Ashley opened her eyes to the white lit room. The pristine ceiling stared back at her and the beeping sound of machines filled her consciousness. It quickly registered in her mind that she was still in the hospital. After Helen left, the nurse had given her something to make her sleep as she had complained about a headache. Her eyes roved around with exhaustion. She looked to her right to see a gloomy face of Pamela seated next to her bed, watching her. Ashley sighed. She looked up to the table by her bed. “Please pass me that glass of water.” Ashley requested in a croaky voice. She was parched. Her mouth felt extremely dry, an effect of the medication. Pamela quickly obliged. She stood up from the seat, grabbed the glass, helped Ashley sit up and fed her from the water. Pamela returned the glass after Ashley had drank enough. They stayed in awkward silence for a while before Pamela spoke, breaking the silence. “How do you know that man? Who is he?” Ashley glanced at her, the
Pamela told Ashley what she knew. Her revelation only compounded Ashley's problems. Helen had openly threatened to kill her ‘again’ if she needed to and now Pamela had identified Paul as Ashley's killer. But it was said that Ashley died in a car accident.Nothing added up. There was no link between all suspects and the stories. Ashley didn't sign up for this. She had no intention of becoming a detective burdened with the task of finding the real Ashley's killer.But she would have no choice than to get involved. If Ashley was indeed murdered, and they thought she was Ashley, then she would need to watch her back more closely.To do that, she needed to know who wanted her dead.It didn't help that Helen moved Paul to an unknown hospital. Ashley would have to wait till Paul came to her.She knew Paul. He would come to her. His obsession would let him stay away from her. Everyone had decided to tell Mr Knox nothing about the incident. It will blow the covers for Ashley, Helen and Paul
“Bruce!” Sonia walked up to their table, smiling gingerly. “You're here!” she beamed.DJ begrudgingly followed behind Sonia. His reluctance was evident, he didn't want to have to deal with his brother.“Rachel.” Sonia greeted the lady who had her back to them before she could see the face.Ashley raised her head and smiled at Sonia. “I'm not Rachel.”Sonia's smile dropped. She passed a look between Bruce and Ashley, hoping to get an explanation.The questions in her mind could be clearly seen in her eyes. Why are these two all cozy together at a restaurant? Does Rachel know that her husband is here with Ashley?“Ashley?” DJ was stunned. He hadn't seen her before now.Like Sonia, he passed a look between Bruce and his fiancee, wanting an explanation.A self satisfied smirk sat on Bruce's lips. From DJ's expression, he could tell his brother had not known his fiancee was meeting with him. Bruce took it upon himself to massage his own ego and salten DJ's wound. “We have a lunch meeting.
Ashley returned to her table to find DJ waiting for her. Sonia trailed behind her, her face an angry storm that no one seemed to notice.DJ's impatience was evident in his expression. “Are you done?” It was clear to Ashley that Bruce and DJ may have continued their brawling in the absence of both women.“Yes. She turned to Bruce. “I'll instruct Pamela to send you a mail regarding the presentation.”Bruce nodded. “I'll be seeing you soon.” His words carried an underlying meaning, aimed at irking DJ .“We should go.” DJ said through clenched teeth, already taking quick long strides away from them.Ashley packed her bag and briskly followed DJ.“I'll see you at home, DJ.” Sonia called after them and Ashley passed her a glare.“Slow down. I'm almost running after you.” Ashley was breathing heavily.DJ slowed down, then paused, and waited for her to catch up with him. Just when she stood beside him, panting, clutching her chest and trying to gulp more air, DJ scooped her into his arms an
Ashley, nestled on top DJ, was enjoying the feel of the satiating aftermath of their heated passion. She placed head comfortably on his broad chest, idling tugging on the hair on his chest.“You're so hairy.” She commented.“You don't like it?”“I like it. It gives me something to play with.”“If you want something to play with,-”“I'm good with this, thank you.” Grasping his lewd tease, Ashley quickly cut him.DJ chuckled. “Spoil sport.”“Your mind is so dirty.” Ashley remarked with a smile.DJ's chuckle deepened. “Don't tell anyone my secret.” He said in pretend seriousness.Amused, she shook her head against his chest at his naughtiness and snuggled into him.DJ sighed with satisfaction as his finger trailed the hollow length of Ashley's spine.She sensed him smiling and she propped herself on her elbow to look at him.“What now?”“Nothing.” She lifted one brow. “Then why are you smiling like that?”DJ adjusted himself to accommodate her positioning. “I'm happy.” He responded wit
True to his words, Ashley barely got any sleep. DJ had woken her up in the middle of the night so they could move to his bedroom where he took her to intense pleasurable heights. Not once, but over and over again until they were both drained and spent.She fell asleep right after. By morning, she was pleasantly exhausted and was sleeping like a baby. A deep peaceful slumber that she hadn't noticed when DJ slipped out for his routine morning run.A distant ringing infiltrated her euphoric dream. The sound grew louder and closer with each passing moment, before Ashley realized it wasn't her dream but reality.She stirred, fluttering her eyes, blinking lazily and tiredly, the weight of sleep heavy in her eyes. She didn't want to wake up yet, but the ringing was not relenting.Who would ring so early in the morning?She groaned, irritated at the persistent disturbance. She exhaled, flipped her eyelid open and sleepily looked around her. This wasn't her room. Every corner of the room had
