Alice didn't know whether Ashton's sweet and kind demeanor was genuine or just a facade put on in front of others to be seen as an ideal husband. Or perhaps it was truly sincere, as he had become aware of and repented for his previously selfish behavior. However, from the start, Alice was reluctant to have high expectations. Moreover, she made sure once again that she didn't have any feelings about it. In principle, if Ashton behaved well, Alice would reciprocate many times over. But if he acted annoyingly and selfishly again, don't blame her if she responded in kind.

Again, in the marriage she was in, Alice tried to...