The Attention 385

The Attention 385 Summary

In Chapter 385, titled “Proof of Our Love,” the narrative begins with a playful yet intense moment between the protagonist and Ashton. What started as a light-hearted tease escalates into a charged encounter, filled with flirtation and underlying emotions. Ashton’s affectionate gestures, such as kissing her hand and whispering sweet nothings, evoke a mix of excitement and apprehension in her, leading to a playful warning against his advances. However, their intimate moment is abruptly interrupted by the cries of their daughter, Minnie, which brings a sudden shift in mood and tension.

As the scene transitions, the protagonist reflects on her body image after childbirth, feeling insecure about her appearance despite having lost weight. Ashton’s teasing comment about her becoming a “frumpy housewife” strikes a nerve, igniting her frustration and leading to a silent standoff between them. This moment of tension highlights her vulnerability and the emotional struggles she faces as a new mother, grappling with self-image and the changes in her body.

The chapter deepens as Ashton attempts to reassure her of her beauty and worth. He confronts her insecurities head-on, emphasizing that she is still the most beautiful woman to him and expressing gratitude for their children, Mickey and Minnie. His heartfelt words serve as a balm for her wounded self-esteem, reminding her that their love and family are the true measures of beauty and worth. The warmth of this exchange culminates in a tender moment where they reaffirm their love for one another, showcasing the depth of their relationship amidst the challenges of parenthood.

Ultimately, the chapter encapsulates the complex emotions of love, insecurity, and reassurance within the dynamics of their relationship. The protagonist’s journey through self-doubt is met with Ashton’s unwavering support, reinforcing the bond they share as partners and parents. The conclusion leaves a sense of warmth and connection, highlighting that despite the struggles, their love remains the foundation of their family.

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**Chapter 385: Proof of Our Love**

What had begun as a simple tease had spiraled into something far more complicated, and now I felt the weight of my own mischief.

Ashton gently lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss against my skin that sent an electrifying shiver coursing through me. It was as if he had charged me with a jolt of energy.

“Yes, tam,” he whispered, his voice low and intimate, making my heart flutter.

“Don’t you dare try anything,” I warned, my tone firm despite the warmth flooding my cheeks. “Not gonna happen. I’ll fight you if I have to.”

A faint, infuriating smile crept across his face, that calm demeanor of his returning like an old friend. “Aside from the usual, haven’t we got plenty of other options we haven’t tried yet? Like…” His voice trailed off, and I could see his eyebrow arching playfully as his gaze drifted lower.

I followed his gaze, my eyes dropping as I felt my face flush deeper.

Heat surged through me, igniting a flurry of thoughts I knew I shouldn’t entertain.

He released my hand, his fingers deftly finding what he sought, and with a teasing squeeze, he remarked, “You’ve filled out a bit.”

Then, lowering his head, he brushed his lips against my ear, biting it lightly, sending my mind spiraling into a blank void. My heart raced, pounding so loudly I was convinced he could hear it too.

Ashton’s mouth curled into a devilish grin. His head dipped lower, moving in slow motion until…

I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself.

He almost got his way—almost.

Because just then, a wail shattered the moment.

“Waaah!”

There was no mistaking that sound. Minnie.

Mickey never cried like that; even when he was hungry or needed a change, he merely made soft sounds to signal his needs.

Everything around us came to a standstill. I felt Ashton’s body deflate against mine, the tension dissipating like air from a balloon.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered, his face contorting with frustration. It was the kind of exasperation only someone interrupted at the most inconvenient moment could understand.

I couldn’t help but laugh, pulling my hand back and giving him a smug look. “And you say your little princess isn’t more important? One cry, and you forget everything else.”

He didn’t argue, instead leaning down to lightly bite my lip. “I’ll deal with you later.”

“Waaah!” Minnie’s wails echoed through the room, demanding attention.

With a resigned sigh, Ashton hurriedly straightened his clothes and moved towards the crib, scooping her up with practiced ease. “Sweetheart, Daddy’s here. Let me see—are you hungry?”

***

I raised a hand, pinching the soft flesh at my waist, a frown forming on my face.

Despite shedding more than ten kilos after giving birth, I still weighed significantly more than I had before. My waist felt thicker, even with the postpartum belt wrapped around me. The flat stomach I had once taken for granted was a distant memory.

The first thing on my agenda once I returned to work was to shed those extra pounds.

I didn’t hide my intentions from Ashton. He noticed immediately, raising an eyebrow in lazy curiosity. “Relax. Even if you turn into a frumpy housewife, I won’t mind. You’re still my wife, after all.”

He reached over, pinching my cheek teasingly, and that was all it took to ignite my irritation. My annoyance with my waistline evaporated, replaced by a surge of anger directed right at him.

“Who are you calling a frumpy housewife?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.

I was already feeling sensitive about my appearance, and for him to say that? It was like he had struck a nerve deep within me.

My temper flared so quickly that I could see the surprise in Ashton’s eyes.

After dinner, we found ourselves locked in a silent standoff that lasted for hours, stretching until it was finally time for bed.

Yet, I remained seated at my dressing table, staring at my reflection, my expression hard as stone. Sleep was the last thing on my mind.

Had I really become a frumpy housewife?

I scrutinized myself in the mirror. My skin was still fair, and although my face was rounder than it had been, it wasn’t unappealing. My chest had filled out, which was expected after childbirth. But the real issue lay with my waist.

