Larry froze, a heavy silence settling between them for a moment. He finally turned to find Ashleigh already waiting for his explanation."According to the staff roster, only the butler and cleaning crew are assigned to this floor," she mentioned, her tone laced with suspicion. "No one else is permitted access."Larry's smile faltered slightly. "Right. Actually, Tara did have me come up here once to help her with some food supplies for Mr. Cagliari," he explained, the explanation sounding a bit forced.It did seem strange to Ashleigh, but she brushed it off. With only a month of marriage under her belt, she had little knowledge of Adrian's specific dietary needs."That's fine," she dismissed, her attention returning to the movie playing on the large screen. The film was an older one, but one she'd been eager to see.By the time the credits rolled, she felt thoroughly satisfied and ready for bed. As the movie ended, the theater lights automatically flickered on, prompting her to exit.O

As Ashleigh left her aunt's office, a plan began to take shape in her mind. She was done playing by Adrian's rules; it was time to seize control. Reaching the private elevator, she paused, then opted for the stairs instead. With newfound determination, she marched through the underground parking lot towards a waiting car. The driver took off promptly, delivering her to the mansion.Mr. Atkinson greeted her upon arrival. "I apologize for interrupting, Madame, but the interview for a new butler is scheduled for shortly. Mr. Cagliari insisted on your presence.""I'm aware, Mr. Atkinson," Ashleigh replied."However, I've had a change of plans. In addition to finding a butler for the house, I'd like to hire a personal assistant."Surprise flickered across Mr. Atkinson's face. "But Madame, this wasn't part of the initial plan. Mr. Cagliari certainly won't approve.""Mr. Cagliari placed me in charge of managing this mansion, didn't he?" Ashleigh

He entered the quiet room and placed the tray on the table, nudging her books aside gently."Where's Susan? Didn't you tell them to bring me my food?" Ashleigh asked, surprised by his direct approach. Meals were typically delivered by Susan or Mr. Atkinson.Larry chuckled. "Susan and Mr. Atkinson are swamped right now. I just thought I'd check in and make sure you weren't losing your mind behind all those books." He took a step back, giving her space.A tired smile played on Ashleigh's lips. "Thanks, Larry. You really didn't have to do this." She reached for a sandwich, taking a tentative bite.The tray held an assortment of rich-looking cream and jam sandwiches alongside a glass of lemon iced tea. The first bite revealed a thick slice of bread filled with sweet strawberry jam and cream. Her eyes lit up with unexpected delight."Chef Larry, this is amazing!" she exclaimed, taking another bite. Before long, the tray was empty, her initial

The third week came, and each day was closer to the exam and tightening Ashleigh's already packed schedule. Studying consumed her every waking moment, bleeding into her work responsibilities. The tension was palpable, and Mrs. Smith, recognizing the strain, granted Ashleigh a leave of absence until the exam was over. The house became her study haven, broken only by quick meals and fleeting chats with Chef Larry and the other staff. Even those brief moments of respite began to feel like stolen time. During the week, a message from Mr. Turner arrived, detailing registration procedures for the exam which spanned the first three days of the fourth week. With registration complete, Ashleigh threw herself into a study frenzy. Days blurred into an endless loop of textbooks, notes, and practice questions. Sleep was a luxury she barely afforded, fueled by a relentless blend of coffee and determination. Susan's pleas for breaks fell on deaf ears; there simply wasn't a minute to waste. On the f

Tension crackled in the air, thick with unspoken words. Ashleigh, stung by Adrian's pronouncement, glared at him. The water glass trembled in her hand, mirroring the turmoil within her."Indefinitely?" she rasped, her voice barely a whisper but laced with anger."Who gets to decide that?" "Your husband," Adrian countered, his tone clipped."Convenient, isn't it?" Ashleigh shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "When it suits you to control or belittle my dreams, you're suddenly my husband.""Look who's talking," he retorted. "The woman who nearly threw her health away for a dream that surely could have waited.""Not 'a' dream, Adrian," Ashleigh pressed, her voice gaining strength. "My dream. You say it could have waited? How long exactly? Since I was a teenager, Robin College has been my aspiration. I've waited and yearned for this chance. This is my life, Adrian, not some trophy you can hand out or take away on a whim."He