Surprise contorted Ashleigh's features. This wasn't how she envisioned her return."Where are they?" she pressed, urgency lacing her voice. Her colleagues pointed towards Mrs. Smith's office before dispersing back to their duties.A frantic rush of movement carried Ashleigh through the door, where she found Mrs. Smith mid-conversation on the phone. James and Fiona stood before her, fear etched on their faces. Relief flickered in their eyes upon seeing her. Ashleigh rushed towards them, engulfing them both in a tight hug."Ashleigh! We were worried sick!" Fiona exclaimed in a hushed whisper. "You disappeared the next morning, no message, no call, nothing!"Remembering the abruptness of her departure, Ashleigh could only manage a weak smile."My apologies, Fiona. My leaving was… hasty. An emergency came up, and I had to rush out."James, unconvinced, raised an eyebrow. "At midnight? What kind of emergency couldn't wait until morning? Besides, you were hammered and went straight to sleep
Ashleigh's jaw clenched tight. "Absolutely not," she gritted out, her voice barely a whisper above a growl. Adrian met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Then consider this conversation over," he finished, his voice devoid of emotion as he redirected his attention to the paperwork littering his desk. Silence descended upon the room, heavy with tension. Ashleigh forced herself to take a deep breath, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. "With all due respect, Mr. Cagliari," she began, her voice calmer this time, "I fail to see how firing me or my friends will solve anything." Adrian leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers before him. "On the contrary, Mrs. Cagliari. From the beginning, we've been at odds over you working here after our marriage. Between your household duties and your workload, it all contributed to your breakdown." Ashleigh's temper flared. "That was because—" she started, but Adrian held up a hand, silencing her. "Yes, I know," he conceded, his
In the following days, the whispers surrounding Ashleigh's resignation faded to a dull hum. Assigned to the executive floor, she found the pace far more relaxed. Fewer offices meant less hustle and bustle, and the remaining space was dedicated to conference rooms and media events. The only real disruption was the constant presence of the company owner himself.Back home that night, after hours of stewing in silence, Ashleigh made a decision. She wouldn't let Adrian turn her into a pawn in his elaborate game. Until she found a way to regain the upper hand, silent compliance seemed the best course of action.Adrian, however, took full advantage of her presence on his floor. He piled on the tasks, transforming her workload into a relentless beast. Breaks were confined to the snack room, where Mr. Turner, ever dutiful, presented lunch for Adrian alongside a weary Ashleigh. Any lull in her schedule was promptly filled with nonsensical errands. By day's end, she was a mindless automaton, co
The door creaked open, shattering the charged atmosphere and jolting them both back to reality. Mr. Turner, mid-conversation with a group outside, caught a glimpse of the scene unfolding in the office. He quickly ushered the visitors out, muttering about needing a few minutes.Ashleigh's cheeks burned a fiery crimson. The near-miss sent a jolt of panic through her, and she struggled even harder to disentangle herself from Adrian's embrace. But he remained unyielding.A kaleidoscope of emotions warred within Adrian. Relief, a strange and unwelcome sentiment, washed over him at Mr. Turner's interruption. His behavior in the past few minutes had been uncharacteristically impulsive. But a stronger current of anger surged through him, directed at his oblivious secretary for shattering the moment. His piercing gaze pinned Mr. Turner in place, silently demanding the man understand the situation and leave."I-I apologize, Boss," Mr. Turner stammered, his voice barely a whisper under the withe
A surreal sense of accomplishment washed over Ashleigh as she sat in her room, surrounded by mountains of clothes. Susan, her ever-reliable assistant, meticulously folded them into a large suitcase, a team of helpers bustling around her. The news of her acceptance into Robin College had arrived a week ago, yet the memory of jolting awake from the couch, sleep forgotten in a surge of joy, remained vivid. Back home, she'd found the official letter nestled amongst her mail, a crisp confirmation that she was to report to campus for a mandatory freshman orientation that very weekend.The news had been met with ecstatic reactions – her aunt and friends bursting with pride, the latter particularly curious about the sudden turn of events. Sharing the news with Larry and Susan had set off a joyous chain reaction, with Susan spreading the word amongst the other staff members. The week since had flown by in a whirlwind of excitement."Madame," a familiar voice cut through Ashleigh's daydream, st
Ashleigh grumbled as she climbed the stairs. It seemed everyone was picking on her today, constantly bringing up Adrian. Why did they hold this perception of their relationship? They were hardly affectionate or a love couple. Perhaps her behavior unintentionally portrayed otherwise. But Adrian, the constant subject of their whispers, hadn't even bothered to address the events of the previous week. Pushing those thoughts aside, Ashleigh focused on getting ready for the night's festivities.By 7 pm, everyone had gathered in the event hall. Mr. Atkinson and Susan had opted for a simple yet elegant design. Beach-themed decorations were strategically placed, adding a touch of whimsy. The stage was more elaborately decorated this time.A "Congratulations!" banner flanked by streamers adorned the background. An upgraded karaoke machine boasted various microphones, and additional games promised to spice up the evening. The entrance table, overflowing with culinary delights, showcased Chef Lar
