(Freya’s POV)“You're the one who should stay away from me, Stella.”It was Ash’s voice when the door opened. Both I and Stella were surprised to see him come out. But I could see how Stella looked more shocked than me.She froze, surprise etching her features. For a moment, she was a deer caught in headlights. I held my breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle on my shoulders. The silence stretched, and I could see the flicker of fear in Stella's eyes. It was a side of her I rarely witnessed—vulnerable, exposed.“Ash, you misheard me,” Stella stammered, her bravado cracking. “I wasn’t talking about—”“There’s nothing to mishear, Stella.” Ash’s tone hardened. “I’m tired of this charade. You keep acting like everything’s fine when it’s not.”My pulse quickened. This was escalating fast, and I could feel the tension radiating between them. I shifted uncomfortably, wondering if I should intervene. I hated confrontation, yet it was clear I couldn’t just stand by.“Maybe we should a
(Freya's POV)“Why should I dress up when it's just a normal dinner?” I asked myself as I got ready to leave. I was still in the room with mixed feelings because this was the first time Ash and I had dinner out since returning to this house.I sighed and looked at myself, looking nervous even though I tried to put on a normal expression.To my surprise, I'm wearing the dress I've been saving for a long time, the one I wished I could wear when going out to eat with Ash.In fact, that wish only came true now with the same feelings but a different situation.“Well, be normal, Freya. This is not special, it will not be!”That's how I suggested to myself that today, tonight, and this moment would be nothing special. It's just an ordinary dinner.A knock on the bedroom door suddenly sounded, startling me as I was still focused on the mirror before me.“Are you ready, Freya?” asks Ash.“Yeah, I'm ready. Just a second.”I stand up and reach for my pouch before opening the door. I took anothe
(Ash’s POV)Stella has gone too far and I think I need to end this properly. After all the time I spent with Freya, I feel that I have truly loved her. And I want to pursue him, make sure she won't hesitate and accept me, so I need to do the right thing to start the relationship too.The mistakes I have made in the past, all started with Stella. That I wouldn't hate Freya so much because of everything Stella said, which I even stupidly believed.After leaving the office, in the afternoon I went straight to meet Stella at her apartment. I wanted to discuss everything with Stella and clarify everything that had happened, including my feelings for Freya.However, when I was about to turn out of the hallway of Stella's apartment building, I heard Stella's angry voice. I stopped in my tracks and peeked over the wall and saw Stella with a man in front of her apartment door.“Didn't I tell you to never come here again?!” Stella's scream was so shrill that I could hear it quickly.I wondered
(Freya's POV)"Ash..." I tried to push Ash away but he moved too fast for me to break free, pinning my body to the wall and pulling my arms above my head. I gasped when Ash's lips crushed mine.“Freya, you are very beautiful tonight. "So beautiful," Ash moaned in between his brutal and pressing kisses.I could barely move my body to struggle when both of my hands were gripped so tightly by Ash. Meanwhile, he pressed his body closer to mine. My body shook with boiling heat every time he squeezed my waist and rubbed my jaw with sensual movements."Ash, you're drunk...""I'm not drunk, baby," he whispered, his voice shaking, "I'm drunk because you're too beautiful for me to enjoy in a short time..."“Ash,” I said in a gasp, writhing under Ash's body."So tonight I intend to taste you until I feel satisfied..." he licked my lips, making me feel like I had just touched an electric current that shocked my body.“Ash, please…” Quickly, I tried to beg Ash, even though he had lost half his con
(Ash’s POV)I groaned as I woke up and felt a throbbing pain in my head, attacking continuously like a hammer hitting it. I tried to open my eyes when the pain began to fade and to my surprise, my eyes widened to see Freya lying next to me naked. She was fast asleep on her side facing me.“What the…” my voice trailed off as pieces of my memory started to come back like a fast train. Everything became clearer as the dizziness in my head disappeared.I remember, last night I left the hospital feeling devastated after I found out that Raon was not my flesh and blood. All this time, Stella has been betraying me. For years she hid the fact that she was having an affair with another man, they slept together until Stella became pregnant and had a child. Meanwhile, all this time I was like a fool who thought that Stella was pregnant with my child. That Raon is my son.“Damn it!” I cursed loudly while squeezing the blanket that covered my back. As I sat down with an overwhelming feeling of ange
(Freya's POV)"Thanks for buying me clothes," I said as I walked over to Ash who was at the kitchen bar table, busy preparing something."Does it fit your body?" Ash asked."Yes. "This is very comfortable," I said sitting in the chair."I'm grateful. I told my secretary to buy it," he said. He placed a plate in front of me with toast topped with jam and scrambled eggs, which looked perfect. And the cup of coffee he had prepared for me. Ash sat in front of me and looked at me.“I didn't know you could cook?” I asked curiously.The corner of Ash's lips lifted. “This is the only thing I can do. "Well, even though it's not perfect, it feels pretty good," he said.I shook my head, disagreeing with him. “This is perfect. The visuals and …” I tasted the scrambled eggs and chewed them slowly. Surprised by the taste, I looked at Ash again. “...that feels good, Ash,” I commented.Ash visibly blushed. He also tasted his cooking, he seemed also surprised by the taste of the food he had cooked.“I
