The last time I had seen Asher’s father was about four years ago on the day I graduated from college, he didn't say anything to me but I saw him stalking me from the crowd reminding me of the promise I had made. I tried to remain as calm as possible as I stared at him while he made himself comfortable on the sofa opposite me.
“When was the last time I saw you? four… five years ago?” He scoffed as he looked around my office with a look in his eyes- as if he was judging, no one had to tell me he was.
“Are you trying to make small talk Mr. Stone? I imagine you are a busy man so let's cut to the chase. what do you want?” I asked as I crossed my legs, his eyebrows rose in surprise.
“You’ve grown bolder”
“I refuse to let your family ridicule me again” I finalized, he nodded with a smirk that irked me… why did Asher have to look so much like him? It makes it so hard to hate him the way I want.
“I only did what was best for my family”
I scoffed.
“And it was the best for me too” I added before I took a sip from my cup of coffee.
“How is my granddaughter doing?”
“That is none of your concern. you don't even know her name and you are sitting here asking about her? A girl you’ve never bothered to meet, a girl you denied a father” I snapped, he had no right to ask about her or even speak her name.
“Women. always so emotional” he chuckled. I felt heat rise on my face. discarding me was one thing… I could deal with it but shrugging off the way he discarded Melodie was something I would never stand for. I rose from my seat, dropped my cup, and walked over to the door.
“Get out”
“What did you say?” his eyes narrowed as he stared at me, shock evident on his face as I gestured towards the opened door
“Leave”
He stood up and walked up to me, the glimmer in his eyes was undeniable. What sort of psychopath is this? How did he get to the point where my pain became his happiness? He stopped right in front of me, meeting my eyes as I glared at him.
“I have to say, this makes things very fun now. I hope you’ll be ready for what I have in store for you”
the moment he was out the door I was finally breathing. fear gripped me as I thought about what he said.
What the heck did he mean by that??
******
I wasn't sure how much longer I could put up with the awkwardness between Asher and me, he had been actively avoiding me since he found out about Melodie and when we’d eventually make eye contact he’d just stare at me, his eyes devoid of any emotion which just made me feel worse than when we bickered about everything… even the sight of each other.
I couldn't understand why he was acting this way. telling him about Melodie would have changed nothing, he didn't care when his father forced me to throw away the only life ever knew. he never fought for me when his father would treat me disrespectfully so why is he so bothered? he can't even begin to fathom everything I went through. how alone I felt. how long I waited and wished that he would come back and make everything right.
“Mr. Stone, shall we proceed to the conference room for the model selection meeting?” I asked immediately after we were done going through the themes for the photoshoots of the wears we were in the process of making.
“actually about that, I've changed my mind. let's have the meeting tomorrow”
“again?? this is the fourth time this week” I argued, I tried to keep my annoyance in check because I knew what he was doing. it was Asher, I knew him like the back of my palm. he was pissed and he was trying to piss me off… I am so close to getting pissed
“so? I say we are having the meeting tomorrow and if that doesn't work for you we can put an end to this contract. I couldn't care”
the staff in the modeling studio stared at us, confused and unsure of what to do. I ran my fingers through my hair as I stared at Asher who was carelessly flipping through a magazine. I've had it.
“Everyone leave now” I commanded and the staff scrambled out. when I was sure that there was no one around I turned to Asher.
“did you really have to do that?” I scoffed
“did you have to hide Melodie from me?” he countered finally looking at me for the first time this week, his eyes still held the same anger.
“yes, and I did it to protect her. I do not regret it one bit”
“I can’t believe you right now. protect her? protect her from who? you of all people should know that I would have loved her with all of my being” he exclaimed as he stood up tossing the magazine away, he ran his fingers through his already tousled locks and paced. images of that night came flooding back… his father's words- I could feel my throat tightening.
“look, I'm sorry-” I tried to say
“Don't you dare? if you were sorry, you wouldn't have hidden her in the first place, you wouldn't have done everything you did” his eyes narrowed at me in anger, and my irritation rose.
“I didn't have a choice!”
“yes, you did. everyone has a choice, Samantha!”
“I didn't this time and you of all people should know why” I barked and his eyes turned curious like they always did whenever I hinted that I left because of him
“that's the craziest part… I fucking don't. you keep saying things- these vague comments and I have no idea what you are talking about. Tell me, what did I do that was so bad that made you run away?” he questioned, moving closer and stalking me as I moved back earnestly trying to prevent being near him.
