(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)That morning, I tried to focus on my work, staring at the computer screen with unusual intensity. However, my mind kept drifting to last night's events at Ash's apartment. My face turns red every time I remember how I woke up with him hugging me tightly. I immediately shook my head, trying to shake off the image. The sound of the phone on my desk made me flinch, and when I picked it up, the gentle but heavy voice of the receptionist came through.“Freya, I have a guest for you. Ash Knight," said the receptionist in a hesitant tone.My heart immediately started beating faster. “Fine, let him in,” I answered, even though there was doubt creeping into my heart.Not even a minute later, Ash appeared at my office door. I was silent, observing every detail of his figure. His face was pale, far from Ash's figure who usually always looked fit. His eyes were glazed, and his hair was a little messy, but what was most striking was the faint smile on his face—a smile that seemed to
(Freya's POV)I was surprised when I got home and I saw Stella sitting in the living room of my house with an unhappy expression on her face. I immediately approached her, annoyed. How did she get into my house? How could my maid let her in when Stella is the person I least want in this house.“What are you doing here? How did you get in here?” I hissed asking her. I crossed my arms and looked at her in annoyance.“I came to warn you of something,” Stella growled. Standing right in front of me with her brownish eyes glaring. her facial expression hardened with anger. "I warn you never to tease my husband again if you still want to live in peace, Freya," she threatened me.Hearing Stella's words, my blood seemed to boil. How could she accuse me of flirting with Ash? Ash, the man who ruined my life, crushed my heart until nothing remained. Did he think I would go that low to beg for attention from the man who had thrown me away like trash?"I never teased Ash," I answered firmly, holdin
(Freya's POV)“I'm sorry,” he said hoarsely.I bit my lip nervously. The first time I heard an apology come from Ash's lips. made my heart tremble with a strange feeling that I had been trying to hold back. Of all times, all events, all problems, why now?He apologized so easily because of Stella's problem, so why was he so cruel to me? He doesn't even show any mercy for you. Hurt my heart for years without being able to forget it. And what makes me even more upset, even though I've been hurt hundreds of times, my heart still goes to Ash.Makes me hate myself for being so weak by love, of the feelings I have for Ash."Miss, I will go and let you talk," said my secretary who immediately walked away and left us. I didn't even have time to hold it in and thought that maybe she felt uncomfortable seeing us fighting.Ash glanced at my secretary before trying to touch my hand, but I immediately stepped back away from him."I didn't know you could say sorry with that spicy mouth of yours, Mr
(Freya's POV)“You shouldn't have done this, Freya,” I said to myself. I stood in front of the mirror like an idiot with the knee-length black dress I was wearing. With the perfect appearance that I prepared for tonight.Saturday night when I would go out with Ash. I don't even remember how I said 'yes' after the hundreds of calls and messages Ash sent, the countless times he came to my company just to make sure I was going with him. And I was easily fooled by his suddenly gentle attitude.I smoothed my loose hair a little, trying to divert my mind from the worries that were increasingly rolling in. Is this the right decision? But before I could sink further into my thoughts, my cell phone rang. Ash's name flashed across the screen, making my heart beat faster. "Are you ready? I'm already in front of your house," his voice came from the other end, firm but with a soft tone that I had rarely heard before.I swallowed hard, trying to calm myself. "I'll be right down," I answered, even