As the elevator jolted to a halt, Ashley lost her balance and stumbled into Rhett’s chest as she let out a gasp. The sudden darkness enveloped the confined space and without further explanation, they knew they were trapped. “Oh no… no” Ashley muttered with a tired voice as she pushed herself back from her ex-husband’s grip.Rhett who was quick to grab and hold her from falling suddenly realized what was coming next for them. He might be a cold and heartless husband but he remembered her fear of confined spaces. He knows she’s claustrophobic.“Are you okay?” He asked as he grabbed her firmly this time.Ashley’s soft breath echoed in the air as she tried to escape from Rhett again but her palms were already sweaty. Followed by beads of sweat and hot chills layered over her face and body.Her heart picked a wild race which couldn’t keep up with her breathing and she clutched her chest in pain.“So…. tight. I can’t … breathe well” She said with hitched breath.“F**k this!” he cussed sile
As Ashley stood in the middle of the large room, she recognized her foster parents, The Rolands in front of her. How peaceful it would be to ignore them but they were blocking the only way out of the building.She glanced over her shoulder at Rachel and breathed out a tired sigh.“I thought you only just visited them yesterday so why are they here?” Rhett questioned in a low penetrating voice.Rachel’s heart skipped a beat when she heard Rhett talk, she had thought her plan would go smoothly with no hitches or edges.“Uh? I’m not sure why. I’ll ask them” She stuttered and then hurried off to meet her parents.“Mom, Dad” she called out as she took hold of their hands each, “Why are you here in the middle of the day?”“Beats me. I wonder if the company is not doing well” Ashley muttered as she proceeded towards the exit but right when she was about to pass them by, the mother grabbed her wrist tightly forcing her to a stop.“Is this how we have raised you? That you can’t even respect yo
Ashley arrived back at the hotel with her son and they walked hand in hand to the elevator.Ashley has soft but fierce features unlike Kristian with a sharp one like his father and the duo standing together in the elevator exudes a strong aura that’s enough to keep enemies off their radar. Kristian was the mini version of Rhett before he went cold; the kind and sweet Rhett who wanted nothing more than to love his wife and protect his marriage.Once they were in their room, Kristian helped himself out of his clothes and returned to start marking out his meal on the Menu list.“Oh right, I have good news for you sweetheart,” Ashley said coming out of her room in a free flowery dress.“Good news? Tell me, Mommy”“It’s a surprise for now but in two days, you’ll start enjoying your delicious homemade food. I know how much you miss my cooking” “Yayyy” Kristian lets out happily.“I can’t wait, Mommy,” He said but deep inside he could already guess what the surprise would be.“You haven’t ta
In the large working space of the Dee_McCall’s building are employees pacing around in panic as they move from one table to another to pick up phone calls and end some. Rhett is seen making his entrance with his iPad in hand and face focused entirely in distress; his assistant was no exception.They both walked briskly into the office and immediately two other people followed after.“Good morning Mr.Rhett… have you heard…” the first man tried to report but he was too shocked to find his words.As this was provoking Rhett’s patience, he yelled at him “Do you think I’m here to have fun??”“I’m sorry boss, it’s just that the public now knows about this somehow and we’ve been getting calls from our investors about pulling out and getting a refund” he rushed out in a panic.“What?” Rhett exclaimed, dropping his iPad on the table and followed by his hands. Confusion pooled on his face.“How?” he faced Optimist.“I have no idea who’s behind this boss” Optimist replied with a head nod.“It c
A rare color of a BMW car swerved into the biggest villa in the city and as it came to a perfect halt, the smooth body shone brightly under the scorching sun. In repudiation of the bright aura of the car and its owner, the workers standing were forced to shield their faces for safety. They need no one to tell them about who has come to visit them. The only man with a specially designed BMW of that color in the city is the billionaire businessman Rhett McCall.As its doors raised in style, Rachel’s feature came into view and this immediately earned demeaning looks from everyone around.It wasn't until Rhett came out of the car that they offered their polite greetings.Anxiously, Rachel grabbed her purse tightly as her eyes wavered with guilt and fear. The fact that Rhett hadn’t said a word to her since they left the company was enough to drive her crazy. She wondered if Rhett’s purpose for bringing her over to visit the grandfather was to expose her and break off the engagement.Unexp
“Have a nice day Mommy” Kristian waved to his mom with a polite smile as he joined the rest of the kids walking inside the school building.“Yes sweetheart, have a nice time with your friends and study hard,” Ashley said but in a matter of seconds, the smile on her face faltered when a bigger-looking boy bumped into her son on purpose with a mischievous grin on his face.“Uh uh… what is that?” she queried with raised brows as she started to approach the gate.But before she could speak out to call the attention of the teacher, her son had bumped into the bully to fight back.Collective gasps were heard as the boy fell face flat on the rocky ground and as he raised his bruised head, other kids started laughing at him while his minions sympathized with him.“How did this happen? oh no” The female teacher exclaimed, rushing to his side to help him up.“If you’re someone of that size then you should be careful with your movement. Sorry man” Kristian said with shrugged shoulders; he then t
