"Goodbye Mrs. Ashley Abrecht," I heard the receptionist say, but I paid no attention as I rushed toward the carport. I can hear the heavy footsteps behind me and I already know who it was.“Ashley, just wait!” I pressed the car remote, and the car beeped, but just as I reached for the door, a hand slammed it shut, blocking my way in.“Mason!” "Please, we need to talk," he swiftly stated, coming to stand in front of me.Closing my eyes, I draw in a sharp breath before meeting his gaze. "We have nothing to talk about," I assert."No," he shakes his head in disapproval, "We have a lot to catch up on," he declares, placing his hand on my shoulder.Tilting my head to glance at his hands, I exhale a sigh and return my gaze to him. "Mason, I'm sorry, but I am...""Married," he interjects, cutting me off. "A cup of coffee won't hinder your marriage, and besides," he pauses, exhaling deeply. “You want me to forgive you, right?” I squinted my eyes at him in confusion, "Mason... You wronged m
I took a sip of my coffee, the warmth of the cup comforting me as I gazed out of the window. The city's rhythm felt distant, overshadowed by the weight of the tension around us. Memories flooded back, a mix of sweetness and pain, as I stole glances at him. His eyes held a familiar longing, a desire that once ignited a fire between us but right now, the space between us feels suffocating to me. Sighing, I tighten my grip around my coffee cup and look away. From the corner of my eyes, I could clearly see his eyes fixed on the wedding ring on my fourth finger. My heart races as I notice his blank expression, making it hard to decipher what's going on in his mind.And just then Damien's face flashes through my mind… Damn! How could I forget? I quickly glance at my wristwatch.Damn! It's already 1:30 pm... My eyes widened as I realized I left the office around 9 a.m.More reason for Damien to pull off my head, bringing the cup closer to my lips, I gulped down the coffee in one go and quic
Mason Walking into my room, I tugged on my tie in frustration, loosening it a little. Before bringing out my phone, and scrolling through it for any new messages, but as usual, there was nothing... She still hadn't replied.I have dialed her number multiple times since I left her by the roadside to rush and attend to urgent matters in the hospital. I've called and sent messages, but still, there's been no response from her up to this moment. Is she okay? What if something bad happened to her? I was lost in my thoughts when the door was suddenly pushed open, and a familiar voice reverberated behind me. "You're back," the voice echoed.Placing my phone on the nightstand, I simply nodded and hummed as I made my way to the refrigerator, grabbing a bottle of canned water. Opening it, I took a sip. I can feel her eyes following my every action. "You look tense," she remarked, her eyes fixed on me. "I just got back from work," I replied, but she only hummed and shot me a skeptical s
“How did you know my name?” Who the hell is this man?Smiling, he spoke in a gentler tone, "Relax, my boss would love to meet you.""Your boss," I raised an eyebrow at him suspiciously. But then something clicked in, "Is it Damien?" I asked with a smile, feeling my excitement bubbling up. Seeing my reaction, he smirked coldly and remarked, "Looks like you're eager to see him," his words wiped the smile off my face, leaving me confused.If it is not Damien then who exactly? Which other boss is he talking about?More like he read my mind, he leaned back on his seat, the smile still not leaving his lips. "Not him," he stated, earning a glare from me. Glancing sideways, he leaned in and whispered, "But it has everything to do with him, don't you want to get closer to him?"“Don't I want to get closer to him?” Glancing at the stranger before me, I mulled over his words. His grin enticed me, tempting me to give in, and truthfully, I yearned to get closer to Damien no matter the cost, b
Ashley We arrived at Sebastian's house, and I took a slow look around. The small two-bedroom apartment surprised me; it seemed rather simple considering the Albrecht family's status."I know you must be wondering why I reside here instead of a grand, lavish mansion," he chuckled, strolling towards his refrigerator."M...mmm," I hummed, trying not to come out rude. "Let's just say I'm all about that low-key life, I prefer to keep things private," he shrugged, pulling out two Margarita cans from his fridge.“Mm… yeah,” I scratched my neck, flashing an awkward smile to lighten the tension. He should've offered me a ride back, but honestly, I felt like I needed to cool my head before dealing with the beast waiting for me at home.I suggested a club but he refused, worried about bumping into the wrong person there and then again he doesn't want to get on Damien's bad side anymore. So left with no choice, we ended up here."Drinks," he grinned, lifting the two cans. I smiled back, noddi
"I broke his trust," he said with a sad smile, taking a huge gulp from his drink."I know something happened because it's tough to acknowledge you two are cousins; he really can't stand having you around," I chuckled, mirroring the agony in his expression. I cracked open another can and raised it to my lips, and took a big sip from it.Closing his eyes, Sebastian swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down before he gazed at me once more. It was the first time I was privileged to see the blend of pain, longing, and regret etched on his face."We were once inseparable," he chuckled, the hint of regret evident in his voice. Shaking his head, he took another sip from his drink. "He lacked parental love; his folks were workaholics, always busy with their business, leaving him wanting for affection, even though they provided for his every material need.""What kind of parents are they? Is that why he hates them?" I pondered, hesitant to jump to conclusions just yet.He sighed,
