Ashley POV“And... smile!”The umbrella lights flashed across the room, making my vision blur for a second. I blinked quickly, waiting for the black dots to fade as my eyes adjusted to the pastel walls, the endless fake white and blush roses surrounding me, and the bulky guy standing behind the camera set up in front of me.Raising his hand, he gave the universal “okay” gesture. “Beautiful, beautiful,” he said excitedly. “Now, if you could just tilt your head a little to the side and angle your chin to the right...”Without a word, I followed his instructions, rewarded with a delighted squeal and another blinding flash. “Yes, that’s it! And maybe move your hand like this...” he said, demonstrating with his left hand. I copied him. “Yesss! Perfect! I gotta say,” he went on with a big grin, “you are the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen, Ashley Van Smith. Your fiancé is one lucky guy.”The camera clicked and the lights flashed again.“Thanks, Sam,” I said once my vision started coming
Ashley POVJared reached out and shook Samuel’s hand without even blinking. That surprised me, considering Samuel’s old injury, but Jared’s grip was firm and smooth.“Jared Keller,” he said with a hint of a smile. “And I’m sure the best wedding photographer in the city is more than capable of taking a few photos of me and my fiancée.”His voice, usually cold and even, actually sounded warm this time— nothing like the sharp tone he usually used with me. But that didn’t bother me. Not one bit.Because I knew Jared. I knew that when he wanted to, he could charm anyone— regardless of gender. That cool, intimidating aura of his didn’t stop him from flipping a switch and turning into the smoothest guy in the room.And honestly? The fact he was using that tone with someone other than me or Eva? It was kind of a relief.When Jared talked like that, people couldn’t help but feel confident, maybe even proud— like they mattered. Like Jared saw something special in them, even if they barely knew
Ashley POVIt was an impulse decision that meant I had to follow my best friend who had a spare ticket because her other friend was sick. Her seat was one of the most expensive, almost in front of the stage. She was a huge fan, the type who buys everything related to the boy band, even seemingly useless things like paperweights. That was her biggest idol the one and only, Jayden Ronan Keller. My worst nightmare right in front of my eyes — Oh, and also my mate and fiancé. Of course, she didn't know that last part. Nobody does, or I wouldn't be standing in one of the front rows, still breathing. She only knew about my family and Jayden's long-standing relationship and that we often celebrated holidays together. Some media had reported about us because I was supposedly the heir to Red Moon Inc., the huge international company owned by my late grandfather, Alpha Eros Van Smith of the Red Moon Pack, and well, he was Jayden R. Keller, the personnel of the boy band "Boyz Hits Bullets aka B
Ashley POV Well, I'll take it back. His mom is actually a good woman. It's just his father that's the problem. But that doesn't change the fact that Jayden R. Keller, my mate and fiancé, already has a girlfriend who even dared to cheat on me behind my back. Isn't that ironic? Meanwhile, Blair walked to the sink beside me and carefully washed her hands. Her pale skin looked whiter than it did in the commercials, though I couldn't tell if that was due to good genes, makeup, or the pale light from the overhead light. Really, public bathrooms always have horrible lighting. I have to admit, though, that she was still beautiful. In fact, she's even more beautiful in real life. Commercials take some of the humanity out of the people who star in them, and even dramas have managed to dull her light a bit. Or maybe it's her "imperfections" that enhance her beauty. The slight curve of her nose, the slight dip of her ears, the slight imbalance between her upper and lower lips - every little th
Ashley POVThe situation became silent, as if in suspended animation. The only thing that reminded me that I was still alive, or that time hadn't stopped, was my racing heartbeat. And, of course, the fact that I could feel my face quickly turning red. It was as if life wasn't going to let me off the hook for such an embarrassment. It was just too cruel."Jayden, isn't she a friend of your family?"The figure of the man who spoke, finally breaking the spells that had everyone glued, was about the same height as Jayden. I couldn't see his hair or most of his face, but I recognized him by the deep voice that had captivated the entire stadium an hour and a half ago with a very painful song. It seemed like he had introduced himself at the beginning of the concert."Is it really her?"The other man who spoke was the tallest of the group. He opened one side of his mask behind his left ear, revealing his whole face. I recognized him, he was the leader of the group, Jackson or better known as
Ashley POV A few excited shouts and cheers were heard as soon as the exit door opened. The guy broke away from my gaze and slipped out after Jax. Then it was just the two of us. It took about ten minutes for the guards to shoo the fans away and for all the staff to be let out of the building. It took me another ten minutes to prepare to confront Jayden. I stared at the worn rubber floor for that long, trying to find the right question. Since when? How? Why? As soon as the door closed and everyone was out of the room, he walked over to me. I looked up as he stopped half an arm's length from me. His face was without makeup and the ends of his hair sticking out from under his hat looked wet. His expression was hard to read as he crossed his arms and stared intently at me. It was then that I realized he was much taller than me. When did he grow so fast? "Why are you here?" The question that popped into my head was cut off. "Eva invited me," I replied stiffly. His eyebrows knitted toge
