They had just ordered the food when Ashton’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at the screen and grimaced at seeing Madison's number flashing. Slipping it back into his jacket pocket, he looked up at Hayley. “Won’t you accept it?” She couldn’t help but think of what Jason had told her about his mafia connections. Maybe his boss was calling him!“No, it’s Madison. She too has shifted nearby and I’m avoiding her.” It was news to Hayley and gave her immense satisfaction to know that he was avoiding the woman. In her excitement to be with him, she had completely forgotten about her. “Why?” she asked, wanting to get an accurate picture of their relationship. “Aren’t you best friends? Or maybe friends with benefits?” “Heck, no! She isn’t any of those. She’s more a friend who takes advantage of my goodness!” he said with an eye roll. “Oh! How? Does she force you to sleep with her?” Ashton groaned and looked her straight in the eye. “What do you take me as?” “A man-whore ma
Ashton screeched to a halt right in front of the motorcyclist, who had been tailing Hayley for the last few days. Only he did not know that Ashton watched him instead. After the talk with Hayley, now Ashton knew who the stalker was. He was Jason Lowells’ man! Ashton had studied the man for the last few days. He didn’t look as dangerous as Gambino’s men did. Could he tackle him and scare him off Hayley’s back? Stunned, the man looked for a way to escape, but Ashton had completely cornered him in a dead end. He pulled his helmet off, climbed out of Fang, and grabbed the man, pulling him down from his motorcycle. Yanking his helmet off, he punched him in the face, feeling an intense urge to protect Hayley against the man. “Son of a b*tch! How dare you stalk her? I’m calling the cops!” he yelled, grabbing the man’s collar. “No, I wasn’t following anyone!” he yelled back, eager to escape Ashton’s clutches. “Who has sent you? Jason Lowells?” demanded Ashton, but the man stammered with
Hayley glanced at the clock and a tremor of excitement shot through her. She would soon be free to go to Ashton’s cottage and resume where they had left off yesterday. Would he kiss her again? She couldn’t wait to return the tiffin case filled with delicious muffins she had baked early in the morning, surprising Elsa immensely. It seemed pleasing Ashton was the only thing on her mind these days. His kisses, his nearness, affected her so much that Hayley completely forgot to work on her assignment at college. It was the day of submission, and she had to sit in the library all morning to complete and submit it. At work too, her mind was more on Ashton than on completing her work. Her dad checked the number of mistakes she made and shook his head with disappointment. “Hayley, what is the matter with you? Are you tired? Do you want to go home?” asked her dad, closing his laptop to leave for a conference. Startled out of her dreamland, Hayley looked at her dad blankly.“Umm, did you say
The moment he laid her on his bed, Hayley started having second thoughts about his intentions. No, she couldn’t afford to get pregnant at eighteen. Her eyes widened as she watched Ashton come up to hover above her, supporting his weight on his elbow. His hand tucked away the stubborn stray curl that always escaped her bun. Hayley’s breath got stuck in her throat, wondering what he was about to do!“Relax, Hayley!” he whispered, planting a kiss on her forehead. She watched him with awe, a thousand questions flashing across her mind. Would he make love to her now? Or would it be like any other physical intimacy he had with the other women? Would he forget her and move on afterward? No, she couldn’t live after seeing him with another woman!“Why are we here, Ashton?” She gazed into his eyes brimming with tender emotions, something she wasn’t used to witnessing. Was this the same rough, uncaring Ashton who hardly acknowledged her presence in the past? “I can’t see the disappointment in y
The next morning at the breakfast table, Hayley had a tough time explaining herself to her parents. “Where were you last night, young lady? You left early but reached home two hours after I did,” scolded her dad. “I was with Sienna, dad. Why?” She couldn’t meet their gaze and concentrated on the food instead. “On weekdays, you should return home early and study, Hayley. You get ample time to enjoy during the weekend.” “That’s exactly what I’ve been telling you, Hails. When was the last time I saw you studying?” scolded her mom. “I study in the night, mom.” Her parents didn’t pay any heed to her excuses and looked disappointed with her. “I wouldn’t mind if you don’t look into the business now. I just want you to focus on your studies. Your friends are doing the same, aren’t they?” Hayley hung her head with guilt, unable to face her parents. It was true her friends were all busy with their studies and hardly had time to meet her. Alyssa was leaving for California while Eva and Sie
“Hi, Ashton!” Hayley climbed into the car and leaned in to kiss his cheek breathlessly. “Hey!” He smiled but started the car, his glance flicking all over her for a brief second. Although he wanted to grab her for a proper kiss, he restrained himself. He didn’t want the guards stationed at her gates to have anything to complain to her dad about. “What? Are you having second thoughts about dating me?” she asked, seeing his lack of enthusiasm as he drove away from her street. “Nope. Why would I? Are you?” He smiled with relief when she vigorously shook her head. “Not at all! I love dating you!” Ashton couldn’t stop the grin from breaking out on his face as he drove towards Central Park. It had been ages since he had gone there. “What else do you love about me?” Hayley shook her head, an impish smile lighting up her face. “Nothing else! You’re boring!” “Really? I thought I was the most interesting guy on earth! Well, let’s see you change your mind about me tonight.” Hayley turned
