Share

Chapter Four

Penulis: Tee Growrich
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-02-27 04:06:16

Alex's face finally crumpled, and for the first time, Ashley saw tears welling up in his eyes. He swallowed hard, his shoulders tensing before his expression broke into something raw.

“I swear, Ashley, I didn’t mean to ignore you,” his voice trembled, and his fingers clenched into fists before he dragged them down his face in frustration. “I... I was working. I didn’t know. If I had known—” His breath hitched, and a tear slipped down his cheek. “I would have been there. I should have been there.”

Ashley’s chest ached at the sight. Was this real? Was he finally realizing the depth of what they had lost?

He reached for her again, slower this time, like he was afraid she’d pull away. His warm hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing over the tear-streaked skin. “I know I failed you.” His voice cracked. “I should have picked up the phone. I should have been home. I should have—” His shoulders shook, and he shut his eyes as more tears spilled. “I should have protected our son.”

Ashley’s lips trembled.

For so long, she had waited for him to see her, to understand her pain, and now, here he was broken, regretful, and finally showing the emotions she had begged him for.

He pulled away suddenly, wiping his face with the back of his hand before grabbing a glass of water from the table. "Here, drink this," he murmured, gently pressing it into her hands. His touch lingered on her fingers as if grounding himself in her presence.

Ashley hesitated but took a small sip.

“Let me take care of you, baby,” Alex whispered, guiding her toward the couch. He brought a blanket, draping it over her shoulders before sitting beside her. “You need to rest. I’ll be here.”

For the first time in days, her body relaxed slightly under his touch. Maybe it was exhaustion. Maybe it was the desperate need to hold on to something familiar. She let him wrap an arm around her as her head rested against his chest, his steady heartbeat thumping against her ear.

The next day, the stone was laid for their child.

Ashley stood frozen, her fingers curling into the fabric of her dress as she stared at the freshly carved headstone.

Bright Donovan

Her chest tightened.

The name she had whispered with so much love, now engraved in cold, lifeless stone.

Tears slid silently down her face as a soft breeze rustled the trees. The world moved on, but for her, time had stopped.

A familiar voice cut through her grief.

"Ashley."

She turned, her body stiffening as she saw her mother approaching.

Her mother's expression was unreadable, but the moment her gaze landed on Ashley’s face, something flickered in her eyes disapproval, sadness, or maybe something more.

Ashley braced herself, she swallowed the lump in her throat as her mother came closer, her heels clicking against the pavement. The older woman’s expression was carefully composed, but Ashley knew that look, the tight lips, the scrutinizing gaze, it always came before a lecture.

Her mother’s eyes flickered to the grave, lingering on Bright’s name for a brief second before shifting back to Ashley. She let out a small sigh. “Such a tragedy…” she murmured, her voice void of the raw grief that still suffocated Ashley.

Ashley’s fists clenched. She wanted... needed her mother to hold her, to say something, anything that could ease the unbearable weight in her chest. But instead, the next words nearly shattered her.

“You should be careful, Ashley. Your husband is already under so much stress.”

Ashley’s breath caught. Careful?

Her mother placed a hand on her arm, her grip firm. “This is a difficult time for both of you. Alex is doing his best, he’s a good man, providing for you, keeping everything together. I know he wasn’t there when it happened, but men handle grief differently.”

Ashley blinked, her body going cold. Was she really saying this?

Her mother continued, her voice soft but edged with something sharper. “This is a marriage, Ashley. A real marriage. Not a fairytale. You can’t just fall apart whenever things get hard.”

Tears burned Ashley’s eyes. Fall apart?

She had lost her child. She had run through the streets, clutching Bright’s fevered body in her arms, sobbing for help while Alex had been nowhere. And now, she was supposed to be careful? To worry about his stress?

Her mother’s fingers squeezed hers gently. “I know you’re hurting, darling. But you have to be strong. For your husband. For your family.”

Ashley yanked her hand back, the motion so sudden that her mother’s eyes widened slightly.

"Strong?" Ashley whispered, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.

