2

ASHLEY

A sharp pain tore through the bones that surrounded my brain, resonating through it with a pounding headache that threatened to split my head into it. I groaned softly and my eyes fluttered open. I had to squint my eyes, due to the sensitivity of the ray of light that shot through the windows, settling directly into my eyes.

A loud grumble exited my lips, the minute I remembered that I had to go to work. Again. I rolled to my side, my eyes dropping to the masterpiece snoring away softly on my chest. His reddish-brown hair looked so messy, his mouth was a little ajar as he breathed softly. He looked so peaceful.

I giggled at the sight of him. I could look at him all day. But then, that meant not getting up from this bed. I shifted in his embrace, gently prying myself out of his strong grip, so I wouldn't wake him up. I rose to my feet, clutching the satin sheets to my naked body. My eyes landed on my black nightie, lying a few feet away from me.

My cheeks turned crimson in embarrassment. Adam found it so difficult to keep his hands off me whenever I was around and last night wasn't an exemption.

More like he's obsessed with your body. That tiny voice in my head taunted me and I shut it out. I glanced at the wall clock and sighed. I had roughly an hour to get to work. I sauntered into the bathroom and took a quick shower.

Adam was already awake by the time I got back into the room. His fingers moved swiftly on the buttons of the laptop that was on his lap, with his reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. His eyes darted over to my towel-clad figure, his gaze lingering on my exposed thighs.

I watched as a naughty smirk crawled up to his lips, leaving me a blushing mess.

"Hey, beautiful." He drawled, his voice gravelly and husky, housing a searing, sexy undertone to it. 

"Good morning!" I chirped. I walked towards him, crouching to his level, and dropped a chaste kiss on his lips. His hands dropped to the small of my back, crawling downwards and into my towel, grabbing a fistful of my ass.

"

You smell so good," He told me and I giggled, threading my fingers through his hair.

"I used your body wash. Just the way you like it." I whispered, biting my lip. Adam has always been one to love it whenever I got all bold with him. He didn't like me being weak. He hummed softly and kissed my forehead.

I left him to concentrate on his work and went into the closet to pick out a dress for work. I applied my body lotion and slipped my undies on, then wore my dress. 

"Ashley," Adam called me, his voice was dangerously low. I furrowed my brows and turned to him. He took off his glasses and dropped them on his laptop. His head jerked in my direction, a look of disdain marrying his face.

"Yes?" I arched my brow at him.

"You are wearing that?" He ran his eyes over my frame, gesturing to my black dress unable to contain the disgust he felt. I was even more puzzled, I didn't understand what he was saying. The dress was perfectly fine and it was comfortable.

"Babe, what's wrong with it?" I asked him.

"You look fat. It's disgusting, Ashley. Geez, are you going to wear that to work? What do you expect your colleagues to say about you?" He scrunched his face in a frown, peering at me like I disgusted him.

My mouth hung open in shock, I tilted my head backwards like I couldn't believe what he just said to my face. I didn't understand how he could say something insensitive about my weight! He knew how sensitive I was about how I looked.

"Adam!" I called out to him in shock. My eyes soon got itchy, burning with tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. I blinked and scoffed.

"Go and change into something that doesn't make you look like a bag of potatoes, Ash." He deadpanned, sounding so indifferent. The tears I was struggling to hold back eventually spilled. Adam didn't look moved in the least. He glanced wryly at me and arched his brow. He was expecting me to do as he just said.

"Adam, I'm running late." My voice was quivering so badly.

"Ashley," He called my name through gritted teeth.

"Go and change the dress, Goddamit! For once in your life, do as you are told!" He yelled at me and I reeled backwards at the sharpness of his tone, blinking softly and struggling to control the tears that streamed down my cheeks.

"Okay," I whispered.

I knew he didn't mean to yell at me. He didn't mean to say those hurtful words to me, but it didn't make it hurt any less. I couldn't ignore the pang of pain that hung in my chest, leaving a lump in my throat. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"And, please, do not use that red lipstick. It makes you look like a whore." He called out to me and I wheezed lightly, my feet turned wobbly, and my eyes burned with tears, rendering my vision overly blurry. 

His words felt like a searing knife that was plunged into my chest, shattering me into pieces.

He didn't mean it, Ashley.

He didn't mean it.

He didn't mean it.

I chanted over and over like a mantra as I changed into a chiffon blouse and a black pencil skirt, then I slid my feet into my cream six-inch heels, grabbing my handbag from the compartment that housed my bags.

I puffed out some air through my mouth and wiped my tears. I plastered a smile on my face. Like the good girlfriend, I was and sauntered out of the closet.

"How about this?" I asked him, twirling for him. I heard him sigh under his breath.

"Not as bad as the one you wore earlier," He shrugged casually and gave a slight nod in approval.

I swallowed.

