The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, waking Ashley from her sleep. She got up and walked to the window, where she saw Amelia chatting with her mother, Catherine, in the garden. Both of them looked relaxed and happy.
"... I'm really worried about Ashley," Amelia's voice drifted in with the wind, "She seems to trust Lucas too much."
Ashley furrowed her brow. Was Amelia talking badly about Lucas again?
"Lucas is a good boy," Catherine said gently, "He's been a great help to us."
"But mom, don't you think it's strange that a man with amnesia suddenly shows up at our house?" Amelia's voice carried a note of concern. "What if he's a fraud? Ashley's judgment might not be sound right now after her failed marriage."
Ashley quickly washed up and went downstairs to prepare breakfast. When she entered the kitchen, she found Lucas already there, making coffee.
"Good morning," Lucas turned and smiled at her. "You're up later than usual."
"I didn't sleep very well last night," Ashley took the coffee cup he handed her, their fingers brushing, and she felt a warmth spread through her.
"Is it because of Miss Grace's words?" Lucas asked directly.
Ashley was surprised by his sensitivity. "You heard?"
"Her voice isn't exactly quiet," Lucas's expression grew slightly complicated. "She doesn't trust me."
"What do you think about that?" Ashley asked, looking him in the eyes. "What if you really are a dangerous person?"
Lucas was silent for a moment, then he spoke softly but with undeniable determination. "I don't remember my past, but I know I won't hurt you. If my presence is troubling you, I can leave."
"No," Ashley said almost instinctively. "I mean, you don't need to leave."
She realized her reaction had been a bit too abrupt, and her face flushed. Lucas looked at her, a glimmer of tenderness in his eyes.
"Ashley, I..." Lucas began to say something, but just then, Amelia and Catherine walked in from outside.
"Good morning, what are you two talking about?" Amelia's smile was sweet, but Ashley noticed the way her eyes quickly scanned between them.
"Just discussing today's work schedule," Ashley answered.
"Oh, by the way," Amelia suddenly said, "I just remembered something. Lucas, did you have a nightmare last night? I heard you mumbling in your sleep."
Lucas's expression instantly tightened. "I don't remember."
"You mentioned a lot of names and some numbers," Amelia continued, "It sounded like the names of companies."
Ashley looked at Lucas, noticing his pale complexion. Without thinking, she walked over to him and gently took his hand.
"Everyone has dreams," Ashley said calmly, "Mumbling in your sleep doesn't mean anything."
Lucas felt the warmth of her hand, and his tense mood eased a little. But Amelia's gaze became more piercing.
"Of course," Amelia smiled, "I just thought it was interesting. A person with amnesia can still dream such specific things."
"Maybe those are remnants from his subconscious," Catherine interjected. "The doctor said that memories of amnesiacs can emerge in various ways."
"Yes," Ashley agreed, gently stroking the back of Lucas's hand. "Memories will come back gradually."
Lucas looked at her caring expression, and a warm feeling surged inside him. No matter what Amelia said, Ashley was standing by his side.
During breakfast, Amelia announced some news. "I've decided to extend my stay for a few more days."
"Really?" Catherine was pleased. "That's wonderful!"
But Ashley's internal alarms went off. Given Amelia's personality, she definitely wouldn't extend her stay without a reason.
"I want to help Ashley with her business plan," Amelia explained. "After all, I have experience in law and business."
"Thank you, but I already have a preliminary plan," Ashley politely declined.
"That's even better. We can improve it together," Amelia didn't give up. "How about we go into town this afternoon? I'd like to learn more about the market."
Ashley knew she couldn't refuse, so she agreed. But she looked toward Lucas, who gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod.
In the afternoon, Ashley and Amelia went to town together. They visited a few stores, and Amelia acted very professionally, asking about various business details.
"This market really does have potential," Amelia commented outside a small shop. "But the competition is fierce."
"Yes, that's why we need a differentiated strategy," Ashley responded.
"Do you have any ideas?" Amelia asked.
Ashley hesitated for a moment, then decided to share some of her thoughts. "I'm considering the women's product market."
Amelia's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea! Women's products are definitely an overlooked market. How do you plan to start?"
"Sanitary products," Ashley said simply. "The products on the market are of uneven quality, and there's a lack of branding."
"That makes sense," Amelia nodded. "This really is an opportunity. How much start-up capital do you need?"
"I'm still calculating," Ashley didn't reveal any specific numbers.
They continued to tour the town, with Amelia constantly asking about details, making Ashley feel a little uncomfortable. It felt more like a business investigation than a casual chat between sisters.
