(Freya's POV)
"Married?" I smiled wryly. "Are you referring to that miserable marriage?"
All I remember of that marriage is hell-like suffering. Even I can still feel the pain, disappointment, and betrayal Ash inflicted on me. So, why did he have to bring up that fucking marriage when we had been separated for so long.
And he was the one who had ditched me in favor of one shameless bitch. I was really getting sick of watching him act all smug while he didn't seem to have any guilt at all.
"Miserable marriage," he muttered as he clenched his fists.
"You should understand it better since you were the one who was involved in the incident," I snapped, "and stop bringing up the past unnecessarily. Because that won't make me go easy on you."
"Even if I tell them that they are my children?"
"Watch your language!" I snapped. I stepped forward toward him while glaring at him sharply. "Stop talking nonsense in front of my children. If you try to mess up our lives, I won't hesitate to destroy your cheap company," I hissed.
"Seeing you being tough like this, they must be my kids. You know that back then you were the one who was most adamant about not aborting them."
My jaw hardened. My hands clenched into fists. "Don't mess with me, Mr. Ash. They're not your children. Don't you remember? It was you who killed them all those years ago. So, don't speak as if they are your children because they are my children with another man." I smiled mockingly. "Did you think that all this time I would live alone without the company of a man? Don't be ridiculous!"
I could see the anger in his eyes. His pride must have felt trampled on by me. But it gives me pleasure that I have managed to stand up after weathering the storm and crushed the storm itself into helplessness before me.
This is my revenge because you have ruined my life. And it won't end until I'm satisfied.
"You'd better get out of here while I ask nicely," I said as I folded my arms across my chest. I gave him a haughty look. "That is if you don't want to be dragged away by the guards and humiliated in front of everyone. I'm sure that would hurt your pride, Mr. Ash!"
"You think I'd be afraid of your threats? Try it if you can do it."
"You seem to forget that I am the main character at this party. You're just an intruder who came here with no shame. Hm ... I thought your company was really going bankrupt so you came here to beg for cooperation," I taunted.
"That's enough, Freya. Try saying it one more time and I'll...."
"Will what?" I cut him off. Raising my chin in a bold and haughty manner. "What can you do, huh? If you dare to seek trouble with me, I'll make sure your cheap company and everyone who works there lose their livelihood."
"You ... are you going to continue acting like this in front of me?"
"You started it!" I shouted. "You've dared to bully my children and you think I'll keep quiet?!"
I had lived a miserable life during my time with him. Discarded, uncared for, not even any good in it. I cannot be broken twice by the same person. I'm not the old Freya who can be trampled on so easily. If anyone dares to try to make trouble with me, I will not hesitate to retaliate against them.
"Then, do something for me and I won't bother you."
I chuckled. "Something? Who do you think you are to ask me for something? Remember that we no longer have any relationship, Mr. Ash."
"Are you sure? I think you still love me considering you used to be crazy about me." He grinned. Stepped closer to me and whispered something that made my eyes widen. "You used to be crazy about me, Freya. If everyone here knew about it, they'd be very surprised."
I shoved him roughly. "You must have lost your mind!" I shouted angrily.
"M-Mom, are you okay?" asked Hazel.
I immediately turned to my children who were still standing behind me, staring with scared and confused faces when they saw my fight with Ash.
My face immediately paled. I was so angry at Ash that I forgot that Hazel and Violet were still there. So I let them see this kind of thing.
"Yes, my dear. I'm fine," I said with a smile. I then turned around and gave Ash a sharp look, giving him a warning. "You'd better get out of here, Mr. Ash. And don't ever bother me again."
"Where are you going, Freya!" he suddenly grabbed my hand as I was about to leave, and I brushed him off roughly.
"What are you doing?!"
"Our conversation isn't over yet. You can't just leave," he hissed. His grip on my wrist was so tight that I winced in pain.
"Mind your manners. Don't you see what the kids are watching?" I snapped.
"Then let's find a quiet place to talk one-on-one," he said, "and that's if you don't want the kids to see their mom fighting with her ex-husband."
Damn it. I cursed at myself.
From then until now, he hasn't changed at all. He's always been selfish and doesn't care about other people's feelings. His focus is only on the goal he wants. And he will do whatever it takes to achieve what he wants.
If I don't do what he wants, he'll definitely cause trouble. I don't want Hazel and Violet to be bothered by him. I didn't want them to find out that they were actually Ash's children.
