Chapter 175 - Mrs. Jones - I ... LOVE ... YOU!

Even though Ashley didn't believe a word Grandmother Hanada said, she played along and wore the heirloom. She couldn't hurt the old lady's feelings and turn down her good intentions.

Just as they were finishing giving Ashley a make-over, her phone began buzzing. When she looked at the number, she saw that the caller was Tanaga. She quickly apologized to the makeup artist and went to the room she usually used when she stayed in Grandmother Hanada's mansion for privacy.

She couldn't slide her finger fast enough so she could answer Tanaga's facetime call. But first, she put on the most beautiful smile she could conjure and took a deep breath. Once she was sure, she looks the best - "Hi!" As she struggled with her phone. 

She was so excited knowing it's Tanaga that she forgot what she's wearing at the moment. The dress was very s.e.xy, also they just finished doing her makeup. Therefore, she was not prepared for Tanaga's reaction when he's face came on the line.

Tanaga was tired from a very long day of meeting with the President of the United States. He was lying on top of the bed, still wearing his suit. He didn't even remove his jacket suit, he just lay down and dialed Ashley. 

Throughout the day, while he was at the meeting, his wife kept popping into his mind. He has also been sneezing a few times.

He kept wondering if his wife might be thinking about him, so he made sure that after the meeting, he went straight to his room to call Ashley right away.

He looks so haggard, it was showing on his handsome face how tired he was. As he waited for his wife to answer his facetime. Tanaga massaged the back of his neck then pinch the bridge of his nose. A headache begin to surface.

When the exquisite look of his wife exposed to his n.a.k.e.d eye, he suddenly sat up and almost dropped the phone.

He rubbed his eyes a couple of times before - 'Is this true? Is this my wife talking to me? " Exclaim Tanaga while his eyes widened in shock.

" Who are you? "What did you do to my wife?" Teased Tanaga with the biggest smile plastered on his haggard face. He was grinning from ear to ear, waiting for Ashley to say something.

"Hmph!" Said Ashley, her eyes twinkling while she stares at her husband with a beautiful smile plastered on her lips.

"Seriously speaking, do you have a hot date or something?" Asked Tanaga sadly. 

He could see from behind Ashley the decoration of the room. It's from one of the rooms in his Grandmother's mansion. That could only mean one thing -the two are going somewhere.

Ashley understood the reason why Tanaga asked. First, because of what she's wearing. Secondly, she was at Grandma Hanada's mansion. So she didn't hesitate to tell him the truth.

"Chairwoman was bored to death and invited me to a Broadway show. I don't know if I would enjoy it, but I love music, so maybe I will enjoy it."Ashley said as her eyes flickered and she was visibly happy that she's speaking with her husband.

Tanaga sighed as he watched his wife. He could not understand what he saw in her and his trying to figure it out as he stared at her beautiful face.

'What is happening to me? For the first time in my life, I blurt out that forbidden word without batting an eye. Am I really falling-in-love? I guess I am!' Tanaga thought as he just stared at Ashley's face on his phone screen.

"Tan, is everything alright? Why do you look so tired? "Asks Ashley, eyes full of concern.

" As you can see, I'm enduring it to the best of my capability. It's hard being away from you. Why is your visa taking so long? I can't wait for you to get here. I have all kinds of plans for us. Hahaha!

"Just wait until you get here. We will have another honeymoon." Said Tanaga with a bright smile, plaster on his face.

It never occurred to him that their marriage is only a contract, and the honeymoon that took place in the Philippines was not counted as one.

Ashley only smiles while in deep thought. ' I hope so! Because I don't think I could cope when it is time for us to separate.' 

"Oh 'why are you suddenly so sad? Should you be happy that when you get here, we will have a honeymoon for the second time? " He only asked because Ashley looks like she's about to cry. Looked like she was crying. 

She was about to reply when they heard someone calling Ashley's name from the outside.

"Ma'am, Ashley! Ma'am Ashley! Madam Hanada is calling for you! She said that you are already running late! "Shouted the housekeeper from the other side of the door.

"Alright! I'll be out in a minute!" Shouted Ashley back to the housekeeper. She then turned her attention back to her husband, sadly.

" Tan ... "Ashley said as her face grew darker.

" It's alright, sweetheart! In a few days, we will be together. Go ahead and enjoy Grandma's company. You know, she's just doing all this because she doesn't want you to miss me too much. Hahaha!" Tanaga teased her, while his laughter was filled with sadness.

" Alright! Let me get out of here before she get's angry, and I'll just call you when I get home. 12 hrs difference, isn't it? Call me before you leave in the morning. Take care! "Said Ashley as she was about to hang up the phone.

" Ash ... "Said Tanaga.

" Yes! " 

" I ... LOVE ... YOU! Remember that! " Said Tanaga seriously as he waited for Ashley's response.

Suddenly Ashely stopped, for she was stunned and could not believe what Tanaga had said. He even followed it up with -'remember that!' This is also the second time she had been told that word, and she was speechless.

'What is going on? Is this for real?' She asked herself as she stared at him, unable to utter a word. 

Just when she was about to answer, 'I love you too!' The door suddenly burst open and Grandmother Hanada came in without a care in the world.

"Hey! You two lovebirds, if you don't want me to create havoc because you had made my beauty wait. You better stop now, for we are already late!" Grandma Hanada was acting all mad. 

However, when she saw the face of her beloved grandchild, she couldn't help but come and greet him.

" How's everything on your end? Is everything under control there? Don't worry; I'm taking good care of the mother to be of your Empire's heir!" Teased Grandmother Hanada. But, in reality, she was giving him a hint that he would be a father soon.

Tanaga's eyebrows rose sharply at what he heard his Grandmother said. ' What in the world is wrong with grandma? She just ruined my strategy.' He thought.

He just finished declaring his love for his wife and waiting for a reply. Then Grandmother Hanada showed up only to ruin everything. 

Now, his Grandmother has to remind Ashley of the reason why they are married. 

Bad timing indeed! 

Tanaga wanted to fly home to hug his wife and tell her that's not how he feels anymore. Unfortunately, it's crucial for the company what he's doing in America.

The only thing that Tanaga could do was emphasize to his Grandmother what he truly feels and for his wife to understand. 

"Grandma, stop saying that! Even if Ashley and I have never had children... She will remain Mrs. Jones! Do you understand that?!" He then hangs up the phone without saying goodbye!