Ethan's POV:I have finally already gathered all the information that I should have gathered earlier, but because of my stupidity, I failed to do so.Emily and Jordan collectively hold 2% shares in the Waverly Group, and they have decided to transfer it to Liam. It all makes sense now, that's why I saw Emily there that day. Now, my first aim is to get those shares transferred to Ashley's name, but I’m well aware of the fact that Jordan won’t sell them to me, even if I offer him three times their value… just my name attached to the offer is enough to make him reject it.And he will most definitely turn it down, much like the time he didn't care about hurting me and stomped on our friendship when he blackmailed my Emily to leave me! When he can do that, being blinded by his hatred of me, then he can surely hold on to the shares just to see me lose.And my former friend’s petty and spiteful nature is exactly what I had in mind, before planning my perfect masterstroke.I have stayed out
Ashley's POV:I stand in my room, staring at the clothes hanging in the large white wardrobe which contains all the fancy dresses and clothes that I don't wear in my daily life. I’ve got to pick something for tonight, and fingers hurriedly push a series of hangers to one side, these dresses are out of the running. Nothing seems quite right, it's either too casual, too formal, too revealing, too ballroom-ey… until I stop at one I almost forgot I had. It’s an old dress, pastel green, bought for a party thrown by Aunt Claire that we never ended up going to. I almost snort at the memory of how disappointed I felt back then, but now I’m just glad that I found it.I pull it out and survey it up close. The corset is strapless, with a draping detail and a sweetheart neckline that looks sophisticated. The skirt is smooth silk over a layer of tulle, giving it a gentle flow that’s neither body-fitted nor overly fluffy. It has a matching chiffon scarf, which gives the perfect finishing touch.
Ashley’s POV:That single message makes me think about everything that is going on in my life… everything that has finally started to look up even a little, after I have finally started to move from the bitterest part of my life, no matter how slowly. Who could this person be, and what truth are they talking about?Is there any truth that I am not aware of?My mind starts to rush back towards the past, and the days that have been blue due the heaviness of emotions… but then, with a jerk, I suddenly jump into the days that have started to introduce the touch of vermillion over the blue sky of my life, signaling the arrival of the sun….And somehow, Ethan has been a big part of both– the blues and the vermillion in my sky.Ethan… if someone had told me two weeks ago about how much he would change, I would have considered it a prank! Because the way Ethan is now, is even beyond my wildest dreams. He has become jolly, of all things! It is really a far cry from his usual serious demeanor
Ethan's POV:I'm still here, waiting inside a cafe for Emily to walk into the flower shop in front of it, any moment now… except, there has been absolutely no sign of her coming here today.God is definitely testing my patience! Otherwise, there is no way in hell that she has suddenly stopped visiting the flower shop, for the sake of which I have almost become a regular in the worst coffee shop in the world. And while I don't fancy myself a connoisseur of coffee, I can say with absolute confidence that not just coffee, but every other thing also tastes disgusting!I don't know why Ashley likes the taste of this coffee and the desserts here; when all I have found is that every single item here is just directly dipped into the fountain of sugar– extra sweet!“Sir! Do you want something else?”The waiter asks, drawing my attention back to the coffee that is lying on the table, completely untouched.“No! Thank you, I would like the bill please.”I finally give up and stand from my place,
Ashley's POV:I get down, giving Mr. Brown a reassuring smile. As the car turns in front of my eyes, I clutch my purse a little more tightly in my hands as I decide to take the first step on the path leading up to the building.Even though every instinct in me is telling me to turn around, my curiosity keeps pushing me forward until I enter the building… Even I don't know what exactly I'm hoping to find here, but it has been almost fifteen minutes since Mr. Brown left, so I don't have any way to go but forward. Everything is pitch black, and by the time my pupils adjust to the darkness, I see spider- webs hanging from the ceiling.Seems like my lie about the meet and greet will end up coming true if someone with a penchant for horror really finds this place! It is perfect for shooting horror movies as well as hosting halloween parties… “Hello? Is anyone here!? I have arrived–”I tried to call out to someone in the dark… to the unknown person who messaged me.But there is no reply a
Ashley's POV:The whole car ride is like a journey to hell for me, but I somehow manage to keep my calm and maintain my composure.I know I need to let everything out of my heart, or the fire inside me is going to destroy everything around me… But as much as these feelings are suffocating me, I also know that I can't do anything right now… I have to wait till I reach a place of solitude and silence.Or else, the scream of my pain has the potential to deafen everyone, who might come in contact with it.I step into the house, thinking that loneliness will be the one to greet me… but to my surprise, Ethan's presence is the one to welcome me, accompanied by the sharp smell of alcohol. “Ash… Ashley… sweetheart! You know how special you are for me? Without you, I won't be able to find my love back… no back… yes back–”“Ethan!? You okay??Not really …I need…I need…”He stood up from the chair, grabbing the bottle from the counter with one swipe of his hand, and started to walk towards me w
Ashley's POV: The heat between our bodies is almost unbearable. I slide my hands down his chest, along the smooth surface of his muscles, then lower, to the buckle of his belt. My fingers work quickly, while his hands are on my hips, steadying me. I pull the belt free, tossing it aside. Ethan reaches out to help, but I shake my head sternly. “Let me…” I whisper, and he leans back slightly, giving me space as he lifts his hips up. I quickly unbutton his jeans and pull down the zipper. I can see the outline of his arousal, straining against the fabric of his boxers… just the sight of it is enough to make me feel a rush of wetness. I know that if I start now, I won't be able to stop myself… and I really don't want to stop. Because when I'm with Ethan, he is all I see… think… feel. He is all that I can focus on. I pull down his boxers until he is fully exposed to me, and I glance up at him, meeting his gaze. Without breaking eye contact, I lean down, my lips brushing against the ti
Ashley's POV:I don't know how these ten days have passed by so quickly; today is the day of the press conference, and after this, the production will officially start on my dream project. It may seem like these days have passed without a hitch, but the reality couldn't be farther than this. Because there hasn't been a single day when I haven't waited for the unknown person, who has claimed the secrets behind my parents death… but there has clearly been no sign of any communication being established.Although I remember his words very clearly, that I should not make the mistake of texting him back or trying to call him, but still, I had tried once…only to find that the number does not even exist. This can't be real…not in any universe!I mean, how is it possible that the number through which I have received all these messages, has never been issued under anyone's name! And if this is indeed possible, then how did he contact me on that day… there isn't any way where I could be hall