"All right. But I'll only give you five minutes to talk," I said to Ash. I then turned to look at Hazel and Violet. "Honey, just stay here and don't go anywhere, okay? I'm going to talk to my client first to discuss a work matter," I told them.
"Um, okay!" they exclaimed.
I smiled at them before I walked away without looking back at Ash. I climbed the stairs and was on the second floor, deliberately avoiding the guests on the main floor. I didn't want anyone to know that I used to have a relationship with him, because that would definitely make Ash arrogant.
"Now, say what you want to say. You have five minutes," I said as I crossed my arms over my chest.
"What's the rush? We can still be alone before talking about workー"
"Are you out of your mind?!" I yelled and pushed him away quickly as he tried to hug and kiss me. My eyes glared at him with exploding anger. "Don't mess with me, Mr. Ash!" I snapped warningly.
"Why? Don't you love it when you see me again? I know you missed me, Freya. I still remember how crazy you were about me in the past," he spoke with a smirk. And it disgusted me.
Especially when he tried to approach me again, but I pushed him hard and stepped on his foot.
"Stay where you are if you don't want to get hurt, Mr. Ash," I threatened. "I may have seemed like a foolish woman in the past, but not anymore."
He growled in annoyance while looking at me. I could tell he was feeling so angry with my attitude, but somehow he seemed to be deliberately controlling his emotions.
"If you don't have anything else you want to talk about, then I'll leaveー"
"I want to propose a coorperation with you," he cut me off.
"Cooperation? Didn't I hear it wrong?"
"No, you didn't. I want our company to cooperate with the new project I'm going to handle."
I looked at him sharply. Is this his trick to keep his nearly bankrupt company afloat? But let's see what he can do.
"Well, I have quite complicated specifications for accepting cooperation from other companies. You can come to my company, but before that, you must prepare your best proposal!"
Just as I was about to leave, I gasped in shock as I felt someone hug me from behind.
"Freya, my love. I've been looking for you everywhere."
(Freya's POV)"Babe," I immediately turned around and returned Henry's hug right away. I hugging him so intimately to show Ash that I've moved on and have another man in my life. And make Ash believe that Hazel and Violet are not their children.It was fortunate that Henry came in time so I could use him to get Ash away from me. I should thank him and apologize to him after this."I apologize for making you worry," I said. I wrapped my arms around Henry's neck and kissed him on the lips.I steeled myself to remain calm as I watched Henry's eyebrows knit together as if confused about what I was doing to him. He must be in shock, but I hope he understands my code.He glanced at Ash who was still behind me, then grinned. A peck landed on my lips. "No problem. I found you anyway," he said, "what are you doing here? The party is about to start and you should be there to give a welcome.""Oh, I...""Ehem!"I turned to Ash as he cleared his throat loud enough to make me laugh inwardly. It se
(Freya's POV)"Looks like they're exhausted." I turned to Henry after I looked back and saw Hazel and Violet fast asleep in the back seat."Yeah. I shouldn't have asked them to come to the party tonight. But Reece also has an event tonight that she has to go to, so I can't ask for her help to look after them," I said to Henry.That night, Henry drove me back home as soon as the party was over. And throughout the event, Henry kept trying to make sure I stayed out of the reach of Ash who was still there. He was quite far away while observing us throughout the event.Although I felt quite uncomfortable with Ash's behavior and kept watching us, I felt safe because Henry was always beside me. And it also became a weapon for me to make Ash feel jealous of the same relationship with Henry."Aren't there servants at home?" asked Henry."There are, but I still feel worried if there's no one close to me looking after them. They are my life, Henry. I don't want them to get hurt. I don't want to
(Ash's POV)"Where did you get my phone number?" I heard Freya's voice sounding so annoyed after finding out I was the one who called her.I tighten my grip on my cell phone. I'm equally annoyed by Freya's cold and arrogant attitude towards me. Especially now that she has a child and a husband. Dare to humiliate me and play with my company to make me lose billions. I'm sure he deliberately attracted all my colleagues to make my company go bankrupt. Because she has a grudge against me."From one of the guests," I said. I sat on the single sofa in my room and held a glass of wine."You never change, Mr. Ash. Always being sneaky to get what you want."I growled at her sharp comment. "You're overreacting, Freya. It's not criminal behavior if I want to contact my ex-wife, right?""But I don't want to talk or spend time with you. So, don't ever contact me again or I won't work with your company!""That means you're willing to accept the cooperation I'm offering.""That depends on whether yo
