Looking around, Mia couldn't help but smile widely as she was greeted warmly by the Samoan people who had come to welcome them. Ashley held Mia's hand as both of them were gifted shell necklaces. Tilting her head, Ashley grinned, admiring how stunning Mia looked in her puletasi.

"You look absolutely gorgeous in that puletasi, sugarplum," Ashley whispered in Mia's ear with a playful smirk.

Mia nudged Ashley's waist with her elbow, chuckling softly before her eyes swept over Ashley's outfit. Ashley had chosen to wear an iefaitaga that perfectly coordinated with Mia's puletasi, the complementary patterns adding a subtle harmony to their appearance. Both of them were barefoot, soaking in the vibrancy of the traditional Samoan welcome as local performers danced energetically before them.

"Come on, let's join them," Ashley said, pulling Mia gently toward the center where the dancers swayed gracefully to the rhythm. Together, they mimicked the dance steps, laughing and moving in sync. At one point, Mia cupped Ashley's face, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Their laughter mingled with cheers from the crowd as members of the community joined in, creating a lively and heartwarming scene. Later, they were guided to an umu feast, where everyone gathered in a circle. The feast began with a heartfelt welcoming speech from the chief—Ashley's father—who spoke with pride and warmth.

As the event wound down, Ashley and Mia took a quiet stroll along the nearby shore, their hands intertwined. The golden light of the setting sun reflected off the water, adding a magical glow to their moment.

"How do you like it here, Mia?" Ashley asked, glancing at her with a soft smile.

"Your people are amazing," Mia replied, her voice filled with awe. "It's like living in a place untouched by stress or worry."

Ashley chuckled, shaking her head. "It might seem that way," she said, waving back at locals who greeted her as they passed. "But our culture and traditions are deeply rooted, and they come with their own challenges—beliefs and practices that can be surprising, even strict."

Mia walked ahead a few steps, stopping to face Ashley. Her smile softened as she tilted her head. "But why do I feel like this place brings you peace? You're so guarded back in Switzerland," she said.

Ashley reached out and gently rested her hand on Mia's head. "This is my hometown—or, well, my father's hometown. Everyone knows me here, so it feels familiar. But peace? That's a different story," she admitted, her gaze distant.

Mia stretched her arms wide. "Come here, you big baby," she teased, laughing as she beckoned Ashley into her embrace.

Ashley rolled her eyes but smiled, stepping closer and wrapping Mia in a tight hug. "Now I'm a baby?" she said, amused.

"You're such a softie," Mia murmured, resting her cheek against Ashley's chest. "You act all tough, but inside, you're just one big marshmallow. I wish we could live like this forever—so peaceful."

Ashley pressed her chin gently to the top of Mia's head. "Let's make that happen," she whispered, her voice filled with quiet determination. "Thank you for coming here with me."

Mia nodded, her arms tightening around Ashley. "Thank you for bringing me," she said, her smile warm and genuine. For a moment, the world felt as simple and serene as the waves lapping at the shore behind them.



Ashley leaned against the wooden railings of the nipa hut balcony, the soft breeze brushing her face as she sipped from her wine glass. She was dressed simply in a loose white long-sleeved shirt paired with black denim shorts, her bare feet brushing the wooden planks. Chuckling softly, she glanced inside, watching Mia animatedly chatting with Maya on her phone.

Despite having the option to stay in a luxurious villa, Mia had insisted they try the traditional experience of sleeping in a nipa hut along the beach. Shaking her head, Ashley turned her gaze to the shoreline, the moonlight shimmering on the water. She clutched the necklace around her neck, her fingers trembling slightly as she took a deep breath to steady herself.

"Ash," a familiar voice broke her reverie, making her stiffen. Turning her head, Ashley found her mother, Elena, standing beside her, a soft smile on her face.

"Mother," Ashley greeted with a slight nod before taking another sip of wine.