(Ash’s POV)“Ash…”I was surprised when I returned to my apartment and saw Stella waiting for me at the door. With a worn face, she squatted down.“What are you doing here?” I asked in a cold tone. I have made it clear to Stella that I no longer want to have any relationship with her after all the crazy lies she told me. This concerns the child and Stella had the heart to do it to me. “Didn't I tell you not to appear in front of me again?”"Ash, please..." She immediately stood up and grabbed my hand, but I brushed it off roughly.“Enough of fooling me again, Stella. I'm fed up with all the things you've done to me, the lies about my grandmother's death, even Raon. Everything you do is outrageous!” I snapped, losing my control. I stared intently at Stella who was sobbing in front of me and for some reason, seeing her cry no longer touched my heart. I felt like her tears were just a lie.“I did it because I have a reasonー”“What reason?” I asked interrupting.“Because I love you. Don't
(Freya's POV)Everything was more chaotic than I expected. Since that night, Henry has approached me more intensely. He picked me up to go to the office together, and during lunch, he would come to my office and invite me to have lunch together, then when I came home, he would contact me and make sure he could take me home safely.For a week, Ash kept trying to do the same thing. I almost went crazy because of the clash between them and the intensity of hatred in both of their eyes every time they saw each other and came face to face. It makes me feel anxious and guilty at the same time. I don't want an argument, but I also can't decide who I should choose even though my heart is more inclined to love Ash. “Ash, why did you come here without telling me?” I immediately got up from my chair when Ash entered my office, without warning."I came to see you," he said. It walked towards me. Hugging me so tightly that it made me wonder why his hug felt so sad."Did something happen?" I asked
(Freya’s POV)“Wow! You look so beautiful in that wedding dress, Freya,” Henry's voice broke through my nervous thoughts as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the delicate lace on my off-white gown. His eyes gleamed with admiration, and I couldn’t help but blush under his gaze.I smiled softly, my fingers clutching the bouquet of flowers tightly. My heart pounded in my chest, but it wasn’t from nerves alone. There was joy, too—a joy I hadn’t felt in years, a happiness that made my stomach flutter and my throat tighten with emotion. Henry stepped closer, his gaze still appreciative. “Congratulations, Freya. You and Ash truly deserve this happiness. I wish you both a lifetime of love and peace.” “Thank you,” I replied, my voice barely a whisper. “It means a lot that you’re here.” I looked around the room, expecting to see his usual companion. “Where’s Reece?”A chuckle escaped Henry’s lips. “He’s with Ash, probably giving him some last-minute advice or, knowing Reece, a stern t
(Freya’s POV)"Ash, where do you actually want to take me?" I asked nervously, the blindfold over my eyes heightening my senses.My heart raced, both with curiosity and apprehension. My hands twitched in my lap, wishing for some semblance of control. He had insisted I wear this dress—a beautiful, fancy gown that shimmered with every step I took—and now, as we drove to an unknown location, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something extraordinary was about to happen."You'll like it," Ash's voice came from the driver’s seat, calm and collected as always. "We're almost there."I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, fingers gripping the smooth fabric of the dress. How could he be so nonchalant while I was over here, blindfolded and nervous? I tried to reason with myself. This is Ash, I reminded myself. But that didn’t stop my pulse from quickening.When the car finally stopped, I breathed out in relief, only to be startled again when Ash opened my door and took my hand."Careful," he said a
(Freya’s POV)One week later…"We have checked the condition of your husband's left hand and it has improved, so today we will remove the cast," said Dr. Allen as he inspected Ash's arm. His voice was calm, and professional, but the news hit me like a wave of relief.I let out a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding. It’s been a week since Ash was discharged from the hospital, and even though he had been coping well, the cast was a constant reminder of the danger he had been in. The sight of that heavy white plaster wrapping his arm had haunted me every day, a symbol of his pain — and my guilt."Thank you, Doctor," I managed to say, trying to keep my voice steady.Dr. Allen nodded with a warm smile. "However, even though the cast is off, Mr. Ash should still avoid heavy lifting or putting strain on the arm for a while. Full recovery could take a bit longer, so be careful. No intense physical activities," he added, his gaze shifting to Ash with a knowing glance. Ash gave him a mis
