Chapter 8 Breakfast For A Family Of Three

Jasper grabbed her shoulder and pulled back. Ashley's heart leaped to her throat; she closed her eyes and waited for her heartbeat to slow down.

"Henry, what's going on?" Jasper bellowed.

The anger in his tone sent a chill down her spine. Jasper was much more intimidating than her Ashley's superior, Leona Qin. Influential people were always frightening.

"Don't worry. I have slipped the seat belt on."

Ashley smoothed her hair and looked at Jasper. He was rocking his son to pacify him. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked away.

"Sorry, Mr. Jasper. A puppy crossed our path."

Jasper nodded and continued to stroke his son. Then he asked Ashley, "Are you okay?"

Ashley cleared her throat and nodded. "I'm fine."

She was too embarrassed to look at Jasper, and she missed the glint of amusement in his eyes.

The car halted in a secluded alley. Jasper got out with his son while the driver opened the door for her.

She stepped on the bluestone road; the bright fluorescent light of the restaurant caught her attention. The front door was made of bamboo that emanated an ancient aura. A blackboard was hanging on the door with the inscription-Braised Fish In Hot Wine.

It was an interesting name.

Jasper caught Ashley eyeing the board with curiosity. He pulled Nelson closer. "Do you know what it means?"

"In the middle of the night, under the faint moonlight, I'm sipping on this glass of wine. The beauty smiles at me with a blush on her cheeks, slicing the fish's head." Ashley recited the lines of the poem as a small smile graced her lips. "It's actually a poem of a Chinese calligraphist, Zheng Banqiao. He was a renowned painter and a connoisseur of food. I think his works have inspired the owner of the tavern."

Jasper looked at Ashley in awe. The morning light cast a subtle glow on her flawless face. She was wearing a simple pair of jeans and a plain shirt. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders like it always did. Jasper listened to the story with rapt attention. He felt as if the woman belonged to a different era, who seemed unique amongst the bustling populace.

"You seem like an intelligent person. Your knowledge about poetry and books fascinates me." Jasper smiled.

"My mom loved poetry. I've developed a fondness for them when I was a little child." Ashley withdrew her gaze from the board and looked at Jasper. "I used to recite poems with my mom. I miss those days."

"So your mom came from a well-read family?"

"My grandparents were both college professors; my uncle is a diplomat. I've heard that my ancestors were also scholars."

"Your father is quite famous in A City. I met your mom two years ago; she was nothing like you mentioned."

Ashley laughed. She hadn't laughed this hard in a long time, but there was a glint of pain and mockery in her eyes. "Mr. Jasper, the woman you saw wasn't my mother, but my stepmother."

"All right. Let's get in." He held Nelson's hand and walked in.

The little boy looked back and beckoned her to follow them. Ashley couldn't help but smile at how adorable he was.

The place seemed simple yet cozy.

It wasn't opulent in any way. The wooden tables were neatly arranged and the paper lanterns, hanging from the ceiling, illuminated the place. A row of wooden boards were dangling on the walls, bearing the names of all the dish. It was a humble restaurant that served authentic food.

Jasper's choice of restaurant surprised Ashley. He was a wealthy man who would opt for restaurants that normal people couldn't afford. However, the simplicity of the place made her understand that there were other facets to Jasper's personality that she was yet to witness.

Ashley thought Jasper was a frequent guest here. The restaurant was empty except for a family dining in a corner. The waiter noticed Jasper and ushered him to the table in the east.

Jasper let go of Nelson's hand and sat down on the chair. The little boy skipped towards Ashley. He wrapped his arms around Ashley's legs and looked at her with his big, glassy eyes.

Ashley's heart melted. She smiled and caressed his soft hair. "Why are you holding me?"

"He does that to the people he likes." Jasper answered, taking a sip of tea. "Bad habit, Nelson."

Ashley didn't know if he was serious or joking.

"Auntie, can I have your phone number?"

Ashley's eyes widened in surprise. She bent down and saw Nelson's expectant face. "You want my number? Do you know to make a call?" she cooed.

"Yes. I have seen people making phone calls. I learned from them." He grinned, puffing his chest in pride.

"Okay, I'll write it down."

"Okay." Nelson clapped his hands excitedly.

Ashley shook her head and smiled. The little boy was adorable; she would have kissed his chubby cheeks if Jasper was not by his side. She couldn't imagine that an arrogant man, like Jasper, was the father of such a bubbly boy.

Being an entertainment reporter, Ashley always carried pens and papers in her bag. She wrote her number on a piece of paper, folded it neatly, and gave it to the kid.

Nelson let go of Ashley, put the note into the pocket of his shorts, and give it a light pat.

