003

Loren’s POV

I groaned, running my hands through my hair as I stared at the mess in front of me.

I had only four days until the divorce and I still hadn’t found my mother’s documents.

I spent the past few hours searching the entire house,

but every attempt led to a dead end.

I paused, tears pricking my eyes until they landed on familiar brown double doors.

It was the only room I hadn’t checked in the entire house.

Asher’s room.

My heart skipped a beat, but I still pushed the doors open and entered.

I didn’t waste a moment; I started opening drawers and searching the room.

I crouched, checking beneath the bed. Just as I spotted a black box beneath the bed, Asher’s voice drifted toward me.

“Are you lost?” he snarled, narrowing his eyes.

I slowly got up, meeting his eyes, I glanced around, searching for an excuse until I realised…

He wasn’t alone.

Lovie emerged from the walk-in closet, dressed in silk nightwear.

She walked over and Asher immediately wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer.

They had no shame at all. Just when I thought they had stooped low, they managed to stoop even lower.

“I was looking for something.”

It wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t exactly the truth.

Asher scoffed, adjusting his cuffs “Stop searching, I have something more important for you to do”

My forehead creased. “What do you—“

“Take a couple photos of us.” Lovie said,” You used to love photography, didn't you?” She stepped forward, her meek smile turning into a smirk. “Though I wonder if you can even manage it now with your hands shaking like that?"

She laughed, gesturing at my trembling hand.

I glanced at Asher but he simply pulled her back into his arms, his eyes hardening.

“Did she stutter?” He challenged.

My photography skills aren’t meant for people like you.” I spat.

“Hey! Are you trying to insult us?” Lovie snapped. “You're a cripple; I'm giving you an opportunity here—don't be ungrateful, Loren.”

I glanced at Asher before scoffing. “Forget about it. I’m not taking photos of either of you. If you want them so bad, hire someone.”

I was already halfway toward the door when Asher spoke up.

“That’s exactly what I want to do.” He said. I frowned as he continued, “Besides, you love money a lot, so after the shoot, I’ll just hand you a fat wad of cash,” he strolled toward me, offering his hand.

“Deal?” He flashed me a smirk leaning against the wall.

I glanced at his hand— I didn’t want his money.

But I needed something else. I had searched everywhere but in his room and I couldn’t find my mother’s documents.

It could only mean that it was here and if it was there, Asher knew where it was.

“I’ll do the shoot.” I decided.

Asher’s eyes darkened, “I knew it. Name your price—

“Not for money,” I stepped forward, our eyes locking as he raised an eyebrow.

“I’ll take photos of you if you return my mother’s files,” I said. “I know you have them, so give them to me.”

Asher stared at me for a while, like he was debating it before he spoke up.

“Fine,” He said, “I’ll give you after the shoot.”

“Hurry up, we’ll meet you in the lounge.”

I exited the room, letting out a breath as I strolled toward my bedroom.

I retrieved my camera and gadgets, my hand trembling as I swallowed the lump in my throat.

I was about to take a couple of photos of my husband and his mistress — The situation was laughable.

My grip on the camera tightened but I sucked in a sharp breath and turned, walked toward the lounge where they were already waiting.

Lovie had already changed into a revealing dress when I arrived.

Asher pulled her against his chest as I pushed the doors open, whispering into her ear.

Lovie’s giggle filled the room before she shifted her attention to me. “Let’s start now.”

I shook my head at them, setting up my camera.

“Come closer, Lovie. Your face is glowing,” Asher murmured, brushing his cheek against hers.

“Unlike that cripple’s face,” he growled. “I feel nauseous just looking at her.”

My grip on the camera tightened, my knuckles almost turning white.

"That's the difference between a real woman and a cripple,” Lovie sneered, shooting me a glare. “Forget about skincare, I’m not sure she can—“

“Next shot,” I spoke up, swallowing the lump in my throat.

Asher grabbed Lovie’s waist, tracing her bare skin as he pulled her even closer. “You’re blessed with amazing curves baby.” He said, rubbing his nose against hers.

“I must have been blind to marry that cripple instead of you.”

I didn’t bother asking for the next shot at that point.

I just continued taking photos, watching as they brushed their lips, and finding no words to express how I felt as time passed by.

I just wanted the shoot to be over and done with. It felt like a noose being wrapped around my neck and every three seconds I had to remind myself that I was doing it for my mom.

My throat tightened as they pressed their foreheads against each other.

“That was the last shot,” I found my voice. “You can select your photos now.”

I projected the photos on the large screen in the lounge.

Asher walked over, a smug grin on his face as he checked the photos.

He glanced at me, a spark flickering through his green eyes.

“If you beg me enough,” our eyes met. “Maybe I’ll consider taking a set of photos with you.”

I averted my gaze, pretending I hadn’t heard him speak at all.

Just as I moved to leave, the sound of a loud thud shattered the silence, forcing me to turn.

My eyes widened as the stack of my heavy equipment cases— which had always been securely piled up – came tumbling down.

The last thing I saw when I tried to move was Lovie’s smug smirk before everything went black.