Ethan's POV:“May I come in sir!”I look up with a scowl on my face to find Maria, my new secretary, knocking on the door.“Yes, please.”I reply unwillingly.She is my fourth secretary this month, and I don't know if my patience has become completely non- existent or if it is just that the entire world has suddenly become incompetent.“Sir, we have just received an invite for the award show tomorrow, and you are invited to the function as the chief guest. Also, congratulations are in order since you have once again been chosen as the winner of the best businessman of the decade. So should I confirm your–”“Miss Maria! I understand that you are new here, but I didn't assume you were also incapable of understanding what is being spoken. How many times do I need to tell you that I hate to appear in any place which has a camera attached to it… or even a single chance of encountering the paparazzi?”I frown, visibly scaring the shit out of her– but I don't care about her.I don't care wha
Ethan's POV:This confession from Emily was all I had wanted to hear, at one point of time. This was the one thing that I had waited for, for years, believing that it was the only thing that could give me Nirvana. I had used Ashley in every way I could to get Emily back into my side… but when she was finally back, right where I wanted her, that's when I started to realize how big of an idiot I really am.The girl… the soft hearted girl, Emily whose kindness and innocence had made me fall for her, she was nowhere to be found.When her facade finally left her face and she revealed her true colors to me, I found something else inside.On the other hand, the glimpse of sweet and caring Ashley started to flood my eyes, as the thought of something happening to her appeared in my head once again.“Why the hell are you still here?! I said get out!! Just leave me alone, leave my sight!! I never want to see your face again–”“Ethan! Do you even know what you are saying? Are you in your senses
Ethan's POV: “I don't think she is there either, I had one of my men trailing her too. But they noticed her meeting with Robert and I think there is something going on between the two of them, so I called my men back.”Peter's words only made me more anxious and panicked than anything. I knew that Robert was a good person when it came to his professional space, because he was really good with tech, IT and dealing with the media.However… I did not feel the same about him on the personal front, more so ever since I had seen him around Ashley. And if anything, I was sure that he had something for Ashley, not Tiffany.“I have to check it myself… where is my phone? I have the contact of that girl… let me drop a message.”The loud honk of the car from the opposite direction pulls me out of the flashbacks from over four years ago… and that's when I realize with a start that I have missed the exit lane to my house long ago.Rather, I now find myself on the way to the farm house, where ther
Ashley's POV:“Adrin! Come here honey, we have to leave–”“Yayyy!!! We are going to mumma’s home town, and finally I will meet aunt Christie and grandpa Hopkins! And Eva won't be able to tease me because of her grandpa anymore.”The three old coils around my legs with excitement, making me question my decision once again.Am I doing the right thing or not, by making the decision to return there?I know that I can't run away forever.And I know that sooner rather than later, I will have to go there by myself to tackle all the problems going on with my father's business… but the city that I was born in has many more bitter memories attached to it, than it has my loved ones living in it. “Bad manners, Adrin! How many times have I told you, that Eva won't tease you with anything if you won't start it first and share your toys with her–”But he shakes his head instantly, expressing his disapproval of my statement and immediately justifying himself. “No, I am jealous of her! She has every
Ashley's POV:As it is, I was already afraid to return to this country… to this city.And it looks like my fear has already started to become my reality within minutes of us landing here, as Adrin had already injured himself. He managed to free his hands from mine while I was trying to collect the luggage, and in his hurry to go and explore my city as fast as he could, he slipped and fell by the stairs.He fell down and hit knee, and broke down in tears all before I could reach him.“Daddy!! Daddy!! It's hurting …it's hurting too much.”He cries out loud, making my heart ache in sync as I finally get to him, crouching down beside him. I hurriedly pull him up in my arms, only to break down into tears myself, while patting his back and consoling him. But I don't let him notice it and quick wipe them away with my thumb. I am indeed an extremely emotional mother… after all, my tears needed a way to leave after I lost everything.“It's okay, Adrin, everything will be okay, you will be f
Ashley's POV:The mornings have been starting off on an exceptionally fresh and refreshing note ever since Adrin has come into my life.Every morning, I have been waking up to his cute smile… but today, my baby is not that extra chirpy child anymore.The reason being, he still remembers the injury from last night. Even though I got him checked with the doctor and they assured me that he is perfectly fine, he is still claiming that it is hurting him.On top of that, he also has been missing the family he was raised with.The reason he is still hiding behind the non- existent pain is that my cute little man has completely taken after his father, who would rather themselves walk into an accident with eyes wide open to hide behind the pain of broken bones, instead of accepting that they could miss someone. I shudder; his memory comes like a freezing gust of wind, and Adrin’s voice wraps me in its embrace like a warm wind. “Mumma, where is Eva? Why isn't she here to meet me, tell her I w