“You?”“Me!” Pamela grinned jovially and walked past Ashley into the house.Ashley's brows knotted with confusion and her eyes shone with surprise as she closed the door. She hadn't told anyone that she was at DJ's. Pamela didn't even know she met with DJ. “Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?” Pamela strode inside, making herself comfortable, settling on the sofa.Ashley grinned inwardly at the thought that Pamela wouldn't be so comfortable on that couch if she knew the things she and DJ had done there.“Ashley!”Ashley jolted. She shook her head bringing her mind back into the room. “How did you know I was here?” she asked, moving to join Ashley on the couch.“You didn't return after your meeting with Bruce. I got worried, so I texted DJ and he told me you were here.” Ashley furrowed her brows. “When was this? Have you seen him?” She was curious. She hadn't seen him since the morning and she didn't know where he was.Pamela's brows knitted. “Uh, I texted him last night and he
Ashley and Pamela exchanged looks. Fear filled their gaze. Had DJ heard them? Why did he call them out that way? “Who would pay?” DJ asked, walking into the kitchen to join them. He was still panting slightly from his run. Ashley's and Pamela’s hearts raced as they passed each other fearful looks. They were so engrossed in their fear of being caught that they missed the tease in DJ's voice. “Um…” Ashley fumbled. “If I had known you would come here to bother my fiance with work problems, I would have never told she was with me, Pam.” DJ said, walking to the freezer helped himself to a bottle of cold water. He paused, clinging onto the fridge handle, noticing the tension reeling from both women. “Is everything alright?” His eyes scanned them. “No. We were just talking about work. There are a couple of pending payments to be made.” Ashley explained. “Yes. I'll get the invoice for you to sign.” Pamela said, moving away to get her bag. “See what I mean? You don't give her any break
DJ’s eyelids fluttered open. He had felt the weight on his arm shift. He tightened his grip around her and pulled her against himself. “Escaping?” He asked in a serious tone. He had woken up earlier but laid still, holding her and enjoying the warmth of her body. He wouldn't let her slip away from him. Not again. Not after she had agreed to marry him last night. Ashley chuckled. “Not escaping. I just didn’t want to wake you.” “You were escaping and I caught you.” DJ said conclusively. Ashley broke into laughter and poked his muscled chest. “Silly.” She teased. He joined her, laughing at the pun. He stopped, heaved deeply as his expression turned serious. “I want to wake up with you like this everyday of my life.” His voice was ladened with emotions and sincerity. Ashley’s softened. She smiled at him. She wanted just the same thing too. But- “Me too.” She spoke softly. DJ shifted so that his head rested on his folded elbow. His face was only inches away from hers. His eyes
“I never thought you could patch things up with Rachel.” DJ remarked, his eyes fixed on his rearview mirror with the image of Bruce and Rachel standing on their front porch, watching their car drive down the lane. “Never thought you could ever become friendly with each other.” “Hmm.” Ashley hummed. “I was beginning to get tired of the fights. It just didn't fit right that you two were always at loggerheads.” “Mm-mm.” “Especially now that I'm trying to fix things with my family.” He continued. “I don't want you to be caught in the middle of our past.” Ashley scoff humorlessly. Past. The word was weighty with meaning. “Dad would be pleased to hear this. He’s always wanted one big united family.” Ashley kept mute this time, not making any sound in agreement or disagreement to his statement. Her truce with Rachel wasn't as she painted it. It was a trap for Rachel. A trap Rachel was successfully caught in. DJ took his eyes off the roads and glanced at her. “Are you alright?” He as
Rachel wasn't herself the rest of the evening. She kept stealing petrifying glances at Ashley. Ashley had become a difficult puzzle; she couldn't place its missing piece. How did she know so much? Who was feeding her with so much information? Was Bruce stupid enough to tell her? She couldn't figure anything out. She just couldn't wrap her head around any of it. She was more than pleased when the time came for everyone to leave. She and Bruce bade them goodbye, shaking hands, passing hugs and farewell kisses to her parents and Bruce's parents, and avoiding Ashley and DJ. She managed a half hearted smile at DJ and didn't look at Ashley at all. Ashley smiled and moved to hug Rachel in front of everyone. Rachel froze on the spot. Her eyes widened and her heart stopped. She couldn't respond. “I'm so glad we had that talk.” Still smiling, Ashley rubbed the length of her arm. “It warms my heart to know that we are on good terms now.” Rachel blinked, she felt Ashley's hand run t
