January 14 2002

Desmond and Ashley reunited with the family again since Andrew convinced both of them to come over again, It was wholesome yet still a bit awkward, Nobody forgot about the incident that happened a few months ago but Desmond just wanted to make his father happy and have this reunion go smoothly.

Jane and Anastasia never learned their lesson even after what happened, They still talk trash about Ashley and blame her for causing drama in the house, Ashley was still hurt from seeing them but she decided to ignore them and spend time with Desmond and his father.

Dinner was finally prepared as the family were seen sitting while eating dinner, Though Ashley noticed the steak was a bit overcooked, She looked at the others and noticed they had the same reaction when they were eating.

Andrew: Who cooked this steak?

Anastasia: It was me, Dad. Is it good?

Desmond: *Sighs* It's overcooked, Ana.

Anastasia: What are you talking about? It tastes good.

Andrew: Seriously, Ana? What happened to your taste buds? It's clearly overcooked.

Jane: It's okay, Honey. It was just a little accident.

Desmond: Ana, you've been cooking for a while, and you still don't know how to cook a steak?

Anastasia: Excuse me?? You can't just criticize me like that!

Andrew: Ana, dear. Can you not take criticism? We are not blaming you at all.

Anastasia: I don't like the way Desmond spoke to me like that! I'm his sister, He's supposed to encourage me.

Desmond: Sis, can you calm down?

Anastasia: Or were you trying to compare me with your "wife" over there?

Ashley was staring at her and felt upset by her words, Desmond was shocked, but he also looked angry. He was trying to keep his cool as Anastasia was gonna say something until Fliehr said something.

Ashley: Okay, can we please not argue? We are supposed to have a nice family dinner, and It's not Anastasia's fault if she overcooked the steak. It sometimes happens like that, even though I had the same scenario.

Everyone was silent as they realised that this was an unessecery argument, Ashley looked at everyone before Anastasia took a deep breath and said something.

Anastasia: I'm sorry. . . I'm just not in a good mood today.

Ashley narrowed her eyes and thought to herself: "Isn't she always not a good mood?" This always seemed to be an excuse from her.

Anastasia: I shouldn't have thrown a tantrum, I'm really sorry. Let's just enjoy dinner for now.

She gave a small smile as Andre was silently eating, Desmond and Ashley just stared at her as the family continued having dinner together.

Soon, dinner was over as Ashley was cleaning the plates while thinking about the short argument that happened during dinner, She expected this from Ana, She always complains, gets jealous too fast and is very toxic, Unless someone raises their voice at her, She pretends to be innocent and claims that she was the victim.

Meanwhile, Desmond was talking to his father while Jane and Anastasia were grabbing the other dishes in the table.

Andrew: You and Ashley are an adorable couple, Desmond.

Desmond: *Chuckles* Thanks, Dad. I'm really happy being with her.

Andrew: *Smiles* So you two finally got comfortable?

Desmond: That's right, things have been going smoothly for us, I bought a lot of dresses and jewellery for her once the house was fully furnished and set.

Andrew: Awww, that's really sweet.

Andrew had a smile on his face and was happy that his son was making his wife happy and treated her nicely, However when Jane and Ana heard this, They felt their blood boil and felt really jealous in the inside.

Ashley was cleaning the last plate until Jane and Ana entered the kitchen, They glared at her before giving a smile.

Jane: Honey, why are you cleaning the dishes?

Ashley: Oh, it's fine, I can help.

Anastasia: Don't do that. Next time, Ashley. This is your house, Make yourself feel like home.

Both of them smiled at Ashley, but she knew that those were fake smiles, Ashley just giggled and forced a smile on her face.

Ashley: I know that. . . You all are like family to me.

Jane smiled and pinched her cheek as Ashley just smiled at her and walked away. However, she was still standing by the side and heard Jane and Ana speaking to each other.

Anastasia: I literally hate her.

Jane: I can't believe my boy would buy so much stuff for her, Doesn't she already borrow money from her father?

Anastasia: She's literally daddy's girl, and now she's on Desmond's money.

Jane: I wouldn't be surprised if she took all his money and divorced him.

Ashley was staring in anger but also felt her heart break, Her eyes were starting to get teary as Fliehr quickly rushed to the bathroom, She closed the door and looked at herself in the mirror until she began crying.

( Why would they assume that?. . . .)

She continued covering while her face, Ashley began doubting herself again, Is she really spending too much money? Desmond always said he would do anything for her, but Ashley was worried and scared if Desmond would leave her one day.

She continued crying while hearing Ana and Jane's words in her head all over again, At one point, she really wanted to call Alex or Chris, But she didn't want to cause any more drama, Desmond just wanted to reunite with his father, He has nothing to do with Jane and Anastasia.