Ashley's POV:“I am telling you, you are going an extra mile for no apparent reason. We have been completely comfortable in the hotel–”“First of all, I am not going the extra mile for you, I am here for my grandson who has called me because he was missing his little aunt Eva. And you tell me, what is the use of buying houses in this city if you can't even stay in them?”Stuart cuts in before I can even protest, closing the hood of his car after stuffing all our luggage inside. He gets into the driving seat, tugging at his seatbelt and looking mischievously at Adrin, who is busy giggling as his plan has finally succeeded.“Oh! It all makes sense now, I was wondering why you switched your flight to one that arrives half an hour earlier. But I don't remember Adrin calling you, in fact he didn't talk to anyone apart from Mike in this time–”I stop abruptly as the puzzle pieces finally click into place, a little slower than usual.“I get it now! I get everything now… you little sneak, com
Ashley's POV:“But Mike! You know I can't stay in this city, any longer. As it is, it's not a very pleasant experience to be here–”“Oh come on, Ashley… the people who were responsible for the death of your parents are still behind the bars, and you know how important it is for me to bid on that deal… you know I have always admired him as my idol–”“Yes, I know! But have never even mentioned his name. There may be a chance that I know him–”“Ash! Please don't forget the deal: I won't ask about your past and you will directly meet my idol for the first time I meet him.”“Okay! Nevermind, let's leave that for now. Tell me, when will you be arriving?”“Oh, I will arrive directly at the venue.”“Great! I am also going to change–”I say, assuming that we are saying out parting lines before cutting the call, but Mike speaks up. “Also, what are your plans for Adrin's fourth birthday? Don't forget, it's after three days.”“Do you really think that I can forget his birthday, Mike! Seriously?”
Ashley's POV:I take a glance at the clock, I have a few minutes to myself before we have to leave for lunch. After saying goodbye to Mike, I plan on finally telling my feelings to Ethan when he is sober… judging by the state he was in last time, he probably isn't going to remember anything about our conversation. Just as I lift the second earring from the dresser, my phone rings, vibrating with an urgency. It is a call from my assistant, and I receive it quickly. “Yes M–”“Ma'am, did you see the news? The quotations from Mr. Johnson's bids are all over the place just before the bid is due to start, and everyone is speculating that it is you. News agencies are reaching out for an interview ma'am, what are we supposed to do?”“Okay… I will see what I have to do.”I disconnect the call, feeling a pit in my stomach. Of course, the public opinion will be against me now, as he has just said over the call. But not only that, Ethan might doubt me too… because I am the single person he ha
Ashley's POV: Although I have mentioned to Mike that I have to pick Adrin up, I still drive towards the church, knowing that I have lied to him.But why do I have to lie to him? Because if we are going to marry each other, it should be normal… a normal gesture of affection between couples, right? I gulp, realizing that the answer is painfully obvious. I know I am not being honest with anyone… neither him, nor with my own self. Caught up in this dilemma, I reach home, knowing that today is scheduled as Ethan's turn with Adrin.To my surprise, I find Adrin sleeping peacefully on his bed, having changed out of his uniform. And Ethan's car is still parked by the entrance…Finally, I notice Ethan… sitting on the floor, beside the couch, which is probably why I missed him in the first place. I walk around the couch with careful footsteps, until he comes fully into my view… and so does the drink in his hand, which he is chugging like no tomorrow. Rushing towards him, I quickly snatch t
Ashley's POV:Nobody can imagine the pain and frustration I have spent my night with… aside from stomping on my own pride and having to call off the engagement for the second time, the papers of the custody were something that I was fearing the most.But now when I have them in my hands, the only emotion I have left inside me is anger.Pure rage running through my veins like molten lava…It is in this anger that I rush to his house to confront him, the house I'm extremely familiar with. And without any consideration, I make a beeline for the stairs, directly barging into his room without even knocking or waiting.But the moment I step inside, I realize what a mistake I have made, because Ethan is in there… half- dressed as he is changing his clothes. It takes me a moment to process, and I have probably been staring at him for a few minutes straight before I spin on my heel, facing the door. The word “sorry" is on the tip of my tongue, but he chuckles before that;“Umm… hey Princess!
