Asher’s POVSerena, as if sensing his discomfort, chuckled lightly. “I think you’re misunderstanding me, Asher,” she said, her voice dripping with amusement. She glanced at her watch. “Actually, you do have an appointment with me. Right now.” She said.Asher narrowed his eyes, his patience thinning with every passing second. He had neither the time nor the interest to entertain Serena Laurent. His priority right now was Avery.He didn’t have any appointment with Serena, not now, not another day. Why should he? What would they be discussing about in his office.“I don’t have an appointment with you,” he said firmly, glancing at his watch again. Nine minutes behind schedule now. The least he could do was ten minutes and he was leaving immediately he cleared things with her.Serena smirked, tapping the screen of her phone before lifting her gaze to his. “Actually, you do.” She muttered, this time in a serious voice that would make anyone believe that she was anything but professional.As
Asher’s POVBy the time Asher’s SUV pulled up to Avery’s house, the sky was a deep shade of indigo, the streetlights casting a soft glow over the quiet neighborhood. He had exhausted the thirty minutes and more and he hoped that Avery wasn’t the type to hold someone by their words.The moment the vehicle stopped, he didn’t wait for the driver to open his door—he pushed the door open and stepped out immediately. His long strides taking him straight to the entrance of Avery’s building, and before long, he was at her front door. The tension in his chest hadn’t eased since the moment she had called. Something was wrong, it kept on ringing in his head. He could hear it in her voice, sense it in the hesitation, which was so unlike her.He rang the doorbell and waited, hoping she would open up fast. What if she had not wanted to call him in the first place, and had realized her mistake and now, no longer needed him to show up.Barely a second later after his knock, hurried footsteps sounded
Raina stood in the cold drizzle outside the café where they always met, her arms wrapped around herself. She had been waiting for almost twenty minutes, but now she wasn’t sure why she bothered. The text from Kevin still glowed on her phone screen: “Let’s talk. It’s important.” She had sensed something off about him for weeks. Kevin had been distant, his once-loving gaze now flitting past her as if she were invisible. When the café door finally swung open, Kevin stepped out with an apologetic smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Hey,” he said, shoving his hands into his pockets. Raina’s heart clenched at how familiar and yet foreign he felt. “What’s going on, Kevin? You’ve been acting weird for weeks.” Kevin sighed, avoiding her gaze. “Raina, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about… us.” A chill raced down her spine that had nothing to do with the rain. “Okay,” she said cautiously. He hesitated, then blurted out, “I think we should end things.” The words h
7 years laterAvery flicked her gaze toward the playpen, where her twin boys, Neal and Noel were jumping and laughing, surrounded by colorful balls. She smiled softly, her heart easing when she saw they were safe and happy. They’ve had a very busy and hectic week with unpacking and trying to adapt to their new environment, and it was a relief that they could have fun even if it was for just a few hours.Turning her attention back to the phone pressed to her ear, she continued her conversation with Julian.“That’s what I think, Julian,” she said, her tone quiet but firm. “I’m at the mall to meet the realtor, and hopefully, he’ll have a house that’s a better fit for us this time.”“Good,” Julian replied on the other end. “You can’t stay at your grandfather’s estate forever. That place isn’t a home—not with your sisters around. They’re toxic, Avery, and you know it.”Avery sighed, her fingers tightening around the phone. She knew Julian was right. Her grandfather had welcomed her back a
Asher’s POV A lot of things had gone wrong that fateful night, seven years ago.First, Asher was supposed to meet an investor, Laurel Mitchel, who he assumed had just flown into the country. They were scheduled to meet at the lounge, but after hours of waiting, he had been directed to meet her in her hotel room instead.Secondly, for some idiotic reason, someone had spiked his drink. Asher could only recall taking half a glass before everything became a haze. His senses were dulled, his judgment impaired, and instead of calling his driver to take him home, he had made the reckless mistake of heading to Laurel’s room.Whatever had been slipped into his drink had stripped him of his self-control.That night, Asher had entered the room expecting Laurel Mitchel, but instead, he found Raina Ross, lying there with that dazed look on her face. And in the clouded, heated moments that followed, they had slept together.The only good thing about that disastrous night was that it had been the m
Avery's POVAvery had been so lost in her conversation with Asher that she had failed to notice the presence of another person in her house or even when he had walked in.It wasn’t until Julian’s deep, commanding voice cut through the air that she realized they were no longer alone and she was in the arms of a man she had just met few days ago. Thankfully, Asher had released her almost immediately, realizing how far he had gone himself.Julian shifted on his feet. “I asked a question, Asher. What are you doing here?” he asked, even before she could say anything.He stood just inside the doorway, with his body protectively close to her. Julian's sharp gaze locked onto Asher with a hint of suspicion and barely hidden hostility. As they glared at each other, It was as if they were talking to each other through their minds and from the looks of things, the conversation was not a friendly one.Julian has always been protective over her and the boys, and it was not a surprise to her that h
