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Chapter 36
In Thalia’s apartment, Asher stood in the kitchen wearing an apron, cooking dinner, shamed against the door frame, watching him with amused emiosity.
“The great Asher Blackwood knows how to cook? I’m impressed?
He continued methodically preparing vegetables. “Remember when you asked where the food il Brought
you came from?”
He turned, offering a slight smile. “I made it myself,”
“You?” Thalia’s eyes widened. “But how does it taste exactly like my mother’s shepherd’s piss
His smile deepened. “I learned by watching her when I visited.”
“That’s impossible,” Thalia protested. “You only came over a handful of times before she passed.”
Asher continued preparing the meat and vegetables, his movements precise. “Let me take you somewhere tomorrow. It will explain everything.”
Soon he’d prepared a complete meal: roasted lamb with rosemary potatoes, glazed carrots, and his version of Thalia’s mother’s famous shepherd’s pie. Though Thalia usually ate lightly at dimmer, sometimes skipping it entirely, tonight she finished everything on her plate, savoring each bhiite that tasted
so familiar.
When she moved to wash up, Asher stopped her. “Sit. I’ll do it.”
“My, my,” she teased. “Such a perfect househusband. Should I marry you?”
He flicked her forehead gently. “I’m the one marrying you.”
After cleaning up, Asher prepared to leave, making no suggestion about staying the night. Leaning against the doorframe, Thalia found herself wondering why not. Was she not attractive enough? She glanced down at herself self–consciously.
Catching her expression, Asher smiled. “What’s on your mind? You look troubled.”
“Nothing,” she coughed, embarrassed. “Drive safely.”
“See you tomorrow.”
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Your Gold Digger is Actually A True
Chapter 36
Watching him leave, still carrying the rubbish, Thalia smiled to herself. He was almost frustratingly
proper.
At the police station, Drake was released after his assistant paid his bail. It was 4 AM when they finally
walked out.
His assistant looked exhausted. He’d been about to spend the evening with his girlfriend who had specially visited London, only to be interrupted by Drake’s call from the station. Now his girlfriend was
threatening to break up with him.
“Where to now, sir?” he asked wearily, sliding behind the wheel.
“Back to the hotel,” Drake muttered.
In his suite, Drake flicked on the lights, the spacious room feeling emptier than ever. He lit a cigarette by
the window, inhaling deeply.
The room felt wrong without Thalia’s touches – no antique vase with fresh flowers on the glass table, no fully stocked refrigerator, no decorative touches on the walls, no curtains in her favorite shade…
He closed his eyes, but was immediately assaulted by images of Thalia with Asher. Were they together
right now?
The pain in his chest was unbearable.
He’d imagined many scenarios before coming to London, but never this – never Thalia with another man.
They say you experience heartbreak twice in a relationship: first when you break up, then when you see
them with someone else.
How right they were.
The next morning dawned bright and clear. Thalia woke naturally, knowing she was meeting Asher. After a light breakfast, she dressed carefully in a black velvet vintage dress that fell to her ankles, her dark hair falling in waves around her shoulders. The red lipstick she chose complemented her striking features high cheekbones, defined brow, and almond eyes.
Asher was waiting downstairs, leaning against his black Rolls–Royce Cullinan, finishing a phone call. His eyes brightened when he saw her.
“You look beautiful,” he said simply, ending his call.
“Where are we going?” she asked, settling into the passenger seat.
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Chapter 36
“You’ll see.
He drove them out of London, leaving the high–rises behind. The countryside opened up before them rolling hills and autumn trees. Thalia cracked her window, letting in the crisp air.
“This is lovely,” she said, closing her eyes to breathe in the fresh scent.
“Almost there,” Asher replied, turning onto a narrow country lane.
Twenty minutes later, they pulled up to a three–story country house.
“Here we are,” he said, turning off the engine.
“Where is this?” Thalia asked, surprised.
“Let’s find out.” he smiled.
As they stepped out, a man emerged from the house. His initial confusion turned to delight upon seeing
Asher.
“Mr. Blackwood! What a surprise!” He offered Asher a cigarette from a cheap packet.
Thalia watched with fascination as Asher – always so refined – accepted and let the older man light it for
him.
“Sorry about the cheap smokes,” the man said sheepishly. “Wasn’t expecting you today.”
From his manner, Thalia realized Asher must be a regular visitor.
“And who’s this?” the man turned to her.
“Miss Winters,” Asher said simply.
The man’s face lit up. “Miss Winters! Finally meet you!”
“Martha! Martha – Miss Winters is here!” he called excitedly toward the house.
Thalia glanced questioningly at Asher. Did these people know her?
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