Ashley's POV:The incident of me falling and Ethan going completely insane because of panic, has done nothing else but to add itself in the list of evidence for something I don't want to acknowledge.His reaction was not only enough for letting me know the feelings in his heart, but his actions were enough to spread this news through the entire office too!And this is what has been keeping me awake at nights… I know that Mike obviously knows everything about that event, but that's not all. What's bothering me more than that, is the fact that he hasn't asked anything from me.At the same time, I haven't asked anything from him, either. But I know we can't go on like this… I need to tell him the truth and ask him the reason for his absence.With this thought, I step on the brakes, snatching my purse from the passenger seat as I get down in front of Mike's house. I step inside without knocking, knowing that he lives alone and my shouts are enough to tell him about my arrival.“Mike!! Mik
Ashley's POV: Even though I have committed to prepone the engagement, to save myself from the great disaster… I don't know what exactly I am supposed to do next.However, before I can do anything, my phone chimes, notifying me that I have received a text from Mike. The text is simple, with several sample invitations attached to it.“Please check these out, and let me know whichever one you like.”I quickly select the one that I have opened the first out of all, and text him back.“Should we announce a party before the engagement?”The text bubbles pop up within seconds, materializing into a reply soon enough. “Yes! I am ready to do everything which makes you happy. If you want to announce a party, then we will call one.”“Thank you!! Can you get me this invitation ready within five minutes, even in digital format? I need to send it to someone urgently.”“Whatever you want sweetheart.”With this message, he signs off and comes back within five minutes. “Here you go! See you tomorro
Ashley's POV:At last, I managed to drop Ethan off after lying to him, only to reach the hospital and find Adrin awake and sitting up on his bed. The moment I walk in, the first question Adrin has asked me is,“Mumma, where is Dadda?”But I am way too caught up in my inner conflict to give him a logical reply, or even think of one. Everything that happened in the daycare is still overwhelming my senses to the extent where I just pull him closer to my chest.Hugging him tightly, as I finally ask him a question which has been bugging me for too long. “Adrin!! Baby, why didn't you tell mumma that the kids in the day care are bullying you–”“Because Dadda has told me that I am a big boy, who has to protect his mother till he is not there to protect both of us, and anyways, I am a brave boy!! Who knows how to protect himself–”“Awww!! Come here my sweetie pie, who taught you all this…?”“Dadda!!!”Adrin exclaims, before the next words tumble out of his mouth without any breaks. “Mumma,
Ashley's POV:Even I wasn't very hopeful at first, but somehow, I have finally convinced Ethan to stand up on his feet, almost dragging him out of the church when he's practically in a waking coma. And knowing his miserable state, I know he isn't going to be able to drive at all. So the best idea that comes into my mind is to drop him to his house first, and then rush back to the hospital.Although, it is the first time I have seen him cry like this… and while seeing him in this state, the logical woman inside me has been compelling me to tell him the truth for a while now.But the mother inside me has been continuously warning me against it; and the best way to deter me is by telling me the consequences of my honesty.Since the moment he has started crying bitterly, the overly logical mother that also lives inside me, who believes in teaching her child the chapter of honesty, has suddenly turned into a bloody hypocrite. Going against her beliefs, she has started to preach another le
Ashley's POV:I have never seen Ethan as angry as he is right now; like he isn't made of bones and muscles, but thunder and rage. I don't have a single doubt in my mind that he is ready to tear down the entire building if Lily wouldn't appear in front of him within minutes.The director understands the assignment and quickly calls Lily Allen to the office; as the policies protecting her staff have gone out of the window real quick.With the summons now being sent for Miss Allen, the fear of Ethan ripping the soul straight out of her body starts to scare me. I mean I want the worst punishment for her in this entire world… I want her as far away as she could from the kids, but I don't want her to become the victim of Ethan's wrath right away! “Ethan, calm down…”I find myself tugging at his sleeve, trying to get through to him. He flashes me a look, glancing at me only through the corners of his eyes. “Calm down? Ash!! You still want me to calm down, even after hearing the crap that
Ethan's POV:The moment I heard the words of Stephanie, I could feel something breaking inside me.In my life, I have come across many monsters disguised in human appearance, and probably, I am also one of them.But none of them have turned out to be so cruel, to be capable of saying these types of things in front of not just one kid, but his entire class… and not only that, but to actually ask other kids to stay away from that poor soul and bully him!And saying that it's all okay because he doesn't have anyone to fight for his rights…“Stephanie, sweetheart! Can you please tell us what happened that day?”Ashley's words bring me back to reality at the critical moment, before my guilt would have killed me with its sharp claws. And as soon as her voice pauses after posing the question, Stephanie chimes in with an enthusiastic yes, and continues with her narration.This is the real bliss of childhood; they don't really understand the things which have hurt them in the past, but now, it