Chapter 3 Flashback 2

Ashley

"Hey, sis," Ashlyn greeted me. She's always cheerful and kind. I'm staying with them at the penthouse. I noticed Marco didn't seem to like me staying here, but I just brushed it off since my twin sister matters most to me. I try to help with the house chores, so I don't seem like a burden.

Every day I see Marco, I can't help but admire him, even though he's always grumpy when my sister isn't looking. I'm not a child who tries to tattle on him because I don't want them to fight because of me. Marco will have more reason to be grumpy and angry at me if that happens.

"Hey, good morning," I greeted back. It was morning, and she was already in the kitchen. I woke up late, so breakfast was ready when I came out. Marco was already seated, ready to dig in.

"Take your seat, and let's eat," Ashlyn said cheerfully. I can't remember much about myself-whether I know how to cook. But I try to make breakfast, especially if it's just something simple like frying. I noticed Marco shaking his head slightly when I sat down, so I hesitated, unsure whether to greet him. "Eat a lot so you can get stronger," my twin said while serving me some food.

"Don't mind me, Ash. Focus on your husband," I told her.

"That's right, Ash. Your sister is grown up; she can take care of herself," Marco added. I saw Ashlyn smile, and I could tell they were happy together.

"Fine," she said, "You're just being jealous. Here, eat a lot, too; I know you'll be super busy later at work."

"Thanks, Ash," Marco replied with a smile. I couldn't help but feel a little envious. I looked at Marco, but he caught me, so I quickly looked down. I didn't want him to think I was thinking bad things about him, and I'd be embarrassed in front of my sweet, loving sister.

"Anyway, Marco and dear sister, I'm going out of town."

"Again?" Marco asked, sounding a bit sulky.

"What's wrong with you? You know my job."

"Exactly. Can't you just resign and stay here? I can support you; that's why I work so hard," Marco replied. I understand him, but I don't understand why my sister still needs to work when her husband is a billionaire.

"We've talked about this, Marco. I'm happy with what I do. At least no one can say I'm only after your money." Ah, so that's it. She has a point, but I don't think she should care about what others say. What matters is their relationship. "Please... I haven't neglected you, right?" she added. Marco just looked at her, and after a deep sigh, he nodded. "Thank you so much. I love you," my twin said happily.

"You know I love you so much, and I can't say no to you, right?"

"It's not that, I really need to do this. You know my job." Ashlyn mentioned that she worked for a big film production company, and one of her tasks was to find shooting locations. I don't know if the company covers her expenses, but probably yes, since in the month I've been staying with them, she's already gone out of town twice.

"Just make sure you're careful. I won't be there, and it's only your colleagues with you."

"Of course," Ashlyn answered. Then she turned to me. "You'll be in charge here. You know how Marco is with work-he loses track of time, so don't wait for him to eat. Just take care of yourself, and Marco has an assistant to prepare his food."

"Okay. Just be careful there and call often. How long will you be gone?" I asked.

"One week."

"One week?" Marco exclaimed. How could he not react? That was really long. Last time, she was only gone for three days.

"Yeah, the director needs complete details of the place."

"That's crazy, Ash," Marco said. "Also, you're not fully recovered yet. You still don't remember things about us."

"Please, Marco, I'm leaving, and I don't want to leave with us being mad at each other," Ashlyn said, looking really sad. I wasn't sure if I should keep eating because I felt awkward.

"Excuse me, I'll go back to my room," I said as I stood up. I didn't wait for anyone to answer because I felt uncomfortable.

That was the first time I heard them argue. After that, nothing. The following days, they were sweet again, like nothing had happened. Weeks passed, and Ashlyn kept working, so she was often away.

Marco, on the other hand, sometimes didn't come home either. Maybe he didn't want to see me because he missed my twin. Ashlyn and I really looked exactly the same. I'm not sure if he could tell us apart or what. But I guess he knew the difference since they were married.

It's the second day since Ashlyn left for her other 10-day out-of-town trip, so I didn't expect my brother-in-law to come home. That's why I freely walked out of my room wearing only my nightgown. I bought a thin nightie with the money Ashlyn had given me. Even though I didn't want to, I accepted it because I didn't have a job. But these past few days, I decided to look for one since I felt my memories wouldn't return anytime soon. It's also so I wouldn't feel too ashamed around my twin and her husband.

I went to the kitchen without a second thought and opened the fridge. I grabbed a glass first and haven't closed the fridge door yet. I poured some water, put the pitcher back in the fridge, and closed the door. I drank the water, and just as I put the glass on the table, I saw Marco standing there. He was just in a robe, his chest slightly exposed. I couldn't help but gulp because I could see how handsome he looked from the dim light in the living room. I think I could also smell a hint of alcohol. Had he been drinking? Where?

"Oh, you're here," I said. He didn't answer and just stared at me. A few moments later, he said,

"Next time, wear proper clothes when you leave your room. You're not the only one living here." Then he turned his back on me, so I didn't get a chance to explain. Annoyed, I went back to my room.

"He's really grumpy!" I said angrily when I entered my room. If he weren't so handsome-oh gosh! I threw myself onto the bed to sleep, but I couldn't sleep for some reason, no matter how hard I tried to close my eyes. I kept thinking about Marco and his chest.

"Ashley, no! You can't think like this!" I scolded myself, reminding myself, "Marco is your brother-in-law, and he and your twin are happy together, so don't get in the way." I kept telling myself, hoping I could get him out of my mind.

I had been tossing and turning for 30 minutes but still couldn't sleep. I was startled when there was a knock on the door. I looked at it, not wanting to think about who was behind it because there were only two people in this penthouse-me and my brother-in-law.

The gentle knocking didn't stop, so I opened the door. My heart almost dropped when I saw my brother-in-law's sleepy eyes, and I swallowed hard.

"I can't sleep," he said. I didn't know what to say, so I stayed silent. "I keep thinking about you," he added, widening my eyes. Before I could respond, he gently pushed me back into my room. Then he pinned me behind the closed door and kissed me. What's going on?