Soon, Ashley managed to calm down as she washed her face and looked at herself in the mirror before leaving the bathroom and dried her face with a towel.

About an hour later, Desmond and Ashley were ready to leave the house as everyone was saying "Bye" to each other, Desmond and Andrew shared a hug as his father smiled at him.

Andrew: Please come visit us again, Desmond.

Desmond glanced at Jane and Anastasia before he smiled at his father and nodded.

Desmond: Of course dad, I'll visit you again.

They both shared another hug as Ashley was smiling at them, Andrew looked at Ashley and had a smile on his face.

Andrew: Take good care of yourself, Ash.

Ashley: You too, Mister Crowe. Take care.

Ashley and Andrew shared a hug as Desmond smiled at them before they said "Bye" to Jane and Ana and left the house.

Desmond and Ashley got in the car as Desmond was thinking about everything that happened today, Although he noticed Ashley was awfully silent when dinner was over.

Desmond: It was good to see everyone again.

Ashley: I agree, I'm glad everyone is doing well.

Desmond: True. . . Are you tired, Ashley?

Ashley: Me? No, not really.

Desmond: I noticed you have been very silent.

Ashley: Oh. . . It's nothing, Don't worry.

She smiled as Crowe smiled at her, but he knew something was wrong, Desmond began driving the car as Ashley was looking at the window, still thinking about what Jane and Anastasia said.

As Desmond was driving, Ashley noticed a nice view at the sky where the stars were shining and the moon was out, Ashley was astonished by the view as she looked at Desmond.

Ashley: Desmond, Can you please stop the car?

Desmond: *Stops the car* What's the matter?

Ashley just smiled and got out of the car, Desmond was confused and took off his seatbelt and left the car as Ashley was standing while looking at the sky.

The breeze of cold wind hit her face and body, It caused shivers running down her spine. Her jacket wasn't warm enough as well. Desmond noticed the view of the sky as he chuckled and walked towards her while looking at it.

Desmond: It looks wonderful.

Ashley: Agreed! This area makes it feel more peaceful.

Desmond looked around and looked at Ashley again, who was smiling, Desmond kissed her cheek as Ashley blushed and looked at him.

Desmond: You look adorable when you get excited.

Ashley laughed and smiled while blushing as Desmond pulled her close and hugged her from behind.

Ashley blushed and grabbed both of his arms as both of them were looking at the moon and stars together. However, Desmond noticed a tear slipping from her eye as he got worried and looked at Ashley

Desmond: Ash, are you okay?

He asked as Ashley burst into tears as Desmond looked at her and felt hurt seeing her cry, He knew something was wrong. Ashley immediately hugged him as Desmond was hugging her while caressing her back.

Ashley: Everyone hates me. . .

Desmond: What? What do you mean, Ash?

Ashley broke the hug and looked at Desmond while holding his arms.

Ashley; I just feel like everyone hates me now, Everyone blames me, doubts on me, and just says the worst things to me. . . .

Desmond: . . . What did Mom and Ana say?

Ashley: *Cries* A lot. . .

Desmond felt his blood boil before he hugged Ashley again as she cried on his chest.

Desmond: Ashley. . . I already told you, Don't cry.

Ashley, it hurts me, Desmond. . . I love you. . . But no one seems to understand.

Desmond: And I love you even more, Ashley. It doesn't matter, You don't need anyone to see it, I know how you feel about me. That's what matters. . .

She was silent and looked up at Desmond, Both of them were staring at each other as Ashley said something.

Ashley: . . . Am I really gold digger or something?. . .

Desmond: *Touches both of her cheeks* No, you are the only diamond that shines while surrounded by pearls.

Ashley felt her heart beating fast as Desmond wiped her tears off, He looked at the sky and looked at her again.

Desmond: If I had an opportunity to shine the stars alone. . . I wouldn't do that. I would rather sit under the rain with you.

He kissed her forehead as Ashley was staring at him and smiled at him, Hearing his beautiful words made her heartmelt.

Ashley: Desmond. . . . I just want you in my life.

Desmond smiled at her as both of them continued staring at each other.

Desmond: I know your worth, and you should also know about your worth, Ashley. Be strong for me, and always remember that you're my queen.

She had a huge smile on her face as Desmond had a smile on his face, Both of them continued staring at each other's eyes as Ashley said something.

Ashley: And you are my king.

Desmond: *Smiles* Of course.

Ashley felt better than before, His words motivated her and made her feel stronger, Both of them were smiling at each other until they looked at the beautiful view of the sky and looked at each other.

Desmond: Next time. . . I promise that when the sunsets, the moon rises. We will shine the stars together.

Ashley had a huge smile on her face before they shared a tender kiss under the moonlight, They finally knew that. . .

They were going to be with each other for a lifetime.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and stay strong!!!