(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
(Freya’s POV)I entered the room with a pounding heart, aware of the enveloping silence. There, Ash lay weakly on the sofa, his breathing heavy and labored. He, a man who usually looked strong and tough, now looked so fragile with a pale face. The high fever he was suffering from made his body tremble, and the strong smell of alcohol filled the air around him. This sight made my heart feel heavy. My hands trembled when I saw the wounds on his hands—blood was still flowing from the tears in his skin, caused by the shards of glass that shattered this otherwise peaceful night."Why are you like this, Ash?" I muttered softly, even though I knew he wouldn't answer in his current state. Without wasting any time, I immediately took the first aid kit from the small cupboard in the corner of the room. Every step I took felt like a burden as if every inch closer to Ash brought back memories I'd been trying to forget.I started to clean the wound on Ash's hand carefully. He groaned softly but re
(Freya’s POV)I closed the door to Ash's room carefully, making sure no sound could wake the man. My breathing was heavy, my chest felt tight with various mixed emotions. My hands trembled as I reached for the cell phone, looking for Henry's contact. I stared at the screen for a moment, hesitating, before finally pressing the call button. This is a decision I have to make, even though it is very difficult."Freya, where are you?" Henry's voice sounded worried on the other end of the phone.I took a deep breath, trying to calm my heart. "I'm at a friend's house, taking care of something. I probably won't be home tonight.""Friend? Who? Why suddenly?" Henry sounded confused and worried.I bit my lip, trying to hold back the feeling of guilt that was starting to creep into my heart. "I can't explain right now. Please don't worry, I've asked Reece to look after Hazel and Violet."Henry was silent for a moment, perhaps trying to digest the information he had just received. "Okay, but make
(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