Ashley opened her eyes to the white lit room. The pristine ceiling stared back at her and the beeping sound of machines filled her consciousness. It quickly registered in her mind that she was still in the hospital. After Helen left, the nurse had given her something to make her sleep as she had complained about a headache. Her eyes roved around with exhaustion. She looked to her right to see a gloomy face of Pamela seated next to her bed, watching her. Ashley sighed. She looked up to the table by her bed. “Please pass me that glass of water.” Ashley requested in a croaky voice. She was parched. Her mouth felt extremely dry, an effect of the medication. Pamela quickly obliged. She stood up from the seat, grabbed the glass, helped Ashley sit up and fed her from the water. Pamela returned the glass after Ashley had drank enough. They stayed in awkward silence for a while before Pamela spoke, breaking the silence. “How do you know that man? Who is he?” Ashley glanced at her, the
Pamela told Ashley what she knew. Her revelation only compounded Ashley's problems. Helen had openly threatened to kill her ‘again’ if she needed to and now Pamela had identified Paul as Ashley's killer. But it was said that Ashley died in a car accident.Nothing added up. There was no link between all suspects and the stories. Ashley didn't sign up for this. She had no intention of becoming a detective burdened with the task of finding the real Ashley's killer.But she would have no choice than to get involved. If Ashley was indeed murdered, and they thought she was Ashley, then she would need to watch her back more closely.To do that, she needed to know who wanted her dead.It didn't help that Helen moved Paul to an unknown hospital. Ashley would have to wait till Paul came to her.She knew Paul. He would come to her. His obsession would let him stay away from her. Everyone had decided to tell Mr Knox nothing about the incident. It will blow the covers for Ashley, Helen and Paul
“Bruce!” Sonia walked up to their table, smiling gingerly. “You're here!” she beamed.DJ begrudgingly followed behind Sonia. His reluctance was evident, he didn't want to have to deal with his brother.“Rachel.” Sonia greeted the lady who had her back to them before she could see the face.Ashley raised her head and smiled at Sonia. “I'm not Rachel.”Sonia's smile dropped. She passed a look between Bruce and Ashley, hoping to get an explanation.The questions in her mind could be clearly seen in her eyes. Why are these two all cozy together at a restaurant? Does Rachel know that her husband is here with Ashley?“Ashley?” DJ was stunned. He hadn't seen her before now.Like Sonia, he passed a look between Bruce and his fiancee, wanting an explanation.A self satisfied smirk sat on Bruce's lips. From DJ's expression, he could tell his brother had not known his fiancee was meeting with him. Bruce took it upon himself to massage his own ego and salten DJ's wound. “We have a lunch meeting.
Ashley returned to her table to find DJ waiting for her. Sonia trailed behind her, her face an angry storm that no one seemed to notice.DJ's impatience was evident in his expression. “Are you done?” It was clear to Ashley that Bruce and DJ may have continued their brawling in the absence of both women.“Yes. She turned to Bruce. “I'll instruct Pamela to send you a mail regarding the presentation.”Bruce nodded. “I'll be seeing you soon.” His words carried an underlying meaning, aimed at irking DJ .“We should go.” DJ said through clenched teeth, already taking quick long strides away from them.Ashley packed her bag and briskly followed DJ.“I'll see you at home, DJ.” Sonia called after them and Ashley passed her a glare.“Slow down. I'm almost running after you.” Ashley was breathing heavily.DJ slowed down, then paused, and waited for her to catch up with him. Just when she stood beside him, panting, clutching her chest and trying to gulp more air, DJ scooped her into his arms an
Ashley, nestled on top DJ, was enjoying the feel of the satiating aftermath of their heated passion. She placed head comfortably on his broad chest, idling tugging on the hair on his chest.“You're so hairy.” She commented.“You don't like it?”“I like it. It gives me something to play with.”“If you want something to play with,-”“I'm good with this, thank you.” Grasping his lewd tease, Ashley quickly cut him.DJ chuckled. “Spoil sport.”“Your mind is so dirty.” Ashley remarked with a smile.DJ's chuckle deepened. “Don't tell anyone my secret.” He said in pretend seriousness.Amused, she shook her head against his chest at his naughtiness and snuggled into him.DJ sighed with satisfaction as his finger trailed the hollow length of Ashley's spine.She sensed him smiling and she propped herself on her elbow to look at him.“What now?”“Nothing.” She lifted one brow. “Then why are you smiling like that?”DJ adjusted himself to accommodate her positioning. “I'm happy.” He responded wit
True to his words, Ashley barely got any sleep. DJ had woken her up in the middle of the night so they could move to his bedroom where he took her to intense pleasurable heights. Not once, but over and over again until they were both drained and spent.She fell asleep right after. By morning, she was pleasantly exhausted and was sleeping like a baby. A deep peaceful slumber that she hadn't noticed when DJ slipped out for his routine morning run.A distant ringing infiltrated her euphoric dream. The sound grew louder and closer with each passing moment, before Ashley realized it wasn't her dream but reality.She stirred, fluttering her eyes, blinking lazily and tiredly, the weight of sleep heavy in her eyes. She didn't want to wake up yet, but the ringing was not relenting.Who would ring so early in the morning?She groaned, irritated at the persistent disturbance. She exhaled, flipped her eyelid open and sleepily looked around her. This wasn't her room. Every corner of the room had