“Don't make me laugh, stop playing dumb!” I hit the table
“you know what? fine! If this is how you want to play then I'll play the game with you”
“what do you mean by that?” I asked as I stared up at him,
“I am going to fight for parental rights”
“EXCUSE ME???!” I questioned as my eyes widened in shock.
“Did I stutter?” he asked cooly… too laid back, I felt my skin crawl with fear of melodies being taken away from me. times like this, the look in his eye, his demeanor, and his aura I am reminded of how much he looks like his father.
“as far as I know, I never did anything to cause you to hide Melodie from me. I never hit you or used abusive words on you, I was always there for you and would run to your aid at the smallest inconvenience so unless you have solid evidence against me then I have every right to have this much since I was deceived for the most part” he moved closer.
“You… you can’t be serious” I stuttered. he had a good argument and if I went to court and told the truth Mr. Stone would surely kill Melodie and me as well.
“You of all people should know I hardly play around. I mean this and no matter why I will go through with it… except-” his face held no amusement.
“Except what?” I asked, antsy.
“You let me see her whenever I want to”
“I don’t think that is a good idea, she is just six and can barely comprehend what happened between us. Dropping the news that you are her father may be too confusing for her” I tried to explain.
“And whose fault is that?” he scoffed.
“We don’t have to tell her I’m her father for now, it’s a gradual process and she should at least get used to seeing me in person not some picture you have perched on your dresser” He added
“Deal and for the record your picture isn’t on my dresser, it’s buried at the bottom of a box. She found it while snooping around in my room” I argued and his stoic expression turned to one I only saw whenever I was under him or on top of him, I felt my face grow hot as he was only a few inches away from me.
“why exactly is my picture in your room to start with?” he was close enough now that I could feel the embrace of his distinct aroma as it enveloped her senses like a warm embrace… like it always had. just like I remembered it, it wasn't overpowering, but rather subtle, like the faint whisper of a breeze carrying the essence of distant oceans and chamomile
“oh well…”
“I thought you wanted nothing to do with me. you left so why Sam? why do you still have my picture?” he purred in my ear, i folded my palms in a fist against the table to keep my composure
“It's just a picture, it’s no big deal” I scoffed, failing woefully at trying to sound confident. he moved back and held my eyes with his.
I should say something
he licked his lips and I felt my stomach tighten.
I should push him away.
I looked down at his lips and back to his eyes almost immediately but not fast enough… he caught me and now there was a smug smirk on his face but I didn't back down, I kept staring into his eyes.
“lie all you want Cariño but I know you and someday soon I’m going to find out what you are hiding from me” he chuckled sultrily as he slowly backed away.
“same here”
All of a sudden Asher decided to leave the picking of the models to me, everything… saying he trusted my judgment. yeah right- like he didn't threaten me a few days ago. the moment I saw him outside my door I realized he just did that because I was letting him see Melodie but I never agreed to him showing up in my home and how on earth did he find my house? I never left my house address on the contract “Let him in” I responded to the security guard. why was he here? So early in the morning as well. Was he here to threaten me again? Or was he here to finish what we started yesterday? What am I saying? Nothing happened yesterday I was so lost in thought that I hadn't noticed that Melodie come to me and was calling out to me. I shook my head as I felt her light tug on my night dress. “Mummy, someone is ringing the bell” “oh yeah right, sorry honey. why don't you eat your pancakes while they are still hot? I’ll get the door” I hugged myself as I walked down the stairs, I should ha
Those big green and gray eyes would be the end of me soon enough, all I did was leave Melody with Asher in the sitting room while I did some laundry and by the time I got back she was already begging me for permission to go over to Asher’s and I could just “tag along”. It was no rocket science that I lost. I let out a lengthy sigh as I watched Melody and Asher swim in his infinity pool from the lounge chairs, her giggles filled the air as Asher showed her funny new tricks. I wondered how they could swim with the sun as hot as it was, I was under a shade and I felt like I was going to have a heat stroke, I only swam an hour before I decided I was over it… I’d rather guard the refreshments. “Mummy come join us. We want to play tag and only two people would be boring” Melody complained while she floated across the water. “Aren’t you tired already? It’s way past your nap time bean” “Tag first then nap time. You don’t want Mr. Asher thinking you are boring, do you? It’s best we keep it
