“Ssh, it's just me,” a familiar voice said, making Ashley feel her heart skip a beat. Slowly turning towards him, she could clearly tell his outline even in his shadow in the dark. All the pent-up bitterness and anger came crashing down on her by his mere sight. “What are you doing here?” Ashley asked, looking him straight in the eye. “Ashley, I know…” before he could finish his statement, the store room door shut forcibly, making them both jump slightly in shock. “Is this part of your little charade?” Ashley asked, sarcasm clear in her voice. “Um…” Jordan looked between the door and Ashley, not knowing what to say. “Tell whoever closed that door to open it before I scream!” Ashley threatened, her voice falling into a panic. Jordan looked at her, his face full of confusion. He wanted to talk to her and ensure she's safe, but it appeared someone else was tailing her. “I swear I had nothing to do with that,” Jordan said defensively, walking to the door. Trying to locate the power
Ashley looked through the window, the sorrow in her heart visible on her face. Though it was warm outside, she could only feel cold and emptiness. She unconsciously caressed her flat stomach, a lone tear escaping from the corner of her eye. Her mind drifted back to the day she never thought she would never wake up to such horror.~~~Flashback~~~The loud beeping of machines sounded like banging sounds to her eardrums. How could a room be that loud, but her mind felt empty as if she were floating in limbo? A small click pulled her thoughts together as she fluttered her eyes open. Trying to adjust to the bright light in the room, Ashley looked around the white walls. Her mind registered that she was in a hospital as memories of what had happened came flooding in her mind. Falling into panic, she quickly placed her heavy hands on her stomach and froze. “My…ba…” she muttered the words, but her throat felt as if someone had been dragging sacks of sand along it. It was either her hands
“So, are you ready for the meeting today?” Luke asked as he looked over some details on his laptop. “Everything is in order, as soon as the deal goes down, we are coming in and arresting all of them,” Luke assured, noticing his hesitation. “I don't know man, all I know is I have to,” Jordan answered, his voice full of defeat. “Man, give her some time, she'll come around,” Luke said, noticing the obvious tone of defeat in his voice. “No, I don't think she will this time, it's really over, man, I fucked up for real!” Jordan said, banging the desk in frustration. Just then, the door pushed open, ushering in Maya. “Babe, I hope you're ready, it's almost time,” Maya commented, ignoring Luke’s presence in the room. “Maya! Don't you see I'm busy discussing something with Luke?” Jordan asked, reprimanding her. She scoffed before chuckling sarcastically, “ooh, Luke please, if you'll excuse us, Jordan is occupied.” Jordan's face turned red with anger, his hands itching to blow her head
“Um… I… I…” Jordan stammered his throat dry as sand in fear. “Ooh get it together, son, of course you wouldn't!” Lincoln said conclusively, making the whole room fill with laughter. “Loosen up Jody, Dad was just messing up with you, jeez you look so white!” Maya said, chuckling as she patted his shoulder. Jordan smiled tightly, his stomach still not recovered from the scare. Nodding his head around the men nervously as he tried to recover. “Gentlemen, down to business,” Lincoln announced, making the entire room fall silent. “Lincoln, are you sure your son-in-law is up for business?” a man whose aura reeked of authority asked his gaze falling on Jordan. Lincoln looked at him before turning to Jordan. “This here is the new face of business soon, Rossi, so don't even think of questioning me,” Lincoln said defensively, making Jordan try to hide his confusion. Was Lincoln mad? Trying to turn him into a thug leader? “Ooh I didn't know you preferred your chicken son as leader over y
“Boss! There's been an exchange of fire outside the mansion, we might be compromised!” Danton said, bursting into the room in panic. Lincoln clenched his fists angrily, “what the f**k happened? I thought the security was airtight!” Danton looked at Jordan angrily, “you! You are the only one who can set us up like that!” Everyone's eyes turned to Jordan once again. “Danton stop it! Enough with the lame accusations!” Maya shrieked, standing in front of Jordan as if protecting him. “How many are there? Are they cops?” Lincoln asked, looking at Danton, his face red with fury. “It's not confirmed yet but…” “Boss, the FBI is here, we're surrounded!” One of Lincoln’s men announced as he rushed into the room. “Son of a b**ch, you set us up!” Rossi barked, pointing an accusing finger at the furious Lincoln. Lincoln turned around furiously drawing his gun and instantly shooting one of Rossi’s men without hesitation. “Anything else you would like to tell me? Anyone!” Lincoln asked, dari
The living room was filled with tension with worried faces as they all waited to hear from Luke’s team. Ashley felt her stomach fill with cold chilling water, from the aura they walked into the room with. Their tired and beat faces relaying the message before their mouths would talk. Luke approached, his head lowered in sorrow, “Ashley… I’m… I'm sorry, he’s gone, we found his body.” His words hit Ashley's ears like the loud temple drum. “What do you mean, babe?” Lindsey asked the question that lingered on everyone's lips. “Lin honey, Jordan is gone, he's dead,” Luke announced, his voice broken and shaken as if he couldn't believe the words that just left his mouth. Ashley felt her world spin as her mind refused to register whatever Luke just said. It had been few months since everything went down and only Danton's body was found dragged a mile away from the point of landing. “Oh God…Oh, my…he…dea…” Ashley said, her voice breaking as tears rolled down her face. “Ashley, calm d
