Ashley stood by the door, her blue long dress hugging her hips like a second skin. She could sense everyone’s eyes on her as she maneuvered her way behind Lindsey but all she could feel was worried more than excited. Ashley smiled as she watched her kids playing happily in the playroom. She had doubled security; she was not ready to take any chances after the letter. “Wipe that worry of your face Ash, the detective assured me if he came anywhere near here, they’ll grab him in an instant,” Lindsey said standing beside her making Ashley take a few steps back. “They look so adorable just like their mom,” Lindsey complimented admiring the decorated kids who played with no worry whatsoever. Ashley huffed audibly before smiling at Lindsey’s comment, “I pray today ends well because I’m still worried.” Lindsey soothed her back reassuringly, “You need to relax today is a special day for all of us, and I have a surprise for you by the way.” Ashley looked at her suspiciously as Lindsey gig
Cheering fell in the room after Ashley and the kids finally cut the cake. The event went smoothly making Ashley feel her heart get content. Standing for hours, she felt her bladder pressing her making her quickly head to the restroom. Leaving behind all the laughing and chatters Ashley made her way through the crowd. Seeing quite a turn-out at the party made her feel humbled, finally her Heart to Heart Organization was up and running officially. Meanwhile, Jordan smiled at the enthusiastic children before him. “Jordan? Will you be coming to visit us?” Brandon asked, looking at him with his eyes filled with hope. “Of course, I'll ask mommy if I can come, and I'll bring Shane along,” Jordan answered yet another from the boy. He had lost count of Brandon's and Brenda's questions. Having his kids around him made his heart swell in pride. At a distance, Bryson sat not interested in what they were talking about, making Jordan feel his heart clench. “Bryson? What's wrong?” Jordan ask
“Ash, you have to pull yourself together, please, for Brandon and Brenda,” Lindsey said, soothing Ashley's back gently. Ashley shook her head, looking at her friend, her eyes red from all the crying. She had never felt her world come to a standstill in just a matter of a day. A lone tear found its way down her cheek, making Lindsey feel her tears sting her eyes. “Please don't cry, it'll be okay, the police are on this, you have to stay strong,” Lin pleaded, feeling her eyes well up irresistibly. Soft steps stopped by their side, “Ashley…” Jordan's voice came, making Ashley snap her head towards him. Jordan felt a hint of Déjà vu as he remembered the last time he saw her that devastated. He couldn’t stop the horrid feeling, worrying that she would end up in a hospital bed again. On the other hand, Ashley looked at him, not saying a word as she felt her strength fail her. She couldn’t feel any strength left in her to start any argument with him. “I’ll go check up on the kids, Ash
Jordan couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he held the results in his hand. It appeared he only needed to talk to Maya about how he treated their son. “Babe, I want to go visit my cousin for a few days,” Maya informed, smiling at Jordan from a meter away. Jordan furrowed his brows, wondering why Maya would bring up such a topic all of a sudden. The fact that she wasn't mad about him requesting for DNA shook him, too. “You are not mad that I had DNA done behind your back?” Jordan couldn't hold the question in again as he let it out. Maya moved towards him with a broadened smile. “It's okay if you wanted to be certain, but now I have to leave right now, I don’t want to be late,” Maya pressed on evading the DNA discussion. “I didn't know you had family here? Are you taking Shane with you?” Jordan asked the questions with concern written all over his face. Her sudden trip unsettling him, especially after the disappearance of his son. Though he hadn’t talked to her about Ashle
Ashley saw the evening of another day without her child, making her heart clench painfully. As the doorbell rang, she couldn't help but feel as if that were music in her ears. The many times she had run to that door thinking maybe her son was home disheartened her. She couldn't face any more disappointment of not seeing her son walk through that door. She could feel her hope hanging on a string as she wiped another set of tears. Lindsey had taken the kids away, she could only hope they didn't ask endless questions about their sibling. The door opened, ushering in a panting Jordan. Ashley stood up looking at him in awe, “What happened? Did they find him?” Ashley asked, offering him a seat but all he could do was shake his head. What he said next made her feel her head swirl in dizziness. “I think they might have Shane too, he was just taken from the house, minutes ago…” Jordan said still in disbelief, hearing himself say the words out loud took a toll on him. “What? How?” Ashley
As the car drove around the city, Ashley felt her mind go miles away. She tried to gather enough strength to face all that was ahead of her. She knew no amount of the fear she felt could outdo the anticipation to see her son again. “We're here, ma'am,” the taxi driver said, pulling Ashley out from her wondrous thoughts. She saw the tall building of the hotel making her breath in sharply before proceeding. The chilly air of the night seeped through her lungs like a sharp knife, taunting her. A text came to her phone from the same new number. ‘Come straight across the street and meet me beside the hotel, I can see you come straight.’ The instructions read, making Ashley glance beside the hotel, her eyes falling on a dark spot. No matter how much her mind warned her against proceeding with the pursuit, Ashley didn't have the heart to stop. As her steps got closer, everything in her was screaming for her to stop, but she couldn't. She looked around but all she could see were some hom
In the alley beside Wilson Hotel;Ashley felt herself being dragged in the dark alley making her struggle to scream. The hand let loose a little, “Ssh, it's me, don't shout,” Ashley heard a woman's voice in the alley making calm down a little. “I know you don't know me, but you know him, right?” The woman asked, revealing a boy behind her. Ashley felt shocked as she saw Shane sleeping out in the cold but was well covered. “I am…” “Elizabeth, the boy's biological mother,” Ashley interjected, letting her know he knew about her. “Yes, Shane's in trouble, Maya knows I took the boy, we were supposed to meet at a certain location to stay there, but knowing Maya, I don't want Shane near him,” Elizabeth explained as she kept glancing around in panic. Ashley stood there dismayed not knowing what to say. “Please take him with you, he told me so much about you, he trusts you, please,” Elizabeth pleaded with her, holding her hand gently. “Where is my son?” Ashley asked, looking at her in
“He's still the same Maya, he doesn't have long,” Danton announced feeling restless. Maya ran her hands through her hair, “we have to move, we've stayed here too long, and that b**ch, I'll kill her!” Maya yelled out loud, pacing around hysterically. “What about Bryson? He needs…” Danton insisted, but was interjected by Maya as she shouted at him. “Shut the f**k up! I need to think!” Maya bellowed, making the room fall silent. Everything she was doing was going sideways all of a sudden. Before anyone could say anything, sirens were heard surrounding the house making Maya’s eyes grow wide as her feet stuck the ground. “What the hell! How did they find this place?” Danton asked in panic as he walked to the window by the main door. Looking out, there were nothing but blue and red police lights. This was it, their end, “you sold us out!” Danton accused Maya angrily as he walked towards her without fear. It didn't matter if she was the boss's daughter anymore. “What are you talking
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