Ashley’s POV
20 years.
It had been 20 years since I left this town. 20 years since I left the neighborhood, and now, I’m back. Unfortunately, for good... I’ll be moving back here for good. I’m just hoping that my old neighborhood is still here—however, that’s highly unlikely, with all the modernization that’s happening. Still, I am hopeful. But I’m sure someone had probably renovated or made something new in place of the house I used to live in.
The car slowly came to a halt in front of a modern looking house where the house I once grew up in stood. If I remember correctly, there are two houses here before—one that belongs to my childhood best friend that unfortunately, moved out and the other belongs to our family. I had tried searching for that best friend of mine. Without any luck, I still haven't found any clue as to where he is at the moment.
I looked around seeing the huge difference. I remember an apple tree in between the houses and an old Sycamore in the back. I remember playing in the yard where the those trees are located—however, all I see now is a huge house. The tree and both houses are all gone.
I was right, they really did renovate it. It’s a relatively nice neighborhood back then and I’m sure it’s still as good as before. If anything, the new houses with these cute little picket fences made the neighboorhood so much better.
I reached for my phone from my bag and checked the address again, hoping that I could still somewhat be lost, hoping to see the old housed somewhere around here. But yep, I’m in the right place. Sadly.
“So I guess this is it for me huh?” A small smile crept into my face. “At least I’m going to be here for the rest of my life.” I grumbled under my breath and opened the door. Just like Phil—one of my best friend said, there’s a sign in front that says looking for a house mate.
I don’t know how Philip found this but I am so damn thankful.
It’s 4 in the afternoon as I stood in front of the door, buzzing the doorbell with cold sweat. I really did want to settle down in the same neighborhood from before so I am a bit nervous with all the “what ifs” in my mind.
I rang the doorbell again, quietly peeking into the glass window beside me when I felt a tap on my shoulder making me gasp in surprise.
“Sorry for startling you.” The man said while looking at me, looking confused as he stared. I looked as well, from head to toe assesing how he looks. He probably got a proper office job with how he’s dressed up in a white button-up and slacks.
“Can I help you? This is my house.” The man asked after a few seconds of me just practically looking at him.
“Oh.” I said, dumbfounded. “Um, I am Ashley Johanssen. I have already messaged you about that signage.” I said pointing to the signage by the white mailbox. “I was wondering if I could check out the place.”
“That signage, shit, okay.“ The guy said and rubbed his temples before sighing. “Yeah, sure. Come on in.” He said nonchalantly and I stepped to the side as he opens the door with his keys. “I hope you don’t mind the mess. I’m not really a clean freak and the cleaners come only twice a week.” He said and showed me inside after he flipped the switches open and yep—he’s not kidding when he said it’s a mess.
“It’s a state.” I deadpanned and he shrugged as I eyed the underwear on top of the potted plant. Poor plant.
“I know.” He said with a laugh and snatched the underwear only to chuck it somewhere—I don’t even wanna go deeper into the house to see if it’s worse. I already know that it is.
“Anyways, if this doesn’t work out for you, I’m gonna have to say—“
“No!” I suddenly said, shaking my head. I wanted to be live in the area I once lived in. “It’s okay. I’m just… not used to it. Can you show me around?” I asked, minding my steps.
The guy shrugged, yet again. He’s a bit fond of that. “Yeah sure, no problem. Anyway, here—is the kitchen.” He said and led me to another room just a few steps away from the living room where we first saw. Admittedly, the house looks really great. The living room is spacious and the kitchen is surprisingly nice.
“Not bad.” I said with an impressed nod. At least it’s clean here.
“I don’t really cook so I don’t use this room often.” He said as he lean by the counter as I look around. It’s a modern kitchen that is equipped with all these commodities. Too bad he doesn’t use this as often because if it was me, this would be my favorite place.
“There’s bedrooms in this house and it’s all upstairs—sadly only my room had an en suite bathroom so if you decide you want to live here, you have to use the bathroom downstairs.”
“That’s fine with me.” I said with a small smile. “I like the place. I could also clean for you since I only have morning work.”