Two years later…“Are those stationed well?” Mr. Eliot Matthews, Christine's father asked his handyman as he passed by carrying a bouquet of flowers. “Yes Mr. Eliot, everything is ready,” he answered, nodding as he smiled at him. “Perfect, I need everything to be meticulous before they get here tomorrow,” Mr. Eliot said, waving with his hands as he glanced at the beauty of his floriculture gardens. He turned around smiling as he saw Michael approaching him. “Ooh there you are son, finally, I can't handle this on my own,” the old man said, patting Michael's shoulder. “Yeah, we delivered the flowers safely, how far are you on the preparations?” Michael asked, placing one hand in his jeans pocket as he looked around. He had been running these gardens for almost two years, learning the business with the Matthews since they found him. “I don't know, why don't you go around and tell me what you think,” Mr. Eliot said, pushing him slightly forward. “Okay, but I can't stay for long. C
“Look who's all dressed up…” Ashley said out loud as she entered Brenda's bedroom but stopped midway on noticing her sad face. “What's wrong hunnie?” Ashley asked worriedly as she sat next to her, holding her gently. “Nothing, mom, it's just school and…” Brenda started pausing as she whimpered, wiping her tears. “School? Are you getting bullied? Tell me his or her name, I'll take care of this!” Ashley said firmly but in panic. Brenda lifted her head up, looking at her mother in confusion. “What? No one has any right to bully anyone,” Ashley insisted as she saw her daughter's confused expression. “Mooom, no one is bullying me, it's just that there's a father — child day coming up soon and…” Brenda said, her voice breaking as she tried to complete her sentence. Ashley hugged her tightly, understanding perfectly what she was experiencing. “There, there, I'm sorry hunnie,” Ashley comforted, stroking her back gently. “I don't know what to do, mommy, are the other kids going to laugh
Luke felt frustrated as Jordan couldn't pick his phone trying it on more time not realizing it was calling from a dustbin container. “Come on, man pick up,” Luke muttered, fidgeting with his fingers. After realizing there was response at all. He quickly dialed another number, “hello, Ashley I have to tell you something.” Ashley shrugged her shoulders putting the phone on speaker for Lindsey to hear. “What is it Luke, we're listening,” Ashley said as they both listened attentively. “Look, I've been trying to call Jordan, but he's not picking up, and…” Luke said in panic, but Ashley couldn't hide back her words as she interrupted him. “Funny because he called me just ten minutes ago,” Ashley said, her voice full of scorn and mockery. “Ashley you're not listening, Jordan is in danger, the woman who was selling him the villa is an imposter,” Luke said as he paused as if letting the information sink in. “Villa? What Villa?” Ashley asked, feeling confused as to why Jordan would be
The sirens died down, the atmosphere clearing off the danger. Ashley released a breath she didn't even know she held as she heard the shooter had escaped, but the police were in pursuit. Luke walked towards her, his body looking tense from the sudden attack. The guests out in the parking lot were lucky to have not been shot. Inside the hotel, Lindsey and the other guests held their hearts in their hands, silently praying for safety. “We have to talk,” Luke said, helping Ashley up from behind a car where she had taken cover. Ashley nodded with her panicked and aching heart at a loss. As the environment was announced safe, the guests finally let out sighs of relief. Lindsey ran out in panic to check on her husband and her best friend. Hamilton followed, his horrified face telling it all. As they all embraced and confirmed each other's safety, Hamilton shrugged his shoulders. “Are the children okay?” Ashley asked, looking at her dad in fear. “Yeah, actually I just got a message t
Lindsey walked up to Ashley, who was standing waiting for her with a smile on her face. “Shady business, huh? That was your cover-up, really?” Lindsey mocked as she went to her, her question making them both laugh. “I know, you know I'm not good at hiding things,” Ashley said, hugging her tightly. “Congratulations sweetheart, it seems we have a wedding to plan,” Ashley said excitedly, but the worry in her voice was unmistakable. “Thanks sweetie,” Lindsey asked, but she couldn't miss the slight smile on Ashley's face as if something were disturbing her. “What is it, Ash?” Lindsey asked, holding her arms. “It's nothing, I just miss Jordan, it's been two weeks, and he still hasn't mentioned anything about coming back from the trip,” Ashley pointed out, her eyes portraying her worry. “I'm sure he'll come back, I heard Luke say something about him getting tied down by something important,” Lindsey let out, making Ashley feel her heart slightly hurt. ‘Why would he tell Luke and not
