Ashley's POV:I have always heard that a good kiss has the power to make the girl forget the world and I have previously felt Ethan's kisses making me forget everything… even myself too.But as he presses his lips against mine, I feel it tugging at my heart. I never thought that his kiss would be able to make me forget the pain, whose sole reason was he himself.Without breaking the kiss, he reaches for me and pulls me into his lap, where he is seated on the floor. I feel the couch beneath me give way as I wrap my legs around his waist, trying to get as close to him as possible. My hands loop around his neck on instinct, and he is holding me like I might slip away if he lets go; while he continues to kiss me as if he is trying to drink me in… to fill some deep, desperate thirst. I don't know if it's just me, who is feeling scared that once this kiss is over, he is again going to disappear somewhere; or is he feeling the same? Because I don't see anything other than this fear in the
Ashley's POV:I enter the house, to find that every single thing is the same as the day I left, without knowing what was going to happen next.Suddenly, I feel a pang in my chest, and the reminder of his betrayal lifts its head once again. The numbing, electric sensation that always accompanies the memory of that day also kicks in, making a tear appear in my eye once again.How is it possible that I have been able to forget the most brutal thing my supposed family has said and done to me, and yet, I am unable to forget the feeling of betrayal that this act of Ethan has given me… even when he has already promised to tell me the reason behind it too.But I have to be strong, I have to hide my pain, my tears and my betrayal in the dark corners of my heart, from where nobody will ever be able to find out what was hidden beneath that once upon a time… not even me.“Ashley! Darling, just come and sit here. I will be bringing the food–”“Peter, I am not really hungry–”“Just accompany me, th
Ashley's POV:I’m ready, and for once, I think I look beautiful, even by my own standards. My hair is pulled up in a messy bun, with loose tendrils framing my face. My makeup is light, just enough to enhance my features, with a soft pink on my lips. I can’t help but smile as I check myself out in the mirror one last time. This dress, the way it hugs my figure and the drama of the sleeves, it’s everything I could have hoped for.Stepping out of the bedroom, I expect to find Ethan waiting, but the house is empty. The only light is coming from the dining area, so I head there, my heels clicking softly on the floor. As I approach the table, I see an envelope with Ethan’s handwriting on it. My curiosity piques as I pick it up. "Your first gift for this evening," it reads. I open it, and I quickly open the envelope, my curiosity getting the better of me.Turning it upside down, and out falls a thin, golden bracelet in the middle of my palm. It is a delicate chain, with small stars studded
Ashley's POV:I’m ready, and for once, I think I look beautiful, even by my own standards. My hair is pulled up in a messy bun, with loose tendrils framing my face. My makeup is light, just enough to enhance my features, with a soft pink on my lips. I can’t help but smile as I check myself out in the mirror one last time. This dress, the way it hugs my figure and the drama of the sleeves, it’s everything I could have hoped for.Stepping out of the bedroom, I expect to find Ethan waiting, but the house is empty. The only light is coming from the dining area, so I head there, my heels clicking softly on the floor. As I approach the table, I see an envelope with Ethan’s handwriting on it. My curiosity piques as I pick it up. "Your first gift for this evening," it reads. I open it, and I quickly open the envelope, my curiosity getting the better of me.Turning it upside down, and out falls a thin, golden bracelet in the middle of my palm. It is a delicate chain, with small stars studded
Ashley's POV:The night is still, and the deck is perfectly calm, with only the gentle sound of the waves lapping against the yacht. The breeze is gentle, just enough to tease strands of my hair across my face. It feels almost sinful to break his peaceful atmosphere.Ethan sits beside me in blissful silence. He has draped his jacket over my shoulders, and though it is big enough to go way past my hips, it is warm and smells like him; I can't stop myself from taking a few whiffs every now and then. The overhead lights cast a golden glow over everything; it is just us the two of us out here, as the staff has retreated to give us privacy. Ethan has spread his legs out in front of him, looking perfectly relaxed, while my legs are folded to one side, my head resting on his shoulder. There are half- drunken champagne flutes in our hands; the bubbles fizzing gently. Every now and then, Ethan picks up a chocolate- covered strawberry and brings it to my lips, as the dessert he had promised
Ashley's POV:I wake up, only to find myself lying in Ethan's bed, empty save for myself. I run my gaze through the room, but he is nowhere to be found. Removing the blanket from my body, I jump on my feet and notice that he might have left for office already, since there is a note left for me;.“Good morning, Sweetheart!Although I don't want to leave you alone today, there are a few important things that I need to wrap up urgently, so that both of us can be well prepared for the surprise awaiting for you tomorrow!”Surprise…? I frown. But as soon as I pick up the glass of water from the bedside table, I find another piece of note there. “Be a good girl and take care of yourself, and yes! Don't you dare to skip the meals today. You are completely forbidden from stepping out of the house today, just chill and enjoy your day. I have booked a spa package for you today and they will visit you at home in the afternoon. Till then, have a good breakfast and then enjoy your relaxing vacati
Ashley’s POV:I feel like my gut is about to leap out of my body, and the sensation just overwhelms me completely. Somehow, I manage to speak, despite the tight knot forming in my stomach, knowing that Peter is still standing by the door, waiting for me to give him the green flag.“No! I am fine… it's probably just because of last night. I didn't want to spoil the surprises planned by Ethan and didn’t mention it to him, but… cruises aren’t really my thing.”“But Ashley–”“I am telling you, I am fine. I was feeling good yesterday, and thought that the seasick feeling had passed after the first few minutes, but I guess I just didn't realize it back then. I just need some rest, and I will be back to normal, trust me–”Although Peter hasn't made the call yet, he still doesn’t look too convinced. “But Ashley, we can't ignore your health and turn a blind eye to this! Even if you are claiming that you will be okay after some rest, you don't know for sure–”“We aren't ignoring anything, nor
Ashley's POV:I stand in front of the mirror, turning slightly to the left, then to the right. My dark blue velvet dress shimmers subtly with every movement due to the small silver sparkles woven into the fabric, making me feel like I have wrapped myself in a piece of the starry sky. Ethan’s words from yesterday echo in my mind, making me feel the weight of today's event. He had mentioned we were supposed to attend an engagement party for someone, and he made it very clear: I need to look my absolute best.Because now that we’re officially together, it is time for him to do what’s necessary. I smooth the fabric of my dress as a faint smile pops up on its own, remembering what he said next. "You have promised to stay beside me until I achieve my biggest goal in life, so I have to honor that agreement and introduce you as my partner to the entire world… and also, someone in particular." The thought sends a small jolt through me, my heartbeat quickening. Who could it be?I bite my lo