Her mother exhaled, shaking her head. "I know you don’t want to hear this right now, but think about what you have. You have a roof over your head, security, a husband who—"

"A husband who wasn’t there when our child died!" Ashley’s voice cracked, grief and anger lashing out like a storm.

For a moment, her mother’s expression flickered, was it regret? Guilt? But it was gone too quickly, replaced with practiced indifference.

“Marriage is about sacrifice,” she said firmly. “And love isn’t perfect. Do you think I had it easy with your father? I endured, Ashley. For you. And look at where we are now. Alex is a good man. He provides for us, for me too. You think you’ll have that kind of security if you just walk away?”

Ashley sucked in a sharp breath.

And there it was.

Her mother’s dependency on Alex. The unspoken truth that leaving him wouldn’t just be her decision, it would have consequences for everyone.

She turned away, unable to look at her mother any longer. The pain, the exhaustion, the betrayal clawed at her chest like an open wound.

Bright was gone.

Her mother wasn’t on her side.

And Alex?

Alex still had his arms around her, still whispering apologies, still acting as if love was enough to erase what had happened.

Ashley closed her eyes, and for the first time, she wondered if this was all her life would ever be... a cycle of pain, guilt, and endurance.

Lanjutkan membaca buku ini secara gratis
Pindai kode untuk mengunduh Aplikasi

Bab terkait

  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Five

    Ashley sat frozen on the bed long after her mother left, the weight of her words still pressing against her chest like an iron grip. "This is a marriage, Ashley. A real marriage. You have to be strong." Strong. Her lips trembled as she stared at the empty space in front of her. How was she supposed to be strong when she felt like she was drowning? Her gaze flickered to the small nursery down the hall. The door was still open. It had been ever since she ran out that night, cradling Bright’s fevered body in her arms, desperate to save him. A tear slipped down her cheek, followed by another. Her hands clenched the fabric of her dress as a sob clawed its way up her throat. She tried to swallow it down. She tried to be strong. But then, it hit her all at once. The deafening silence of the house. The crib that would never be used again. The cold spot beside her where Alex had slept soundly while their child fought for his life. Ashley let out a choked gasp as her body trem

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27
  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Six

    The room spun as Alex's weight pressed down on her, his breath hot and thick with whiskey. The scent clung to him, suffocating her, making her stomach churn. Ashley squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself anywhere but here. His hands were rough, unrelenting, tearing at the fabric of her dress as if it had personally offended him. The sound of ripping filled the silence a sharp, cruel reminder of how little her resistance meant. "Alex, please," she whispered, but the words barely scraped past her throat. He ignored her. His mouth dragged over her skin, sloppy and possessive. His grip was bruising, fingers digging into her hips, his body pressed so tightly against hers that she could barely breathe. "You’re mine," he muttered against her collarbone, his voice thick with drunken arrogance. "You always will be." A tear slipped down her cheek. Ashley pushed against his chest, her hands trembling, but he barely noticed. Or maybe he did and just didn’t care. "Stop," she tried

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-02
  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Seven

    "All you do is sit pretty at home," he snorted, finally turning to face her. "What could possibly bother you?" The words stung, sharp and cutting. Ashley felt something twist inside her, but she swallowed it down. She should have known better. Should have known he wouldn’t care. He checked his watch, already halfway out the door. "Top clients and investors will be there. Don’t mess this up for me," he added, his tone clipped. And then, he was gone. The front door shut with a finality that made her chest tighten. Ashley sat there for a long moment, staring at the card on the bed. She could still feel the weight of last night pressing down on her, the bruises hidden beneath her skin, the ache deep in her bones. But none of that mattered. Not to him. Tonight, she would have to be perfect. No matter how broken she felt inside. Ashley sat frozen on the bed, her fingers brushing over the black card Alex had tossed beside her. It was smooth and cold, just like him. He

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-02
  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Eight

