Ashley POVGiven the rather intimate events of the previous night, I had no idea what would happen the next morning. At the very least, I thought there would be some awkwardness, or avoiding each other's gaze. But Jayden had already made breakfast and was waiting for me by the kitchen counter when I was awakened by the shrill alarm tone and managed to drag my still sleepy body into the kitchen. He looked very calm, his hair wet from his shower, and even threw me a teasing smile when I appeared.Wasn't I just dreaming the whole thing?Albeit, given the emotional turmoil inside me, the pain as well as my faith, I knew that it couldn't be happening. It was too real. And I subconsciously blushed back at his smile, even though I pretended not to."Breakfast is ready and done," he said as he put two bowls of oatmea
Ashley POVIn that instant, I felt my heart stop beating. Or perhaps it was time itself that no longer made room for my brain to analyze and think about his words. I felt both awestruck and dazed, and my mind seemed completely overwhelmed and unable to comprehend what was happening, no matter how hard I tried.Because, yeah, Jayden had an amnesic state. He couldn't recognize his girlfriend whom he deeply loved a week ago, but he knew he had her. But still, was that scumbag really trying to flirt with me?I practically let out a sigh. Why is he making everything so complicated? Why can't he remember Blair, that girlfriend of his who is so dear to him? Why was he so cruel to me?And worst of all, why am I starting to question the decision to let him go?"What are yo
Ashley POVI darted quickly in and out of the room to grab a lighter purse from the wardrobe, then waited for him in the hall to get ready. I had finished shifting all my essentials from my backpack into the purse and was sitting on a stool that was combined with a shoe rack, playing a game on my phone about ten minutes before he was done.All he seemed to be doing was changing into a pair of tight black jeans, wearing a gray beanie on his head, and dangling a black mask strap over one ear. He carried a fashionably wrinkled black winter coat with a high collar in the crook of his arm and grabbed a pair of dark brown leather boots with his healthy hand.I frowned at him. "What took you so long? David hates waiting.""It's his job, isn't it?" he snorted as he tossed the coat onto my lap and the shoes onto the f
Ashley POVAt that spot, I froze and stared at him with an incredulous look. "What?" That I finally managed to speak.If he could see the panic that possessed me, I had no idea, but even if he did, Jayden didn't seem to give a damn. "You heard me," he said casually and leaned back in his chair. "I want a kiss. A proper kiss, to be precise.""Is this a joke?" I asked, still in shock. "Where are the hidden cameras?""You didn't see either of us break into laughter, did you?""But why?" I don't want to say it, but I force myself to say it. "You already have a girlfriend that you loved... no, you love even more.""I just need to confirm something."I lifted an eyebrow even as my heart skipped a beat. "Like what?" I demanded, hoping to sound a bit firm.To my surprise, Jayden looked young. Extremely young and extremely shy. "Do you really want me to spell it out for you?" he asked quietly, almost reluctantly.I looked at him intently. He pursed his lips steadily and didn't seem to want to
Ashley POVI had to admit that what Jayden said was true, but I knew that I couldn't back out at that point. He had already read my reaction, and he knew that he was onto something. I could not help but use his pride or his stupidity or maybe both to keep my plan, the plan to bring him together with her, on track.I just hope this decision won't come back to bite me in the ass later on."You've hurt my pride," I said dramatically as I clutched my hand to my heart. Though I was using an obvious tactic, I did my best to put out a lie that sounded honest in my tone. "And since it seems like you don't completely trust me, I guess I have to prove the truth to you.""I do believe you," he stated abruptly, his caramel brown eyes softened slightly. "But I feel like something is missing in this picture here. And your
Ashley POVThe atmosphere became eerily quiet as the two of us ate. Though it was awkward at first, seeing how our conversation ended. The atmosphere quickly came back to normal. Before long, we called for the waiter to take our plates and get us drinks. Jayden went to the restroom while the young waiter collected the plates and cutlery. I made small talk with him before he left and he returned."So," he began as he flopped onto the couch. "The best of three?"I nodded nervously. "We'll pick our own song.""High score or level system?""Level system," I said. "It's easier to keep track that way.""Well, ladies first," he urged me, moving his healthy hand toward the screen at the far end of the room.
Ashley POVJayden kept quiet as we made our way back to the front desk, putting on his coat and walking down the corridor that connected all the rooms to the emergency staircase or the two available elevators. He hooked the mask straps to his ears inside the mirrored elevator. I sneaked a glance at him through the mirror as he adjusted his beanie, and was startled by a pair of familiar caramel brown eyes staring back at me.But those caramel brown eyes were colder than the glacier on the mountains in winter.David was already outside by the time we finished returning the room key, which was fortunate considering the number of visitors to Sing-All. I hadn't realized that more than an hour had passed, but my phone screen showed that it was already half past ten in the evening, which meant that there would be a lot of people crowding the singing venue in the near future. Among the people who could afford a membership, there would definitely be at least one pair of eyes that would recogni
Ashley POVFor a moment, I almost thought I had expressed my despair, but was relieved that my throat was too dry to speak. Even so, it didn't really matter. I could feel our relationship was at a crossroads, in the elevator lobby outside my parents' apartment. Right then and there, I would decide how the next three months would go. I had to do the right thing. It was best for me and him.I swallowed hard. "You already have a girlfriend, Jayden," I told him for the hundredth time, leaning against the front door of my parents' apartment. "As soon as you recover from your amnesiac, you will remember how much you loved her, how much she meant to you.""You mean a lot to me too, Ashley."I smiled grimly. "We grew up together, J," I said. "I'm an old acquaintance of yours, so your feelings aren't surprising. Despite..."I trailed off as I saw hope blazing in those caramel brown eyes of his. The tears stung my eyes and my throat seemed to clench in on itself, but I forced them out and clear
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