15 Learning something new

After Alan's secretary left, he decided to just use the internet to research what he wanted to know so he started searching for information about dating. Most of the search results just came up with dating websites and advertisements for their apps which wasn't helpful for him at all. So, he decided to go with what his secretary suggested and just go with the flow and adjust according to her preference. The only thing was, these few years that they have been together, they both never really talked about each others interest and hobbies so he really didn't know Ashley's like or dislike. Most of the time that they spent together, each side respectively worked on establishing their foothold in society.

As he finished wrapping up his work for the day, he decided to give Ashley a phone call.

"Alan? Is something wrong?" Ashley quietly asked as it wasn't ordinary for him to call her during business hours.

"Nothing is wrong. I just wanted to ask if you were done with work so I can come pick you up and we can head home together."

Ashley let out a sigh of relief. "I still need to stay a while longer. Our R&D department has recently been working on new technology and there are a bunch of paperwork I have to review. You can head home first, I will go back myself when I'm done."

Alan had originally wanted to go back together so that they could go for a stroll around the neighborhood before having dinner but since she was busy, he couldn't do anything about it.

"Ok, then you take care of your business. I will wait for you at home to have dinner."

She only responded with a "mm" as she hung up the phone and continued working.

As she finished up her work for the day, she glanced at the clock and saw that it was already 9 in the evening. She rubbed her nose bridge and continued organizing things on her desk before getting ready to leave. She walked out of her office and saw that Secretary Qian was still there working as well.

"You haven't turned in for the day? It is already so late, clean up and head home."

Secretary Qian smiled towards her, "How can I head home when you are still here busily working. When has a secretary/personal assistant leave before their boss has left? What if something comes up and you need my help right away?"

Ashley smiled lightly at him. Secretary Qian has been such a big help to her before and after her father had passed away. A large part of the reason she was able to smoothly integrate into the business world was because of his guidance under her father's influence.

"Okay, next time I will try to finish earlier so that you can go home at a reasonable time."

"I'm not blaming you. I'm more than happy to accompany you when you have things that needs to be done."

"I know. I really appreciate your help all these years. When you are done cleaning up, head home. I'll be going first."

"President Chen, take care."

She replied with a wave and an "mm" before walking towards the elevator to get to her car. As soon as she stepped into her car, she called over to her husband.

"Hubby, have you eaten yet?"

"No, I haven't. I have been waiting for you."

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize the time while I was working. Why didn't you eat first? The food is probably all cold already. Dinner has always been served on the table at 7 PM."

"I don't blame you, I wanted to wait to eat with my wife. We can just warm up the food when you get home, I'm not a picky eater. Are you heading home now? Are you tired? Do you want me to come pick you up?"

Ashley smiled, "Yeah, I'm a little bit tired but I'm already on the road home. I should be home in a little bit."

"Alright then, I will wait for you at home. Drive safely, there is no need to hurry home."

There was a brief pause "Hubby, thanks for waiting for me. It would be lonely to eat by myself even if it is at home."

"We are husband and wife for this lifetime, there is no need to thank me. The good and the bad, we will share together. If you need to have a meal late, I will accompany you together from now on."

Ashley smiled. She was touched by his words. Although she knew that she could count on him before, it was a dependency based on personal interests. You scratch my back, I scratch yours. This time, the feeling of being able to rely on someone wholeheartedly was based on trust and emotions. The tiredness that she felt from a full day of work slowly washed away as her heart started to warm up. She was satisfied in her heart and awaiting for what the future would hold for her. Perhaps, she may get the fairytale romance she had always dreamed of growing up.

She opened the door and switched to slippers before walking into the dining room and seeing her husband warming up the food and placing each dish on the table. She smiled and walked up behind him and gave him a back hug.

"Hubby, i'm back."

Alan stood in place and smiled, "I can see that. Go change and wash your hands. The food is all ready."

She hugged him a little longer while rubbing her head on his back. "Okay, I am all re-energized. I will be right back."

She walked out and Alan looked at her retreating figure while smiling. Cultivating feelings between husband and wife doesn't seem to be so hard after all. Just waiting for his wife to get home to eat gets him a hug right when she returns. Romance might not be so hard to study after all.

Romance - as long as it comes from your heart, every action can be touching. That lesson, they will both slowly learn together. As long as your heart is in it, the other party can not help but be touched by everything. As long as there is heart, nothing is impossible - the feelings will slowly come.