Ashley POVHe didn't follow me, though. But I knew he had seen my tears. I tried to wipe them away as I hurried out of the stadium. I didn't know why I was crying. I should have been screaming with joy, celebrating his betrayal, maybe drinking a beer by myself. I was free. My life is so ironic, isn't it? Like some kind of cheesy drama in a TV series. Then why did it hurt so much?When I arrived, I saw Eva's face immediately turn serious when she saw me, and she silenced her tired and cranky mother and her friends. There seemed to be something in my expression that made them worry and not talk to me, as they remained silent all the way home. Eva's mom made sure to drop me off first, even though the trip to Beverly Street would take the longest because of the detour from the stadium."I'll call you tomorrow, okay?" Eva asked after I thanked her mom. Her eyes were worried."Sure," I said quickly as I got out of the car. I found myself sounding much more harsh than I wanted to, so I added
Ashley POV There was a moment's pause as I digested his words. A sense of fear and uncertainty filled my mind. "What happened? Jayden, is he okay?" my voice was slightly shaky, though I tried to hold it in. "There was an accident. Jayden was involved in it," Clark explained in a serious tone. "We hope you can come as soon as possible because we need the support of those closest to him." 'An accident?' Lea whimpered instantly. "What kind of accident?" I could hear myself asking the question. "It'll be easier to explain when you're here," he said impatiently. "When can you get here?" "I... I can get there in about twenty minutes if the traffic clears," I overheard myself saying. "All right, I'll meet you at reception." All the way there I was so worried that I couldn't even sit still. I didn't even bother to call my parents to get a driver for me. In the meantime, the taxi driver gave me an odd look as I kept fidgeting, scratching my arms and ruffling my hair. I didn't care that
Ashley POVJared reached out and shook Samuel’s hand without even blinking. That surprised me, considering Samuel’s old injury, but Jared’s grip was firm and smooth.“Jared Keller,” he said with a hint of a smile. “And I’m sure the best wedding photographer in the city is more than capable of taking a few photos of me and my fiancée.”His voice, usually cold and even, actually sounded warm this time— nothing like the sharp tone he usually used with me. But that didn’t bother me. Not one bit.Because I knew Jared. I knew that when he wanted to, he could charm anyone— regardless of gender. That cool, intimidating aura of his didn’t stop him from flipping a switch and turning into the smoothest guy in the room.And honestly? The fact he was using that tone with someone other than me or Eva? It was kind of a relief.When Jared talked like that, people couldn’t help but feel confident, maybe even proud— like they mattered. Like Jared saw something special in them, even if they barely knew
Ashley POV“And... smile!”The umbrella lights flashed across the room, making my vision blur for a second. I blinked quickly, waiting for the black dots to fade as my eyes adjusted to the pastel walls, the endless fake white and blush roses surrounding me, and the bulky guy standing behind the camera set up in front of me.Raising his hand, he gave the universal “okay” gesture. “Beautiful, beautiful,” he said excitedly. “Now, if you could just tilt your head a little to the side and angle your chin to the right...”Without a word, I followed his instructions, rewarded with a delighted squeal and another blinding flash. “Yes, that’s it! And maybe move your hand like this...” he said, demonstrating with his left hand. I copied him. “Yesss! Perfect! I gotta say,” he went on with a big grin, “you are the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen, Ashley Van Smith. Your fiancé is one lucky guy.”The camera clicked and the lights flashed again.“Thanks, Sam,” I said once my vision started coming
Jayden POV“Jay, are you okay?”“How many times do I have to answer that?” I didn't look up from my phone screen even though I'd probably read the same news article about criminals a thousand times. Somehow, the drive to the restaurant felt like an eternity, or, at least, that's how I felt when I was stuck in the car with nothing to hear but silly questions.I was fine, though.“How many times does it take you to spill the fucking truth,” Hunter asked, his voice coming from dangerously close behind me.I lifted my phone over my shoulder so he could see what I was doing, then snorted. I took the only open passenger seat in the front on the pretense that I was feeling sick because I was so damn starving, but now here I was suddenly wondering if it would be better to sit in the very back seat.But there was Miles already seated, and I didn't like the way he was looking at me as I turned towards him.“Jayden...” Jamie's tone was low, worried.“Get off of my back,” I snapped. “I'm fine, ok