    Ashley’s stomach twisted. Without waiting for her response, he stepped out of the car, circling around to open her door. A gentlemanly act, if only it were real. Cameras flashed the second she stepped out. Alex’s hand rested firmly on her waist as he led her inside, his grip possessive. He smiled for the cameras, his charm effortless, as if he were the perfect, devoted husband. Ashley lifted her chin, her expression composed. No one could see the truth behind her carefully painted face. Inside, the ballroom was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the towering floral arrangements and glittering tables. The city’s most powerful figures moved gracefully, exchanging polite laughter and quiet deals behind champagne glasses. It was all so fake. "Stay close," Alex murmured, leaning in slightly. His breath was warm against her ear, but it sent a chill down her spine. "I have important people to impress." Ashley nodded numbly, slipping into her role with p

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-02
  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Nine

    His words were a slap to the face. Her entire body tensed, grief and anger clashing inside her like a storm. She opened her mouth, trying to find her voice, trying to say something... But before she could, Alex leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear. "Don’t make things more difficult than they already are," he murmured, his tone deceptively soft. Then, just like that, he released her. He straightened his tie, his polished smile slipping back into place as if nothing had happened. And then he left her standing there. Alone. Like always. Ashley pushed open the door to the restroom and stepped inside, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. Her breathing was shallow, her hands trembling as she locked herself inside one of the stalls. The moment she was alone, the dam broke. Silent, gut wrenching sobs wracked her body as she leaned against the cold metal wall, her fingers gripping the fabric of her dress. The pain of everything, the loss of her ba

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-02
  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Ten

    Ashley endured the rest of the gala in silence, the rage burning inside her carefully concealed beneath a mask of poise. Every laugh Alex shared, every touch he gave her in front of the guests, felt like a mockery. A cruel performance. The night dragged on, but she barely registered the conversations around her. She only spoke when necessary, her mind trapped in the restroom, replaying the secretary’s words over and over. Last Tuesday. The same night I lost my baby. It took everything in her not to shatter the fragile illusion of a perfect couple. When the event finally ended, Alex placed his hand on the small of her back as they walked out, his grip firm as if he owned her. The cameras flashed, capturing their exit him, the successful businessman; her, the devoted wife. As they stepped into the car, the driver closing the door behind them, Alex let out a sigh of contentment, stretching slightly. “That went well,” he murmured, loosening his tie. Ashley didn’t respond. She simply

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13
  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Eleven

    But not this time. She needed a plan, and she needed help. The first person that came to mind was Mia. She didn’t want to involve her, but Mia had always been there, pushing her to see the truth, even when Ashley refused to listen. She picked up her phone and sent a simple message. Ashley: I need to see you. Minutes later, Mia replied. Mia: I’ll be at the café near your place in 30 minutes. Ashley stood, grabbing her bag. If Alex wouldn’t give her what she needed, she would find a way to get it herself. Ashley arrived at the café earlier than planned, her nerves making her restless. She ordered a coffee but barely touched it, stirring absently as she waited for Mia. Mia walked in a few minutes later, her sharp gaze immediately locking onto Ashley’s tense posture. Without a word, she slid into the seat across from her, setting her bag down. "What happened?" Mia asked, her tone firm but laced with concern. Ashley exhaled slowly, struggling to put her frustration into w

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Twelve

    Instead, she stood there, her expression blank, her heart steady. The betrayal no longer surprised her, it only confirmed what she already knew. For a moment, she considered announcing her presence, just to see the panic in Alex’s eyes. Just to watch him scramble for an excuse, a lie, anything. But she didn't give him the satisfaction. Without a sound, she turned on her heel and walked out, closing the door gently behind her as if she had seen nothing at all. Let him enjoy his moment. Because soon, very soon, she would take everything from him. Ashley sat in the back of the taxi, her fingers gripping her phone tightly. The driver weaved through traffic, but she barely noticed. Her mind was elsewhere on what she had just seen. On what she had just decided. She inhaled sharply and dialed Mia’s number. It rang twice before Mia picked up. “Ash?” “I’m coming over,” Ashley said, her voice calm. A pause. Then, “Did you tell him?” Ashley let out a quiet breath. “No.” Mia sigh

