided not to tell Ellie that she was married, because it didn't feel like it was the right time.

Ashley was perturbed.

She suddenly remembered that she had not told Andrew that she went to L City. She was worried that Andrew might be angry at her even though the ice hadn't broken yet after the fight between them.

Andrew would care about her whereabouts. After

thinking how to get rid of me now. That must be

convinced herself, but still felt a little uneasy somehow.

hospital or head home now?" Ashley

hospital first. I want to see my grandpa. I'm still worried about

want to discuss something

asked. Sensing Ellie's hesitation, she urged, "Come on, Ellie! We are best friends. You can just tell me," Ashley stated with

known about his injury. There was a slip of tongue when I spoke to them on

ones here. So I want to take

in the world. It was her grandparents who had raised Ellie. And now, she wanted

look after them. Honestly, I miss them. I haven't seen

her room when they arrived in J City. Ashley and Ellie could

Ellie, wondering how she would tell her that she was

question burned inside Ashley.

Meanwhile, in J City

hadn't talked to each other in so long. Plus, they

his mind when he didn't see Ashley at

her phone on the sofa. Or, she would

didn't see her when he came home.

find Ashley in the kitchen, living room or their room.

never lived in this house.

it because she can't stand me anymore? She can't stand my selfishness anymore? Is it because she hates me? She must be sick of me,

thoughts flashed in Andrew's mind instantly. Hurt,

thought filled his mind: Ashley

she come back with you?" Claire came out of the kitchen