Chapter 94: Unwanted confessions

Ashley’s POV

The air in the house had grown tense over the past few days, thick with unspoken words and lingering tension. I found myself avoiding Andreas at every opportunity, slipping into different rooms, burying myself in tasks, or simply finding excuses to stay out of sight. It felt easier that way, safer. After all, it was for the best, wasn’t it? Keeping my distance meant fewer chances for awkward encounters, fewer chances to get tangled up in whatever this mess between us had become.

Last night, I’d been curled up in the living room, pretending to read, when Andreas walked in. I could feel him before I saw him, the air between us crackling with tension. He cleared his throat awkwardly, and I reluctantly looked up.

“The gala’s tomorrow,” he said, his voice flat, though his eyes seemed to study my reaction. “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

I hesitated, searching for the right words. A part of me wanted to stay hidden, to avoid the public eye and any further entanglem