A token of future love

Asher didn't need to turn back to see who was yelling.

It was his dad.

"No, I don't agree. Cora, at least you should have some sense."

He was fuming.

Rose stood there watching them shoot answers at each other.

"Huh! And you have a right? Henry? Where were you when Ashy needed you? With your new wife. Why do you have a say in this matter?"

Cora wasn't being outdone. Surprisingly, she was great at scolding.

"But I'm his father. In our family, parents decide on children's marriage."

"Like how you decided to get married a second time?"

Asher moved back and Rose followed him. They gave their position to the fighting duo.

"That, that, was an accident. But I decided Asher is marrying Mimi."

Cora laughed sarcastically.

"Won't people laugh at you, Henry Walden? For marrying your firstborn son to your second wife's daughter from a previous marriage."

It was not a taboo but it was frowned upon. His second wife didn't have a glorious image among the rich wives. And this engagement would be the source of rich gossip.

"Doesn't matter. I watched the girl grow up. She will be a fine mistress."

"Yes, you watch someone else's child grow up. But your son grows up in the wind."

Asher's father was fuming now. His face was red and Rose felt like she saw a nerve twitching on his forehead.

Was this the precursor of some anger attack?

"You left him first."

"I was always with him. Unlike you, who ran away abroad as soon as Dad died."

Henry kept pointing fingers at her without answering for a second.

"No matter what, I'm his dad. I can decide his marriage."

"And I'm his mom. I can negate any of your decisions."

"You- you- you."

Rose watched and cheered for Cora. Strong mother. Asher was really lucky.

"Hmph!"

Cora swayed and sat on the sofa with a swagger.

"Come here, girl. Tell me your name. I'll make sure you will be the daughter-in-law of my Knight family."

"Are you out of your mind? You make this girl the second heir of your family? Cora, be sensible. Mimi is a great girl. You will love her."

Rose raised her eyebrows. So, Asher was the descendant of the legendary Knight family. That made sense.

"Why? Your wife gave you this idea. She is so clever. She wants her son to inherit your property. And her daughter to get my son's property. And your stupid head listens to her more than anything. I'm so sorry for my poor father," She donned a mournful expression," my poor father who didn't want another daughter-in-law. But his son soon married against his wishes and even after his death, is helping his wife plot against his grandson."

Henry was even more enraged. If that was possible.

"You!"

"What? Me!"

Asher finally had enough.

"Dad, I call you dad because you haven't done anything extreme yet. Please remember, we broke off everything the day you chose them. Remember?"

"But, kid. I care about you."

"I know. But your care for me pales in comparison to the love you bestow on your family. And I'm past the age where I need a father. It's okay if we greet on holidays."

He was about to say something else but Asher cut him off again.

"It's even more okay if we don't greet and maintain radio silence."

Henry calmed down and looked at Asher with sorrow. Asher remained unfazed.

"I'll go now. After you calm down, you will understand Dad. Let's talk later."

He took a deep breath, looked angrily at Rose, and then snorted at Cora and left angrily.

Rose felt like an innocent victim in a disaster.

Cora twitched her lips.

"Still acts like a stubborn idiot kid. He can't see the calculations of his little wife?"

Asher sat before her.

"He sees everything. But it's advantageous for him so he doesn't bother."

Cora looked at him and nodded.

"True. He is like a pig who isn't afraid of anything. Can you imagine I married him?"

She turned and looked at Rose for the last question.

Rose couldn't imagine actually. No way, they had a link.

"So, girl, what's your name? How old are you?"

"I'm Ivy. I'm twenty-two years old. I design jewelry."

Cora beamed.

"Aw, you are awesome. Bring me some. I'll show off to the family. They will be so jealous that I have such a good daughter-in-law."

Rose acted shy at that.

Asher didn't interrupt. He was confused as to why his mom wasn't freaked out about the fact that she was Rose and also a witch. His mom had powers and how could she not detect the disguise?

"You are so beautiful. Here. This is a meeting gift for you."

She put a paper-thin leaf bracelet on Rose's wrist. Rose was shocked. This was a treasure.

"No, no, aunt. This is so precious."

"No! Keep it. I should have given you this earlier. You are so good. You are a good girl."

Rose turned to look at Asher and he nodded.

Yes, this was a nice gift.

"What do you like to eat? I'll cook."

This was getting too intense.

"Mom, I'll show her the house. You can rest for some time."

Cora nodded.

"Yes, you kids, go. I'll make the lunch till then."

Asher dragged Rose to the garden.

"Whoa, did your mom not recognize me?"

Asher rolled his eyes.

"Someone was eavesdropping so she acted, I guess."

Rose understood. His father was outside the door listening to their conversation. And now, Cora should be evicting him.

"This bracelet, you keep it."

"No, it's for you. My mom gave me it. You keep it."

"But this is obviously for your wife. Not me."

"Haha. I won't marry. Anyway, if I someday have a wife, I'll not let her be bothered by this. This is for you. Keep it."

Swoon worthy on both accounts. Hers and his future wife.

"By tomorrow, the whole rich circle will know about Ivy. Let's release some information by ourselves and earn some free money."

Devious but she liked it.

And just then she realized that he was still holding her hand.

She was sweating now, right?

And just then he released her palm. What more proof did she need that she was sweating?

Rose walked forward as if admiring the plants so she didn't see the shy look on Asher's face that crossed for a split second.

And the leaf bracelet shone golden. Just as the golden feelings that would emerge soon.