The two friends paved outside the bathroom door feeling anxious. The sound of the timer went off making them stand at attention as if they were policemen on duty. “That's it, go in and check Lin,” Ashley said, nagging her hand forward. “No, I think you should check Ashley,” Lindsey refused blatantly, looking at her friend in worry. “Okay, how about we go in together?” Ashley suggested making them walk into the bathroom slowly. Ashley let her eyes fall on the two kits laying on the sink. Seeing two lines on it, she gasped loudly. Lindsey, on the other hand, looked away from the sink feeling scared and tense. “Lin look!” Ashley exclaimed excitedly but found her looking the other way. Shrugging her shoulders she soothed Lin's back, “sweetheart, you have to turn and see, what's the matter?” Ashley asked, holding her in concern. “Well I don't know if I'm ready to be disappointed Ash, I really want this to be it,” Lindsey said, her eyes swelling up in tears. “Only one way to find ou
Ashley rushed down the stairs quickly as she planned for the big day ahead. After tossing and turning for the better part of the night she came up with something. Lindsey at first thought it was crazy and rushed, but Ashley wanted to at least make something memorable before they left. Her eyes caught Jordan, who was surprisingly quiet except for the kiss he placed on her lips before he left the room. “Hey, love,” she greeted, noticing he was donned in a going out outfit. “Heey, you're awake early after the long night?” Jordan pointed out as he kissed her on the lips passionately. “Yeah, so are you. Heading out?” Ashley asked, looking at him from head to toe. Jordan laughed nervously, brushing it off bluntly, “No, your dad wants me to accompany him to town to run some errands.” “Ooh that's good,” Ashley replied, not wishing to talk too much. Jordan looked at her, his face gloomy as if something were disturbing him. He felt like he always felt on this very day every year: Alone.
At the dinner table, Ashley and Jordan kept stealing glances at each other. The sexual tension between them, undeniable. “Mommy, you promised we would have a movie night before we left,” Brandon said, looking at his mom with pouty lips. “Yeah mom, you promised,” Shane chipped in clasping his hands together. Ashley bit her lips, considering the big plans they had for tonight. “Sweetheart I don't think tonight's a good time for that, how about we do it after we get back to the city?” Ashley suggested hoping the kids would accept. “No, you promised, and you always tell us it's bad to break promises,” Brenda protested, making Lindsey nudge Ashley's arm playfully. Looking over to Jordan, Ashley was stunned to see him pretending to mind his own business as he chewed on his steak. Receiving no reinforcement on the table, Ashley chuckled, “okay, you can have the movie night, a promise is a promise.” She pointed out, biting her lip as she swore to make Jordan suffer for leaving her in t
One week down the line, Ashley couldn't help but smile as she saw Lin walking towards her. “I can't believe we are actually leaving in two days,” Ashley said, as she admired the environment. “You know the countryside isn't as bad as I thought,” Ashley added, making Lindsey smile as looked out in the fields too. Both of them being near to death shook them pretty well. “Yeah we should probably hold off on coming here next time,” Lindsey contradicted her statement making Ashley laugh. “I thought your dream future was here? What happened?” Ashley teased knowing how Lindsey was for the idea to visit the place. “Stop it, maybe in a few more years I would consider coming back here,” Lindsey said looking out into the plain fields. “Lin?” Ashley called looking at her in a serious and concerned face. “Yes, Ash?” Lindsey replied, looking at her with her eyebrows furrowed. “I never say this enough, but you are not just my best friend, you are my sister and I love you so much,” Ashley said,
Ashley held in her breath as she crawled back on the dusty concrete under the parked truck. She held her mouth in shock as she saw Andrew look under one of the two trucks. Just two trucks to hers, Ashley crawled back slowly and carefully praying she wouldn't get caught. As she heard his sinister laughter die down, she froze on the spot. “Bring me that torch! She's somewhere here,” Andrew announced, standing up to get the light. Ashley quickly took the opportunity to slowly slip into the nearby bush and hit the scattered forest. Under the dim moonlight it was easy to make out shadows and that made her fear for her life. “Boss, she's not here,” one of the men said, looking at his Boss in fear. “This way, she just went this way into the forest!” Another man announced, making all the men rush towards the forest. Ashley ran until her lungs burned out, making her stop to breathe, feeling like she would pass out. Jordan and Hamilton listened carefully to the sounds through the phone.
“Love? Is that really you?” Jordan asked, his face litting up in both disbelief and joy. Jordan put the phone on a loudspeaker for Hamilton to listen in. “Sweetie is that you?” Hamilton asked his watering up in excitement. “Yes, I ran away from Andrew, I'm currently at a police station…” Ashley explained everything over the phone. “Forget about tomorrow I'll be there in a few hours,” Jordan interjected. He couldn't let her stay at that place. “Yes honey, we are on our way, stay safe,” Hamilton confirmed as they both set out towards the car. Luke overheard the commotion and decided to check what was going on. Only to find his dad and Jordan on their way towards the main door. “Dad? Jordan? Where are you heading to?” he asked, looking from the first floor. “Ooh, son you won't believe this, Ashley has just called, she's safe,” Hamilton said, his tone full of pride and happiness. “What? Are you sure it's her? Jordan?” Luke asked, looking between the two in confirmation. “We are