Chapter 277 - In The Middle Of The Ocean, I'm Missing You!

It was the afternoon when Ashley woke up again with feelings of hunger. She slowly got up from the bed and went to the bathroom to take a shower. After fixing herself, she went outside her room to look for Inday.

When she came out of the room, she was surprised to see that she had a guest. It was Koji – sitting down and drinking coffee while talking to Butler Ruffy.

When seeing that Ashley was approaching, Koji and Butler Ruffy swiftly stood up. Astonishment stained Ashley's face; she couldn't understand why Koji was there. She didn't want to make it too obvious, so she smiled before greeting him.

"Good afternoon, Sir Hanada! You're here! What can I do for you?" Ashley asked as she sat on the sofa opposite of Koji.

"Good afternoon to you too, Ms. Gusman. I'm sorry if I am bothering you. I just passed by to let you know that I will be back in Japan soon. I was waiting for you to wake up before I could say goodbye to you," Koji said while looking at Ashley with sad eyes.

"It's a pity that I have to go back to Japan. I heard there was a problem, they just didn't say what... but I have a hunch that it is about my father, President Hanada and CEO Jones. Do you know anything and if you do, can I ask what it is? I'm just worried because they are so secretive and do not want to talk."

I thought that because you are CEO Jones' assistant, perhaps you know something? I know my father did many stupid things when we were in Houston last Christmas. I think maybe it has something to do with that. What do you think?" Koji pleaded with concern on his face.

Ashley could not answer immediately since she did not know what to say. Eventually, she just looked away and lied, "I'm sorry Sir Hanada, but I really don't know anything." That was all she said and didn't add more.

Koji did not insist on any further and accepted Ashley's answer. "Then, I will bid my farewell to you, and we can just meet in Japan when you return. If by chance CEO Jones is not there when you return, you can be my temporary assistant again, all right?"

That was all he said and a few moments later, Koji left, sadness still remaining in his eyes. He wanted to stay and spend time with Ashley, especially when he found out that Arthur was not Ashley's boyfriend... but an older brother.

However, he did not lose hope because he knew that Ashley would return to Japan and return. When that time would come, he would court her…

Butler Ruffy and Ashley could see that Koji was upset when he left. Even still, they could do nothing since the person he was in love with was already tied. In Butler Ruffy's mind, because Tanaga was still alive, Ashley could not be untied.

For Ashley, even though Tanaga was dead, no one could replace him in her heart. She would just pour all her love for Tanaga on their future child. That's the end of the story (not literally).

Right after Koji left, Ashley's family returned with their belongings. Shortly afterwards, Tiny arrived with all the papers of the entire Gusman family as well as Butler Ruffy and Inday. They also decided to include Linda and Gemma as a treat during their internship.

Since they were not sure how long they were going to stay at sea, they almost brought everything they had in the house. When Butler Ruffy saw what his companions were carrying, he could not help but laugh. "Hahaha! Hahaha!"

Father Jessie frowned when he heard Butler Ruffy laugh and looked at him darkly. "Hey, are you tripping? What's so funny about us that you suddenly laughed when we arrived?" Father Jessie asked angrily.

Butler Ruffy answered quickly, "Bro, I apologize but I can't stop myself from laughing. Hahaha! I'm laughing because I forgot to tell you that you only need to bring some clothes.

We can use the yacht completely and can go shopping wherever we land. So, you don't have to bring so many things. Hahaha!" Butler Ruffy explained, but Father Jessie was still not relieved by what he heard.

"Okay! I get the yacht is fully equipped. But the clothes – even if we go shopping, it does not mean I will buy anything. We are just the average person, you know!" Father Jessie declared to Butler Ruffy sullenly.

Butler Ruffy did not answer because he knew he would not win when it came to Father Jessie. His pride was too high, and it would be difficult to adjust to the new life of their youngest child.

"Okay! Now that you're all here, double-check your belongings and let's get ready to leave," Butler Ruffy proclaimed to everyone.

Soon, they were all in the three service cars of the THJ Hotel and Casino to take them to the port where the yacht was docked.

The yacht left the Philippines safely carrying the entire Gusman family, except Arman. With them were ten bodyguards, who also had the knowledge of a seaman. Ariel would be the chef, while Gemma and Linda would help him.

Inday would be Ashley's permanent shadow. Even in the cabin, she was with her and slept there so she could watch over Ashley in case she had a problem. Ashley did not refuse because she also wanted someone to talk to and be with.

Their destinations were: Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, etc... They could go to every country in Asia except in Japan.

Their voyage would take at least five months. Unless all the syndicates are caught and there is no one to threaten the lives of the couple, they could go home earlier.

But because this was also what Ashley's parents had been dreaming of – to be able to cruise around Asia – she preferred to stay until her parents got bored and said that they had to go home. But not until then.

Ashley hoped that somehow, she would forget the pain she felt at the loss of her beloved husband. Her thoughts could wash away in the middle of the sea…