Chapter 62: Unfinished business

Ashley’s POV

The hallway seemed to stretch on endlessly as I made my way toward the gym, my legs moving almost of their own accord. Part of me dreaded this—talking to Andreas. What were we supposed to say to each other after everything that had happened? But another part of me knew we couldn’t keep avoiding it. We had to talk about what came next, how we would face his family, how I could end this charade.

When I finally reached the gym, the sound of rhythmic breathing and soft grunts hit my ears. I paused at the entrance, my fingers resting lightly on the doorframe. Through the open door, I could see Andreas.

He was naked from the waist up, muscles tense as he held himself in an exercise position—probably a plank. Sweat glistened on his skin, the light from the large windows casting a golden sheen over his toned back and arms. For a moment, I just stood there, frozen.

I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be staring. But I couldn’t seem to tear my eyes away. The way his body moved—controll