Jayden POV“No,” I stated simply. “She… Everyone thinks we're just family friends.”“Well,” she went on, the glint in her eyes turning cold. Extremely cold, like merciless stones of ice. “As of today, that won't be a lie anymore.”My brows furrowed, I couldn't help but let the fear caused by my anxiety creep up my voice. “What do you mean?” I asked in a tone that hopefully sounded calm.She pulled the engagement ring off her finger and held it out to me. “I'm calling off our engagement,” she said harshly. “I won't - won't marry a cheating bastard like you. You can live happily ever after with someone else, like Blair Anderson.” A mocking sneer spread across her face. “Smile, Jayden - you're finally getting rid of me, may you live happily ever after with your dear girlfriend.” What she said after that sucked the life out of me as if part of my soul had been taken away. “Oh, and before I forget, I, Ashley Van Smith, of the Red Moon Pack, reject Jayden Ronan Keller, of the Crimson Pack,
Jayden POV“What are you doing here, Ashley?”It wasn't my intention to lash out at her, but I was too shocked to find other words, so my tongue moved faster than my brain. She looked flabbergasted at my words, her face turning redder than a ripe tomato as she caught sight of me and my group of friends. Her lips parted and sealed, then parted again, but this time to my astonishment. She was stunned. Angry, too.And hurting more than I'd ever seen her before.“Jayden,” Tyler said hesitantly, breaking the silence down the hallway that had suddenly become eerily quiet. “Isn't she a friend of your family?”“Is it really her?” asked Jax, glancing curiously between me and Ashley while scratching his face.Later on, Jamie stepped in front of me as soon as I snarled at Ashley with both shoulders raised but immediately loosened up at Tyler's words. “Oh yeah, I've seen your face before, on the news.”Hunter snapped his fingers. “That's right!” he said as he realized something. “Whenever you two
Jayden POV23.02 - Fine, I'll go get your stuff. See you in five minutes?23.02 - Perfect! Hey, baby, you're not mad at me, right?Rolling my eyes, I replied with the word “No”. To be frank, I'm not mad at her. I'm just tired of her. Blair was prettier than most, very talented, and kind despite being more of a loner than Jean and overall she was a very nice girl. She is the kind of girl that guys dream about, because of her sweet and lovable nature, her graceful and slender figure. In fact, she was exactly what I wanted when I first laid eyes on her. I used to think I could finally fall in love, and it would be with her because she's almost perfect in every way. I mean, how could a guy not like a woman like Blair?At first, it was fun and exciting. I had never had someone... someone who I knew was definitely interested in me and talked to me for twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. She made me break down my walls, to the point where I felt I could trust her. I thought I could
Jayden POV—Flashback a few hours before the accident after the concert in NY in February—“Good job, everyone! That's a wrap for our concert in NY!”Clark escorted the seven of us from backstage to one of the leather couches in the dressing room before darting off somewhere. Some of the other coordinators and managers who had been with us for a few months to a few years came next, all with smiles on their faces. I poured the last contents of my water bottle over my head to cool down as I sat next to Jax. The liquid dripped down my face, neck, and back, soaking the black T-shirt I wore at the end of the concert, and though it felt relatively warm, I was still able to breathe a sigh of relief.“There's a place called the bathroom.” Tyler leaned over to my right and tugged gently on my sleeve. “Man, you're soaked.”“You too,” I retorted as I stared intently at his hair stuck to his forehead.“I'm starving,” whimpered Jean as he fanned himself frantically with someone's magazine. He plop
Ashley POVJayden was checking himself out in the massive mirror, eyes trailing from head to toe. His dyed light brown hair was a mess, and he had just enough makeup on to cover the small scar on his left cheek. Titanium earrings dangled from his ears, and rings wrapped around his fingers. He wore a red bomber jacket over a teal patterned shirt, paired with tight— very tight— black skinny jeans and branded sneakers to complete the look.“Hey,” he greeted, locking eyes with me through the mirror.I pushed a rolling clothing rack filled with expensive-looking shirts and jackets. “No white tees? What’s going on?” I asked.Jayden let out a small laugh. “Sorry to disappoint,” he replied, adjusting his collar. “Anyway, where have you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”“I was at the mall,” I lied, trying my hardest not to rub my wrist. “I’m actually feeling kinda sick. I don’t know if I can stay for the whole concert.”He immediately turned to me. “You have to,” he said, a hint of
Ashley POVChugging his water bottle, Jayden turned his attention back to his friends. Miles, however, kept sneaking glances at me, his expression unreadable. I gave him a small smile anyway, hoping to reassure him that I was fine.A lie, of course. I was fine. I just had no idea how.“Are you and Miles having a thing or...?”My jaw practically hit the floor, and I gawked at Blair in disbelief. “What?” I blurted, unable to hide my shock. “Of course not!”She tapped a finger against her chin, flashing me an apologetic smile. “Sorry, that was kind of fishy.” She came closer, the scent of her strawberry perfume stinging my nose even more. “Come on, we’re friends. You can tell me.”I was this close to telling her that friendship didn’t work that way. Hell, I wanted to punch her square in the jaw. But I managed to hold back and just shook my head. “No, really,” I said, sneakily shifting away from her. “There’s nothing going on between me and him. Or anyone else in this group, for that matt