Avery’s POVAvery's fingers trembled despite her efforts to stay composed. The picture felt like a foreign object in her hand, yet its weight anchored her to this bizarre moment. A moment where she was trapped between the past and the present. She didn't even know who she was anymore. In the past, before the accident, who had she been. Kelvin's girlfriend who disappeared or Henry's wife.The image from the photograph still danced before her eyes, blurring in and out of focus as if it were something from a dream—or a nightmare. There had to be a reason why she or her look alike, was in a picture with this man."I still think you're mistaken here…like I said earlier, I'm Avery Wellesley, not Raina whoever." she muttered in a shaky and unsure voice. Avery no longer knew what was true or false. Maybe she finally needed to have this conversation with Asher first. He had been the one who had called her Raina first.Kevin didn’t answer right away. Instead, he watched her with a mix of awe a
Avery's POVAt the self-checkout, she scanned her items mechanically, her mind still stuck on Kevin and his claims. He had called her Raina. And she looked like Raina. Too much like her. That couldn’t be a coincidence, could it?But if she was Raina, then who was Avery? Was she really just a fabricated identity, a shell of someone else? She had to know. She had to understand what Kevin meant when he said that she had disappeared, and why she had no memory of him—or of any of it.She had amnesia but there were successful records of individuals with trauma from an accident, recovering after a while, especially if it was temporary amnesia as the doctor had told them. So why was it difficult for her to get her memories back.When the final item was scanned, Avery paid for the groceries quickly, almost impatiently, and grabbed the bags. The business card still burned in her pocket, but she couldn’t bring herself to look at it. She couldn’t make herself reach for it. Not yet. She was going
Avery's POV Avery’s arms ached by the time she reached the top step of her porch. The grocery bags dug into her fingers, the weight making her wish she’d taken two trips instead of stubbornly stuffing everything into as few bags as possible. She was already regretting that decision.She was just about to try balancing the load on one arm, to reach for her keys when the door swung open. "Saved by the bell!" She muttered to herself.Asher stood there, tall and still, watching her with that unreadable look he wore far too often these days. He must have been waiting for her and had probably heard her car drive in.She didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to. He stepped forward and took the bags from her without a word, his fingers brushing hers for a second longer than necessary. The relief she felt when those loads left her arm was instant. She muttered a quiet thanks, grateful more for his timing than anything else. If he had not showed up, more than one of those grocery bags she was
Avery's POV “Then what?” she asked, watching him. She didn't know why he was hesitating to speak.“You have this mole,” he said quietly. “On your shoulder. That night, while we…" Asher paused, looking at her.Avery had an idea what he was talking about. Asher and Raina had had an intimate night together, so it meant that they had slept together. Even though he had not told her of the specific, why or how they had ended up together, but she knew.He rubbed the back of his neck, flicking his gaze briefly towards the door. " Is it soundproof?" He asked her.Avery arched a brow. Regardless of how serious the conversation was, she found it funny that he was concerned about the boys hearing their conversation. It warmed her heart that he actually had concern for them. Not everyone would be that cautious in discussing sensitive things.She also found it funny that the kitchen door would be soundproof. Why the hell would any door be soundproof, Avery thought."If you're worried about the boy
Asher's POVStorm Capitals conference room was designed for power meetings like this one—sleek, modern, with a long, polished table stretching out before them. The room was recently furnished and it was a coincidence that the meeting happened to be close.The walls, lined with dark wood and abstract art, seemed to absorb the tension that was rapidly building between the two teams that were currently facing each other.Asher sat off to the side, an observer, as he’d been told to be, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was a player in this game whether he wanted to be or not. Julian had actually wanted him to not be present in the room, but Asher couldn't help it. His options had been to sit in his office and watch a live feed of the meeting, but he wanted to see Serena's reactions throughout and he wanted her to see him to and know who she was really fighting.After hiring an external representative and negotiator, Julian, Asher's role in the merger between Storm Capitals and Ha
Asher’s POV Serena didn’t flinch after hearing what Julian said. It meant that she knew of Wellesley's involvement in the company. “Wellesley is just one of the last investors. We needed more funds and he was willing to help us. Of course, he had his terms.” she said, her voice measured but carrying an edge. “His involvement was to keep the company afloat when it was at risk of going bankrupt. There’s nothing more to it than that.” she added, looking at Asher straight in the eyes instead of Julian.Asher scoffed at her and turned to Julian. Julian’s smile was sharp, almost predatory. “That’s where you’re wrong,” he said, his tone turning colder. He leaned forward slightly, placing his palms on the table as though he were about to reveal something explosive. “We both know it’s more complicated than that, Serena. Wellesley’s shareholding isn’t just for the sake of stability. You’ve been hiding the truth.” Julian told her.Serena’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t react. She was trying t