“You?”“Me!” Pamela grinned jovially and walked past Ashley into the house.Ashley's brows knotted with confusion and her eyes shone with surprise as she closed the door. She hadn't told anyone that she was at DJ's. Pamela didn't even know she met with DJ. “Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?” Pamela strode inside, making herself comfortable, settling on the sofa.Ashley grinned inwardly at the thought that Pamela wouldn't be so comfortable on that couch if she knew the things she and DJ had done there.“Ashley!”Ashley jolted. She shook her head bringing her mind back into the room. “How did you know I was here?” she asked, moving to join Ashley on the couch.“You didn't return after your meeting with Bruce. I got worried, so I texted DJ and he told me you were here.” Ashley furrowed her brows. “When was this? Have you seen him?” She was curious. She hadn't seen him since the morning and she didn't know where he was.Pamela's brows knitted. “Uh, I texted him last night and he
Ashley and Pamela exchanged looks. Fear filled their gaze. Had DJ heard them? Why did he call them out that way? “Who would pay?” DJ asked, walking into the kitchen to join them. He was still panting slightly from his run. Ashley's and Pamela’s hearts raced as they passed each other fearful looks. They were so engrossed in their fear of being caught that they missed the tease in DJ's voice. “Um…” Ashley fumbled. “If I had known you would come here to bother my fiance with work problems, I would have never told she was with me, Pam.” DJ said, walking to the freezer helped himself to a bottle of cold water. He paused, clinging onto the fridge handle, noticing the tension reeling from both women. “Is everything alright?” His eyes scanned them. “No. We were just talking about work. There are a couple of pending payments to be made.” Ashley explained. “Yes. I'll get the invoice for you to sign.” Pamela said, moving away to get her bag. “See what I mean? You don't give her any break
“It's done.” Pamela scurried behind Ashley as her wide eyes trail Ashley's back as she enters the office and beeline for her seat. “So quickly?... Did he see you?” Pamela asked. “No.” Ashley took her seat. “I didn't go as me. I used a proxy.” She said with a satisfied heave. “Wow! So now you own the company?” Pamela asked with incredulity. “Now I own, Bruce.” Ashley smiled. “But he doesn't know it yet.” Pamela gasped and let out a chuckle. “Oh my God! You finally got what you wanted.” Ashley's gaze fixes straight past Pamela. Her mind, brooding and brewing. “Not yet. I still have many scores to settle. One of which I haven't been giving a lot of attention to.” “What's that?” Ashley raised her eyes to meet Pamela's. “Rachel.” “That bitch!” Venom dripped from Pamela's voice. “She won't be one for long. I intend to strip her of that snarky attitude of hers.” Excitement flicked through Pamela's eyes. She had always, always hated Rachel and her ‘better than everyone else's atti
A towel wrapped around his waist, Bruce dried his damp hair with another towel as he walked out of the bathroom. His head still ached from his drunkenness last night. Rachel entered at that moment and Bruce smiled. His erection springing back to life very quickly. Ashley had stirred a lot of steam in him the previous night. He had wanted to let some of it out on his wife after the party. But he had slept off waiting for her. There was a lot of cleaning left to do and Rachel had deliberately stayed back to supervise the maids that night. She didn't want to be anywhere near Bruce as she was still very mad at him. She wanted to talk to him but needed to simmer down. Bruce smiled and tugged the towel around his waist loose, freeing his díck. He walked towards her with a smug smile. “You came back late last night.” He said as he made his way to her, hoping she would welcome him like she always did. “I didn't think you'd notice.” Her voice was tight. He reached her and spread his ha
Ashley left DJ's place floating on cloud nine. She headed straight to the office after making a stop at her house for a change of clothes, all the while pleasantly humming to herself. She reached her office and paused at her door when she heard movement from inside. She had earlier met Benita on her way up and was certain it couldn't be her inside. Slowly, she peeled the door open. “Pam?” Pleasant surprise adorn her tone. Pamela, who had been busy setting down files that needed Ashley's attention, raised her head, glanced at Ashley and continued her work. “Good morning.” Pamela muttered under her breath. The telltale of annoyance tinged her tone. “I thought you said you wouldn't be coming in today?” Delight coursed through her voice at the sight of Pamela. “You need to sign these.” Pamela responded in a tight voice. “They are due next week.” Ashley strode into the office, her gaze fixed on an unsmiling Pamela. She placed her bag on the table and walked up to stand in front of