Hayley’s heart swelled with intense satisfaction on hearing his promise. He had changed his mind after all! He would marry her! She smiled radiantly at him as he drove her home. “So, will I see you on Monday next?” asked Hayley with a sigh. “I can come down tomorrow evening before heading to Silver Spring.” Ashton smiled at her, loving the way her eyes lit up with hope.“Yes, please. We don’t need to go to an expensive place. We can take a stroll in the park nearby.” “Done. Be ready by 6:30. I’ll message you.”“Are you going to uncle Daniel’s house tomorrow morning?” “No, tonight, after dropping you home.” He frowned as he glanced at the rear-view mirror. Did he just see Salvatore Gambino’s right-hand man, Romano’s Maserati, tailing him? Fear gripped at his heart and he rechecked, but it was gone. Surely it was there a minute ago! Ashton had been so absorbed with Hayley; he had completely forgotten about Gambino and his payment in the last two weeks. He would immediately pay the
Hayley waited for Ashton’s message all evening, but he didn’t contact her. Had he forgotten about their date? She called him many times, but his phone kept on ringing. Why wasn’t he accepting her calls? Last night she had waited till he drove away but had to face her mom immediately afterwards. By the time she went up to the terrace to check up on Ashton, he had already left. Her house being the last on the street, she couldn’t see the crossing even from the terrace. After a restless night, she woke up on Monday morning to get ready for college. It was the usual scene at the breakfast table. Her parents kept on harping about her lack of interest in her studies. Hayley was too annoyed to sit through breakfast. Picking up an apple, she got up to leave. “Have your breakfast before you go, Hayley,” said her mom. “I lost my appetite. You can eat my share.” Picking up her car keys, she stomped out of the house to the garage, ignoring her grumbling parents. With everything going against h
There was excitement in the air when all the guests arrived and they moved into the venue. Sienna came over with Lucas and her children, Adrian and Alexia. A heavily pregnant Eva and Alexander enjoyed the walks on the beach, mornings and evenings. A pregnant Alyssa came over with Nicholas, who never left a chance to irk Alexander with his pranks. Those two would never change! Amidst all their friends, Skylar was the most reserved, and they had no idea about her relationship with Christian. When asked, she just winked and walked away. “When are they marrying?” asked Sienna in a whisper. Although she was the first one to know about such things, she was clueless about where Skylar was concerned.“Don’t know!” said Alyssa, watching Skylar interact with Christian on the beach. It didn’t look like a lovey-dovey situation between them!“Let’s make this our mission, girls! We have to find out!” said Sienna, and they agreed immediately. They tried on their bridesmaid dresses and admired Hayl
“I’m so happy to be back!” exclaimed Hayley the moment she stepped into Ashton’s penthouse in Hotel Bayview. Ashton smiled but didn’t share the same enthusiasm as hers. “What? Aren’t you happy?” she asked, seeing the lack of excitement in him. “I’m happy, but I’ll feel happier when we move into our home. This is fine while traveling around, but we need a permanent place to call our own. I want us to settle down in the apartment Dad bought for us. Six more months to go and the New York hotel will be ready to inaugurate. We can then fulfill our dreams,” said Ashton while Hayley snaked her arms around his torso with contentment. She was happy with the way things were shaping up. “Still, I’m happy. Maybe because we’re together! Don’t think I’ll leave you alone in the next six months.”“We will be together, but you have an obligation towards your dad, towards Barclay International, Hayley. For years, you had dreamed of handling this empire. Don’t leave that at the peak of your career. Y
Hayley helped Ashton change into comfortable clothes before heading for a shower. Ashton looked around her huge bedroom suite fit for a princess. The king-size bed invited him and he lay down to wait for her. All the tension eased out of his mind forever. With Francesca’s death, the last threat that was looming over their heads also eased away. Now they were free! Free to enjoy life together like the others. He had always wanted such a free life and now his wish had been granted at last. “What are you thinking?” asked Hayley, looking fresh and dewy in a pair of lavender pajamas as she emerged from the en-suite. Ashton smiled and held out his right arm for her. She climbed into the bed, closer to him and he wrapped his arm around her soft body. It felt so good to be alive and cuddled up against her. After his accident, he had never thought he would live to see this day. “I’m grateful to God for granting my wish and reuniting us forever!” “Yes. Are you upset that we can’t marry this