Elena tilted her head, her eyes settling on the necklace Ashley wore. She reached out, lightly touching the pendant. "You still wear that," Elena murmured, her voice tinged with both fondness and sorrow.

Ashley swallowed hard, letting out a bitter laugh. "I'm sorry. I know you asked me to just keep it in a box since it's... my mother's." Her voice faltered as she averted her gaze.

Elena cupped Ashley's face gently, her touch warm and reassuring. "You miss her, don't you?" she asked softly.

"Why wouldn't I?" Ashley chuckled, though her voice wavered. "She's my mother." Her eyes darted away. "Maybe you shouldn't have adopted me in the first place," she muttered.

Elena chuckled, shaking her head. "How could I not? You're my sister's daughter, Ashley. And you're Manu's child." Her voice carried a hint of bitterness.

Ashley clicked her tongue, glancing at her mother. "And that ruined your relationship with your sister," she said quietly. "I'm just a product of an affair. You know that."

"And that's why you won't accept the company's offer to become president?" Elena asked, sighing as she leaned against the railing. "Ashley, I was never angry with your mother—my sister. I was angry with my husband for what he did to her."

Ashley paused mid-sip, her brow furrowing as she looked at her mother. "What do you mean?"

Elena sighed, resting her elbows on the railing. "Manu, your father, assaulted my sister before our wedding. I married him not knowing he had done such a horrible thing," she said, her voice breaking slightly. "She wasn't just my sister, Ashley. She was my twin." She shut her eyes, pain evident in her expression. "And what's worse, even Azriel, your eldest sibling, didn't come from me."

"What?" Ashley almost dropped her glass, her grip tightening as shock overtook her. "What are you saying?"

Elena gave a bitter smile. "Azriel is the product of an affair. Shortly after we got married, Manu brought Azriel home. He claimed he had adopted him. Azriel was only a year old at the time. But as he grew older, I became suspicious and had him tested. It turns out Manu was his biological father, which your father admitted later on too."

Ashley stood frozen, her mind racing as Elena continued.

"Then there's you," Elena said, meeting Ashley's stunned gaze. "My sister told me everything—what Manu did to her and why she wanted me to raise you. She made me promise to take care of you, and after that..." Elena's voice cracked, tears brimming in her eyes. "She took her own life. She left a note for me, along with that necklace you're wearing."

Ashley's throat tightened as she looked at her mother in disbelief.

"The family company," Elena continued, wiping her tears. "The Fletcher legacy belongs to you, Ashley. You're the rightful heir, not Azriel. That company came from the Fletcher clan, and you are its true blood."

Ashley struggled to process the revelation. "But... why tell me this now? Mom, this can't be real," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I've been trying to find you, Ash," Elena said, her voice firm yet filled with sorrow. "After you left the States and didn't return to the family house in Zurich, I tried everything to track you down. But you've always been good at hiding."

Elena reached out, cupping Ashley's face once more. "You may not have come from me, but you are my daughter. I've never treated any of you as children from other women. You're my children, Ashley. But the company... it must return to the Fletcher legacy. Please, reconsider taking the presidency."

Ashley shut her eyes, exhaling heavily. She glanced toward the nipa hut, where Mia's laughter echoed softly. "Mom," she mumbled, her voice cracking. "If I accept, I risk losing Mia. I don't want to lose her."

Elena's expression softened as she stroked Ashley's back. "Sweetheart, all you have to do is take the position, bring the company back under Fletcher control, and I'll help you manage everything else. The presidency is for the Zurich headquarters, not the States. I'll still oversee the States branch."

Ashley ran a hand through her hair, frustration etched on her face. "Why not Alysse? She's capable, isn't she?"

Elena shook her head. "Alysse can continue as CEO of the States headquarters, but she can't be president. You're the only one with both Fletcher and Amosa blood, Ashley."

Ashley swallowed hard, glancing back at the shoreline. The weight of her mother's words settled heavily on her shoulders as she whispered, "I need time to think."