Asher's POVAsher sat in silence for a moment, processing everything that had just unfolded. He hadn’t said a word during the entire exchange, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that the game had shifted in a way that he hadn’t anticipated. Of course they had made plans on the different measures to take if the deal went either North or south. But neither him not Julian would have expected Serena to not be fully aware of the inner dealings of Wellesley, especially if she was representing Hamilton and co.Serena was rattled, and Julian had just set the stakes higher than anyone had expected. He glanced at Serena as she gathered her things, her face unreadable. But the tension was there, unmistakable. She was about to face one of the toughest decisions of her career, and Asher couldn’t help but wonder how it would all play out.But one thing was for certain—he would be watching every step of the way.Serena and her team members left the conference room, her heels clicking sharply agains
Asher’s POVThe private conference room at Hamilton & Co. was more like a high-end boardroom than anything else—a long, glossy table surrounded by chairs that seemed to absorb the weight of the entire room.This was the first time Asher was stepping foot inside Hamilton & Co. He had not wanted to see the building during the deal negotiations but only their books, and so there was no need to visit the company.He looked around the room in a way that made it impossible for anyone to actually know what he was doing. The walls were adorned with art that spoke more of prestige than personality.Whoever they had contracted as their interior designer had done an awful job at designing the place. Asher didn't blame them, though, because it looked like they had done a quick job to impress.He sighed, relaxing in his chair. He wasn't there to judge their poor job at making the place look great. He was here to negotiate a deal that was hanging on a thread.However, Asher couldn’t help but feel t
Asher's POVAsher followed Callahan down the dimly lit hallway, his steps echoing in the empty space. This was the first time in all the seven years that they've been on the case, that he was coming to this part of the station.He wanted to ask Callahan where they were going. It wasn't that he didn't feel safe in the police headquarters; scratch that, Asher didn't feel safe, and the more they walked, the more mysterious everything felt.The sound of a phone ringing in one of the offices was the only noise breaking the silence. At least someone was around if detective Callahan wanted to try anything funny. In a case like this, one could only trust this much. He really didn't know why he had been called and until Callahan made it known, he wasn't going to loosen his guard.As they reached the last door, Callahan opened it, ushering Asher inside. Asher gave him a brief gaze to which Callahan nodded, before Asher walked into the room.The room was small, utilitarian, with just a few chai
Asher's POVAsher stepped out of the press room, his mind still buzzing with the energy of the announcement. It had taken every will power and self control he had not to fist bump every reporter in there with a 'Yes I fucking made it' shout.The weight of the merger and acquisition was beginning to sink in though and it took an enormous amount of effort not to crumble in it. His company had successfully secured one of the most significant financial moves in recent history. He was finally where he’d aimed to be: on top.Hamilton and co. Had been in the eyes of major investors companies, not because it was doing good or they had more money, but because it had the potential to grow under the right leadership and a huge amount of resources.He was willing to invest and sit back to reap the dividend. He smiled, turning to Julian. "Grandma wants to see us both this evening…" he muttered.Julian stopped in his steps and sighed. " Not possible, Ash. I have a flight back to catch thos evening…
Asher's POV Asher’s gaze lingered on the door for a moment, but then Julian, who had been silently observing the proceedings, gave him a small nod. “Well done,” Julian said quietly, breaking the silence.Asher didn’t respond immediately. If he did, he might get emotional. He knew that part of the reason why the deal had pulled through was because of Julian. Though he was not going to tell the man that.His focus shifted to the documents on the table in front of him—the contract that had irrevocably altered the course of both companies. The deal had been as complicated as it had been fragile, but they’d done it. Storm Capitals had acquired Hamilton & Co., and now the future of both companies would be shaped by their decisions.Asher turned to Julian, his voice low but full of satisfaction. “It’s done. This is a big win.” he muttered.Julian smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. “It is, but there’s still work to be done. The real challenge starts now, you know that. I can't imagine
