Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 27: Bridging the Distance

After hours spent in the cozy embrace of the Walton library, Delphinia finally stepped out into the bright, spacious hallway. She ran her fingers along the smooth edge of a wooden table by the library doors, still feeling the faint pressure of the book she’d been holding. The story stuck with her—a girl chasing happiness against all odds. It was both a comforting escape and a harsh reminder of her own battles.

The quietness of the house seemed almost therapeutic now, and she walked aimlessly down the hall, her footsteps soft against the glossy floor. She paused as she heard the door open, followed by the quiet shuffle of small feet moving across the floor.

"Ashton?" her voice curious as she leaned to catch a glimpse.

A familiar mop of dark hair appeared as Ashton, with his backpack slung lazily over one shoulder, stepped inside.

"Welcome home," Delphinia said warmly, her smile soft and genuine.

Ashton looked at her with a mild nod, muttering, "Hi," before starting up the stairs.

"Hang on," Delphinia called after him, taking a hesitant step forward. He paused halfway up the stairs and looked back at her.

"What?"

"What would you like for lunch?" she asked, clasping her hands together in front of her. "I could make something for you."

Ashton shrugged casually. "I already ate at the cafeteria."

"Oh," whispered, staring after him as he disappeared. She stood there for a while, her hands clasped and her smile dimming to a faint hint of worry.

Behind her, one of the maids who had been quietly polishing a nearby vase exchanged glances with another standing by the hall. They both looked at Delphinia with a mix of sympathy and bewilderment.

"Why does it feel like the lady is the poor stepmother, and the young master is the evil stepchild?" one whispered under her breath, shaking her head in disbelief.

The other maid suppressed a laugh but quickly straightened up when Sienna approached. The older woman’s presence was reassuring yet commanding, her sharp gaze catching the maids’ guilty expressions.

Sienna stepped toward Delphinia, speaking in a voice that was kind but unwavering. "Lady Walton," she began, addressing her with a respectful tone, "please don’t take it to heart. Young master is... well, he’s always been like that. He might seem cold, but deep down, he’s kind. He’s just figuring things out."

Delphinia turned to her, her lips twitching into a weak smile. "I’m just trying to get closer to him," she admitted, her voice soft with a hint of uncertainty. "It feels like he doesn’t want me here... like I don’t belong in this house."

Sienna hesitated, her brows knitting slightly. "It’s not my place to say much," she said carefully, "but I think he just doesn’t know how to express himself. He’s still a child."

Delphinia nodded thoughtfully, her gaze drifting toward the staircase where Ashton had disappeared. "What does he usually do after school?"

"Mostly stays in his room," Sienna replied. "He studies, and then he waits for Mr. Walton to come home. Sometimes, he’ll watch cartoons before dinner."

Delphinia frowned, her teeth lightly pressing into her lower lip. "That’s all?" she asked, a note of concern creeping into her voice. Sienna gave a small nod, her face calm and unreadable.

Delphinia’s mind began to race. Did Ashton have friends? Did he ever go out to play? She covered her mouth with her hand as a sudden, dreadful thought struck her. What if Ashton was being bullied at school? Her heart sank at the possibility. She was no stranger to the hurt that came with being pushed aside, and the idea of Ashton enduring something similar was unbearable.

Determined to find out more, she decided to wait. Ashton would eventually come downstairs for something—she just had to be patient.

Her instincts proved correct. About an hour later, Ashton emerged from his room and headed for the kitchen. Delphinia, who had been pretending to skim through a magazine in the living room, quickly followed.

"Ashton," she called gently as he poured himself a glass of water from the dispenser.

"Yeah?"

Delphinia paused, twisting her fingers anxiously. She wanted to ask him about school, about whether he was happy, but they seemed too forward. Instead, she blurted out, "What’s your favorite food?"

Ashton finally looked at her, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion. "Brownies," he said after a moment.

Delphinia’s face lit up with a cheerful smile. "I can make some for you if you want," she offered, her tone enthusiastic despite the awkwardness of the situation.

Ashton blinked at her, then turned to the counter where a plastic container sat. He picked it up and opened the lid, revealing neatly cut brownies inside. Holding it out to her, he said, "Daddy bought these. You can have one if you want."

Delphinia’s smile softened as she took one of the brownies, her fingers brushing against the cool plastic of the container. "Thank you," she said sincerely, taking a small bite. The rich, chocolatey flavor melted in her mouth, and she nodded appreciatively. "These are delicious!"

Ashton watched her for a moment before speaking again. "I don’t hate you," he said suddenly.

Delphinia stopped mid-bite, her eyes going wide. She swallowed quickly, her heart skipping a beat. "Thank you," she said softly, her smile small but deeply sincere.

Ashton closed the container and set it back on the counter. Then, to her surprise, he extended his hand toward her. "Hello, my name is Ashton," he said formally, his expression earnest.

Delphinia’s lips parted in surprise before a warm laugh escaped her. She reached out to shake his small hand, her own enveloping his gently. "Hello, Ashton," she said, her voice light with emotion. "I’m Delphinia."

They smiled at each other, a quiet understanding passing between them. For the first time since she had arrived in the Walton household, Delphinia felt a genuine connection with the boy who had seemed so distant. As their hands parted, a small, hopeful spark flickered in her chest.

It wasn’t much, but it was a start.