“Really? Well that’s great.” He said and motioned me to follow him. “Where do you work?”
“At Creative Minds Kindergarten just a three blocks away. I’m a teacher.” I said and followed him up the stairs. “I believe I haven’t got your name.” I said as he opens the door to a relatively nice and furnished guest room.
“Oh yeah, sorry about that. I’m Trent. Trent Easton. You can just call me Trent.” He said extending his hand to a handshake, I took it into mine with a smile. “I work at PC Brewery.”
“I see. I heard this is where they have their main office. Are you a marketing staff or something like that?” I asked and looked around the room, opening the windows before opening the closet. This really isn’t a bad deal. This is quite nice.
“Something like that. I usually just sit around and do paper works. Nothing exciting.” He said and crossed his arms. “Do you like it? You can just chuck the furniture in the storage downstairs if you’re planning on using yours.”
“It’s okay, I might have to change the bedside table and the sheets but this is fantastic, Trent.” I smiled. “I’m glad I found this vacancy. I’m really looking forward to being your house mate—or what do you call this? That is if we come to an agreement.”
“Well… I’m glad you like it. I could maybe use someone around to brighten up the place."
“Yes, I do hope so.” I giggled and he smiled at me—oh wait.
Yeah, this is why I'm gay. Pearly whites peeking from those cupid bow lips should be considered a sin. There… I must’ve not noticed before since I was gawking at his outfit but he is handsome. No, scratch that. He is gorgeous with that face of his. I had to swallow and look away to compose myself. “Do I sign a lease?”
“Nah, I don’t do that shit. Let’s not get into a big fight and we’re cool.” He said and I laughed.
“I assure you, I’m one peaceful dude. So how much do I owe you a month?” I asked. I have savings. I shouldn't waver.
“Um, let’s see… if you clean and cook for me, hmmm, then…” He hummed and looked up thoughtfully. “You owe me a hundred a month.”
“A hundred thousand?!”
“No, like a hundred. One hundred bucks.” He said and my jaw dropped.
“That’s too low! How about electricity and water?”
“That’s it. A hundred for electricity and water and living here. If you could make that garden by the back grow then I could give you a discount.” Trent said sounding like it’s nothing to him. Why the hell is this guy even looking for a house mate if he isn’t in a dire financial situation?
“You’re absolutely insane. I can’t—no, this isn’t fair for you Trent. Let me pay the proper amount, with a place this neat, I feel like I’m cheating you out.” I insisted ‘because that prize is just crazy. That doesn’t even cover a whole month of groceries—not even a week!
Trent just sighed and looked at me before leaning into the doorway. “Look, Ashley, its fine. I’m not in any bad money situation right now.” He said with a click of his tongue and I just looked at him with an inclined head. "Treat yourself lucky."
Aye, we got a weird one alright.
Chapter 3“So why are you looking for a house mate then?” I asked. “Are you one of those psychopath who lures in people with your big house, nice neighborhood almost non-existent rental payment cause if you are, I might have to let you know, I have a friend the size of a fucking tank. He’s huge and could crush you and he knows I’m here.” I said in an annoyingly honest way to warm him and to let him know that I can outlive scams. I’ve done it before, just so you know. No matter how handsome a stranger is, you don’t trust them.“How I wish—if I am a psychopath, I would be smarter than that.“ He smugly smirked at me and crossed his arms. “This whole thing isn’t actually my idea. My friend, who probably knows your friend that told you this place is up for a renter said I could probably use
Chapter 4“Are you by any chance, named Ashley?” He asked with a curious expression.“Uh, who’s asking?” I asked him, backing away a bit.“You don’t remember me? It’s Mark! Mark Travis. We went to the same middle school before.” He said and I really tried my best in remembering him but I came up blank. “You don’t recall me, do you?” He asked and I reluctantly nodded.“You know Ash, we met at the hospital last year, when I was in chemo.” He shyly said and showed his bald head. “Did your condition perhaps had gotten worse?” He asked with worried face.Now that I think about it, I remember someone from the hospital when I first found out about my condition, I just can’t put the name and face at it.&ldqu