Asher’s POVThe next few days passed in a blur of meetings, phone calls, and endless paperwork. Asher barely had time to sleep, let alone think. The only time he wasn’t thinking about the deal was when he was with Avery and the boys.It was always a fresh moment for him, where he got to be free of the thinking or the responsibility on his shoulders. His relationship with Avery was also progressing at a fast rate that if care was not taken, he would ask her to marry him.They both had a lot going on in their lives now that it was only wise for him to wait. She was currently planning for her new business which he was helping her to plan too. Though they did more of kissing and cuddling than talking.Neal was like his golden retriever now, while Noel was this constant presence that never left his side whenever he was with them. Noel asked him more about work than any kid had ever done and it warmed his heart that he could talk smart business with the kid.He enjoyed every moment with the
Asher's POVGregory leaned back in his chair, staring at the documents in front of him. Asher could see the wheels turning in his mind, the struggle between loyalty and survival. This wasn’t just about money for Gregory—it was about pride. And pride, as Asher knew all too well, was something that could both protect and destroy. Would he be willing to submit under Asher's leadership as president of the company even though he remained as CEO.Not many CEOs would want that, but at the same time, Asher was also offering to keep his staff body instead of replacing them with his own. Hell, the merger and acquisition team already had job offers for the various positions and were only waiting for the deal to be finalized.For several long moments, the room was silent. He had thought that Gregory would jump immediately at the offer, but apparently, the man had not. Then Gregory’s voice broke through the quiet.“What’s the catch?” he asked, his gaze now steely.Catch? Asher understood why Hami
Asher’s POVThe private conference room at Hamilton & Co. was more like a high-end boardroom than anything else—a long, glossy table surrounded by chairs that seemed to absorb the weight of the entire room.This was the first time Asher was stepping foot inside Hamilton & Co. He had not wanted to see the building during the deal negotiations but only their books, and so there was no need to visit the company.He looked around the room in a way that made it impossible for anyone to actually know what he was doing. The walls were adorned with art that spoke more of prestige than personality.Whoever they had contracted as their interior designer had done an awful job at designing the place. Asher didn't blame them, though, because it looked like they had done a quick job to impress.He sighed, relaxing in his chair. He wasn't there to judge their poor job at making the place look great. He was here to negotiate a deal that was hanging on a thread.However, Asher couldn’t help but feel t
Asher's POVAsher sat in silence for a moment, processing everything that had just unfolded. He hadn’t said a word during the entire exchange, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that the game had shifted in a way that he hadn’t anticipated. Of course they had made plans on the different measures to take if the deal went either North or south. But neither him not Julian would have expected Serena to not be fully aware of the inner dealings of Wellesley, especially if she was representing Hamilton and co.Serena was rattled, and Julian had just set the stakes higher than anyone had expected. He glanced at Serena as she gathered her things, her face unreadable. But the tension was there, unmistakable. She was about to face one of the toughest decisions of her career, and Asher couldn’t help but wonder how it would all play out.But one thing was for certain—he would be watching every step of the way.Serena and her team members left the conference room, her heels clicking sharply agains
Asher’s POV Serena didn’t flinch after hearing what Julian said. It meant that she knew of Wellesley's involvement in the company. “Wellesley is just one of the last investors. We needed more funds and he was willing to help us. Of course, he had his terms.” she said, her voice measured but carrying an edge. “His involvement was to keep the company afloat when it was at risk of going bankrupt. There’s nothing more to it than that.” she added, looking at Asher straight in the eyes instead of Julian.Asher scoffed at her and turned to Julian. Julian’s smile was sharp, almost predatory. “That’s where you’re wrong,” he said, his tone turning colder. He leaned forward slightly, placing his palms on the table as though he were about to reveal something explosive. “We both know it’s more complicated than that, Serena. Wellesley’s shareholding isn’t just for the sake of stability. You’ve been hiding the truth.” Julian told her.Serena’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t react. She was trying t
Asher's POVStorm Capitals conference room was designed for power meetings like this one—sleek, modern, with a long, polished table stretching out before them. The room was recently furnished and it was a coincidence that the meeting happened to be close.The walls, lined with dark wood and abstract art, seemed to absorb the tension that was rapidly building between the two teams that were currently facing each other.Asher sat off to the side, an observer, as he’d been told to be, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was a player in this game whether he wanted to be or not. Julian had actually wanted him to not be present in the room, but Asher couldn't help it. His options had been to sit in his office and watch a live feed of the meeting, but he wanted to see Serena's reactions throughout and he wanted her to see him to and know who she was really fighting.After hiring an external representative and negotiator, Julian, Asher's role in the merger between Storm Capitals and Ha