Ashley banged her hands on both sides of Rhett’s broad shoulders and pushed him away with all of her force which of course was a little effort of hers that Rhett decided to honor. Not like she’s strong enough to fight him off. Her breathing intensifies and she can barely move her body from the spot. Ashley’s eyes brimmed with tears and redness as she suckled her lower lips in anger which impeded her breath for a few seconds.Rhett felt a sting on his lower lip and he licked the bloody cut with a sickly smile on his face, watching Ashley battle with her wave of emotions. “Now get in the car Ash” he ordered with preeminence.As much as she wanted to fight back and challenge him right on the spot, she could not find the strength to do so, and anything that would come out right now would be nothing but tears. And she has promised never to show her vulnerable side to anyone ever again.Ashley glanced over the set of broad shoulders before her and scanned the busy road ahead with a calcula
Rachel’s attempt to get the old man’s full attention was successful judging by the fullness of his weak eyes on her.With a sly movement from her end, Rachel wiped the imaginary tears from her eyes and started; “Grandfather, I know I shouldn’t be telling you this since Rhett hasn’t briefed you about it yet but I can’t take this anymore” “You’re still not talking Rachel, you don’t have to continue crying when I’m here listening to you” “Apologies grandfather. It’s just that my stepsister is back in town and she’s been threatening my position since she got back” She explained.“What? How? I thought she was reported dead 2 years ago after she disappeared without traces” “We all thought she was dead until she showed up alive. That girl didn’t even visit the family that took care of her for once, she’s hell-bent on seducing Rhett and taking revenge on me” Rachel’s brows drew together in anxiety and her hands grabbed onto the old man’s hand desperately.The old man gently removed his ha
Ashley pulled into the driveway of her home, and Rachel gazed out the window at the cozy house. It’s the same house she had lived in with Rhett but it’s now so different."Let's fix you a good bath first, for the baby," Ashley said with a warm smile.Rachel gulped down her saliva, heavy loads of guilt eating her up.Her eyes widened as they stepped inside, it’s the same house Ashley was living in but it’s so much different now. The interior was tastefully decorated, with plush furniture and elegant artwork.From the colors to the ambient lighting, everything screams fresh renovations."Wow, Ash, this is beautiful," Rachel said, her voice laced with sincerity.“Thank you, Rachel, Rhett and I are moving In here after our wedding. So we are touching it up again” she said.Ashley then led Rachel to the kitchen, where the aroma of roasting chicken filled the air."Coincidentally, I made your favorite," Ashley said, pulling out a chair for Rachel.She stood frozen in place for a while, hesi
Ashley Gu cried a river after sending Kristian off without a proper goodbye. Clara and Mr.Fred were there to console her.“You don’t have to worry ma, You can trust the unaccompanied minor service. They’ll take care of him” Clara said.“Madam Gu would surely be on time to pick him up too” Mr.Fred added.Ashley nodded her head and sniffed in her tears.“Don’t you think you should stop working for now too? I don’t want to put you in danger” She said to them.“If I wanted to run, I would have suggested going with Kristian. I’m not leaving ma’am” Her assistant said assuredly.“I can’t leave you to your troubles again!” Clara insisted.“I have to inform Rhett about all these. Let’s go to the police station” CITY POLICE STATIONThey’ve been holding Rhett for over two hours and yet none of his lawyers have shown up. At first, Rhett thought there might be a delay because of the mess on ground but then as time passed, he realized something must have happened.He wondered if his grandfather wa
Peering at the file holder safely tucked in between Mr.Catterman’s grip, Optimist called him to stop.“Sorry Mr.Catterman, I didn’t mean to delay you. I was wondering if it’s a simple errand I can help with on my way back” he asked them.“Uh, that’s right! Since you want to stay behind so bad, we can ask him to pass it to…” The old man was saying this when Mr.Catterman said an outright no.After his refusal, he bowed respectfully before leaving the house.“This one has always been so diligent” Optimist muttered, disgruntled by the butler’s attitude.He watched him disappear before returning his gaze to the old man.“How is your health? grandfather” “I can say I could still manage to be arrested” The old man joked.Rhett laughed shortly before he stood up with a smile plastered on his face.“I brought you a medicinal juice, good for preventing heart attack” he announced and then waved the small package in his hand.“The only one that cares so much about me” The old man commended and O
