Chapter 99 - What Is Love?

Ashley held grandma Hanada's two hands that were holding her cheek. She looked straight at the older woman's eyes before she spoke.  

"Grandma, I must confess to you that I started to feel something for Tanaga. However, I'm not entirely sure if it is what they call love because I never in my life been in love before.

"I thought about this feeling very hard, just maybe because of the kindness he has shown to my family and me...  That's why I feel like this for him.  However, I had quickly wakened up from my deep thinking when I saw them kissing earlier.  I realized that he still has a feeling for his girlfriend."

"What?! What are you talking about... Girlfriend?  Kindly repeat what you said? Are you sure they are kissing?  My grandson has no girlfriend that I know of, are you talking about that... Nevermind!"

Grandma Hanada asked as her eyes widened because she couldn't believe that Tanaga would do such a thing. But then she doesn't really know her grandson that well since he grew up in America.

"Yes, grandma, I'm sure of it.  Not only did I saw them, so as the bodyguards that's standing by the door." Ashley replied with her shaky voice, as she turned her gaze away.  She was afraid that grandmother Hanada would see the tears that began forming in her eyes.

When they were in the Philippines, she had thought that Tanaga was beginning to fall for her, And vice versa...  However, that was until his real love came along. And what little feelings that started to grow, suddenly all faded.  And was gone with the wind.

So Ashley had decided to go visit grandmother Hanada, away from him. She needed to think about her future and what she plans to do with her life.  Her future is becoming bleak by the minute as she thought about what's happening right now.

"Well, whatever you intended to do ... Remember that I'm here for you.  You do know that I don't have granddaughter right?  All my children have only boys.  Hahaha!  So from now on, I'm officially claiming you, my granddaughter.   Whatever happens between you and Tanaga, you're still going to be my granddaughter, would you like that?" Grandma Hanada asked seriously as she still held Ashley's hands.

Ashley was touched from what the old-lady had said wholeheartedly.  She suddenly felt relief when she heard what grandmother Hanada's said. At least, even when the time came, and they separated, grandmother Hanada would still be there for her. 

She would still have a chance to be with the child that they would have together.  Even when the contract was fulfilled, she would always be able to see her unborn child.  That brightens Ashley's face up, and she once again smiles beautifully.

"So, what is your decision?  Will you accept?" Grandmother Hanada asked again ...

"Oh' Grandma...  I would love nothing but to become your granddaughter.  However, let me think about it first.  Until I know what my plan in the future, I can't give a definite answer yet.  

"Rest assured that once I know what I'm going to do, you'll be the first to know. Meanwhile, I'm your granddaughter-in-law for now... anyway.  Thank you once again!" Ashley tightly embraced grandmother Hanada and give her a peck on her cheek, before bidding her goodbye.  She plans on going back to the condominium to have a heart to heart talk with Tanaga.

On the way to the condominium, Ashley was thinking of all the things she wanted to discuss with Tanaga.  Unknown to her that Tanaga ha also left the condominium to look for her.

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The whole place was dark when Ashley arrived. The table was clean and lacked all the dishes that she prepared for Tanaga. To be sure, she checked the fridge to see if someone had put it in there...  Nothing inside the refrigerator.  Now she wonders... 'Did he ate it all or did he just dump it in the garbage?'  Ashley asked herself as she checked the trash ... It's clean! "Hmmm?"

Ashley decided to take a bath first and get ready for bed. It's unknown to her if Tanaga will return or not? If he won't, it would be better for her.  She would have time to call the family before going to bed.

Ashley was unaware that Tanaga had arrived while she was bathing. His face was as if the sky had fallen...  When he saw Tiny standing outside the door. His face lit up like a 1000W led light bulb.

"Welcome home! Sir Jones!" Tiny greeted him, then bowed respectfully.

Tanaga, who at first had a small smile on his face, suddenly smirked, and as he passed Tiny, who's still in bowing position, "Pak!" he smacked him on his head without force...  That's what you get for being a traitor.  

Tanaga's four bodyguards eyes widen in surprise for what he had done. They all secretly laughing at Tiny's misfortune.  They couldn't believe how much Tanaga had changed since Ashley came into his life. The old one who never even greeted or smiled ...now being playful with the help.

"Sir Jones!  What did I do wrong?" Tiny asked as he scratched the back of his head.

"That's for you leaving without letting me know. How hard was it for you to text me or tell these four stupid guys to tell me you're going. Don't just follow your boss, and you didn't even remember the one that paying you the salary. That's why I'm pissed at you. " He then quickly went inside the condo after that speech.

Once Tanaga made it inside the condo, he slowly walks into their room like a thief. He wanted to surprise Ashley, so he didn't turn on the light at the living room and the hallway. 

That was a big-big-big mistake because Ashley had heard someone coming loud and clear. She just finished taking a shower and just stepped out of the bathroom.  

The first thing that came to her mind was that there might be a thief, so she immediately looked for any available weapons. Luckily, she found a baseball bat in the corner and picked it up quickly before slowly approaching the door to lock it.

Unfortunately, Tanaga beat her to the doorknob, and he turned and opened the door to Ashley, who was waiting with her hand raised ready to strike with the baseball bat. 'One...  Two...  Three... Ready or not here I come!'  Ashley thought as she was prepared to hit as hard as she could...

As Tanaga was still holding the doorknob, he thought of poking his head first.  However, when the door made a sound as he slowly opened...  "Creakkkk ..."  He changed his mind and pushed it wide to see if Ashley was already sleeping.

Unknown to him what danger lies beyond the door that he was about to enter...