I'm Afraid I Won't Be Able to Leave

"What’s there to be nervous about? Just remember four words: talk less, smile more," Asher Keating said with a light laugh, gently stroking her back.

"That’s it?" Leah Sinclair propped herself up, curious.

"Mhm, I’ve already spoken to my mom and Ethan’s group. If I get busy, try to stay with them. Or you can just go and wait in my room, that’s fine too," Asher said, stroking her chin reassuringly.

"Wouldn’t that be inappropriate?"

Leah was still uneasy. It was her first time going home with Asher, and to a major event like his grandfather’s birthday, no less. She felt it would be completely inappropriate to hide in Asher’s room and not come out.

"It’s fine. You can just ignore anyone you don’t want to talk to. They wouldn’t dare give you a hard time."

Asher, on the other hand, was completely unfazed. Leah wasn’t the type to proactively stir up trouble. Besides, this was his own grandfather’s birthday banquet. No one, no matter how clueless, would dare cause a scene for the Keating Family.

And so, in a state of nervous apprehension, Leah saw the day of the old Mr. Keating’s birthday arrive. Asher had returned to the family estate early that morning. The main event was an evening banquet, so most guests wouldn’t be arriving until the afternoon.

She wasn’t very good with makeup and didn’t want to go to the extreme of hiring a professional stylist. So, Sheila Hughes came over early, bringing all her equipment, dead set on making Leah the star of the show.

"Don’t make my makeup too dramatic. I’m afraid I won’t be able to pull it off," Leah said, sitting down nervously after blow-drying her hair.

"Relax, relax, I’ve got this under control. It’s still early, so we’ll do a look, and if it’s not right, we can change it. Now, don’t move! You’ll make me draw your eyebrows crooked."

Sheila had already seen Leah’s dress. Dazzled by it, she immediately started searching online for makeup tutorials and reference photos that would complement the gown. After reviewing several options, she decided to give Leah a relatively fresh and light look.

When the entire look was complete, Sheila was stunned for a few seconds, then exclaimed with eyes full of awe, "Absolutely gorgeous! Leah, you look absolutely gorgeous!"

Leah stared intently at her reflection, still feeling nervous. "Really? I feel like this blush is a bit too red."

"No way, not at all!"

Sheila draped a coat over her shoulders and started pushing her toward the door. "I’m serious, Leah! Trust me! You look perfect. Any more or any less would be a mistake!"

Sean Yates was already waiting downstairs. He froze for a moment when he saw Leah, almost failing to recognize her. Sheila grinned and asked him, "Well, Assistant Yates? Beautiful, right?"

Sean Yates snapped out of it and broke into a smile. "Yes. Very beautiful."

In the car, Leah held onto the gift she had prepared for the old Mr. Keating. She had previously asked Asher what would be a suitable gift, and Asher told her his grandfather liked to collect antiques and that a string of agarwood prayer beads would be a good choice.

Leah was completely clueless about such things. She did her homework diligently, but was shocked by the prices and terrified of buying a fake. In the end, she hesitantly asked Asher if she could just give him the money and have him buy it for her.

Asher didn’t refuse. She immediately transferred 200,000 to him. Still worried, she sent another 100,000, asking if 300,000 would be enough to buy a decent set. She said she could send more if needed.

She hadn’t used any of the money Asher had given her before, so this time it finally came in handy. Asher smiled and said it was enough, that it was just a collector’s item and didn’t need to be especially expensive.

He brought the item back last night. Leah opened it and had a look. It was a string of 108 prayer beads. They were indeed very beautiful, and their scent was very special. To her, it seemed to have a floral fragrance with a hint of fruit.

When they arrived at the Keating family estate, Sean Yates opened the car door for her. Leah had already seen the number of guests through the window and her stomach fluttered with nerves. She took a deep breath, smoothed her hair and coat, and then stepped out with the gift in hand.

Asher was speaking with Ethan Shaw, who had just arrived. Suddenly, Ethan’s face registered surprise as he looked past him. "Asher... is that Leah?"

He turned around. Leah was walking slowly toward them. She wore a light-colored coat over her dress, cradling the gift with both hands. Her long hair was swept into a simple updo, with a few stray tendrils left to fall casually around her face. As she moved, her gradient-colored stilettos peeked out from beneath the hem of her gown. The slightly dazed look on her face only enhanced her air of unworldly innocence.

Though he had seen her in the dress during the fitting, the sight of Leah now still left Asher slightly stunned. Leah saw him too, and a radiant smile instantly bloomed on her face.

That smile seemed to make her entire being light up. The corners of Asher’s lips curved in response, and a gentle warmth filled his eyes.

When Leah had gotten out of the car, Sean Yates had told her to just walk straight toward the main entrance. People continuously turned to look at her as she walked, their gazes filled with either amazement or confusion, making her feel incredibly insecure.

Her heart settled the moment she saw Asher. She quickened her pace, but not being used to the high heels, she nearly twisted her ankle. Asher was already heading toward her and, seeing her stumble, reached out to steady her. His voice held a hint of amusement. "What’s the rush?"

"Choosing a coat took some time. I was afraid I’d be late."

Once she was steady on her feet, Leah felt a little embarrassed. She asked in a low voice, "Asher, do I... do I look okay?"

Asher tucked a stray strand of her hair back into place, then guided her arm to link with his. Leading her inside, he said with a smile, "You’re beautiful."

Leah breathed a sigh of relief. Ethan Shaw came over as well. "Whoa, Leah, I didn’t know you could clean up this nicely! I almost didn’t recognize you."

"Please don’t say that, I’m really nervous right now."

"What’s there to be nervous about? Wow. Standing next to Asher like this, you two look perfect together."

Ethan wasn’t exaggerating in the slightest. As he looked at them, Leah and Asher truly were a perfect match. ’A handsome, talented man and a beautiful woman... that phrase was practically made for them, wasn’t it?’

"I’ll take you to meet my grandfather and parents first. Don’t be nervous. They’re all very kind," Asher said, squeezing her hand.

"Okay." Leah instantly felt her heart start to race.

Ethan was a frequent visitor to the Keating estate, so he wasn’t the least bit reserved. Since Riley Sterling hadn’t arrived yet, he just followed Asher and Leah through the door.

Ruth Hughes was in the middle of greeting several society wives when she saw Leah and Asher walk in. She froze for an instant before realizing that the young woman beside her son was Leah. The ladies she had been chatting with asked in surprise, "Is that Asher’s girlfriend? Wow, she’s gorgeous!"

Ruth Hughes broke into a smile and said quickly, "Isn’t she? Haha, I think so too. Excuse me for a moment, please make yourselves at home."

With that, Ruth Hughes walked over to greet them, her eyes crinkling with a wide smile. "Leah, you’re here."

"Hello, ma’am," Leah said, letting go of Asher’s arm to quickly greet her.

"Yes, yes. My dear, I told you to come over for dinner ages ago, and you’re only just now visiting," Ruth said as she took Leah by the hand and led her further in, leaving a forgotten Asher in her wake.

"..."

Asher watched his mother, speechless. Leah glanced back at him nervously, but he just smiled and followed them.

"Asher, your mom seems really pleased with Leah. Have they met before?" Ethan asked, surprised.

"Mhm, they met once at the company."

"Dad, Asher’s girlfriend is here," Ruth said, beaming as she brought Leah before the old Mr. Keating.