"Frederick is coming back. It's been years. I wonder if he would like me or not."
"Ashley! Her father called out to her
"That scared the light out of me, dad. Call me in a soft tone, because I'm soft as an angel"
"Indeed. And what are you doing there?
"Oh! I'm going to set the table for breakfast, dad. Want to join me?
"Get me a cup of coffee. I'll be at the garden"
"Yes dad. Right away dad"
Ashley returned to the kitchen and quickly prepared her dad's coffee and left for the garden with the coffee.
She gently placed the coffee on the table and waited patiently for her dad to taste the coffee.
Her dad grabbed the coffee mug and took a sip of the coffee and smiled.
"You would definitely make a good barista "
"Thank you dad"
"Frederick will be coming in soon. I'll send some money to you, go shopping and get lovely things for you. You can't afford to not entice him to like you"
"But dad... I've got a very good and nice personality that would entice a lot of good men".
"Yes, but then...we still have to play safe. "
"Okay dad"
"Ashley...serve my breakfast here, you guys are welcome to join me here."
"Yes dad"
Ashley turned to leave. She was pretty confused about what her dad meant by affording not to entice Frederick.
Ashley had always believed that Frederick would definitely love her for who she is and fall head over heels in love with her the moment he saw her beautiful and simple nature and natural beauty. Why go extra miles to entice him? Her mum had always taught her that men entice women to love them and not the other way round.
The Owens and the Stevens have been in a close relationship since the 1990s. Mr Owen and Mr Steven had made a pact to get married to strengthen their relationship and also their business relationship. However, they ended up separating as Owen moved out of the country. Upon relocating back to the country, Steven's son, Donald, meets up with Mr Owen, who informs him about the promise he made to Donald's father. Mr Owen offers to get his grandson Frederick married to Donald's daughter, Ashley.
Ashley was convinced to marry Frederick after meeting with Fredrick's family and was loved especially by Mr Owen. Kyla concludes that Frederick would be nice to her and would love her.
After the day's breakfast, Ashley and her friend, Mara, left to shop for new clothes. Ashely ended up telling Mara the reason behind the shopping. Mara, who felt uncomfortable with the entire situation, tried to get kyla to reason with her and cancel everything as she felt that Frederick might end up rejecting Ashley.
Ashley laughed it off and continued her shopping.
Mara and Kyla returned to Ashley's home after a long day at the mall shopping for clothes. Ashley and Mara hurriedly left for Ashley's room. They placed the shopping bags on the couch and fell on the bed facing upwards.
Ashley let out a heavy sigh.
"Do you think he'll like me? Am I really his type? Why do I feel scared? Ashley sighed again.
"I don't know. Unless he's a dumbass not to love you. Ashley, you're really perfect. Only fools would be blind to notice your perfection", Mara said, touching Ashley's hand.
"You think? Ashley turned to Mara
"Yes. Just don't put so much effort as not to get disappointed and hurt in the end " Mara sat up and immediately stretched out.
"Why not? Dad said I should do everything possible to make sure he gets to like me".
"And in doing that," Mara held Ashley's hands. "Don't lose yourself. I've seen a lot of women losing themselves to others to impress some silly man. Don't do that. Besides, you're still a young and energetic beautiful lady. You're yet to hit twenty-five. How old are you? Yes, twenty-three. Young and fresh" Mara touched, Ashley's cheeks "and soft " both giggled.
"Let's go have something to eat" Ashley dragged Mara along.
Mr Marcus's feet are beginning to hurt from standing for a long time. He continuously glanced at his wristwatch and he would scratch his head.
"Maybe I should go grab a seat. I'm exhausted" he pulled out his phone to check for Mr Owen's message, when he carelessly met the eyes of a handsome young guy in black trousers, short-sleeved shirt and black brogue shoes. "Familiar face? Perhaps young master Frederick Owen? Let me check. " He quickly checked the picture on his phone and looked up. His jaw dropped on realizing who was coming his way.
Frederick came to a halt and checked to see if anyone was waiting for him. He glanced at his wristwatch and quickly pulled out his phone. He was startled by a scream which sounded like his name.
His eyes searched for who made such a scream.
"Young master Frederick Owen!!! Over here! Mr Marcus yelled at top of his voice and rushed over to Frederick. Mr Marcus immediately hugged Frederick and sniffed him.
"Nice cologne" Mr Marcus mumbled.
"Let me go, old man". Frederick stepped on Mr Marcus's foot and pushed him away. "Who are you?
"Me? I'm Mr Marcus. I'm going to pick you up and take you home."
"Oh! A chauffeur?
"Not really. I'm Sir Owen's personal assistant"
"Oh. I see. Sorry that I stepped on your foot. Hey! Don't ever try to touch me. I hate people touching me. Where is grandpa, and how is he?
"He's at home, and he's doing well."
"Nice. I wonder how it is here. The house here, how is it?
"Really perfect and the people of this country are really nice and loving."
"I wonder why I have to fly into this country. I do not know why mum and dad decided to move back here five years ago. Crazy. Take me home "
"Yes sir. This way "
"You can bring my luggage along." Frederick patted Mr Marcus's shoulder and walked away.
"Me? So mean. How do I carry this?
"Hey old man, what's keeping you?
"I'm coming young master! Mr Marcus quickly dragged the luggage and followed Frederick to the car.