Ashley matched the old woman's gaze, watching her intently until she disappeared into the living room. She was the least bit intimidated. She smiled at herself. Mrs Fox didn't know what was coming. She didn't know half of it yet. Ashley would let her be. For now. She turned around to face a glaring Rachel. Her eyes trailed the length of Rachel. She noticed the napkins on Rachel's hand. “I didn't think you were one to get your hands dirty.” Ashley commented. “Where are your maids?” Rachel had never been good with house chores and seeing her helping to clear the table was a rare sight. “What do you want? Rachel asked. She yanked a careless discarded napkin off the table and added it to the pile she had gathered in her hand. A task she had begun in a bid to simmer off before joining them in the living room. “I thought you could use the company. Your face looks like a rock. Smile.” Ashley smiled at her, showing Rachel how to. Rachel scoffed. “And you think your presence would make
“This is a family dinner, why did you invite her?” Rachel bellowed at Bruce who stood in front of their mirror, attentively fixing his tie. “Because she's family. She's my brother's fiancee.” He responded without glancing at her. “You don't realize that she's your brother's fiancee on those nights when you stayed out late on dinner dates, frolicking with with ‘brother's fiancee!’” Hot fumes literally escaped Rachel's ears. “We are business partners. You know that.” Bruce walked around her as he spoke. He beelined for her vanity table where he had earlier laid his cufflinks. Fixing the tiny piece of accessory to his suit sleeves, he continued talking. “Stop being so petty. You keep ranting about a woman who is least concerned about you or what you have.” He finished fixing the cufflinks and walked back to the mirror, examining his finished look. Satisfied with his reflection, he turned to Rachel. “Go get yourself dressed up and come down. We are the hosts, we shouldn't be late to o
“Paul.” His name was a breath of stale air as it rolled out of her lips. She could see the curve of his sinister smile even in the darkness. “Missed me?” Ashley's chest rose and fell in quick successions. Her eyes wide with terror, she watched him closely. Calculating and anticipating his next move. She hadn't forgotten the last time. Fixing her eyes on him, she allowed the corners of her eyes to scan around her, looking for an easy grab and suitable weapon. She flinched, shifting backward as he lifted a hand to her. Her breath paused. His hands approached, taking a lifetime to reach her. When it finally did, his index finger trailed the side of her face and tucked a mass of her disheveled hair behind her. “Go back to sleep. We'll talk better tomorrow.” Not another word and he was walking out the door. No fights. No argument. No attack. He left. Ashley exhaled, clutching her chest, fearing her racing heart would explode. She hadn't realized she had been holding her breath. G
“I’m not surprised Rachel could stoop so low.” Pamela remarked as they walked out of the bar. Ashley scoffed, shaking her head ruefully. “They have no morals.” They reached the car, Ashley clicked the doors open and they got in. “Ashley, don't you think you revealed too much to Rachel? She'll begin to suspect.” Pamela's voice was laden with concern. “That’s what I want. To raise doubt and suspicion in her mind… You don't have to worry. She can't hurt me.” Ashley assured her, knowing the reason for Pamela's concerns. She kicked the car to a start and drove to drop Pamela off at her apartment. “Thanks girl.” Pamela said in appreciation as she got down. “Want to come inside?” “No. Thanks. I'm going up east.” Pamela knitted her brows. “Is everything alright at home?” “Yeah. Dad's coming back tomorrow and I want to be there when he arrives.” Dad; the word came to her naturally. There was an inexplicable excitement at the thought of seeing Mr Knox again. The man that saved her a
Stan's eyes met the menacing man standing beside Pam. His huge frame contrasted spookingly to Pam’s small frame. He parted his lips and swallowed the words he was about to utter. The warning look on Thomas’ face left him speechless. He recovered quickly, cleared his throat and grunted a goodbye to Pamela and Ashley as they left. Once both women were out of sight, Stan stood at attention, feet closed, chest out and hand lifted up to his head in salute. “Sir!” Joe watched horrified. Trembling, he mirrored Stan's posture in salute to his boss whom he had never seen. “Sir!” Joe’s salute came out shaky and fear filled. Thomas dismissed them and occupied the stool Ashley had earlier vacated. His scrutinizing gaze fixated on both men as he motioned to them to sit. “What was that all about?” Thomas asked, his tone authoritative and bossy. Nothing like the voice he spoke to Pamela in. “Are you two selling sensitive office information out?” He probed further. “What are you two trying to pu
“Darn it!” Ashley cussed under her breath as Pamela and Thomas reached them. She wasn't ready to deal with Thomas again. She didn't know the guy and she didn't trust him. Just her instincts. And it didn't help that her investigation on him came back with nothing. Nothing! Almost as though the dude didn't exist. She hissed and clenched her fist. An unrest that didn't go unnoticed by Pamela. Pamela met Ashley’s eyes with a glare. “See who I bumped into.” Pamela beamed. A warning directed at Ashley underlied her voice. Ashley took the cue and wore a sweet welcoming smile. She had to behave for her friend. Pamela liked him and until she had proof to convince Pamela otherwise, she'd have to tolerate him. “Hello, Thomas. It's nice to see you again.” Ashley greeted. Thomas smiled and nodded. “Hello Ashley. Nice to see you too.” He returned, all the while switching his gaze between Rachel and Ashley, curiosity embedded in his grey eyes. Ashley turned to Pamela who was standing beside her