Chapter 89: Rating My Wife?
Ashley’s face soured as she stood in the mansion’s lobby with Nolan, staring at the items being carried inside. Each of them came from different designers, ranging from the most renowned to rising names.
"If someone robs Dominion today, I’d say it’s worth the risk," she muttered, causing Nolan to chuckle.
Nolan glanced at her, wearing his usual soft smile. "Madam, the master has been worried about the plantation since he heard about the problem. However, when he learned that you had found a solution and that it would be resolved, he told me to call the designers so you could choose what to wear for the charity ball."
She opened her lips, but then forced a smile.
"Of course," she said, setting her eyes back on the racks and twinkling pieces before her. "I just thought I already had a lot of clothes in the closet. I was thinking I could just use those."
When Ashley came here, she didn’t have anything with her aside from the small bag she carried during that cursed date with a minion from the Marcelos. Even so, she never had to worry about what to wear—bags, accessories, footwear ranging from heels to sneakers—everything was prepared for her from head to toe.
Not to mention the months she spent splurging, practically challenging the word limitless with the card Lucian had given her.
In other words, Ashley didn’t think much about what to wear to the ball because she already had plenty of clothes for every occasion. Besides, she was no longer deliberately making herself look bad.
Then again, I don’t really have a good sense of style, she thought. I just wear what looks good to me. Lucian doesn’t mind, even if I show up in a Halloween costume. He still... does what he does, regardless.
Thinking about how Lucian never even flinched—kissing her even after she ate something that smelled terrible—made her wonder if he had some sort of sensory or visual problem.
"Madam, do you think this is a little excessive?" Nolan asked out of pure curiosity. "If you do, I can cancel some of them."
She snapped out of her thoughts and looked back at him, studying his expression before shaking her head.
"It’s not that, Nolan. I mean, I already have clothes, but since this is an important ball, I understand," she said with a polite smile. "By the way, you mentioned instructors, right?"
"Yes."
"Then I’ll meet them first. I know the designers have different preferences, but the instructors will surely help."
Nolan smiled in satisfaction, half expecting Ashley to feel more overwhelmed by all of this. She never liked it, which was ironic, considering she had spent her first few months in Dominion splurging.
"Some of the instructors are already in the drawing room. I’ll walk you there."
"Mhm."
With that, Nolan led the way, taking her to where the etiquette instructors could turn Ashley into a more refined lady in just a few days. Deep in his heart, he was worried that time was limited, considering Ashley had postponed this for the plantation.
Little did he know, Nolan didn’t need to worry too much.
Because the woman following behind him had her eyes blazing with determination.
I learned these lessons in my previous life, Ashley thought. Although I didn’t perfect them before, I will be better this time. Ace it with flying colors!
Once they reached the drawing room, Ashley met very familiar faces—people she had once been deeply frustrated with. The same people she had given a hard time, accusing them of being Dominion’s puppets and executors of Lucian’s punishments.
She almost cringed at the embarrassing memory.
*
*
*
Hours later, Lucian returned from an on-site business trip. As soon as he arrived, Nolan was already waiting for him at the entrance of the manor.
"Master," Nolan greeted with a slight bow. "Welcome back. How was your trip?"
"Good." Lucian stopped before him, looking at him. "How is she?"
Nolan straightened. "I took the madam to meet the instructors, and she’s been with them since. The designers have also arrived. They’re all in the drawing room."
"Any problems?"
"No, Master." This time, Nolan’s smile was brighter than usual. "If anything, everything has been smooth."
Lucian’s brows furrowed slightly, unsure whether to be surprised or not. He told her he would trust her, but it was still a work in progress. Hence, there were still certain expectations—one of them being that she might be displeased at being put through all this when, in her mind, she already had plenty of clothes for the ball.
"I see," Lucian nodded. "And Primo?"
"The Young Master finished his studies early, so he’s with the madam..." Nolan cleared his throat. "You may want to check on them, Master."
The sudden shift in Nolan’s tone piqued Lucian’s interest.
In the end, Lucian went to check on the private lessons he had asked Nolan to arrange for Ashley. He didn’t enter. Instead, he quietly opened the door and peeked inside.
As soon as he did, he understood why Nolan’s voice had faltered.
Inside, Primo sat off to the side along with some of the instructors and designers. They were supposed to meet Ashley at different times. Lucian had ordered them to take turns, worried they might overwhelm her.
But now, all of them were gathered in the drawing room, seated in a straight line, each holding a board.
In the middle, where Primo sat, he held up his usual drawing pad with a single digit written on it.
[4]
A second later, the others flipped their boards, revealing different numbers.
What were they doing?
They were grading Ashley.
Ashley, who was in front of them, performing various etiquette lessons—walking in heels, drinking wine, her gestures, and even her laughter.
"HUH?! Are you all blind?!" Ashley gasped in disbelief. "How is my highest score only a four?! I’m as dainty as a princess! Also, the five of you! How dare you give me 2?!"
"..."
The sight left Lucian speechless. It was definitely not what he had expected. Yet somehow, everyone seemed to be getting along—in a strange, chaotic way.
He closed the door just as quietly and turned to Nolan, who was already looking back at him with a smile.
Instead of asking anything else, Lucian only had one question:
"What were Red and his crew doing inside... rating my wife?"
The answer was simple: Red and the others made a wrong turn and bumped into Ashley. But Nolan could only smile as an answer.
"I have no idea, Master."