With a determined glint in her eye, Susan announced, "Unfortunately, it seems our boss won't be joining us for karaoke tonight. But hey, the night's been fantastic so far, and we can't let that dampen our spirits! Let's get this karaoke party started!" A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd, quickly dispelling any disappointment. Mocktails, meticulously prepared beforehand, were distributed to lighten the mood. While most were non-alcoholic, a few cheeky younger staff members saw an opportunity for mischief. They pretended to request refills, distracting the assistants while their friends surreptitiously spiked some of the remaining mocktails. One particular young man exchanged a knowing glance with Chef Larry as he passed by. Larry acknowledged him with a subtle nod, his gaze flickering towards a disheartened Ashleigh. All evening, Larry had been waiting for this moment. Adrian's absence was the icing on his cake. Without him there, his plan would be much easier to execute. It wa
A dull ache throbbed in Mr. Atkinson's head, a lingering echo of the electrical malfunction he'd spent hours fixing. He patrolled the silent staff quarters well past midnight, ensuring everyone was tucked in. Finally, at 2 am, the quiet shattered with the arrival of Mr. Cagliari, his ever-present bodyguards flanking him like shadows. They deposited their employer at the door with a curt nod before melting back into the night.Adrian shrugged off his jacket, handing it to Mr. Atkinson with a sigh that spoke volumes. The air crackled with tension, and Mr. Atkinson, a seasoned observer, knew to navigate cautiously."Good morning, sir," he ventured tentatively. "Your trip seemed… taxing."Adrian grunted in response, his long strides carrying him straight for the kitchen. A midday flight to Italy, fueled by a supposed family emergency, had landed him face-to-face with his mother's machinations. Lunch with Caelia, another unsubtle nudge towards an unwanted relationship, had devolved into a
Adrian’s office was heavy with silence, the kind that pressed down on the air like a suffocating weight. Mr. Turner sat quietly in the corner, doing his best to make himself invisible. He’d worked with Adrian Cagliari for years and had witnessed many of his moods: sharp anger, cold detachment, and moments of ruthless efficiency. But today, there was something different—something he couldn’t quite define.Adrian sat behind his massive oak desk, his fingers steepled, his gaze fixed somewhere beyond the window. He hadn’t said much since they returned from the hospital. His posture was as composed as ever, but the set of his jaw and the faint crease in his brow hinted at something far more volatile simmering beneath the surface.Turner shifted in his chair, his instinct to speak overridden by experience. He had long since learned that silence was often the safest response when Adrian’s mood darkened. Especially now, when the man who normally seemed invincible looked... troubled.The quiet
Adrian gazed at Ashleigh's fragile form, curled up in the backseat of the sleek black BMW. Her breathing was shallow, her brows occasionally furrowing as she shifted in her sleep, her pale hospital gown clinging to her delicate frame. His eyes lingered over her face, tracing every familiar feature—the soft curve of her lips, the faint shadow beneath her eyes, her slender hand supporting her head. It had been so long since he’d last seen her, and he couldn’t tear his gaze away.The steady rhythm of raindrops against the window and the gentle hum of the car’s engine were the only sounds in the silence. Up front, Mr. Turner and the driver remained still, sensing the tension radiating from Adrian. The mood was heavy, laced with unspoken anger that simmered just beneath his composed exterior.The drive back to the mansion had been filled with Adrian’s restrained fury. The sight of Ashleigh in that hospital bed, weakened and vulnerable, had ignited something he hadn’t felt in a long time—a
The room was unnervingly still, the kind of silence that presses down on you, suffocating. Ashleigh lay stiffly in the hospital bed, her body motionless but her mind racing. The IV drip attached to her arm was slowly delivering something meant to make her sleep, but sleep had become a foreign concept. Her thoughts kept pulling her back to the past twenty-four hours, playing on repeat like a nightmare she couldn’t escape.Through the thin walls, she could hear Arthur talking in the hallway, his voice sharp, clearly dismissing whoever had come to visit her. He was keeping them away, and she was grateful for it. The whole school had seen the video—everyone was talking about it. But nobody was saying anything good.Ashleigh felt dirty. Filthy. Her skin crawled as if it had absorbed the shame of the entire incident. Damien’s cold indifference hadn’t helped. The memory of him walking out as soon as she woke up, ignoring her calls, was a fresh wound. She understood why he didn’t want to see