"You have added so much weight, babe. It doesn't suit you. You should hit the gym soon. That means we wouldn't be going out to have dinner with my friends anymore." He said with a sullen look and I squeezed my eyes shut.

"I…" I paused, comforted myself, and kept my frustration in check. He didn't like me raising my voice at him. I dropped my bag on the nearest couch and took a seat beside him on the bed, grabbing his hands and squeezing them gently with a light smile playing on my lips.

"I didn't mean to make you mad, babe. I'm so sorry. I promise I will go to the Gym." I assured him.

"For you, babe," I said quietly.

"And, we can still go to dinner with your friends. A new round of shopping would fix this. I could get some girdles if you want. It's been long since I saw your friends." My lips stretched in a faux smile, against my will.

And I watched as his face lit up when he heard that I was going to get a girdle. I blinked back the tears that threatened to drop.

"That's my girl," He told me and pressed a kiss on my forehead. A shaky breath escaped me and my eyes shut close on their own accord.

For how long will you keep compromising for someone who isn't worth it? My subconscious asked.

For as long as it takes.

He loves me and that was all that mattered.

"Here, have my card and get anything you want." He handed me his card and I pressed my lips against his, he opened up to me, pulling me closer by the waist and deepening the kiss.

A soft moan exited my lips.

"I love you," I said to him once he pulled away.

"I love you too, Ashley." He whispered with a smile playing on his lips.

"I should get going now." I ruffled his hair and he chuckled. I rose to my feet and strutted over to the couch, picking up my bag.

"Don't be late," He said sternly, his tone firm and hard. I gulped and nodded.

"I'll be home early," I gave him a reassuring smile and walked out of the room. The moment I was out of the room, I released a breath I had no idea I was holding.

What more could I possibly want?

    

                       ✰✰✰✰✰✰✰

I shut down my computer, grinning from ear to ear as I arranged my messy table. I was excited. I hadn't seen my girls in a very long time and we were meeting up at Gray's lounge for drinks. It was a good thing that Genevieve wasn't on my case today, else, I wouldn't have survived her brutal treatments and remarks for one more second.

Although, it did seem like she was in a good mood today because the reaction I expected wasn't the one I got when I informed her that I wasn't going to be having lunch in the Company's cafeteria. To my utmost surprise, she didn't seem to mind. She only waved me off and told me to do whatever it is I wanted.

Yay me!

I got up from my seat and grabbed my handbag, stepping out of my office and bolting the door behind me.

Gray's Lounge was just roughly fifteen minutes drive from where I worked and I got there in no time. I found a suitable spot in the lot and pulled over, then I turned to my rearview mirror and assessed myself.

Aside from the fact that my brown hair looked a little dry, there wasn't anything else wrong with my appearance. I unzipped my bag and took out my cosmetic bag, in the hopes of fixing myself up a bit. I didn't want to appear gloomy to my friends. 

Ivana had the most scrutinizing gaze. She was always one glance away from figuring out whatever it is that was going on with us, even though the pale honey-brown orbs that stared back at me through the mirror seemed to disagree with me.

I fixed myself up by applying a little foundation on my face, some powder and mascara, alongside my eyeliner to make my eyes appear brighter. My eyes settled on my red lipstick and I stiffened in my seat.

"Do not use that red lipstick. It makes you look like a whore." 

His loud voice echoed in my head, producing a throbbing ache that jammed against my temples, now and then. I breathed out softly and hurriedly shoved it into the glove compartment of my car.

Adam would never lie to me. I shouldn't use red lipstick. It'd make me look like a whore. I dabbed a little clear gloss onto my lips and plastered my signature fake smile on my face before stepping out of my car.

Ivana would figure it out. She always does. That tiny voice gnawed at me again and I did what I have always done. I ignored it. 

Using the word beautiful for Gray's lounge was an understatement. Hell, enthralling doesn't even cut it. I have been here with the girls countless times, but I still found myself unable to get enough of how breathtaking it was. I don't think I ever will. Dawn discovered this place and since then, it has been our spot.

The perfect spot.

It didn't matter if it were day or night, Gray's lounge has always possessed this dark allure to it. Yes, the owner understood the assignment and delivered it perfectly. The dusty rose-gold color and the golden hue of the lights made it look so captivating.

The floor was covered in glass-like tiles, coupled with fluffy beige sofas that looked like furniture in a royal hall. The sofas were designed with beige and dark-green throw pillows, blending perfectly with the brown glass table that had a lantern-like object on it, alongside flower vases.

The bar was the core of the energy in this lounge. It was always beaming all shades of light over there. It stood proudly with a spiral pole in its center that housed the exotic drinks. The lounge was buzzing with activities, people going about their various businesses, and soft music booming from the speakers.

I spotted the girls at the far end of the lounge and they broke into loud squeals, once they saw me coming their way. I was giggling and twirling like a little kid, directing the attention of the people in the lounge at myself, but I could care less. 