Ashley wakes up to a pair of eyes watching her with love and admiration. She scoffed and chuckled groggily. “Don't tell me you stayed like this all night.” She said in between stifling a yawn as she stretched her muscles to wake. DJ grinned. “What if I did?” Ashley rolled her eyes. “Creepy.” She twisted her head to check the digital clock on his nightstand. DJ rolled his eyes. “Lemme guess, you have to go.” Ashley chortled. “Accurate guess. I just need to handle a few things. And I need to see Pamela too.” DJ furrowed his brows. “You see Pamela every other day.” He said pointedly. Ashley sighed. “This is different. We had a fight last night after we left your brother's.” DJ lifted his brows and whistled. “That bad?” “Yup!” She responded, pulling the covers off her body to reveal her nudity. “She already texted last night that she wanted the day off today.” “Can she just do that?” DJ asked, his eyes raking the perfect symmetry of Ashley's body, feeling his member ha
Ashley shut the voice in her head constantly scolding her for spitting hurtful words at Pamela. Pam had been right. Maybe she was controlling, acting like an overbearing mother. And even though she didn't trust Thomas, she couldn't have at least respected Pam and tolerated him. All he did was help them. Grateful for the walk, she had enough time to reflect and simmer down. She would apologize to Pam. She reached her house and saw the car parked in front. She recognized the car as DJ’s. She glanced around and was pleasantly surprised to find DJ, but stunned to see him seated on the cobblestone step. “DJ?” She quickened her steps and met up with him. “Why are you sitting out here? Why didn't you go inside?” She asked, her gaze darting to the house, wondering if someone had asked him to stay out. “The maid who answered the door said you weren't in but would be back soon, and I didn't want to wait inside alone.” “You could have called me.” “I didn't want to disturb you.” She passed
Pamela's heels clicked angrily as she matched past Ashley. “Pamela.”. Ashley stopped her. “You should see these.” she dug her hands into her purse to fetch out something. “I got my hands on Bruce's financial record. And you won't believe what they contain.” “Good for you.” Pamela said sarcastically, not bothering to take a look at what Ashley had in her hands. “Are you alright?” “These damn signals.” Pamela muttered cusses under her breath. Her finger punched her device as though she was in a fierce battle with it. Frantically trying to book a cab, the reception on her cellphone was in opposition to her wants. “What are you so worked up about?” Ashley asked, catching up to her. Pamela ignored her, kept pressing on her phone, exiting and re-entering the app as she received the same service unavailable response. “Argh.” Pamela groaned in frustration. Ashley stole a glance at the screen. “Let's get to my house. I'll ask a driver to drop you off.” Ashley suggested seeing that P
Pamela eagerly got in the front seat, her interest in Thomas no longer subtle. “Thank you so much.” She buckled her seat belt, her gaze not once flickering off the young man. Thomas glanced at her. “It's no problem. Where're you girls headed?” “Up East.” Pamela answered. “Up East?” Thomas exclaimed. “That's on the other side of town.” He pointed out. Pamela chuckled. “Yes. Ashley's father lives on that side. And she lives with him.” “So what brings you all the way out here?” “Business. We are expanding our horizon, moving our business this way.” Pamela responded genially. “Oh!” Thomas nodded, understanding flooded his mind. “Yeah. We had our debut exhibition here sometime last month. A small awareness about our brand.” Pamela chortled. “I heard about that and I wouldn't call that small. Although I didn't attend, I saw a glimpse of it all over the net. It was a great show… Awesome designs… I couldn't get over the number two collection.” He chuckled. “So much so that I place
Ashley went back down. Her mission for attending the party had been a dead end. But not entirely unproductive. For one, she had Rachel in a messed up corner. That alone was enough to make up for the night. And it brought her great joy. The other, she got her hands on something very important. Something she could use to bring Bruce down. As she reached the base of the staircase, she weaved her gaze through the crowd to where she had left Pamela. She hissed. Pamela had moved. No longer in the same place. She would need to find her. She plowed ahead and blended into the crowd, darting her eyes through the small cluster of people, looking for Pamela. It didn't take long before she spotted Pam, intently focused in a conversation with a strange man. Ashley walked up to them. She heard Pam giggle girlishly as she closed in on them. Who was this man? And why was Pamela entertaining him? “Pamela.” She called, but her call went unanswered. “Pamela!” Ashley called forcefully. This tim
Bruce smiled at her. “I'll see you down stairs.” He gave her one long last look, his eyes lingering on the flesh of her exposed cleavage. With great effort, he peeled his gaze away. He adjusted his tie, tugged his jacket before he stepped out. Not once did he consider he was leaving a stranger in his bedroom. Not once did he think she should have gone out before him. As stupid as they came, Bruce went down, back to his party, leaving her there, in his room. Ashley had never seen a more fóolish ídíot than Bruce. It made her wonder what she ever saw in him before. Now alone, Ashley looked around the room. It felt like a cemetery. Everything in it was dead. It was nothing like the home she had created with warmth and love. The room had been restructured and repainted to suit Rachel's preference; bland. But of course, what could she expect from Rachel who knew nothing about love and warmth. She sighed. Her fears, confronted and defeated. Now only a painful memory. Taking one las