Four men got down from the white Camry and pulled out a huge sack from the trunk of the car. Ashton gasped, recognizing Costello as one of them. The sack surely had Hayley inside as it looked big enough to accommodate a human body. With Mr. Barclay’s grip on his hand holding him back, he couldn’t rush to rescue Hayley. Not that he could with his injuries. Suddenly, gunshots rang in the air, taking the men by surprise. Three men fell to the ground, while the other one dumped the sack and pulled out his gun. But he too was overpowered by the SEALS Team who had been waiting for an opportunity to nab them. But where was Francesca? Ashton searched inside the Camry but didn’t see her inside. Under the dim lights, it wasn’t possible to see properly. Just then, a black Maserati pulled up stealthily into the street. Henry’s eyes widened at seeing the driver’s window roll down and a silencer gun peer out, targeting the sack Hayley was in. He realized immediately what the person was up to. He
“Sir, you’re not in a condition to travel,” said Victor refusing to book his ticket.“I have to. My fiancée has been kidnapped a few hours ago.” “I’ll come along, sir. I can’t leave you alone in your condition,” insisted Victor. “Fine, you can book two tickets.” After four hours, Ashton and Victor reached New York. He straight away coordinated with Hayley’s dad and reached the police station where they were still waiting. With his head bandaged and his left arm injured and in a sling, Ashton entered the police station, looking pale, tired, and haggard. Mrs. Barclay gasped at the sight of him while Hayley’s dad came forward to meet him. “Hello, son! Why did you come over when you’re so injured?” he scolded Ashton but he just shook his head. “I’m fine, Uncle Chris. Any news of Hayley? Why was she coming over to Miami when I asked her to rest? She never listens.” “Ask me about it,” grumbled her dad. “They’re still tracking the white Camry that was involved in the kidnapping. We’ve
“Where? In Bayview?” asked Hayley with wide eyes filled with excitement. “Nope! At Simon’s mansion on the beach. I can make all the arrangements before I come over on Monday.” Hayley grabbed him excitedly and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Oh, I’m so excited. Can I come over and plan our wedding?” “No. I think you should rest. I’ll video conference with you on everything.” Hayley felt disappointed, but didn’t argue. Ashton dropped her off and headed to the airport. While he quickly completed his pending work, Hayley went to the office as usual. However, she eagerly waited for Monday for her dad and Ashton to arrive. Her dad arrived on Monday night, but there was no sign of Ashton. He hadn’t even called her, let alone video conference with her. Initially, she had thought he was busy, but now she felt a little worried. Ashton wouldn’t forget something so important. She called him to inquire, but he had switched off his phone. She called his hotel and asked Gina. “Oh, hasn’t anyone
Ashton wrapped up his work, and they reached New York the day before the wedding. “Take care of your health in everything you do. I have to check up on Alexander.” “Dad's in Singapore. Can I stay with you in your apartment?” asked Hayley hopefully. “Not this time, baby. You’ll be all alone there since I will have to be with Alexander. Go home after checking up on Eva.” He kissed her forehead and left to go to Alexander’s penthouse. Hayley went inside her house, pulling her luggage along. With Eva in the hospital, Skylar would pick her up in an hour and head there. Just as Ashton had expected, Alexander broke down on seeing him, and they plotted and planned their next course of action. “Why don’t you clear up the air between you? How did it deteriorate to this?”Alexander explained to his friend all about Beatrix’s evil plans to separate him from Eva. He had resigned from Rotterdams as well.In the evening, Skylar called Alexander to inform him that Eva was stable and had been dis
Ashton’s jaws dropped with shock, and he gaped at Hayley, who looked as surprised as him. “But she doesn’t have any of the symptoms the other pregnant women do.”“All women don’t show the same symptoms. Some are too nauseated, some don’t even realize they’re pregnant until the fourth month. It varies from person to person.” “Is it a cause for concern? I mean, Hayley is just twenty-two, and she hadn’t been resting exactly.” “Her age is perfect for bearing a healthy baby. Don’t worry, I’ll just prescribe some medicines to take care of her fatigue. Otherwise, you both can lead a normal life but you have to go for timely checkups. Keep eating small meals and never stay on an empty stomach. I can make a diet plan for you if it helps,” offered the kind doctor to a dazed Hayley. “Yes, please. That would be helpful indeed,” said Ashton, seeing Hayley’s unresponsive state.After the doctor left, Ashton couldn’t contain the happiness he felt deep within him. He sat on the bed and pulled her
After Simon Baylor’s funeral, Ashton was in a state of confusion. Ever since he arrived in Miami, he had been busy with the hospital formalities in the absence of Simon's family or relatives. At the same time, he had to handle the business all by himself and prepare for Simon’s funeral too. However, he was glad that Victor Hughes helped him with everything. Having worked for Simon for eight years, Victor was extremely knowledgeable and knew everything about Simon Baylor. “Mr. Pierce, I have scheduled a meeting today at 4 o’clock with Henry Willis, sir’s lawyer. Sir wanted you to meet him right after your arrival here, but we had to take care of the other important things first.” There wasn’t much time at hand, and Ashton grabbed a late lunch and rushed to the conference room. Simon Baylor’s death was so sudden that Ashton didn’t get a moment of respite, struggling to sort out the loose ends. Maybe Simon didn’t expect the infection to spread so fast and turn fatal. Maybe he had expec