"It's okay, Sebastian, it's fine," I comfortingly pat his shoulder. "I understand the fear, and hey, you've learned from your mistake."Sniffing, he buried his face on my shoulder, “I miss him, I miss our friendship…” I consoled him, feeling the weight of his words. "His jokes, I miss him a lot," he continued, his emotions raw and palpable in the air. Swallowing hard, I fought back the tears, a heavy silence enveloping us. "Where is she now?" I inquired softly, the question lingering in the air.Pulling his head off me, he rubbed his jaw repeatedly, his eyes reflecting a deep frustration. "She died in childbirth, both she and the baby couldn't make it alive."Ah...! And for the first time, I felt bad for her. Past few years I was busy enjoying my life while some had messy years. Slowly I stared at the sad-looking guy sitting beside me, "Did Damien kill her?" I asked quietly but he gasped in response."Come on, hell no," he was quick to defend. "Though I wished he did but he didn't,"
My back ached as I stirred around, stretching my hand. I yawned, and suddenly, a voice beside me exclaimed, startling me. “Ma'am, thank God, you've woken up!” I jerked my head up abruptly, and instantly regretted it as a sharp throb pulsed through my head. "Ahh..." I winced, clutching my throbbing head before glancing up to find Aurora smiling gently at me.“Aurora,” "Good morning, ma'am," she greeted and extended a cup toward me, "This is chamomile," she smiled, but I simply stared at her in confusion.“What for?”"This is a herbal tea, it will help reduce your headache," she said softly, handing me the cup. I nodded, took a sip of the tea, and then glanced back at her, "Thank you," I murmured.Grinning, she nervously scratched her neck, "You're welcome, but I wasn't the one that prepared it," noticing my confused arched brow, she confessed, "It was sir, Damien."Damien? And just like that, a flicker of memory darted through my thoughts, a hazy recollection of yesterday. My
“Do you, Jessica Hall, take Sebastian Albrecht as your wedded husband, to have and to know from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do you apart?” "Yes, I do," Jessica replied, earning a loud excited clap from the crowd. It has been four years and here we are in the church, witnessing the wedding of Sebastian and doctor Jessica. I don’t know but I feel like the happiest today, I have always blessed their union. Sitting beside me is Mrs. Albrecht, carrying my three years old son, Ryan, in her arms. He is just the cardboard copy of his father, Damien. The only thing he took from me is just my deep blue ocean eyes, other features are just like that of Damien. Damien rubbed my right hand, and perked it before intertwining them in his. I looked at him and smiled, he didn’t lie when he said that he will make things right again. He had been incredibly sweet, easy going, jovial and
Ashley Time flies and before I knew it it was morning already. I spoke with Sebastian yesterday and he told me that he will be coming with a surprise package. Knock. Knock“I am coming," I shouted and perked Mrs. Catherina in the cheeks and hurried to open the door. “Hey Sebastian," I greeted with a warm smile and he smiled back. “How have you been?" “Just there," I replied, my eyes curiously trailing all over him for any present or anything but he came empty handed. Where is the surprise package?" Hey, you said that you have something that will cheer me up,” I pouted and he laughed while walking in." Yeah, I did," he replied but just then, Mrs. Catherina walked in. “Hey Sebastian." “Wow!" He went in to give her a warm hug, though I noticed they exchanged a strange look. What was that for? I opened my mouth to ask, but Sebastian beat me to it, “So, Ash, how's my little nephew?” He plopped down on the couch, and Mrs. Catherina returned to her cooking, humming a tune in the k
Damien The room is dark, with a smell of alcohol lingering in the air. I sat on the ground with another bottle of alcohol and leaned my head against the wall. It has been four good months that I haven’t seen Ashley. I have tried to reach her, to explain things but it was all a futile mission. She doesn’t want to see me. She had blocked me on all the social media platforms from reaching her. Since her absence, life has been hard and bitter on my side. I had to give up her father’s company and resigned as the owner but still she doesn’t want me. I know I wronged her but I am ready to fix things. To show her the sweet, jovial, and easy going side of me.But I guess it is all too late now. I pulled my hair and took another huge sip from the drink. For the past few months, I have regretted the life I had lived. How I had neglected her. I blamed myself day and night for not being so serious in finding her then after that night.I hated myself more…. More for the constant abuses,