Transferring to this stupid school filled with stuck-up *ss holes was a huge mistake. What the heck was I thinking? That I’d fit in? That I’d make friends? That I’d live a drama-free life? I was so wrong… so wrong that I hate myself so much right now. I can barely afford lunch and my old tennis shoes were on their last legs while everyone here can afford a more-than-they-can-eat buffet and they have shoes for every week. I don’t fit in here. “Gonzalez wait up” Why… why… why?? “Just f*cking leave me alone!” I yell, increasing my pace. “Come on. Don’t leave” “Why?! What does it matter to you? You are just like the rest of them” “I don’t think that way about you” he turns me effortlessly by my backpack “Sure” “Damn it! I’m serious right now Sam. I think you are the most interesting person I’ve ever met” “You can’t fool me. I won’t become one of your booty calls Stone” I roll my eyes and fold my arms as I stare up at him. his blazer was nowhere to be found, as usual, his uniform
It was safe to say Stephanie and I sat there staring at each other for ten minutes, she didn't look as surprised as I was so she obviously knew I was the one she was going to meet. Did Asher have to make this week even worse for me? I cleared my throat and was about to talk but Stephanie beat me to it.“When Asher had told me about everything I thought it was a lie” she scoffed, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder“Yeah, I can't do this right now”I grabbed my bag, stood up, and made my way to the exit.“I begged him to let me come. he tried to tell you about it but you had been avoiding him all week” she chased after me“Oh, so it's my fault now”“No, it’s no one's fault” She shook her head, coming closer. I take a step back.“Are you really here as the head of models or are you all just here to make my life worse”“Both but only if you insist on still running Sam. Despite what you think, the reverse is the case” I narrowed my eyes at her and took a step closer.“what do you m
I guess he was pretty pissed. In my defense, I didn't do anything. It's not like I flirted with Mike or anything, Asher and I are dating anyway. I haven't seen him in over a week. I couldn't care less… in fact, I haven't been happier. “Mummy? When is Mr. Asher going to come over again?” Melody stares at me from the mirror “I don't know bean. He's been swamped”. I flashed her a smile I hoped was somewhat comforting. She looked out the window. “He promised he was going to teach me some new swimming tricks.” “I know honey. We are trying to work things around okay. He'll come around soon," I replied. “Okay mummy” my heart was breaking at how sad her voice sounded. No doubt she had grown attached to Asher in such a short time. Where the heck is he? I take it back. I care, as much as I don't want to… I do. Anna joined me as I sashayed into the building. the clacks of our heels against the marble floors were all that could be heard for miles. “Good morning Miss Norman” “Good morning
It’s been two weeks since Asher went to Japan. Still nothing from him, not even a response to my voice message. Best believe it has been the most agonizing two weeks of my life, but it also gave me time to sort out my thoughts. Steph helped for the most part, which helped us fill in the gap we had missed as well.“I can’t imagine how scared you must have been doing this all on your babe”, Steph sighed, throwing her head back while I looked through some documents and pictures she had brought to me and placed them on the coffee table.“It got better with time. I got accustomed to my new life because my mom was there, which made things easier, especially when I was pregnant with Melody”. I shrugged, not wanting to let my anger overwhelm me for now.“Ugh, I can’t believe this. I’m so mad… I’ve been so mad with my father since that night, but before. I couldn’t help but hate myself for being quiet for so long”“It’s okay, you were drugged by your father and whisked to rehab just because it
Asher’s private plane had gone off the radar for the past four hours after the first seven hours of the flight and no one knew where the plane was. I and Steph had only been informed two hours ago. I was going crazy with fear and anxiety. I couldn’t help but imagine the worst. Images of different possibilities floated into my mind as I tried to remain calm on the outside but was going through an emotional turmoil inside me.What we were hearing from the staff in the control room correlated so much with the Bermuda Triangle cases. Gone… suddenly lost and never to be seen again. My head felt tender from pulling on my hair in frustration, all I could do was pace back and forth in the control room while Steph kept yelling at the control room guys.“What do you mean? F*cking find him! If he dies, you all die!” Steph screamed before she paced over to me.“He’s going to be fine, okay, don’t worry.”“The storm is so bad though,” she added, as she glanced outside.“You need to calm down Steph.
*Samantha Ceril Gonzalez* It has been a week since I and Asher talked about the past, even with that aside we barely had time to exchange mere formalities. We had become busier than ever. I had planned on telling Melody the truth about Asher but had put it on hold till the press conference announcing our official collaboration.Asher haIt had been a week since I and Asher talked about the past even with that aside we barely had time to exchange invitations since he had a better network and I handled food picking and tasting for the event while we got an event planner to handle the rest Steph was in charge of explaining the prototypes of our gym, lounge, and underwear and the short show of what the consumers and investors were to expect.I strutted into the conference room where Asher sat at one end of the table and I at the other while we waited for the board of directors of both our companies to fill the conference room. I could feel Asher’s gaze on me even when I tried to avoid the