(Freya’s POV)“Henry, why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” I immediately stood up from my seat when I saw Henry standing at the entrance to my office, a warm smile on his face as he stepped inside. My heart skipped a beat, a mixture of surprise and relief washing over me. Without thinking, I hurried toward him and threw my arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug.Henry returned the embrace, his strong arms wrapping around me, offering comfort in a way only he could. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the hug calm the turmoil that had been swirling inside me for days. After what had happened to Ash, I’d been on edge, worried, restless. Henry’s presence was like a breath of fresh air—a brief reprieve from everything.“I wanted to surprise you.” Henry’s deep voice rumbled in his chest, and I couldn’t help but smile as I pulled away slightly to look at him. His brown eyes were soft, filled with concern and something else I couldn’t quite place.“You succee
(Freya’s POV) "Are they asleep?" Ash asked as soon as I returned to the room. His voice, though low, carried that familiar hint of playfulness. He lay in bed, his left arm still in a sling, his eyes following my every move as I quietly shut the door behind me.I nodded, walking toward him. “Yes, finally. Hazel wouldn’t stop talking about your promise,” I said, sitting down on the edge of the bed beside him. “What exactly did you promise them, Ash? They were glowing with excitement.”A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he raised an eyebrow. “I told them I’d take them to the playground once I’m better. That’s all.” He shrugged, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.I sighed, shaking my head. “You’re spoiling them.”Ash’s smile softened, and he reached out with his good hand, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. His touch was tender, almost hesitant. “I’m not spoiling them, Freya. I’m their father. And I want to do the things I couldn’t before... the things I
(Freya's POV)“Are your hands okay?” I asked in a low voice. I hesitated to touch his bandaged left hand. “Does it hurt a lot?”I'm currently lying in Ash's arms. So comfortable in his arms. Even though I was a little afraid because it would hurt him, especially with his sick condition. But Ash insisted he didn't want to stay away from me. Moreover, previously I had tried to stay away from him and asked Ash to leave me for his safety."It doesn't hurt that much," Ash answered softly. “Are you very worried?”“Of course I'm worried. You don't know how I feel when I get a call from the hospital if you have an accident. I thought I was going to lose you…” For some reason, those words just slipped out of my mouth as if I couldn't hide my true feelings for Ash. But consciously, I couldn't see myself losing Ash because of my love for him.“Somehow, I feel happy knowing that you are worried about me and afraid of losing me. That means you have feelings for me, right?” he asked while setting m
(Freya's POV)“N-no way…”I fell limp on the grass when I was told that Ash had an accident. Just a few minutes ago he left my house and I actually got terrible news like this.“Freya!” shouted Henry. He looked panicked seeing me crying hysterically with my body shaking violently. "What happened? What is it?" he asked, shaking my arm.“Ash… Ash… he had an accident,” I sobbed. Fear attacked me very violently. “I have to go there immediately! I have to go there, Henry!” I shouted with a pale face.At that time I immediately went to the hospital where Ash was. While on the way to the hospital. I was so panicked and scared. The realization hit me that I couldn't lose him, again. After everything we've been through together. I should have accepted Ash's love confession yesterday and I regret it now.“Oh my God… I hope he will be okay,” I said in a sobbing voice.Reece kept trying to calm us down and held my hand tightly. When we arrived at the hospital, I immediately ran to the nurse's des
(Freya's POV)After leaving prison, Ash and I went to the supermarket to buy food ingredients that we would use for tonight's party. This was Ash's idea as he wanted to celebrate Hazel's return from the hospital, as well as the fact that he was the father of my children. He continues to pamper them both with all the nice toys and clothes and often even comes to my house just to buy Hazel and Violet their favorite food.And I feel very happy because Hazel and Violet always look happy whenever they are with Ash. My heart feels warm and I hope moments like that last forever.The waiter prepared the food while Ash and I decorated the backyard into the most beautiful barbecue party ever. I invited Reece and Henry, even though I knew there was still tension between them. But beforehand I had told Reece that I had not given Ash an answer as to whether I would return to him.But regarding Ash who is the father of Hazel and Violet, I also couldn't refuse when Ash wanted to meet them seeing tha
(Freya's POV)"Ash," I called when I saw Ash had just arrived and I ran to hug him.He grabbed me in a tight embrace before letting go. "I came straight back after you told me that Hazel had regained consciousness. How is her condition?” he asked.“The doctor said that her condition had improved, but she still needed intensive care. Thank You…""What for?" his brow furrowed in confusion.“Because you have donated your blood to her,” I said.“Freya, what are you talking about? She is my daughter! I should have done it. Even if I have to give my life, I will do it," he said firmly. I was stunned to hear his words.Ash approached the bed but managed to glance at Henry who was still there. Hazel has opened her eyes since earlier and currently, the doctor has also removed the tube for breathing because Hazel's condition has improved.Ash sat in a small chair next to the bed. I watched from the end of the bed. His large hand grasped Hazel's tiny hand carefully as if one rough touch could br