beta
I'm confused with a lot of people on here. Ash didn't know his friend(s) were making up assumptions because Lyle never said anything; he can't fix or confront something he didn't know was a problem (your partners are not mind readers people, that is an unhealthy approach). It was Lyle once again avoiding confrontation and letting his insecurities run wild instead of speaking to his boyfriend. Ash even asked him what was wrong and Lyle said nothing and wanted space. Ash did everything a healthy partner should do. You ask, you wait/give space, then you solve. He can't be the only one doing the brunt of the work though and he would never force Lyle to open up when he isn't ready.
Yes Lyle has a way to go with his insecurities (which are not his fault of course). But he is a grown man, who loves Ash and needs to realize that Ash loves him too. Yes, their love is unique but not wrong. Ash, cares for Lyle and only wants what is best for him. (=・ω・=)
I get some of y'all stance comes from a place that his friends were being a bit shady but they have zero clues that Hazel cheated, that's why they are confused to see Ash with another man (alpha at that). He never told them about the way they broke up, that fact they never actually bonded, or the fact he wasn't even thinking of marriage. They've been running off of false information this whole time. Now that doesn't excuse them speaking this up in their home with Lyle around that's just plan rude and I hope Ash tells them to apologize for doing that. Ash can apologize for not clearing up the confusion but in no way is he "wrong". He has right to privacy about his intimate life and plus it seems he is saving face for Hazel since they all seem to be mutual friends.
They handle this actually how I would with a partner. You can voice you being upset, but you listen, you explain, and you reassure (all of which Ash did).