LOGINAshley fastened the last button of her sundress just as Dante stepped out of the bedroom, already dressed, his phone pressed to his ear.“Yes,” he said calmly. “Make sure the suite is ready before sunset. I don’t want any delays.”He ended the call as Ashley turned toward him, brows lifting in curiosity.“Where are we going?” she asked, amused. “You look like you’re plotting something.”Dante’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I didn’t like the hotel.”She blinked. “You booked it.”“And now I’m changing it.” He crossed the room and reached for her hand. “I found somewhere better.”“Ready?” he asked.Ashley nodded, slipping her fingers into his.Outside, the sun was already high, bathing the Italian city in warm gold. Their car pulled away from the hotel and began to climb higher, winding through narrow roads lined with cypress trees and ancient stone walls draped in ivy. Ashley leaned back against the seat, watching the city slowly reduce behind them, the noise fading into something q
Ashley arrived at the private terminal with Dante, the chauffeur rolling their luggage behind them. The small building was quiet, almost serene, a sharp contrast to the chaos of a commercial airport.Ashley looked up at Dante, gripping his hand tightly. “We’re about to fly, yet you wouldn’t even tell me where we’re going?”Dante sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Fine. You deserve to know.” He handed her the tickets gently.Her eyebrows shot up. “Are you serious? Italy?” she asked, eyes scanning the paper as if confirming it was real.He hummed softly, remembering how often she had talked about visiting. Now, he was glad he could finally fulfill one of her wishes.“Dante, this is so thoughtful. Really… so thoughtful. Thank you,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, on the verge of tears.“Anything for you, Ash,” he said softly. They hugged briefly, letting go with lingering smiles.The crew greeted them as they approached the sleek jet parked on the tarmac. Within minutes
Dawn came quickly, light seeping through the curtains of Ashley’s bedroom. Dante stood before the mirror, adjusting his tie with practiced precision, his expression unreadable. The night had been short, yet his mind was already burdened with thoughts of work and unresolved matters waiting at the office.Ashley stepped closer from behind, her bare feet silent against the floor. She reached up, gently straightening his tie before wrapping her arms around his neck, resting her chin on his shoulder. For a brief moment, Dante allowed himself to relax.“Are you sure you won’t wait for breakfast?” she asked softly, her voice still heavy with sleep.Dante met her gaze in the mirror and shook his head. Leaning down, he pressed a light kiss to her forehead. “I’m sorry. I really have to go now.”Ashley nodded in understanding, though a trace of disappointment flickered in her eyes. She knew Dante had unfinished business waiting for him at the company, and with their vacation scheduled for the n
Asher helped her into the car before walking around and sliding into the driver’s seat. He started the engine, and they drove off, the city lights blurring into the distance.Ashley remained silent, staring straight ahead as though lost in a daze. The quiet pressed heavily on Asher’s chest. He had never seen her like this—not even during her worst moments with Dante. This was different. This was unsettling.Without warning, he slammed on the brakes and pulled over to the side of the road. The sudden stop didn’t seem to register with her at all.“Ash,” he said gently, turning toward her. “Are you okay? Who was that woman?”At the sound of his voice, Ashley finally snapped out of her trance. Her eyes met his for a split second before her composure shattered. She leaned forward suddenly, burying her face against his chest as sobs tore out of her.Asher stiffened for a moment, then slowly wrapped his arms around her, one hand coming up to pat her back soothingly.“Let it out, Ashley,” he
Ashley knocked softly on the door, her knuckles barely grazing the wood, and waited. A moment later, Mr. Brighton looked up from his desk, recognition flickering across his face before a warm smile spread slowly.“Ms. Kingsley.”“Good day, sir. I hope I’m not disturbing you. I need to have a word with you,” Ashley said politely, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest.“Of course,” he replied, gesturing toward the chair opposite his desk. “Please, have a seat.”Ashley lowered herself into the chair, smoothing her skirt reflexively. She hesitated for a brief second before offering a small, nervous smile. Then she slid a white envelope across the polished surface of the desk toward him.“I don’t know if this is a convenient time, but I’d like to request a leave,” she said carefully.Mr. Brighton adjusted the rim of his glasses and opened the envelope, his eyes scanning the contents slowly, thoughtfully. When he finished, he leaned back slightly.“A month?” he repeated,
Reese refused to come out of the room. Mrs. Quinn remained outside the door, knocking repeatedly, calling her name, but there was no response.Inside, Reese lay curled up on the bed like a wounded thing, her body drawn tight as tears soaked into the pillow beneath her face. Her eyes were swollen and red, her hair tangled, her appearance careless, as though days had passed since she last bothered to look at herself.Social media was in an uproar.A statement had been released barely an hour ago, confirming that the engagement had been cancelled at the very last minute and that the event had been officially called off. The public was restless, speculating wildly, weaving rumors and theories as they waited impatiently for either party to release an official explanation.Reese’s phone buzzed relentlessly. Calls from friends abroad, the ones who had already booked flights and hotel rooms for her wedding. She couldn’t bring herself to answer any of them.What was she supposed to say?That t