Avery’s POV For the first time, Asher hesitated. His gaze softened, and something flickered behind his eyes; something raw, almost vulnerable. But then, just as quickly as it had appeared on his face, it disappeared almost immediately.“You’ll find out soon enough,” he said in a mysterious tone. “But not tonight.”He took a step back, finally breaking the intense standoff between him and Julian. His gaze lingered on Avery for a moment longer before he smirked. “Get some rest, Avery. We’ll see each other again soon.”And just like that, he turned and walked out, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. She should have stopped him, but her legs failed to move. She somehow believed that they would see each other again.The moment the door was shut, Avery let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, her hands trembling slightly at her sides. She turned to Julian, her mind racing with questions.“What was that?” she demanded. “What did he mean?”Julian ran a hand over his face, ex
Avery’s POVThe Wellesley estate was more than just a home to the Wellesley family. It was a grand, architectural masterpiece that had stood for generations. It was a symbol of power, wealth, and legacy.When Avery had woken up from her coma seven years ago, she had returned to the Wellesley home. But for some reasons unknown to her, she had never felt like it was home to her. Like she belonged there.She was never comfortable staying there, especially knowing how it’s occupants felt about her. After a while, she couldn’t take it anymore and had left with the boys for the states.The grand halls and sprawling gardens whispered stories of past generations, of names that held weight in high society. The towering marble columns, and crystal chandeliers hanging down from the ceiling spoke of old money and deep-rooted tradition. The Wellesley family was by no means a small family. They were well known and their influence ran wide. Wellesley publications was a media power house that was ru
Asher’s POVBy the time Asher’s SUV pulled up to Avery’s house, the sky was a deep shade of indigo, the streetlights casting a soft glow over the quiet neighborhood. He had exhausted the thirty minutes and more and he hoped that Avery wasn’t the type to hold someone by their words.The moment the vehicle stopped, he didn’t wait for the driver to open his door—he pushed the door open and stepped out immediately. His long strides taking him straight to the entrance of Avery’s building, and before long, he was at her front door. The tension in his chest hadn’t eased since the moment she had called. Something was wrong, it kept on ringing in his head. He could hear it in her voice, sense it in the hesitation, which was so unlike her.He rang the doorbell and waited, hoping she would open up fast. What if she had not wanted to call him in the first place, and had realized her mistake and now, no longer needed him to show up.Barely a second later after his knock, hurried footsteps sounded
Asher’s POVSerena, as if sensing his discomfort, chuckled lightly. “I think you’re misunderstanding me, Asher,” she said, her voice dripping with amusement. She glanced at her watch. “Actually, you do have an appointment with me. Right now.” She said.Asher narrowed his eyes, his patience thinning with every passing second. He had neither the time nor the interest to entertain Serena Laurent. His priority right now was Avery.He didn’t have any appointment with Serena, not now, not another day. Why should he? What would they be discussing about in his office.“I don’t have an appointment with you,” he said firmly, glancing at his watch again. Nine minutes behind schedule now. The least he could do was ten minutes and he was leaving immediately he cleared things with her.Serena smirked, tapping the screen of her phone before lifting her gaze to his. “Actually, you do.” She muttered, this time in a serious voice that would make anyone believe that she was anything but professional.As
Asher’s POVAsher was already expecting Nolan to have called his driver the moment he had left his office, before he got to the ground floor of the company, so he wasn’t surprised when he saw the black SUV waiting at the curb. With the way he had rushed out of his office after hearing Avery’s quiet and tensed voice, Nolan must have sensed the urgency and acted accordingly.Though Asher would have loved to drive to Avery’s house himself, perhaps in a sport car that was faster, to save time, but he still appreciated the SUV. At least he would not be thinking while driving. A very risky move.He stepped out of the company, nodding to the people that were greeting him. He didn’t bother to stop and entertain them, especially the ones he knew well. Asher strode towards the SUV that was waiting, ready to slide into the backseat and head straight to Avery’s place. But then, something made him stop short.There were two identical black SUVs parked at the entrance which confused him the more.