Jasper lifted Nelson and placed him on the chair before filling his glass with water. Nelson grabbed the glass and gave it to Ashley.

"Auntie, drink some water."

Ashley's cheeks reddened; how could she drink the water that Jasper had poured for his son? She stole a glance at the man in front of her and saw him filling another glass of water.

"Are things going well with Dylan?"

"Umm...nothing new." Ashley took a sip of water. "There is no progress; I don't know what he is up to."

"Dylan gets offer only for TV series and advertisement commercials. He seldom attends reality shows or events, so he is free most of the time. I don't think he has signed up for new movies. He is probably busy shooting an advertisement commercial."

"Oh, okay." Ashley nodded. She didn't know what else to say.

'Why does the atmosphere seem strange today? Why do I feel like I've known Jasper for years?' she wondered.

"Well, Mr. Jasper..."

"Just call me Jasper."

"Err... Jasper..." Ashley stammered. "Well, I..."

She almost forgot what she wanted to say.

It would be inappropriate to stop her sentence midway, so she picked a random topic. "Where is Nelson's mother?"

Jasper's body froze; his grip on the teacup tightened. Ashley chastised herself for bringing up a touchy topic.

"Daddy said that Mommy is in a place that's far away from here. She would come and see me when I grow up and become a good boy." Nelson took a sip of water and smiled innocently.

Ashley wondered if his mother was dead, but didn't want to question further.

Jasper looked sullen the entire time, so she tried to divert his mind. Ashley was curious to find the woman who had managed to win the man's heart. He didn't seem to have moved on.

The waiter returned with a steaming bowl of porridge, steamed buns, and an array of appetizers. Ashley remembered that they hadn't ordered anything. She assumed that the restaurant had a staple breakfast for everyone.

Ashley examined the place with a contented smile. Her eyes settled on the family on the adjacent table-the couple had come with their son, who was the same age as Nelson. Their opulent dressing revealed that they belonged to a wealthy family.

"Daddy, why did I wake up alone in my room? I remember being in Mommy's arms before falling asleep," the boy whined.

The man pursed his lips and pretended to think. "I think the air conditioner was too strong that it swept you back to your room."

Upon hearing that, Ashley almost spat her porridge.

The boy didn't believe his father. He snorted and glared at him before turning to look at his mother. "Mommy, I saw you kissing Daddy. Why didn't you kiss me?"

The woman was taken aback; her cheeks were flushed. "Just eat your meal."

The boy pouted. Ashley propped her chin in the palm of her hand and watched their interaction.

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips that eventually faded away.

This was the life she had dreamed of.

A child with divorced parents either feared marriage or yearned a happy family. Ashley preferred the latter-she wanted a happy ending.

She once had the dream of becoming a successful actress. However, the divorce of her parents changed her. She craved for a happy family that would put an end to her fears. She didn't want to be like her parents. A small, contented family filled with happiness and laughter was all she hoped for.

However, Gloria and her daughter crushed her dream.

"Auntie, do you think the three of us are looking like them?" Nelson asked, pointing at the table Ashley had been watching intently.

Jasper raised his head to look at her.

Ashley and Jasper were poles apart; she was no match to the mighty man. "We are different. The three of them live in the same house, we don't."

Nelson's innocent eyes sparkled with excitement.

"We can live together." Ashley grew uncomfortable. "It's still different."

"What's the difference?"

Ashley couldn't make up any excuses.

"Hurry up and finish your meal, Nelson," Jasper interjected, saving Ashley from the embarrassment. "I need to drop Ashley at her office. Her boss will scold her if she doesn't reach on time." He fed another spoon of porridge, shutting Nelson's rambles.

Ashley's eyes widened. "Mr. Jasper... Err...Jasper. I can go to work on my own. Your extravagant presence would draw unnecessary attention. I don't want anyone to gossip about us."

"I don't mind." Jasper shrugged nonchalantly.

However, Ashley worried that his presence would spark up unnecessary rumors.

An hour later, Jasper's car stopped at the gate of an office building. It was rush hour and the line of cars caught everyone's attention. All the workers cast strange looks at them and whispered something she couldn't hear. Ashley knew what would happen once she entered the building.

"Auntie, you smell lovely. Are you free tomorrow? Can I see you?" Nelson tugged her top and pouted

'Oh, no. I have planned to live a peaceful life for a few days. If I irritate your father by accident, I will die.'

"Umm...I have a lot of work to complete." The smile on Nelson's face vanished. "But you can come and see me. Don't forget to call me in advance," she added with a smile.

"Yes!" The boy punched the air in happiness.

Ashley dashed into the building to avoid the inquiring gaze of the people. However, to her utter dismay, a few colleagues of hers were waiting for the elevator on the first floor.