THE NEXT DAY *Afternoon*“What a perfect fit!” An amused smile crossed the designer’s face as she stared at her work of art that perfectly fitted a goddess’s body.“You’re looking so gorgeous Miss Ashley” she commented once again.Ashley was beyond stunned as well when she glanced over her dress to the tall mirror. From the perfect not-so-tight or loose bodice to the elegant slit and the seductive lower curve at the back.“You’re so good at this Gaureen, I’m glad my assistant found you sooner,” Ashley said, with sparkling blue eyes and a big smile fixed on her reflection.“You flatter me, ma’am. It’s a pleasure to make your dress, you made it worth the pressure and time”Amidst their discussion, a knock came on the door and after a permissive response, Mr.Fred made his entrance.“It’s time to go pick up the young master” he informed.“Oh right! I’ll be right outside soon.” Ashley assured with her hands up. Her face squeezed in the urgency of the information.The designer Gaureen
With her head raised high and gaze unflattering, she walked elegantly through the invading flashes and crowds of people who gathered to take a look at her and those who intentionally paused to glance at her.On getting inside, Ashley Gu was immediately taken by her assistant who led her to the table reserved in her name.As expected, all eyes were on her as she entered the room. It was as if the whole world had come to an end as all activities in the room became subtly affected, including the slow music but Ashley didn’t flinch.The situation was strange for a while considering how she’d been left alone with no one trying to bother her for a business talk unlike before in all parties.And then, an unfamiliar man came up to her table.Ashley Gu raised her glass of wine with a smirk and took a quick sip as a good chance to glance around without her desperation being widely spread across the room.“Good evening Miss Ashley…” A man appeared, his sparkling brown eyes dousing all other dubi
“She’s not just another woman… She’s my wife!” These are the words that Rhett would love to say but unfortunately got caught in his throat.Not out of fear of his grandfather or Rachel but because he had spotted an unusual face in the crowd. If their big project becomes successful then it would be easier to impress to expand their business all over the world. Impressing this important individual is the biggest step after the Gu family business.The fact that he came to the party personally and under disguise made Rhett rethink in space of a few seconds. Being involved in controversial issues wouldn’t help the company and most especially if he shows himself to be irresponsible. And yet the last question replayed in his head “Why are you defending another woman when you’ve just announced your wedding with your fiancée?”Rhett cleared his throat and raised his mic to address his concerns.“Firstly, this is a happy occasion for everyone present here and it’s very uncalled for to start t
Throughout the ride to Ashley’s home, Rhett was trying so hard to sober up from the after-effect of the alcohol and the lustful thoughts that had taken over his mind; a strange feeling he refused to pay much attention to.As he prepared to step out of the car, a cold breeze washed over his face and he suddenly felt hot from within, coupled with a sharp pain in his tummy.“F*ck! I should have been careful” he muttered with a groan.He waited for a few seconds before he composed himself and strode off to the large gate of a gigantic building that was once his home.Even as a strong man that he is, he could not stop himself from feeling nervous and uneasy. Multiple thoughts play in his head as he stares at the doorbell and back to his car that’s parked right in front of the gate.Finally, he made up his mind and pressed the doorbell but a text came through instead.“The car will be safer inside” When he read the text, his heartbeat picked up race because he had no idea what this woman wa
4:00 in the morning ~Ashley slept with a smile on her face for she had the best night in a while. Her slow steady breath and the faint smile on her face show what dream she must be having.But then, the sound of running water from the bathroom entered her subconscious and she awoke. Her face squeezed into a frown as she let out a soft moan.Instinctively she caressed the space beside her hoping to find the great body that embraced her all night and shielded her so tight in his arms like his most valued treasure but she could not feel him there.Alarmed! Her eyes flashed open and searched everywhere desperately until they landed on him as he came out from the bathroom fully dressed. With Ashley’s sweatshirt in hand too.“You’re up… sorry I didn’t mean to wake you” he apologized as he dropped the sweatshirt on the bed beside her and then proceeded to button his cardigan.Ashley’s face flushed in embarrassment when she saw the bulging veins on his arms again and she had to look away to
~Exactly two days since the incident~To prepare for the D-day, Rachel’s team and some other departments with the CEO himself were planning to pull an all-nighter through the weekend in preparation for the big event but then everything went south on Saturday being their first day.Rhett even had to involve his grandfather and had different forces that were unrelated to help him investigate the supposed auction that should have taken place but the perpetrator cleaned up well and left no traces.Now it’s Monday and the mighty Dee_McCall have never been so helpless in their many years of businesses than today.As for Rhett, the mighty Demi-god of the business world that has never failed and has managed to keep his grandfather’s company going for years even with more resources than before wasn’t expecting the anonymous strike to affect him that much.He’s always been a leader that never gives up but today he’s left hanging, hoping for a tiny bit of miraculous turnout.When the important d
Seated outside the emergency care unit is Ashley with her toes curled on the cold floor. Her face turned pale and her hands trembling as she shivered from the coldness eating at her feet. It’s been an hourlong care and the ICU light was still shining bright red.Hot tears trickle down her eyes as she cries in silence without a sound being heard.She’s seated on a bench far from the ICU door, unlike Rachel who’s closer to the room with Optimist beside her who’s trying to console her.Finally, the light turned green and the door came open as two cardiologists made their way out with Doctor Dennis, McCall’s family doctor.Ashley jumped to her feet as she rushed forward to talk to the doctors but Rachel got there first and she shoved her back with great force.“Argh” Ashley cried out as she hit the wall roughly.Soon after, the nurses pushed out a transport bed with Rhett on it to move him to a VIP room.Ashley bit her lips to suppress her urge to cry out on seeing her ex-husband lying u
On the hospital bed, Ashley lay unconscious, with Clara sitting beside her, holding her hands tightly as she shut her eyes in prayer. Meanwhile, outside, Mr. Fred spoke with two police officers, his swollen face sporting a bandage plastered over his head.Fortunately, the beeping sound in the hospital room roused Ashley from her unconsciousness. She let out a soft moan as her eyes flickered, struggling to stay open, but the piercing light gave her a headache.Then Ashley managed to turn her head, alerting Clara that her boss was awake."Oh my goodness, ma'am! Are you awake? Can you hear me?" Clara sobbed, gently rubbing Ashley's hand to gain her attention.Ashley was lost for a while before reality dawned on her, her eyes flashed open, and she sprang up in bed with panic.Her eyes widened, glinting with tears."Where's my son?! How did I end up here?" She questioned as memories of Clara's news about her son's kidnapping flooded back, and she quickly swung her legs over the side of the
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