Ashley hurried to her bedroom, her breath shaky as she rummaged through her closet to find a change of clothes. The sound of her phone buzzing was driving her crazy so she ended up picking the next dress in sight.While putting on her dress, she would swipe up for new updates. When she was done, she put on her loafers and started walking down the stairs.A message came in from a familiar number that she hadn’t added to contact before.“Oh! It was this same number that texted me a few days ago” she said with her eyes on the phone as she jogged down the stairs.She almost missed her steps but fortunately, Mr.Fred was around to grasp her hand.“Miss please be careful” he stated his worry.“Uh, Mr.Fred! I’m glad you’re here. Have you read the news?” She asked uneasily.“Yes Miss, please calm down and do not concern yourself with it for now” he advised.Ashley arrived at the base of the stairs and frowned upon her assistant.“Take me to him. I need to see Rhett before they’ll arrest him” s
An hour later>>Rachel agreed to see her visitors after a long time of waiting. She walked into the room smiling, trying to hide her feelings and pale face but unfortunately, she could only put on an act for there was no makeup to conceal her dark under eyes, and pale and flaky skin.“To what do I owe this intrusion into my peaceful lonely day?” She said with a throaty laugh as she took a seat in front of Ashley and Rhett.Rhett leaned back on the chair with his arms crossed against his chest. Watching her up and down, waiting for the drama to unfold.“Hi Rachel… I don’t need to ask how you’re doing when it’s so glaring to the eyes” Ashley said, her face crinkled with sympathy for Rachel.Rachel scoffed and rolled her eyes at Ashley with great contempt.“What do you want? After pushing me to my death, you both must be here to put a nail in the coffin to celebrate your reunion, isn’t that right?” She glowered.“You must be happy that your biggest Villainess is gone” She laughed out lou
Rhet was about to approach the checkpoint when he saw Ashley there as well. And when their eyes met, Ashley quickly turned away from him out of embarrassment. Rhett paused his steps, his initial reaction from the house fading off.“I’m sorry, I didn’t think you would come here sooner,” Rhett said behind her.Ashley slowly turned but was unable to meet his gaze. “Same here” she replied, “I figured it’s better to act fast than waiting around to wallow in my pain. I need answers too”“I can leave and come back later if you want. You told me a few hours back that you would like your space” he reminded and Ashley sighed. Her eyes flickered.“No, it’s fine. You don’t have to do that” she said.“I’ll just come back later. I bet we are seeing different people anyway” Rhett said as he turned to leave.Ashley made a swift turn “Don’t go please!” she pleaded.Rhett stopped in his tracks.“Maybe I’m kinda relieved to see you here, I don’t think I can go in alone… I can’t face them alone. I’m scar
Stunned by her response, Rhett stares at her dumbfounded. “What is the problem, Ashley?” He asked hesitantly. Looking lost and confused.Ashley was staring right back at him with her hardened eyes.“Oh… I must have said that out loud” She said with a crazed laugh.“You’re scaring me…” He said, his heartbeat increasing every second. Never in a million years did Rhett think he would say something like that but indeed, Ashley looks terrifying at the moment. “I read about something Rhett, it’s about what happened back when we were young. About the accident!” She said.Rhett’s lips parted slightly in shock. His face flushed and he looked away in guilt. “Oh… I guess you knew about it already” Ashley said, her face crinkled with a smile.“Ashley I can explain if you calm down…” Rhett stuttered painfully. He tried to hold her but Ashley stepped back from him, shaking her head in refusal.“Do you know the craziest part? I read the lies with evidence. Many wrote about my father and what he d
Ashley tensed up on the bed as she read through the messages sent to her. She could feel the cold air penetrating through her flimsy nightwear.She didn’t want to believe her eyes. Frantically, she scrolled down to the end of the messages where several links were attached. Links to the news from many years ago, news about her father being a criminal.Ashley stood up slowly with the phone in hand. She glanced at her son teary-eyed, struggling to fight back her tears from dropping right there on the spot.Her hands shot up to her mouth instinctively; Pressing down on it before escaping to the bathroom.Ashley closed the toilet lid before sitting on it. Then she returned to the beginning of the text message.“The McCalls ruined your life! They killed your family” She shuddered in fright.“Here’s a little advice from a well-wisher, I pray that by the time you finish this wonderfully written piece, you’ll make the right decision and get justice for your father.You’re about to read the mos
Rachel paced back and forth in her cell, biting on her thumbnail which was already way lower than the rest. A habit she’d been enjoying for a while.Her mind raced with thoughts of injustice. She had been locked up in this detention center for what felt like an eternity, awaiting her court hearing. The walls seemed to close in on her, suffocating her with every passing day.She couldn't shake off the feeling of being wronged because she never got Kristian kidnapped but no one believed her. The police and everyone seemed convinced of her guilt except for her parents but now they are gone too.When she saw it on the news, it was like they’d removed the longest bone in her body.Her back hits the wall and she slides down helplessly.“I know I’ve always been painted the villain but Ashley, you have gone too far!” She cried out.For hours, she cried after learning of her parents' downfall.And as she lay on her cot to sleep, Rachel's discomfort turned to anger. She hated this place, the co