After the photo session, Adrian glanced quietly at Mr. Turner, who lingered at the edge of the crowd. Mr. Turner immediately made his way over to Mr. LaRosa, likely preparing for their meeting. Adrian was about to leave as well but was stopped by Caelia. “Adrian, let’s go inside. The event is about to start,” Caelia said sweetly, gripping his arm. “I’d love for you to meet some friends after the wine launch.” Adrian saw through her playful tone but didn’t want to spoil her evening. With a resigned sigh, he gently pulled away from her grasp and nodded. They entered the venue together, and heads turned. Adrian ignored the stares, heading to the space reserved for him, while Caelia took center stage. The event proceeded smoothly, with Caelia confidently addressing the crowd. She spoke about the prospects of her new wine brand, impressing both her younger and older guests. Her every move exuded grace, and she played the role of the charming host flawlessly—yet her eyes constantly flicke
He sat in the backseat, staring at his reflection in the tinted windows. His face was calm, a mask perfected over years of maintaining control, yet beneath the surface, his thoughts churned like a stormy sea. It had been hours since he’d heard from Tristan or Jake about Ashleigh’s whereabouts. They had fallen silent. And in Adrian’s world, silence was never a good sign.A flicker of irritation crossed his expression as he checked his phone once again. Still no messages. His fingers hovered over the screen, tempted to call them, but he stopped himself. However, that nagging voice in the back of his mind—the one that had been whispering to him ever since La Mano Nera started sniffing around—was louder tonight. Too loud to ignore completely."Boss?" Mr. Turner’s voice broke through his thoughts. He was sitting beside the driver, turning slightly to face Adrian. "They’re expecting you on the red carpet. There’s a lot of press."Adrian tore his gaze from the wi
Adrian sat at his desk, bathed in the muted glow of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The night stretched beyond the glass, thick with inky darkness. He absently rubbed the corners of his eyes, eyes that hadn’t seen sleep in over 24 hours. The presidential suite, once a haven of luxury, had turned into a command center. Papers were strewn about, laptops hummed, and the room had the quiet buzz of efficient chaos. The city outside was lively with nightlife, yet Adrian remained locked in, poring over reports.The voice from the call earlier still rang in his head:"Boss, a few members of La Mano Nera have been tracking Ashleigh’s whereabouts. They've traveled to America for further investigation. We believe they've found either her home or her college."That message had shifted everything. His mind replayed the voice with eerie clarity. No matter how many bodyguards he assigned to Ashleigh, no matter how many layers of security he placed, the thought of danger lurking near her kept g
Meanwhile, Ashleigh’s unconscious form lay on the cold, muddy ground behind the building. The hooded man standing over her grinned in satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with malice.“You two, drag her over there,” he ordered, gesturing toward a dark corner where trash was piled high. The stench of decay filled the air, making the men gag, but they followed orders, dropping Ashleigh into the filth.The hooded man stepped closer, pulling a small perfume bottle from his pocket and dabbing it on his mask to mask the horrid smell. As he knelt beside Ashleigh, his eyes traced her figure. Despite being covered in mud, she looked stunning, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.“Such a shame,” he muttered, his voice filled with contempt. “She’ll pay the price for what her friend did.”He signaled to the others to start recording, their phones aimed at the unconscious girl. He ran a hand down Ashleigh’s face, his touch lingering as she whimpered i
The night was electric with energy. The music blared from the speakers, reverberating through the walls, while the lights flashed in hypnotic patterns, casting the room in vibrant hues. Oliver, Arthur, and Damien were in their element, dancing, laughing, and drinking to their heart's content. For Oliver, this was his natural habitat—he thrived on the chaos and excitement of parties. Arthur and Damien, on the other hand, had been laying low ever since the incident at the club, so tonight felt like a long-overdue release.After what felt like hours on the dance floor, the trio finally retreated to their table, sweating and out of breath. They flopped into their chairs, still buzzing with adrenaline. The others from their group remained on the dance floor, too wrapped up in the rhythm to notice their absence. Damien leaned back, taking in the sight of the room, while Oliver wrapped an arm around Sue, who had curled up on his lap, lips locked in a passionate kiss.Arthur was deep in conve
The party was already in full swing when they arrived. Music thumped through the air, neon lights pulsed to the beat, and the hall was packed with students dancing, laughing, and drinking. Ashleigh stood at the entrance, momentarily overwhelmed by the chaos. She glanced at the others—they seemed unbothered, immediately diving into the festivities. “Alright, guys, let me introduce you to my friends,” Oliver announced, leading them deeper into the crowd. He grabbed Ashleigh’s hand, pulling her toward a table near the bar where a group of students sat. Upon seeing Oliver, the group erupted in greetings, their faces lighting up. Ashleigh was welcomed with curious glances as they invited them to sit. "Arthurrrr, it’s been too long!" one of the girls slurred, clearly tipsy. She reached across the table to grab his hand, her voice wobbling. Arthur laughed, apologizing with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Sorry! It’s been a crazy few weeks, but I’m here now to turn up!" Before he could say more,