Chapter 4

The doctor didn't want to stay a moment longer. He left the medicine and walked out.

The gap between Ashton and me was too great.

Everyone around him looked down on me.

But after all, I was his most pampered plaything.

Without Serena's hints and Ashton's tacit approval, how would a doctor dare to be so presumptuous?

I quietly took the medicine, and the pain gradually eased.

Then I took out my phone to thank the doctor.

But I saw that Serena had updated her social media.

"Even a strawberry-patterned Band-Aid can't compare to your sweet affection."

In the picture, Serena had a cute Band-Aid on her fingertip.

Ashton was kissing her finger, the tenderness in his eyes seeming to overflow from the screen.

I suddenly remembered Ashton's first birthday with me.

I'd never lifted a finger to do housework, but to please him, I personally cooked a whole table of dishes.

My hands were red and swollen from the hot oil.

But Ashton just ate a few bites half-heartedly and didn't even stay the night at my place.

I never understood why, until I accidentally overheard his phone call with a friend.

"I pamper Elena because she's pretty enough and obedient, fun like a little cat."

"But today her hands were covered in blisters—it was disgusting to look at!"

Suddenly, Ashton called me.

Using a commanding tone.

"It's Serena's first time going abroad with me next month. She doesn't know anything. Help her prepare the materials."

Immediately after, Serena's saccharine voice came through the phone.

"I don't know anything, but I have Ashton to pamper me~"

"Elena, I'm impatient. Please have everything organized by tonight."

Ashton tried to stop her.

"Elena isn't feeling well tonight. Don't rush her so much..."

"Okay."

But I agreed directly.

Five years ago, forced by circumstances, I could only work as a server at Heaven on Earth nightclub.

If Ashton hadn't spent lavishly, I probably would have had a hard time escaping unscathed from all those sleazy executives.

Once I finished organizing these materials, I wouldn't owe him anything anymore.

I slowly got out of bed, endured my physical discomfort, opened my computer, and started working.

I stayed up all night and finally completed Ashton's order.

In the morning, I took the documents to Ashton Industries.

The receptionist knew about my relationship with Ashton and had always greeted me warmly before.

But this time she was obviously flustered, blocking my way.

"Miss Elena, Mr. Ashton isn't here. Let me take you to the lounge first."

Along the way, I heard employees whispering.

"Mr. Ashton felt bad that Miss Serena had to wear high heels, so he carried her straight from the car into his office. So romantic!"

The receptionist looked embarrassed and wanted to explain.

But seeing my unchanged expression, she ultimately said nothing.

A moment later, Ashton called and asked me to bring the materials to his office.

As soon as I pushed open the door, I saw Serena sitting on Ashton's lap, their eyes locked.

Serena smiled and took the materials, then picked up the porridge on the desk.

"Thank you for your hard work, Elena. Try this—Ashton made this porridge for me himself."

I looked at Ashton in surprise.

Living together for five years, thanks to Serena, I only now learned he could cook.

I reached out to take it.

But Serena let go, and the bowl fell to the floor.

The scalding porridge splashed on my calves. I couldn't help but gasp from the pain.

"Ashton, Elena must resent me. That's why she deliberately burned me. Please don't be angry with her..."

She cried pitifully.

Ashton quickly pulled her into his arms and carefully checked her over.

After confirming she'd only gotten her shoes dirty, his eyes were still cold.

"Elena, apologize to Serena right now and clean her shoes!"