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14

Bab terbaru

  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Twenty

    There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then Claude chuckled a deep, knowing sound. "I was wondering how long it would take," he said smoothly. "Where are you?" Ashley glanced around her office, the walls suddenly feeling too tight, too suffocating. "Not here," she said. "Somewhere private." "Agreed." His tone was casual, but she could hear the interest behind it. "I know just the place. Meet me at—" He gave her an address, one that wasn’t familiar. A private location. A place where no one would suspect Mrs. Donovan of having a meeting with another man. Ashley hesitated, her heart thudding. "Are you getting cold feet?" Claude teased. "No," she said quickly. Never. "Good," he said. "Then don’t keep me waiting." The line went dead. Ashley inhaled sharply, staring at her phone. Was she really doing this? Yes. She grabbed her bag and walked out of the office with steady steps, telling her assistant she was stepping out for a personal matter. As she reached the l

  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Nineteen.

    The next morning, Ashley stepped out of the office building for a breath of fresh air. The weight of playing the perfect wife was suffocating, but she bore it with a grace that masked her true intentions. She adjusted the sleeves of her silk blouse, inhaling the crisp morning air as she descended the steps. And then she bumped into a solid chest. "Steady there," a deep voice murmured, hands instinctively reaching out to steady her. Ashley blinked up, her breath hitching. Claude. Dressed in a tailored navy suit, he looked effortlessly powerful. His sharp eyes flickered with recognition before a slow smirk curved his lips. "Mrs. Donovan," he greeted, his tone laced with amusement. "We meet again." Ashley straightened, smoothing her blouse. "Mr. Claude," she replied evenly. His gaze lingered on her, as if searching for something beneath her calm exterior. "What a coincidence," he mused. "Or maybe not." Ashley’s fingers clenched at her sides. Was he toying with her? Or did

  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Eighteen

    The car ride home was thick with tension. Alex gripped the wheel tightly, his knuckles white, while Ashley sat beside him, her face calm, expression unreadable. As soon as they stepped into the house, Alex slammed the door shut and turned to her, his gaze sharp and accusing. "What the hell was that, Ashley?" His voice was controlled, but she could hear the rage beneath it. She blinked up at him, feigning innocence. "What was what?" His jaw ticked. "Don’t play games with me. What are you trying to pull with that investor?" Ashley tilted her head slightly. "I was just being polite. Isn’t that what you wanted? For me to act as your perfect wife?" Alex scoffed, running a hand through his hair. "I don’t like the way he looked at you." "Looked at me?" She let out a small, humorless laugh. "I thought I was made for nothing, remember?" His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t take the bait. Instead, he stepped closer, his voice dropping lower. "I know what you’re doing, Ashley. What

  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Seventeen

    Ashley sat gracefully, placing her hands on the table as the meeting began. If Alex thought he could rattle her by bringing Claude into this, he was mistaken. She wasn’t the same woman who had walked blindly into his games. Claude’s sharp gaze flickered toward her every so often as Alex presented their pitch. He listened, nodding at the right moments, but Ashley could tell his attention wasn’t entirely on the numbers. He was watching her, waiting to see how she would react. She gave him nothing. When Alex finished his presentation, Claude leaned back in his chair, resting his fingers against his chin. "It’s a compelling offer," he admitted. "But before I commit, I’d like to hear from Mrs. Donovan." Alex tensed beside her, and Ashley nearly smiled. Claude had just thrown her a rope, one Alex wasn’t expecting. She turned to Claude, meeting his gaze with quiet confidence. "What specifically would you like to know?" "Your perspective," Claude said smoothly. "I’ve seen companies thr

  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Sixteen

    The rest of the day, Ashley focused on her work. She familiarized herself with potential investors, upcoming projects, and the responsibilities that came with her new position. But even as she worked, she could feel Alex’s presence lingering. Not physically, but in the way people whispered when she walked by, in the way his secretary cast her glances, as if expecting Ashley to lash out. She didn’t. She stayed calm, professional. Mrs. Donovan doesn’t break. But she wasn’t naive. She knew Alex wouldn’t let this go. And she was right. That evening, as she was gathering her things to leave, her office phone rang. "Yes?" she answered. "Come to my office," Alex’s voice came through the receiver. It wasn’t a request. Ashley hesitated for only a second before hanging up and walking toward his office. When she entered, Alex was seated behind his massive desk, sipping whiskey, his expression unreadable. His secretary was nowhere in sight, which meant whatever he wanted to say, he didn