Chapter 5“You know I can feel you stare at me, right?” Ashley deadpanned while waving the wooden spatula in front of my face. I smirked and winked at him.“Your jeans are awfully snug. I am a man whore, sue me.” I said and he just gave me a sound similar to a shout and a groan. It’s a guilty pleasure but I love pissing him off—he’s like this cute little feisty bunny that you play tug of war with but instead of a rope, you’re using his carrot and its damn funny pissing it off.“Can’t you be like normal for once?” He grimaced and went back to stirring whatever he’s cooking in the pot. We are tight, baby. It’s easy to charm him within three months. I have natural charms—and enough confidence. Even if we are constantly teasing each other, I’m pretty su
Chapter 6“How’s it going Bill?” I handed my personal valet my car keys and he just bowed a bit to show respect.“Wonderful, Sir. I hope you have a great day.” He said as I made my way inside the building. I have meetings until 12 and some suppliers to meet after lunch so I really have a day ahead of me. A great day indeed—not.Ms. Mitch, from the front desk greeted me with a smile and I waved at her before riding the elevator up to my office—surprisingly, Ram, my secretary came rushing to me as soon as I stepped out. He’s avoiding my eyes so and I poked the inside of my cheeks. Something is up and I hate not knowing what it is.“Okay what’s got your panties in a bunch?” I asked with narrowed eyes. Ram just fidgeted uncomfortable before he finally
Chapter 7“You seem to be a bit distracted.” Leviathan commented as he sat down beside after the meeting had been concluded, looking straight ahead as he prepared his stuff for departure. Apparently, the idiot is also an investor of the company we are having a meeting today. “Is it about Beel dropping by?”I clicked my tongue and Lev immediately raised a brow, he already know I really hate Beelzebub’s visit as it is mostly him nagging me about my position in hell. “The bastard had given me an ultimatum.” I said, turning to him with a serious façade. “Which means you need to get your shit together and fulfill your part of the agreement already.”Leviathan’s face immediately darkened and he looked away. “You know why we can’t reach out to him already. What you&r
Chapter 8“Not that fun to make fun of now, is it?”The minx.I have to up my game.Instead of pushing him away, I pulled his waist towards mine with a smile. “Of course darling, I was just teasing.” I said with a small chuckle and Ashley looked like he’s about to lose it and murder me instead.“Now, now, I need to introduce you to everybody—everyone, this is my wife—sorry, my husband, Ashley.” I announced and we received a warm applause and maybe some side glances that totally spelled either confusion, suspicion or plain jealousy. I know, I’m one hot piece, damn.Ashley elbowed me with a glare and I led him down to the elevator so we can go back up to my office—he said lunch so I’m gonna have
Chapter 9“I will gut you if I can.” Ashley said with a blank stare and I burst out laughing before hugging him from behind as he began walking to the room.“If I wasn’t busy, I’d totally date you.” I whispered in his ear, earning a shudder. Well, Ashley is gorgeous. I’d give him that and yes, I mean what I said. I would totally date the guy if things were a bit different. If he is my Ashley—I wouldn’t hesitate. But he isn’t my Ashley and my heart still belongs to the boy that saved me twenty years ago.I wouldn’t do that to this Ashley—I wouldn’t live to hurt him if he learns that I am after a person that shares the same name as him. I may be a demon but I know what pain is.“Trent, stop.” He said in a small voice. “W
Chapter 10 “Stop smiling. It’s creepy.” Lev nudged me as we get inside the jet making me frown at him.“What’s wrong with my smile? Last time I checked girls and guys alike are falling like flies for this smile.” Lev just looked at me with a drool face and I raised a brow and nodded at the flight attendant as we get inside the plane.Damn, being rich really does creep me out sometimes—people are like too kind when you got money. You can’t really trust anyone.“Man—I really don’t get why Beel is so hell bent on getting you a position as his heir. You’re just a cocky brat. And I already said stop smiling—it’s creepy!”“Hey!” I glared, offended. “I am fucking smart and awesome—t