Millionaire Girlfriend

Chapter 7: Chapter 7 - Deal

Ashley walked over to Clara, who had apparently guessed she would come back. Clara remained standing at the edge of the pool, wearing the same relaxed smile as before, as though she had never doubted Ashley would return. The afternoon sun reflected across the water, sending shimmering ripples of light over the surrounding stone floor. The gentle sound of the pool’s filtration system mixed with the occasional rustling of leaves from the nearby garden, creating an atmosphere that felt strangely peaceful.

"I don’t know how to swim," Ashley admitted, sounding defeated.

"Even better. I’ll teach you," Clara replied, clearly delighted by the situation.

Ashley glanced down at the blue bikini she had just put on. For the first time, she realized it actually suited her. The color matched her surprisingly well, and despite feeling self-conscious, she found herself standing a little straighter than before.

’My boobs aren’t that bad after all,’ she thought.

"If I drown, I’m killing you," Ashley warned as she took Clara’s hand before stepping into the water.

The cool water slowly surrounded her legs before rising to her waist. She instinctively tightened her grip on Clara’s hand as she adjusted to the unfamiliar sensation.

"And don’t take this as an excuse to grope me."

"I can’t make any promises," Clara replied with a grin.

A few minutes later, after swallowing what felt like gallons of pool water, Ashley clung desperately to Clara’s shoulders. Her wet hair stuck to the sides of her face as she struggled to catch her breath, refusing to let go for even a second.

"Oh? You’re the one who told me not to touch you, and now you’re practically begging me not to let go," Clara teased.

"Just get me back over there. I don’t plan on dying today," Ashley replied, coughing up water.

"Alright. Let’s move to the shallow end," Clara said as she swam, supporting Ashley, who was still clinging tightly to her.

Ashley kept both arms firmly wrapped around Clara while kicking awkwardly beneath the surface, afraid that letting go for even an instant would send her underwater again.

"You little..." Ashley muttered.

"You let me think I was drowning over and over, even though I could’ve learned to swim over here," she complained after realizing the water only came up to her shoulders.

"I’ve heard the fastest way to teach someone how to swim is to let them almost drown," Clara explained with a playful smile.

"Besides, it was kind of cute watching you hold onto me like that."

"I’m going to kill you," Ashley declared before chasing after Clara.

Clara immediately dove underwater to escape.

Clara was much faster in the water and occasionally lured Ashley back toward the deeper end.

"Come on. Move your arms and kick your legs," Clara instructed, supporting Ashley by placing one hand beneath her stomach so she could stay afloat.

"I’m really terrible at this," Ashley admitted, having completely forgotten why she’d come in the first place.

"With a little practice and a teacher as talented as me you’ll get the hang of it in no time," Clara replied.

"Show off," Ashley said, splashing water at her.

Eventually, they climbed out of the pool.

Without saying a word, Clara wrapped a towel around Ashley’s shoulders before picking up her belongings.

"Let’s head inside," she said.

They returned to the same bedroom Ashley had visited before so they could shower and change.

Once they were dressed again, Clara looked at Ashley with quiet confidence.

"So... what do you think?" she asked. "I’m not such a bad girlfriend, am I?"

That was when Ashley suddenly remembered why she had come.

"Why did you do it?" she asked.

"I have to admit... it really bothers me that you secretly paid three months of my rent."

"What am I supposed to do now?"

"Do you want me to sleep with you to pay you back?" Ashley asked, completely serious.

"Or... are you trying to buy me because I’m poor?" she continued, her voice trembling.

Without saying a word, Clara picked up a blanket and gently wrapped it around Ashley’s shoulders to warm her.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it that way when I did it," Clara explained.

"It was stupid of me. I just wanted you to have more free time to spend with me... I got carried away."

"But I want you to know that I would never force you to date me. I’m not that kind of person."

"As far as I’m concerned, you’re priceless. And I’m truly sorry for making you feel like you were something that could be bought."

As she spoke, Clara wiped away the tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Damn it..." she muttered, standing up.

"It’s been so long since I cried. I almost forgot what a crybaby I am," she said, grabbing a tissue from the table.

Only then did Ashley realize that tears were running down her own face as well.

Clara quietly handed her another tissue.

"I’d understand if you hated me," Clara said softly.

"I don’t hate you. I just... don’t know what I’m supposed to do now. I want to pay you back, but I don’t have any money to give you," Ashley replied, her voice still shaking.

"You don’t have to pay me back. I promise. Think of it as a tiny little gift."

"A tiny little gift? You really think that amount of money is ’tiny’?" Ashley shot back.

"To me, it is," Clara answered before unlocking her phone and showing Ashley her bank account.

"Wow... that’s a lot of zeros."

"But I still want to do something to repay you, at least a little. I just don’t know what. Judging by the number of people working in this house, you don’t exactly need my help."

"You don’t owe me anything," Clara replied.

"I want to."

"Alright, if it means that much to you..." Clara paused for a moment.

"Let’s think... Ah, I’ve got it."

"Every Wednesday afternoon, you’ll spend the day with me. I’ll teach you how to swim, and afterward we’ll have dinner together."

"That doesn’t make any sense. You’re the one losing out in this arrangement," Ashley pointed out.

"Not from my point of view," Clara replied with a gentle smile.

"So... do we have a deal?" Clara asked, offering her hand.

Ashley hesitated for a few seconds before finally taking it.

"Deal," she replied.

"Great! Then we’ll start today," Clara said with a bright smile as she tapped something on her phone.

A few minutes later, the same maid who had welcomed Ashley earlier returned, carrying a large tray overflowing with food.

"Sit down," Clara said as she took the tray from the maid.

"Let’s be clear this isn’t a date," Ashley said.

"Of course..." Clara replied, though her tone wasn’t very convincing.

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