  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Fifteen

    Ashley stepped out of the Donovan Enterprises building with the same composure she had maintained all morning. She was no longer the naïve housewife who cried in private while her husband paraded his mistress around. No, she was Mrs. Donovan, and today, the world was going to see her as she was meant to be. A sleek, black luxury car pulled up in front of the building just as she reached the sidewalk. The driver stepped out, opening the door for her. "Courtesy of Mia," he said with a slight bow. Ashley slid into the plush leather seat, crossing her legs gracefully as the car pulled into traffic. Mia had chosen an upscale restaurant in the heart of the city, a place frequented by executives, socialites, and the type of people who loved to gossip. Perfect. When Ashley arrived, Mia was already waiting at a private table, sipping a cocktail with a smirk on her lips. "You look like you just stepped off the cover of a power magazine," Mia said, eyes flicking over Ashley’s pristine ou

  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Fourteen

    Ashley met his gaze without hesitation. “Yes.” Alex smirked, tossing his jacket onto the couch. “Fine. Be ready tomorrow. I’ll have someone set up a desk for you.” Ashley’s heart pounded, but she didn’t let her relief show. Instead, she nodded. “Thank you.” Alex stepped closer, tilting her chin up with his fingers. “Just remember, sweetheart… this is my world. Play by my rules.” Ashley forced a smile. "We’ll see about that." *** Ashley Steps into the Company The next morning, Ashley walked into Donovan Enterprises with her head held high. Dressed in a sleek, fitted blazer and a pencil skirt that gave her just the right edge of authority, she was a striking contrast to the delicate housewife Alex had shaped her into. The receptionist gave her a polite but hesitant smile as she approached the front desk. "Good morning, Mrs. Donovan. Mr. Donovan said you'd be joining us today." "Yes," Ashley said with a composed smile. "Can you show me to my office?" A younger assistant qu

  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Thirteen

    That evening, Ashley prepared Alex’s favorite meal, carefully plating everything with precision. The rich aroma of the perfectly cooked steak, roasted potatoes, and red wine sauce filled the dining room. The table was set just the way he liked it, elegant but not excessive, with a bottle of his preferred wine chilling nearby. She moved with practiced ease, masking the storm inside her with a calm, composed exterior. If she was going to do this, she had to play the role perfectly. When she heard the front door open, her heart pounded in her chest. She wiped her hands on a napkin and stepped into the hallway, greeting Alex with a warm smile. “You’re home early,” she said softly. Alex shrugged out of his suit jacket, tossing it over the back of a chair. He barely glanced at her. “Investors left sooner than expected.” His voice was indifferent as he loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves. Ashley gestured toward the dining table. “I made dinner. Your favorite.” That caught

  • SHE'S MINE! Stolen By Desire   Chapter Twelve

    Instead, she stood there, her expression blank, her heart steady. The betrayal no longer surprised her, it only confirmed what she already knew. For a moment, she considered announcing her presence, just to see the panic in Alex’s eyes. Just to watch him scramble for an excuse, a lie, anything. But she didn't give him the satisfaction. Without a sound, she turned on her heel and walked out, closing the door gently behind her as if she had seen nothing at all. Let him enjoy his moment. Because soon, very soon, she would take everything from him. Ashley sat in the back of the taxi, her fingers gripping her phone tightly. The driver weaved through traffic, but she barely noticed. Her mind was elsewhere on what she had just seen. On what she had just decided. She inhaled sharply and dialed Mia’s number. It rang twice before Mia picked up. “Ash?” “I’m coming over,” Ashley said, her voice calm. A pause. Then, “Did you tell him?” Ashley let out a quiet breath. “No.” Mia sigh

Jelajahi dan baca novel bagus secara gratis
Akses gratis ke berbagai novel bagus di aplikasi GoodNovel. Unduh buku yang kamu suka dan baca di mana saja & kapan saja.
Baca buku gratis di Aplikasi
Pindai kode untuk membaca di Aplikasi
DMCA.com Protection Status