(Freya's POV)I don't know what Ash was thinking until he ordered spicy food even though he can't stand spicy food at all. It makes me feel guilty when he can't even finish his food. But I didn't want to make that an opening for Ash to approach me. Because I know, everything he does is just a pretense.I sat on the edge of the bed and got ready to sleep, but I called Henry first because I promised to tell him when I got here. And I did it to see what Ash's response would be.This was the right time because soon Ash would come out of the bathroom because he had been in there all along."Hello, Henry," I said with a small smile even though he couldn't see it. "I arrived a long time ago and I'm sorry I just contacted you. "Because I was so tired and rested for a while before contacting you," I said honestly."No problem. Was the trip good?” he asked from across the phone."Yeah, we had a good trip," I answered, trying to keep my voice calm despite my heart beating a little faster. I knew
(Freya's POV)In the morning, when we were preparing to visit the construction site, the atmosphere between us was still awkward. I couldn't ignore the lingering irritation from last night's events, and Ash didn't seem to be trying to make things better either. He just focused on his phone, not saying a word. I tried to remind myself to stay calm and professional, but every time I saw his face, my anger came back.When I arrived at the construction site, I was greeted with the sound of machines and workers busy with their respective tasks. That is the building that will be built as a result of the collaboration between us and me. While I was there, I tried to talk less with Ash and focused on asking the head of the management there about development."I hope you can stay focused, Freya," Ash said suddenly, without looking at me. His tone was flat as if he was just giving ordinary instructions. "Of course, I know what I have to do," I answered in a voice that tried to sound firm, even
(Freya's POV)“What about your back?” I asked after we were silent for a while.“It's fine. It's just that it can't be used to do something heavy," said Ash.Of course. His back had several stitches because of the wounds he got from protecting me. I felt very guilty but also touched by what he did. An Ash who hated me so much, that he didn't even care about his safety to help me.“You shouldn't have done that,” I said, squeezing the hem of my blazer with my shaking hands. I lowered my head because I didn't dare look into his eyes."And let the beam fall on your head?" he asked curtly.I flinched and looked at him. “That's much better. I don't want to be in debtー”"If you don't like being in debt, treat me well while I'm sick," he said, cutting me off.I felt my chest feel tight. Why does Ash have to act like this towards me? What he did made me unable to forget him. That makes it difficult for me. It makes me feel anxious whether he is really starting to have an interest in me or he i
(Freya's POV)I walked away from him, trying to distance myself from the reality of what Ash had just said. My feelings were messy like there was a storm raging in my heart. His words spun in my head, over and over, as if hitting my already fragile walls. How could he say something like that now, after everything that had happened? My steps stopped, and I turned to look at him. Ash still stood there, his face full of regret. But I couldn't believe that expression. Not now. Not after what he did in the past. Why now, when I've tried so hard to forget? Ash always knew how to break me. He knows my weak spots, and he uses them to his advantage. In the past, he dumped me without a second thought, and now he's back, with sweet words that make me shake. Why did he have to do this? Why now?“I know it's hard,” he said again, trying to get closer to me. "But I can't control what I feel. I can't control these feelings, Freya.""Feeling?" I laughed bitterly, looking at him hatefully. "What kin
(Freya's POV)My relationship with Ash became increasingly complicated. After the business trip, we were stranger than ever. I try hard to avoid it. Even told my secretary to tell Ash that I'm not in the office every time he comes to my company.All this to maintain my sanity. Since the business trip with Ash, my feelings have become more confused than before. And I felt angry and disappointed with myself for still loving Ash even after everything he had done to me.And the only way is not to meet Ash either now or later. But I know I can't do that all the time while I still have a partnership with Ash. but for now, I don't want to see his face. Because if I met Ash, maybe my feelings for him would explode until I couldn't hold it in. And I will hate myself even more because I fell so easily into his chains.Every time I hear footsteps in the corridor, my heart races. My mind was filled with fear that it might be Ash, even though I had given clear instructions to my secretary. I felt
(Ash’s POV)“Fuck up!” I cursed loudly when all my messages and calls to Freya were completely ignored by her. I even contacted her many times. Left missed calls dozens of times, but she always rejected them.Freya also avoided me in her office and managed to frustrate me because it had been almost a week since we returned from a business trip and I hadn't seen her a day. The longing and tightness in my chest made my mind so confused.I couldn't stop myself from meeting her. Letting go of the longing that blindly attacks me. I also want to fix the relationship mistakes that occurred between us last time. But Freya kept pushing me away and wouldn't let me get any closer.“What should I do to keep her from pushing me over and over again,” I said, squeezing my phone. I just contacted her but she still didn't pick up and that made me feel so annoyed.I grabbed my jacket that was lying on the sofa and walked out of the apartment with the resentment that had been building up. I decided to g
(Freya’s POV)That morning, Henry had picked me up at home. I saw his car parked in front of the gate, and he got out with a smile. "Freya, are you ready?"I nodded, even though my heart still felt heavy. “That's it, Henry. Let's go."We headed to Henry's villa outside the city. The villa is his favorite place for refreshing. He said the atmosphere there could calm the mind. I hope he's right because I really need peace. For the next four days, I wanted to get away from all the chaos, especially from Ash's shadow. I've been trying to forget it for years, but it feels like I'm running in place. He continued to break through my defenses, coming and going as he pleased. And I... I hate it. Hate that he used to throw me away like trash, but now acts like he cares.In the car, Henry plays jazz music. Usually, I like to hum along, but this time I just sat quietly, my eyes staring blankly out the window. In my head, Ash's voice was still ringing, ruining the otherwise peaceful morning.“You
(Freya’s POV)"Henry, I…" I bit my lip, searching for the right words to explain. "You're a good person, and I respect your feelings. But I'm still not sure. My heart still...""Still somewhere else," Henry continued, smiling softly even though his eyes conveyed deep disappointment. "I understand, Freya. And I won't force you. I just want you to know that you're not alone."Henry's words felt like a gentle slap to the heart. I knew Henry had tried hard to make me comfortable, trying to build something more between us. But I'm still shackled by the past. Still caught up in feelings for Ash, even though I know I should have let them go."Thank you, Henry." I tried to smile, even though the smile felt so heavy. "You're always there for me, and I appreciate that."Henry nodded, looking at me gently. "I will always be there, Freya. I won't leave."I wanted to believe his words, wanted to convince myself that I could give Henry a chance. But I know, this issue is not about who is better or