Chapter Four: Ashton's POV

Rose stepped forward, her eyes holding sadness. “Something actually ha—”

I didn’t wait to hear what she had to say as I rushed up the stairs, ignoring my mother calling after me as I made my way to Helen’s room. She couldn’t possibly be gone, right? Maybe she was pranking me or something.

I reached the top of the stairs, my hand shaking slightly as I turned the handle to Helen’s room. The door creaked open, and I stepped inside, my eyes frantically searching for any sign of her.

The room was a mess, Helen’s things strewn haphazardly across the floor. But what caught my eye was the framed picture of us, shattered on the ground. I stared at it for a moment, my heart sinking.

I walked over to the closet, opening the doors to see the empty hangers swaying slightly in the still air.

My mind refused to process the scene before me. Helen had left. She was gone.

I collapsed to the floor, my hand resting on the broken frame. The glass bit into my skin, but I didn’t flinch. The pain was nothing compared to the ache in my heart.

I had been too late. Too wrapped up in my own selfishness, I had missed the signs, the opportunities to save our relationship. And now she was gone, taking half of my heart with her.

Tears rolled down my cheeks. “I’m so sorry.” I whispered, taking out my phone to dial her number, but she had blocked me. I couldn’t get through to her or find her anywhere.

I sat there, the shards of glass digging into my skin, my mind filled with regret and despair.

And then… something struck me.

Rose.

I was in the meeting with her last night. If I can’t remember anything, she should be able to tell me what had happened. And… she was also the only one who knew about the divorce papers.

I stood to my feet, making my way out of Helen’s room and down the stairs. Rose was in tears while saying some things to my mum, but stopped when she saw me coming.

I walked over to her and stopped in front of her. “What happened after the meeting with the Executives last night?” I asked, my voice low, curious to know what had happened.

Rose’s eyes widened at my question. “Sir, I…” she faltered, her gaze flicking to my mother before she lowered her voice. “I…I’m not sure.”

My mother's eyes flashed with irritation, but before she could interrupt, I said, “Rose, please. I need to know what happened. This is important. You were there last night. I have no idea what happened. Tell me.”

Rose hesitated for a moment, but my mother beat her to it.

“If you really want to know, you forced yourself on her last night!” Mum snapped, her eyes flashing with rage.

I blinked. “W…what?” I averted my gaze to Rose. “I did what?”

Rose burst into tears while my mother tried to comfort her. “I’m so sorry, sir,” she went on her knees immediately. “I should have fought you off, but…” she choked on her sob. “You were too strong. You threatened to kill me if I didn’t do as you said. I’m so sorry, I tried my best to fight you off, but… but I couldn’t and you… you…” she burst into another round of tears.

I stumbled back in shock. I did what? “Rose, I… I have no idea… I’m sorry,” I lowered my head, shame eating me whole.

Rose shook her head. “It’s not your fault, sir,” fresh tears rolled down her cheeks and I felt horrible for cheating on Helen. I shouldn’t have gone for that meeting. I should have known I would get drugged after accepting a drink from them. 

“You brought the divorce papers out and told me you wanted divorce yesterday. You said you wanted to make kids with me, and while you were doing that, Mrs. Helen walked in on us, and…” she trailed off as tears brimmed in my eyes. “She got angry, snatched the divorce papers and left. I have no idea what happened afterward. I’m so sorry, it’s my fault your marriage got ruined.”

“It’s not your fault,” My mother spoke up, holding her hand. “You were just a victim.”

I covered my face with my palms. I’m so stupid! I’m a fool! Fuck, I ruined everything even before I got the chance to fix them. I have to find Helen and apologize to her; I have to explain everything to her.

“You have to take responsibility, Ash!” Mother snapped.

“I’m sorry, Rose. I’ll compensate you for what happened,” I sighed. “I know it wouldn’t bring back what you lost, but I’m really sorry. I’ll ask Ken to send you a cheque and also promote you if you are still willing to work at the company.”

I waited for no one to say anything else and rushed out. I needed to find Helen, but where could she be? Her parents lived in California. Could she have gone there?

I texted Ken, gave him some orders and asked him to book a flight to California. I needed to find Helen and fix everything. 

****

3 MONTHS LATER…

Three months had passed, and the agony of my failure still weighed heavily on my heart. Every day without Helen felt like a lifetime, and yet I refused to give up hope. My search had taken me across the country, to every corner of the globe, but it had yielded no results. Helen was like a ghost, slipping through my fingers, no matter how hard I tried to grasp her.

I was sitting in my office, staring blankly at the computer screen when my phone rang. The name “Ken” flashed on the screen, and I answered it immediately.

I frowned when he spoke from the other end, saying he couldn’t find her. “Keep searching, Ken. Turn the world upside down if you have to. Just find Helen!”

I hung up and groaned in frustration. The door to the office opened and Rose walked in. She made her way to my desk, her expression stern.

She threw a paper on my desk, causing me to stare at her with creased brows.

“What’s this?” I asked, my eyes narrowing at her. I’ve had to deal with her attitude after what happened and I couldn’t fire her since she had my mum wrapped around her finger. I had compensated her, done everything she’d asked. What did she want now?

Rose scoffed with her arms folded. “I’m three months pregnant, Ashton, and you’re responsible!” she snapped, her voice measured.

I gaped at Rose, my mind reeling as I processed her words. Three months pregnant? It couldn’t be. I had barely recovered from the shock of the last three months, and now this?

“Rose, listen,” I said, trying to keep my voice level. “I…I don't remember anything from that night—”

“Yeah, you don’t!” she snapped, cutting me off. “But I’m pregnant now…with your child, Ashton. And believe me, no compensation can erase the pain and trauma I’ve gone through!” Rose finished, her voice filled with rage.

I looked at her, my heart heavy. “Rose, I already said I was sorry,” I pleaded, my voice breaking. “I don't know what to say, but I promise you, I never wanted to hurt you. I never meant for all these to happen.”

She scoffed, her lips curling in disgust. “Save it, Ashton. I don’t want your apology anymore. I just want you to be a father to this child.”

My eyes widened. “What—”

“Yes, Ashton,” she said, her jaw clenched. “You’d have to marry me.”

I shook my head. “I can’t do that, Rose,” I said, my eyes locked on hers. “I will take responsibility for the child, call him my son, and take care of both of you, but I won’t marry you.”

Her eyes widened. “What?.”

“Yes, Rose,” I answered, my tone leaving no room for argument. “The only woman who can be called my wife is Helen and I will do whatever it takes to find her, even if I have to travel to the end of the world.”