(Freya's POV)"Miss Freya, Mr. Ash Knight is waiting for you in the conference room," one of the receptionists said as I entered the lobby and he hurried over to me."Oh, thank you," I replied. I smiled gently at her and she bowed as I walked past."Ms. Freya, should I accompany you to your meeting today?" asked Bella, my secretary."No need. You just go back to my office and take care of some documents that I asked you to amend a while ago. In the afternoon we have to meet our client at the restaurant," I ordered."Yes, Miss Freya."I entered the elevator together with Bella, but we exited on different floors. I got out first on the 15th floor while Bella still had to wait longer because our room was on the top floor.I walked towards the meeting room and when I went inside, I was surprised to see Stella there. I tried to control my expression at that moment. Trying to be calm even though I was actually so angry when I saw Stella after a long time without seeing her.She was the begi
(Ash's POV)I left the company building feeling angry and unhappy. I shouldn't have taken Stella to see Freya. I should have gone alone and that way I could have gotten the cooperation I wanted. But everything was ruined because of Stella."You shouldn't have done such a thing, Stella. We came there for work. Why can't you restrain yourself and be professional? Freya has now rejected our partnership and I no longer know what to do to save my company!" I protested to her. My jaw hardens from holding in my anger."So now you're blaming me?" she snapped. She looked at me sharply. "Tell me, Ash. Are you doing this on purpose? Approaching Freya again under the pretext that it's work?""What nonsense are you talking about? Didn't I tell you before that I didn't know that the president of the Dental science company was Freya? I also only found out after I came to the party, Stella," I protested, "why are you accusing me like this?""Because you're acting weird, Ash! You'd never yell at me li
(Freya's POV)"What happened to you?" I looked at Reece who was looking at me with a worried expression.I didn't know where to go and before I knew it, I had arrived at Reece's apartment. She's the one I go to whenever I'm feeling down or having a lot of problems. She's the only friend who understands my feelings and is able to comfort me so well that I forget all the problems that are in my head."I'm fine, Ree," I told her. I walked into the apartment with heavy steps. I flopped my body over and threw my bag at random places. I sighed heavily while staring at the ceiling of his apartment.My encounter with Ash and Stella today had put me in a messy mood. I felt annoyed, angry, and sad all mixed. Pressing on my chest until it felt so tight that I had trouble breathing. It was as if all the air just disappeared. I felt suffocated. I thought they weren't in a relationship anymore, but apparently, they were still together.I smiled wryly. "What do I expect from someone like him," I whi
(Ash's POV)How can she live her life so happily while she has ruined mine to this point? She was dancing with another man with laughter on her carefree face.Damn. I don't know why I feel so angry whenever she looks happy like that.I clench my hands into fists as Freya staggers towards me. It looks like she's so drunk that she doesn't recognize me. When her hands flirted, she groped my chest while laughing.Does she really like being a bitch when she's drunk? She even uttered obscene words like a cheap whore."Freya, you look like a bitch when you're drunk like this," I said.I gave her a sharp look as she laughed and suddenly wrapped her arms around my neck. Slithering like a female snake wrapped around its prey."Bitch?" she laughed out loud. "Then do you want to sleep with me? I'll be happy to open my legs for you." She brought her face closer to mine as if intending to kiss me.But suddenly she collapsed in my arms, unconscious. I held her body tightly. My hands rested on her wa
(Freya's POV)"I don't care, Mr. Ash," I hissed. I brushed off his hand roughly and stepped back to keep my distance from him.I had no recollection of what had happened to me. Last night I went to a bar with Reece and we had a great time until I felt dizzy. I shouldn't have drank so much, but I couldn't control myself.What surprised me was that I had to meet Ash from all places. How could he bring me to his apartment? What was Reece doing? If Reece knew Ash took me away, surely he wouldn't have left it at that.I let out a long breath. My chest felt tight from the difficulty in breathing. Being in the same place as Ash made me feel like all the air was being sucked out and I wanted to get away from there immediately."I don't know how you brought me here. But I hope you can forget everything that happened," I pleaded because I didn't want to be used just because I slept with Ash while I didn't know whether he was lying or not."You're going to run away just like that?" he pulled my
(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