Ever since the decision to carve out a small room, Ashley had thrown herself into the project with immense enthusiasm. Even Harry found himself paying more attention than usual.
Their reasons differed, of course, but their thoughts were surprisingly aligned.
Dudley, however, had lost all interest the moment he learned that the small room would be only half the size of their current bedroom. In his mind, the room hierarchy was already settled:
The largest study was Ashley's, the main bedroom was his, and the small carved-out room would be Harry's.
Vernon and Petunia tacitly agreed, and even Harry accepted it without anyone needing to explain.
They simply forgot to consider one thing: whether Ashley herself agreed.
From building walls to painting and wallpapering, at first Vernon and Petunia assumed the children were just having fun. But soon, Ashley was personally overseeing furniture arrangements and decorations. That's when they realized there was no room for excuses.
"My little girl, stop scheming. What exactly are you trying to do? I'll pick the most fashionable furniture for your room. You can decorate it slowly yourself. The room's big; there's no rush," Vernon said, even dropping the affectionate nickname, subtly pointing to the study with a look that left no doubt about his meaning.
"Daddy, I'm not scheming! Everything I've done is for the harmony of this home," Ashley said, suddenly a little timid, leaning in to flatter him.
Vernon clearly enjoyed his daughter's attempt to please him but wore a skeptical expression. He was not someone easily fooled.
Ashley hadn't expected that the father who often showed a doting, almost spoiling side could also carry such an imposing presence.
She had even questioned how Vernon had reached a supervisor position at Browning's company, but now it was clear she had underestimated him.
Her initial plan of simply using charm wouldn't work anymore. She needed a bigger play. Fortunately, she was ready.
"Daddy, don't be mad. I actually want the small room for myself."
"I know you and mommy always want the best for me, but that big room… it's so big, I'd be scared to stay there alone!"
"And it's right by the stairs. If a monster came, it could grab me in an instant! I'd be really scared!"
"The small room is cozy, next to you and mommy, with Dudley and Harry across the way. That way, I won't be scared at all."
At this point, Ashley was a master of theatrics. Her eyes glistened with tears, her tiny voice trembled slightly, and she perfectly embodied the image of a little girl clinging to her parents out of fear.
Vernon's resolve melted immediately. He scooped Ashley into his arms, gently patting her back. "Don't be scared. Daddy will protect you. If any monsters come, I'll chase them away."
A warm feeling spread through Ashley. Perhaps she had indeed felt some hidden insecurity, and in that moment, she was genuinely comforted.
But she had not forgotten her original goal.
Yes, she had exaggerated, but she truly did not want the big room. She really wanted the small room, and she genuinely wanted to make things easier for Harry.
"Daddy, trust me, no one no monster can hurt you. I mean, no one can hurt me!" she reminded herself as she prepared her next move.
Vernon, looking serious and thoughtful, spoke carefully: "It's not that I don't want to agree with you. I just know that as you grow, the larger room will be more comfortable. You understand, right?"
Ashley stared at him, realizing something she had never fully grasped in nearly five years of life: Vernon was her father, wholeheartedly caring for her.
Still, her choice was deliberate, made with full understanding of the pros and cons.
She asked Vernon to put her down, ran to the study, grabbed her drawing pad, and dashed back to him, holding it out with utmost seriousness.
The way Ashley handed over the drawings made Vernon feel as though one of his subordinates had just submitted a project proposal. He couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and pride.
Vernon flipped open the pad. Inside were simple, childlike sketches of room layouts and detailed furniture designs. At first, they looked charmingly naive, almost comical. But upon closer inspection, Vernon was utterly astonished.
"Ashley, did you really draw all this yourself?" he asked, his voice brimming with disbelief and excitement.
"Yes, Daddy. I want a room like this, just like a princess in a fairy tale," Ashley said, pride shining in her eyes as she waited for praise.
"My little genius!" Vernon exclaimed, patting her head in delight.
Without even finishing his dinner, he hurried out, clutching clothes in hand. Ashley stood in the hallway, slightly stunned by his rush.
The next time she saw Vernon was after school the following day.
Petunia was unusually cheerful and immediately scooped Ashley into a hug, smothering her with kisses.
Ashley blinked in surprise and asked, "Mom, did you win the lottery?"
Petunia, first startled, then laughing, replied: "Almost like it. Who could resist celebrating our little genius?"
Dudley, believing her, shouted: "Really? Mom, I want the newest gaming console!"
Petunia's smile disappeared as she sternly replied: "No! You just got a new console not long ago!"
Turning to Ashley, she smiled again. "What about you, my little one? What do you want?"
Dudley, annoyed, threw his children's soccer ball aside and stomped upstairs to the shared bedroom, slamming the door behind him.
Harry, Ashley, and Petunia frowned, but they knew Dudley's temper and said nothing.
Vernon, apparently woken by the commotion, came downstairs in his robe, rubbing his head. Petunia immediately handed him a glass of water.
"Are you okay, dear? Need a hangover pill?" she asked.
"I'm fine. Just need a good sleep tonight," Vernon replied.
Then he saw Ashley and beamed, scooping her up. "My little one is home! I have great news for you."
He spoke animatedly, laughing despite himself: "Daddy got patents for all the furniture designs you drew. The reviewers were amazed when they learned you're not even five yet, they said you'll definitely grow up to be a remarkable designer!"
Ashley's mouth twitched. She felt guilty. She hadn't really designed them these were furniture designs from small-space designers decades later. She had only studied the pieces in detail because she liked them and wanted to show Vernon that the small room could be comfortable.
Who could have guessed Vernon would react so quickly, immediately filing for patents? Then again, he was a supervisor with an impeccable business sense.
Vernon continued, grinning: "I contacted a few furniture manufacturers and finalized one. They'll supply all the furniture we need for the rooms, and we even got a nice licensing fee."
Together, they silently thought:
"My genius Daddy!"
"My brilliant daughter!"
Ashley whispered hers in her heart, while Vernon practically shouted his to the world.
Having played the "design mastermind," Ashley flopped onto Vernon's shoulder, a little embarrassed.
From over his shoulder, she caught Harry's sparkling eyes, full of admiration.
Ashley froze. She was completely stunned this time…