“His family makes these traditional wedding attires,” Ashton said calmly while adjusting the straps on his outfit.
“He sure has a great eye for… Wait, what?”
I paused mid-sentence when I realized that the sales staff had helped us because he recognized who we were and knew what we needed.
Ashton had seen right through it but kept it to himself when he saw me thanking the sales staff profusely.
That b*stard! I can’t believe he let me make a fool out of myself!
I shot him a fierce glare at the thought of that. “Ashton!”
He let out a little chuckle and acted all innocent as he helped adjust my outfit. “Okay, okay… Next time, I’ll be sure to tell you out loud that you’ve been recognized.”
“You…” My face was all puffed with anger. Tell me out loud? That’ll just humiliate me in front of others even more!
Ashton gave me a kiss on the forehead and led me toward the stairs as he said, “Come on, we need to get going now. We won’t even be able to leave through the back door if we don’t hurry up.”
Having no other choice, I could only swallow my anger and leave the store with him.
Fortunately for us, the group of people waiting outside had yet to discover the back door, so we were able to get out of there smoothly. We then made a few turns through some alleys and successfully blended into the crowd shortly after.
While watching a fire-breathing performance, I noticed a rock candy vendor passing by and begged Ashton to buy me some.
I’ve always found it satisfying whenever I see people eat rock candy on television. Now that I finally get to experience that satisfaction myself, I realize flavor is only a part of what truly makes a food amazing. What’s even more important is the feelings you have while eating it as well as the environment you eat it in.
I thought to myself while holding two sticks of rock candy in hand.
“Whoa, slow down there! People might think I’m starving you if they see you wolfing it down like this!” Ashton said teasingly.
Refusing to back down, I snapped back at him with the rock candy in my mouth, “Is that not the case?”
Ashton could only let out a wry chuckle as he said, “Yes, you’re right. I’ve been starving you because I’m the worst husband in the world.”
“Exactly! You’re the worst!” I stuck my tongue out at him smugly before moving on to the next stall.
I was about to pass by an alley when a kid came running out and crashed straight into me. Having been knocked off balance, I would’ve fallen on my bottom and embarrassed myself in public a second time had Ashton not been there to catch me in time.
“Are you okay?” Ashton checked me anxiously for any injuries and let out a sigh of relief when he saw that I was fine. He then deliberately took up a stern tone and said, “From now on, you are to hold my hand tightly whenever we’re in a crowded area!”
I stuck my tongue out at him mischievously before helping the child up as I asked, “Are you okay, kiddo?”
It wasn’t until the child stood up that I realized she was a pretty little girl. I figured she wasn’t wearing a mask because her parents feared they wouldn’t be able to spot her if they lost her in the crowd.
The little girl was no princess and simply patted her bottom before saying with a bright smile, “Don’t worry, ma’am! It doesn’t hurt at all! I’m sorry for running so fast and bumping into you!”
What a polite and well-mannered child! On top of that, her voice sounds absolutely adorable too! Of course, not as adorable as my baby girl Audrey, though!
Feeling a lot better after hearing her apology, I generously handed her a stick of rock candy. “Here, this is a reward for bravely owning up to your mistake!”
“Thank you, ma’am! Thank you, mister!” The little girl thanked us both and waited till we gave her a nod before running back into the alley and disappearing into the crowded street on the other side.
Noticing that I was staring at the little girl, Ashton leaned in and whispered softly, “I think Audrey is way better.”