I was excited to see my girls!

"Ash, sweetheart!" Dawn's melodic voice flowed into my ears as she engulfed me in one of her numerous hugs that were always so tight, her fruity scent wafting into my nose. I didn't mind. I was so happy to see her. 

"I miss you!" I cooed, patting her gently on the back. I pulled away from the hug, tilting my head backwards to give her a once-over.

As the absolute badass she was, Dawn was clad in a Fuschia-pink blazer dress that stopped right after her mid-thigh, giving off her long legs that were adorned by black stiletto heels. Her straight ginger-red hair was pulled to the back in a low sleek ponytail, framing her doe-like makeup with her blue eyes twinkling with mischief.

Dawn was gorgeous. She knew she was and used it to her advantage. She pulled off the whole boss chic look effortlessly. I wasn't surprised though. I mean, she worked at one of the biggest oil firms in the country as a top executive.

"Aw, you look so good!" I complimented her and she flipped her hair sassily, eliciting a giggle from me.

"Look at all those curves, girl!" She squealed, gesturing at my body. I rolled my eyes till they landed on Ivana, who looked like she had been staring at me before I looked her way.

My lips stretched in a smile and I walked towards her, enveloping her in a hug. Her soft hands came around me in a mild embrace. Ivana gave the softest hugs.

"How are you?" She whispered into my ears and I mumbled a 'fine'. She loved casual clothes. A whole lot. In anything, she sought comfort in whatever it is she wore. She donned skinny blue jeans with her flowery chiffon shirt tucked neatly into it and on her feet was a pair of Jordans.

Sure, she looked simple, but none of her accessories came cheap. Ivana rocked her bare face with her wavy hair unpacked, a black Louis Vuitton sunglasses stuck in it. For someone that recently got engaged to the love of her life, she was glowing!

"It's so good to see you girls again!" I pouted, squeezing their hands in mine. Dawn plopped on the sofa, waving a waiter over to take our orders.

My eyes wandered around the lounge, taking in every detail.

"Ash?" Dawn called out to me in a questioning 

tone and I jerked my head in her direction.

"Huh?"

"You are not wearing the dress you made me pick out for you before I went to bed last night," She divulged and I found myself swallowing some spit.

Crap!

Dawn and I did a quick facetime before I went to bed last night. I probed her to help me pick out a dress I was going to wear to work today because I was at a loss for options. I didn't even know she'd remember.

I was quiet, wanting to pick out my next words carefully.

"Oh, It felt tighter than before," I lied, not sparing so much as a glance in Ivana's direction.

"Or he told you not to?" Ivana deadpanned and I turned to her. She had one of her brows arched at me, a daunting look marrying her features.

"I swear to God, Ashley, if he made you change the dress before you left for work this morning, I'm fucking that asshole up!" Dawn barked and I sighed.

"Adam didn't do anything!" I snapped at the duo, lying through my teeth. My voice came out harsher than I intended. I was defending him. Again.

"You are lying, Ashley," Dawn said, point blank. Her unwavering gaze was stern.

"You are really going to marry a guy who treats you like this?" Ivana asked incredulously, her voice dangerously calm. I turned to her, dazed.

"I love him," I told them and Ivana snorted.

"Yeah, you do." She mumbled with an eye roll and I glared at her.

"Ashley__" Ivana was going to say something but I cut her off.

"Do not cut her short, Ash. If anyone is going to tell you the truth, it's us! Adam isn't worth it! He's not worth your attention or even half of your time and the most infuriating part is that, deep down, you know this too!" Dawn yelled at me and my expression morphed into a deep frown.

"I don't know why you are hell-bent on wasting your entire life with this guy! He doesn't love you___" I couldn't take it anymore. I had to cut her off. Her words did nothing but rile me up so badly, keeping me on edge.

"I won't sit down here and have you two tear down my boyfriend! I know you girls don't like him, but can't you just try to tolerate him for my sake?" I choked out a sob.

"I love him," My voice was drawn into a whisper. I heard Ivana sigh and a scoff escaped Dawn's lips.

"Ash___" Ivana cut Dawn short.

"That's enough, Dawn. We came here to have fun. Let's just do that. We haven't hung out in months, due to how tight our schedule has been. Let's not spend the day arguing about our love interests, sisters." Ivana chided us.

I watched as Dawn rolled her eyes.

"Whatever," She mumbled, crossing her arms on her chest.

"Dawn, apologize. Now." Ivana ordered.

"Ash, sweetheart, I am sorry." Dawn sighed, reaching over the table to squeeze my hands. I chuckled and sniffed, nodding my head.

"I'm sorry too. I love you, girls." I pouted and the girls giggled.

"We love you too!" They chuckled.

"Now, let's drink!" Ivana squealed. She beckoned the waiter, for the second time to come take our orders.