Ashton stood behind me, cradling our daughter, who had woken once more.

When his hand landed on my shoulder, I instinctively slapped it away.

“Don’t touch me,” I snapped, my palm stinging from the force of my own action.

“If I don’t touch you, who else am I supposed to touch?” he replied, his tone laced with playful defiance.

“Touch whoever you want. I’m just a frumpy housewife who doesn’t deserve the great Mr. Laurent,” I retorted, twisting to shake off his hand.

His reflection vanished from the mirror, and for a moment, I thought he had left. But then he was back, Minnie no longer in his arms. In one fluid motion, he pulled me onto his lap, settling onto the stool in front of my dressing table with an air of determination.

I squirmed, trying to wriggle free, but the more I fought, the tighter his grip became.

Frustrated by how easily he overpowered me, I eventually surrendered, going limp and sulking in silence.

Ashton sighed, meeting my gaze in the mirror. “Look at you. How could anyone call such a pretty face a frumpy housewife?”

“You said it again,” I shot back, glaring at him.

“Alright, you’re not a frump…” He halted mid-sentence, wisely swallowing the last two words. Then, softening his tone, he continued, “Mira, after everything we’ve been through, do you really think I’d ever look down on you?”

“You wouldn’t dare,” I shot back, my voice quick.

Then I realized how that sounded.

I corrected myself swiftly, “If anyone’s allowed to look down on anyone, it’s me looking down on you, old man.”

Ashton’s expression darkened slightly.

He was, after all, seven years my senior.

With a long sigh, he said, “Then we’re perfectly matched. The old man and the frumpy housewife.”

The truth was, ever since giving birth, I had been feeling a little insecure. Especially with how distracted he had seemed lately. That small unease had been simmering, waiting for a spark to ignite it.

And now, it had flared up all at once.

Turning my head, I looked at him properly and asked, more hurt than angry, “Be honest. Since I had the babies, have I gotten uglier?”

“Of course not,” he replied without hesitation. “Why would you even think that?”

I was perched on his lap, wrapped in his arms, his chest broad and solid behind me. His hands held me firmly, and his eyes were locked onto my reflection with a gaze that could melt the iciest of hearts.

I could hear his heartbeat—steady, strong, impossible to ignore.

It beat so loudly that it made my own heart race.

Suddenly, I felt ridiculous for being so upset.

The irritation faded from my face, replaced by a flicker of embarrassment, though I still couldn’t quite bring myself to admit it out loud.

“You think your body’s changed, but to me, you’re still the most beautiful woman in the world,” he said in that low, rich voice of his, smooth and deep like the notes of a cello. “I’m grateful to you for making me a father.”

Something in my chest trembled at those words.

Warmth spread through me, slow and steady.

Ashton’s tone softened even further as he continued, “Because of you, we have Mickey and Minnie. They’re our life continuing, the proof of our love.”

Mickey was the quiet one, while Minnie was always louder and fussier. They didn’t seem particularly attached to me yet, but that didn’t change the fact that they were my children. My blood coursed through their veins. So did Ashton’s.

They were ours.

Ashton leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on my cheek.

I sank deeper into his embrace, allowing the quiet warmth of the moment to envelop us.

Meeting Ashton had been the luckiest thing that ever happened to me.

“Have I told you that I love you?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Not today,” he said with a smile, his eyes sparkling.

“I love you.”

He didn’t need to say it back.

His eyes conveyed everything I needed to know.

*** THE END 🙂

Conclusion

In the tender embrace of the moment, I felt the weight of my insecurities lift, replaced by a profound sense of belonging. As Ashton’s words washed over me, I realized that the changes in my body were mere reflections of the life we had created together. The laughter and bickering, the teasing and the confessions, all coalesced into a tapestry of love that wrapped around us like a warm blanket. I was not just a mother or a wife; I was a partner in this beautiful journey, and that was more than enough. In the chaos of parenthood, amidst the cries of our children, the essence of our love remained untouched, a steadfast anchor in the storm of life’s changes.

As I nestled deeper into Ashton’s embrace, I felt a surge of gratitude for the man who saw beyond the surface. His unwavering support and affection reminded me that our connection transcended physical appearances and fleeting insecurities. With him, I was whole, cherished for who I was and what we had built together. The laughter that filled our home, the shared glances that spoke volumes, and the promise of our future echoed in my heart. In that moment, I understood that love was not just about the perfect image, but rather the imperfect, beautiful reality we were crafting together, one day at a time.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

As the tension of the previous chapter lingers in the air, readers can expect the aftermath of Mira’s emotional turmoil and Ashton’s heartfelt reassurances to unfold in the next chapter. With the arrival of their children, Mickey and Minnie, the couple must navigate the complexities of parenthood while also addressing the insecurities that have surfaced in Mira. Will she find a way to embrace her new identity, or will the shadows of self-doubt continue to loom over her? As Ashton juggles his responsibilities as a father and a husband, he will need to step up and prove that his love for Mira transcends the physical changes she fears.

Moreover, the dynamic between Mira and Ashton is bound to evolve as they confront the challenges of their new life together. With humorous and tender moments expected, readers can anticipate a deeper exploration of their relationship, filled with playful banter and poignant realizations. Will Mira finally see herself through Ashton’s eyes, or will the insecurities threaten to drive a wedge between them? The next chapter promises to delve into the heart of their partnership, revealing whether their love can withstand the trials of parenthood and personal insecurities, leaving readers eager to discover the next twist in their journey.