The Billionaire's Contracted Wife [English]

Arman continued to seem perplexed as he attempted to decipher his father’s reply.

"But Dad, isn’t that a good thing? Why not accept the money if they are willing to provide it?"

He asked with genuine curiosity. He had always thought it was great that guests of upscale hotels and restaurants tended to tip so liberally; it looked like a chance for him to make a little more money.

Jessie sighed, his gaze still far away as he thought. "Son, it’s not just about the money," he continued, speaking more kindly.

"Some individuals save every penny they get by working hard for what they earn. However, other people—those who own too much—throw it away as though it’s nothing, never considering the significance it may hold for another person."

Still not fully understanding his father’s deeper meaning, Arman listened closely. "I’ve seen people leave tips that exceed what some families make in a week," Jessie said.

"Moreover, even while money is useful, it’s not always obvious if those giving it out genuinely recognize its value."

Jessie’s tone changed as if he was thinking of something else. He moved to face Arman, putting his hand on the man’s shoulder.

"I’m not advocating that you turn down a generous gratuity. But keep your eyes open. People who have money sometimes lose sight of their origins and their struggles. Remind yourself of the important things in life."

Slowly nodding, Arman tried to take in his father’s knowledge. Though he still enjoyed receiving such large tips, he realized that his father had a different perspective on life and that honesty and hard effort were more important than quick money.

"Many thanks, Dad. I suppose I never considered it that way," Arman remarked, grinning slightly at his father. Though there was still grief in his eyes, Jessie smiled back.

"Remember," Jessie urged, "there’s more to life than going after what’s simple. Get what you deserve by working hard and maintaining your composure."

While Jessie was still deep in thought, Arman located a parking spot nearby.

Arman was eager to see his little sister, so he hurriedly climbed down from the car and ensured he was parked correctly. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Let’s go quicker, Dad. If Ashley brought any gifts, we would be at a disadvantage." He laughed, filled with happiness.

The two strolled toward the hotel. After walking for a short while, they were shocked to see Fely and the rest of their family stay outside the hotel. It appears that they haven’t entered yet.

The two quickly went to their family, wondering, "Mom, why didn’t you go inside yet? Ashley might be bored waiting for us," Arman asked sadly.

Jessie was shocked when his wife Fely abruptly held him, tears in her eyes, ready to fall at any moment.

"The people here are too much. Who are they to insult us? Do we look that poor? Fely asked sadly, her previously suppressed tears falling freely.

Jessie couldn’t respond because he felt the same way. Their neighbors held their family in high regard. However, rich men’s society treats them as rags, quickly walking on and discarding them.

He sighed, "Let them be, my love. The time will come when we will also get rich. Isn’t that the reason why Ashley went to work abroad? To give us a better life, and this is it! Look where she is staying now. Come on, let’s go so that I can already hug my youngest."

All of their sons went towards the two to hug them.

"Don’t worry, Mom & Dad. Our youngest one will not let us down. Didn’t she promise that in one year, she would be able to build a house for us and move your stall to a bigger stall in the market? Let’s wait, and our youngest one will surely not disappoint us," Arman said with a hint of sadness while speaking.

"All right, let’s go on. I’m sure our youngest has been anticipating our arrival. It’s possible that Ashley may become bored and come to our place. Haha!" With great pleasure, Fely ushered her family—aside from Ashley—into the hotel to see their eager daughter.

They were unaware that Ashley was still sleeping. It resulted from the "exercise" the pair engaged in that evening.

***

Meanwhile, inside the penthouse... Ashey was still asleep when Tanaga arrived from an early meeting. He slowly approached her so he could observe her lovely face while she was fast asleep.

He sat down at the edge of the bed and fixed the hair blocking Ashley’s face. He slowly caressed her face while saying, "I hope you will not get pregnant yet with all the lovemaking we did. If you are ever pregnant, I hope it will be a girl so we will have more time together."

While Tanaga was staring at Ashley’s face and deep in thought, he did not notice that he had stirred Ashley awake when he touched her cheeks. Ashley slowly opened one eye while the other remained closed.

"Hmm, good morning! You’re unfair. You were already awake for some time. Why didn’t you wake me up? You know that my family is coming today, right?" Ashley asked sweetly while holding Tanaga’s hand still on her face. This made Tanaga press her cheeks more.

Tanaga was startled by Ashley’s hand. He heard Ashley’s question but didn’t understand her because he was thinking deeply about something else.

"Oh, you’re already awake. Let’s go so you can get ready. Isn’t your family arriving today?" Tanaga asked while smiling. He kissed his wife on the forehead and held his hand to help Ashley stand up.

Instead of taking Tanaga’s hand, Ashley held onto his neck and placed her head on his shoulder. Ashley’s sweet gestures made Tanaga smile. He then carried her to the bathroom so she could bathe and get ready.

"Hmm, if only your family is not coming any minute, I would take a bath with you...But...." Tanaga teasingly whispered to Ashley as he slowly lowered her down.

Ashley suddenly blushed at what Tanaga said. She thought that just because she was sweet towards Tanaga, he might feel she wanted another round. To avoid him, she playfully pushed him out of the bathroom while smiling.

"All right, they might be here already. Kindly check my phone in case they call." She quickly closed the door so Tanaga would not see her blushing...~~~