In the evening, when they returned to the farm, Ashley found Lucas in the backyard repairing an old machine. He had taken off his jacket, his white shirt sleeves rolled up, revealing his strong arms. His focused demeanor gave him a different kind of charm.
"What are you fixing?" Ashley walked over and asked.
"An old packing machine," Lucas looked up, sweat glistening on his forehead. "Jack said if it works, your business might be able to use it."
Ashley's heart warmed. "You don't need to do this."
"I want to help you," Lucas said earnestly. "I know my past might be problematic, but I want to do something for you."
"Lucas..." Ashley was moved by his sincerity.
"What are you two talking about?" Amelia's voice suddenly came from behind.
"Lucas is fixing the machine," Ashley turned and replied.
Amelia walked over to take a look. "This machine is pretty complex. Not just anyone can fix it. Lucas, were you a mechanic?"
"I don't remember," Lucas answered, "But I seem to know how to fix it."
"How interesting," Amelia said, her voice thoughtful. "An amnesiac can still retain professional skills."
Her words made Lucas uneasy, and Ashley noticed his discomfort.
"Skills and memory are different," Ashley defended him. "It's like riding a bike. The body remembers."
"Yes," Amelia smiled, "I just think Lucas is quite versatile. He can fix machines, understand business, and has such good manners."
Her words sounded like praise, but Ashley could hear the underlying suspicion.
During dinner, the atmosphere at the family table seemed warm and cozy. Jack, Eric, and Ben were all there, chatting about their work and lives.
"I think we should support Ashley's business plan," Amelia suddenly said. "Her idea has great potential."
"Of course," Jack immediately expressed his support. "Whatever little sister wants to do, we'll support."
"But," Amelia shifted gears, "I think she needs more professional help."
"What do you mean?" Eric asked.
"I mean, maybe she should find a partner with more experience," Amelia glanced at Lucas. "While Lucas is smart, he lacks formal business experience."
The atmosphere at the table grew tense. Lucas put down his fork and looked at Amelia.
"Miss Grace, your suggestion is very reasonable," Lucas said calmly, "But I think the choice of a partner is Ashley's decision."
"Of course," Amelia smiled. "I'm just concerned about her. After all, business is complicated, and it needs experience and connections."
"Experience can be gained, and connections can be built," Lucas replied. "But the most important thing is trust."
Their conversation was filled with tension, and everyone could feel the strain in the air.
"I think Lucas is right," Ashley finally spoke up. "The key to success in business is teamwork and mutual trust."
Her words clearly signaled her support for Lucas, and Amelia's expression flickered with displeasure.
"You're right," Amelia quickly regained her smile. "I guess I was thinking too much."
But Ashley knew, this clash had only just begun.
After dinner, Ashley and Lucas walked out into the garden. The night air was fresh, and the moonlight bathed them both.
"Thank you for speaking up for me today," Lucas said softly.
"You don't need to thank me," Ashley replied. "I was just speaking the truth."
"Ashley," Lucas stopped and turned to face her, "Miss Grace is right. I could bring trouble to you."
"What trouble?" Ashley stopped as well, looking into his eyes.
"I don't know my past, I don't know who I am," Lucas's voice was filled with pain. "What if I really am a dangerous person?"
"Do you think you are?" Ashley asked.
"I don't know," Lucas shook his head. "But I know when I see you, I feel safe. When you need help, I want to protect you. Those feelings are real."
Ashley's heart raced. "Lucas..."
"I know this is selfish," Lucas continued, "But I don't want to leave you. Even if I don't remember my past, I want to create a future with you."
Under the moonlight, the distance between them grew smaller. Ashley could feel Lucas's breath, see the deep affection in his eyes.
"I don't want you to leave either," Ashley whispered. "No matter what your past is, I believe in you now."
Lucas gently caressed her cheek. "Ashley, I want to kiss you."
"Then kiss me," Ashley's voice was barely a whisper.
Their lips met gently, a soft and tender kiss full of testing and cherishing. When they pulled apart, both of their faces were flushed.
"I love you," Lucas said. "No matter who I am, that fact won't change."
"I love you too," Ashley replied. "We'll face all challenges together."
Upstairs, Amelia watched this scene from the window, her eyes cold. She picked up the phone and dialed a number.
"It's me," she said in a low voice. "I need more information about Lucas. Yes, as soon as possible."
After hanging up, Amelia continued to watch out the window. Ashley and Lucas were still in the garden, walking hand in hand under the moonlight.
"Enjoy this sweetness," Amelia whispered to herself. "Because it won't last for long."