Asher's POVNolan sighed and stood up. Asher expected him to leave, but he didn’t. Instead, he remained standing in front of Asher’s desk, arms crossed, watching him with that sharp, knowing gaze.“I don’t like that look on your face,” Nolan muttered.Asher arched a brow. “What look?” he asked.“The one that says you’re about to go nuclear,” Nolan replied, biting his lower lip.Asher let out a humorless chuckle. “If Wellesley wants to play games, I’m making sure he regrets it,” he said with a wide smile.Nolan sighed. “I get it, I do. But this isn’t just business anymore, Asher. This is personal,” he stated.Asher leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping against the desk. He wasn’t the one who started this; he was only continuing what Mr. Wellesley had started.“It was personal the second he dragged Avery and the boys into this. The second he tried to control her life like she’s some puppet by releasing those pictures.” His voice was calm, but there was steel underneath it.Asher kne
Asher's POVAsher leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling for a moment before finally answering. "She's been through a lot. And I don't want to be another complication in her life. I want to take it slowly, so it doesn't feel rushed. I want her to feel, Nolan." He explained.He knew how he usually was with his emotions. Asher usually came on strong and tends to be very dominant and assertive, especially when it came to people he cared about. But with Avery, there was this need to handle her with a lot of care and affection.Asher had an idea of what Avery had been through and had to face in her life. He couldn't imagine waking up from an accident after six months, and then having a child. Not just one, but two. The mental trauma that she had to face knowing that she had not just almost lost her life, but also her memories, would be devastating.Staying in the Wellesley family would also be traumatizing for anyone who didn't carry the Wellesley blood. He knew Mr. Wellesley and
Asher's POVNolan scoffed, shaking his head. "Yeah, it's Avery, huh? I know. She's been on your mind since that day at the mall." He muttered.Asher rolled his eyes and grabbed the document again, pretending to focus. He hoped that his lack of response would give Nolan the message that he's not interested in having this discussion with him at all.Of course, Nolan knew. The guy was like his shadow. Come to think of it, Asher had not been this distracted from work for a very long time. He was always laser focused and effective, so it was easy for Nolan to notice that he was not 100% focused.Nolan must have picked up on a thing or two from their interactions and his activities. And honestly, Asher wouldn't be surprised if Nolan knew more than he was letting on.Asher let out a slow breath, flipping through the document as if that would be enough to dismiss theconversation. But Nolan wasn't one to let things slide so easily, especially not when he smelled something worth digging into.
Asher's POVThe only thing that had been on Asher's mind since he had walked into his office that morning was Avery and the boys. Hell, even after he left Avery's place last night, they still lingered in his thoughts.No matter how much he tried to push the thoughts away, they kept resurfacing, filling his mind with memories of the previous day. He keeps checking the time, wondering when he would see them again. It wasn't just Avery, but the boys too.Spending time with them had done something to him-something he hadn't been prepared for. It made his heart beat faster and brought that longing for a family. Not that he didn't have one; he did, but he wanted a family of his own.Seeing Avery laugh, watching the boys run around without a care in the world, had warmed a part of his heart that he had long buried. It felt... right. And that scared him more than he was willing to admit.At first, it had been about finding Raina Ross, then proving that Avery Wellesley was Raina Ross and the r
Avery's POV He glared at her, his anger clearly showing on his face. But there was something else beneath his anger—something that felt like fear. He feared the Storms and she was going to use that against him.For the first time, she wondered what grandfather Wellesley wasn’t telling her. Was it her past or his past. She had not seen anything about a conflict between the Wellesley and the Storms. Hell, he had invited the Storms to his birthday celebration, though only Asher had showed up.Avery’s anger boiled over. “If you want anyone to get married, perhaps you should consider your daughters and leave me the hell alone!” she snapped.They were both unmarried and had the Wellesley blood running through their veins. They would be better candidates than her.Grandfather only laughed, the sound low and humorless, like she had made a useless comment. “You think I haven’t tried them? You must be joking.” His eyes gleamed with something dark, something final. “End whatever business you ha
Avery's POVShe took a step forward, her voice firm. “And what if I was interested in him? At least he wouldn’t be a business deal disguised as a husband.” she said.At this point, Avery didn't care about what he was going to say or do with her. She had not known Asher for long, but she felt the need to be on his side.Grandfather slammed his palm on the table. “That man is nothing but trouble! He’s not one of us! The Storms have always been reckless, always standing below us, the Wellesleys, in status and power. Do you really think I’d let you throw away your future on a man who can’t even secure his own?” he spat.Avery swallowed the anger rising in her throat. This was it. Grandfather was really intimidated by the storm. She wondered if they had any history between them; the Storms and the Wellesleys, that would cause him to act this way. …And below us? She didn't know if he was exaggerating or simply denying reality, but it was an obvious and clear fact to everyone that no family