It's been three months since I left Los Angeles, and I must admit, I miss Damien every single day. He's tried every possible way to reach me, bombarding me with countless apologies and calls, desperate to make things right. Yet, despite the ache in my heart, I still yearn for him. But the painful realization runs too deep, and I just can't bring myself to go back to him. My heart and mind are at war, torn between the love I still feel and the hurt I thought I'd never overcome.I felt utterly betrayed, so I blocked Damien on all social media platforms. Since then, the only people I've been in contact with are Sebastian and Jessica. Though I've also heard through the grapevine that Damien has relinquished control of my father's company and resigned as owner. But I couldn't care less, my father is already dead. As I sat on the couch, staring blankly at the TV in front of me, my mind wandered, not even concentrating on the news. When suddenly, the doorbell rang, signaling that someone
AshleyThe airport is full of people leaving and entering from arriving flights. I sat down on the bench there waiting patiently for my flight, when suddenly the airport's public address system crackled to life. The air traffic control personnel announce, their voice echoing through the terminal..."Attention all passengers and airport personnels, due to severe weather conditions, all flight departures are currently suspended. Please check with your airline for further updates and instructions.""What?!" I gasped, shocked. Which weather? I thought, glancing up at the small opening up there to see the sky but to my surprise, it was clear. Not a cloud in sight, no sign of rain or even a hint of turbulence.What are they now talking about? I wasn't the only one perplexed, my fellow passengers exchanged confused glances, and a low murmur and noises started rising and that’s when my phone beeped. I pulled it out from my pocket and it was Sebastian. "Hey, Sebastian," I answered, steppi
amien. Swirling my office chair around, my mind kept drafting to different directions. I won’t deny the fact that I am kind of scared about the abortion that Ashley is about to go through but then again… . I rubbed my face, and let out a deep sigh. What if I lose her? God forbid! I don’t think I will survive that, picking out my phone to dial Ashley’s number when suddenly the door to my office opened and Lucas walked in. "Good evening, boss," he said, but I just raised an eyebrow in response. Noticing my expression, he added, "Someone is here to see you, boss."Someone is here to see me? Who? I am not expecting anyone.“Who?" I asked, eyeing him up suspiciously. He gulped hard and scratched his neck nervously, “I think is best to see him," Him?Giving him a suspicious glare, I leaned back in my chair and nodded for him to let the person in. He nodded and went back to the door. My curiosity widened as the door opened, and I readjust to see the person but to my surprise, Seba
Tears were rushing down my face as I hurried down stairs. All my world seemed to be crumbling before me for real this time. My heart was full of pain, and hurt.I haven’t felt this broken before all through my life. It feels like I am suffocating. I held my chest, feeling a painful tug against my heart. So all the time I have been living with that monster from that very night. He was the reason that my life was full of pain, bruises, suffering and trauma. I was almost downstairs, when a hand suddenly grabbed me from behind and pulled me into an empty corridor in the restaurant. "Ash, please calm down, let's talk," Sebastian whispered urgently beside me. But I shook my head, tears streaming down my face. "No! No!" I exclaimed, my voice cracking. "He broke me!" I wailed, and Sebastian pulled me in a tight, comforting hug. I continued to sob, screaming, and venting all my anger and frustration until exhaustion took over.**** ***** Sitting across the table alone with Sebastian
“And how is this related to the stranger?" I turned to Sebastian but Layla was quick to answer. “I just wanted to tell you how everything happened,” she said, attempting to look pitiful But I am not buying those cheap looks on her face. She had betrayed me, and I wasn't about to forget it. " Then be fast, I don’t have all day,” I snapped, my patience wearing thin. Sebastian patted my hand to calm down. "After I caught them, I threatened to tell you," Layla said, tears streaming down her face. "Honestly, I wanted to tell you, but they used my grandma's condition against me." She sobbed, but I raised an eyebrow at her. "He offered to treat her for free if I kept quiet and went along with their plan. I was devastated...," she trailed off, sniffling. Sebastian handed her a tissue across the table, and she took it, turning to face me. "They threatened to kick my grandma out if I didn't cooperate. You know how much I love her; she's my only living relative. So, I agreed to play a
My ringing tone pulled me out of my sleep, and I yawned, stretching out my hand to grab the phone from the nightstand beside the bed. Again, Damien hadn't slept here last night. My head pounded as I tried to sit up straight in bed. I picked up the call without checking the caller ID and placed the phone to my ear. "Yes?" I sounded drowsy, my voice husky from sleep."Are you just waking up?" Sebastian chuckled from the other end of the line. Startled, I pulled the phone away and checked the caller ID. "Fuck," I hissed under my breath. "It's still morning," I said, yawning. I heard him chuckle again before saying, "When you're done, come to the eatery at Street 10 by the roadside." "Why?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "It's about our last discussion," he replied. My gaze widened, and I instantly sat up straight in bed, my heart racing."Did you find anything?" I asked, clinging to the duvet in fear. I heard Sebastian sigh before saying, "Just come out, at least by 10 o'clock.