A Love Trap

Remorsefully, Claire said, "It's my fault...I shouldn't have put it here. I thought it would be easier for you to grab it if it was kept closer to you. I didn't think you could also knock it down accidentally..."

"Claire, it's okay. I'm not hurt. I am just clumsy sometimes. It's not your fault, don't worry."

"You didn't get burnt, did you?" asked Claire, feeling guilty.

"No, no. It didn't splash on me. Just don't worry about it...

Could you please clean up the place? I'm going to my room for a while," said Ashley with a reassuring smile.

"Okay, Miss Mu. I'll take care of this..." Claire replied, her eyes still low.

Leaving Claire there, she forced herself to climb the stairs, even though her feet were hurt.

She sat on the edge of the bed once she reached her room and checked her feet. The right one was alright, but the left one was miserable.

There was a red blotch on the instep. It had already started to swell.

She hissed quietly and walked to the bathroom to run cold water over it. Once the pain and stinging alleviated a bit, she fished for an ointment in her medical kit.

The ointment cooled down the spot instantly, making her feel much better. She then rested on the bed, playing a game on her phone.

Every now and then, the large empty bedroom overwhelmed her. She felt bored and lonely.

She never felt like that when Andrew was around. They didn't even have to be talking for her to feel comfortable. His sheer presence was enough.

Everything felt different now. Her mood these days had changed.

She wasn't used to sitting idly, without having anything to do.

Now that her foot wasn't bothering her so much, she forgot about it completely. She realized that she hadn't been to the cake shop for a long time. 'I don't have anything to do anyway, so why not go to see Ellie there?'

She acted as soon as she got that thought. She changed into better clothes and left the house. On her way out, she told Claire she might not come back home in the evening.

the matter? Did she fight with Mr.

bigger and bigger, finally reaching a stage where they become difficult to handle. That was the situation they were in right now.

Ashley stood outside the shop for a long time. She remembered how nice it used to be to work here and take care of the shop. Why did she agree with Andrew on the idea

Now

her to change her mind?

hand, she did like her

ear,

and Cheryl were very happy to

you here today? You haven't visited in such a long time!

had started

she had to deal with some

working at the

really?" Cheryl looked at her in surprise. "Work at the

still come here whenever I have time," replied Ashley, feeling like she'd

"But why did

it was probably a whim," said Ashley sheepishly.

You're so cute,

job too stressful, you can come back here! We need you in the cake shop!" said Cheryl, smiling genuinely.

poured our blood and sweat to establish it..."

is Ellie? Has

resting inside,"

see her. You

thing! You know you can't find anyone more diligent than us in

while before Ashley finally

edge of the couch, lost in

in. Ashley was going to call her out, but the moment she saw her in that state, she started to tiptoe. She walked over to her back quietly,

Ashley's familiar fragrance, her forced voice and her touch. She was relieved first,

I say it's a heartless pig!" said Ellie

"Why am I a heartless pig? You aren't as kind as you used to be! How could you make that groundless accusation against me,

hadn't you come here even once since you started working at the company?" asked Ellie, raising one of her