Chapter 4

Ashley stood frozen in her spot as she stared at her past lover, who seemed to be as shocked as her but manages to keep his cool. David, who seemed to notice Ashley's state, quickly nudges her in the rib before harshly whispering in her ear, "Girl, what has gotten into you, snap out of it," he said as Ashley immediately snapped out of her faze before flashing an awkward smile, "Mr. Leo, it's wonderful to see you once again," Ashley greeted as she reached forward to shake his hand, "Likewise, Miss Miller, I hope this isn't a bad time," he said as they all sat down, "Of course not, I'm delighted to have you and your guest," she said refusing to glance in the direction of Jake, who held an intense stare upon her, which David noticed and raised an eyebrow at, "Oh, where are my manners, this is Jake James, he's one of my best employees, he's responsible for all Starlink's graphic," he explained as he turned to place a hand on Jake's shoulder. 

"Jake, this is Ashley Miller, CEO of CleverRisk," he introduced as Jake licked his lips before holding out his hand, "It's a pleasure meeting you, Ash- Miss Miller," he said as Ashley anxiously trembled before placing her shaking hand in his that instantly grip onto hers the moment they touch. 

David watched their interaction in confusion as he turned to glance at his boss before glancing at the man that sat across from him, "Likewise, Mister James, this is my assistant, David Wilson," she introduced as David shook Jake's hand before nodding towards Mr.Leo, "So Miss Miller, I'm here to continue on the meeting that my assistant couldn't finish, and I also thought that I should introduce you to the graphic photographer that will be sighed to this project, which will be Jake," he explained as Ashley glanced at Jake, who was still staring at her causing her to quickly look away. 

"O-Of course, Mr.Leo, I'm ready whenever you are," she said as Mr.Leo nodded before continuing to explain the details of the project while Ashley tried her best to focus, "Thank God, David is here with me," she thought as it was a bit difficult trying to pay attention when her past lover was gawking at her. 

Jake, on the other hand, was enjoying his little reunion with Ashley. The last time he saw her was at her graduation when he unknowingly showed up to watch her walk across the stage. He would never forget that day, he was so proud of her, and it hurt his heart to know that he had to leave her and forget everything that they went through together. 

But now, as he sat before her, admiring the beautiful, independent, strong, and intelligent woman that she has developed into, he realized that she probably was better off without him. She seemed happy and well-ground, and that's all that mattered to him. But he was a tad curious about how she lived her life and who has been involved in it. 

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Relief washed over Ashley as the meeting was over. She stood up from her seat as both she and Mr.Leo shook her hands, "It was nice meeting you again, Mr.Leo, and I can't wait to start this project with you," she said as they shook each other, "Likewise, Miss Miller, I know I will not regret my decision," he said as Ashley smiled before turning to Jake, who waited patiently for her to give him some attention, "It was nice meeting you as well, Mister James, I'm looking forward to working with you," she said as they reached forward to shake each other's hand, "Oh, don't worry, Miss Miller, we'll be working together very soon," he said as he squeezed her hand that was still in his. 

David seemed to catch Jake's draft as he glanced at his now visible pale boss, "A-Ah, boss lady, would you like me to walk the guest out?" He asked as Ashley immediately nodded, "T-Thank you, David, I'll keep in touch, Mr.Leo," she said as Mr.Leo nodded before leaving with David. 

Ashley took a deep breath as she placed her hands on the table causing her hair to fall in front of her face, "Damn, he looked good," she mumbled before jumping out of her skin as she heard someone chuckle behind her. Turning around faster than the speed of light, Ashley spotted Jake, who was supposed to be with Mr.Leo and David, "Mister J-James, aren't you suppose to be with Mr.Leo and my assistant?" She asked as Jake remained silent while giving her an elevator look, "You look great," he suddenly said in a low intriguing tone as Ashley forcefully swallowed, "P-Pardon?" She asked as Jake chuckled while crossing his arms as he slowly walked towards her, "CEO, huh?" He questioned as he stared into her eyes, "I knew you would do great things in life, but this," he paused as he gestured with his hand, "What's wrong about me being a CEO?" She asked as Jake genuinely smiled before biting his lip, "Nothing, I'm just so proud of you," he said as Ashley's heart skipped a beat. 

 "I never thought I'd see you again, you look great," Ashley said as Jake smirked, "So I've heard," he said as Ashley blushed, "So, Starlink, huh?" She questioned as Jake shrugged, "I guess I got lucky," he said as Ashley scoffed, "Luck, my ass, you're talented Jake, I still remember that dream of yours," she said as Jake smirked, "And from what I can remember, you wanted to be an author like your father," he said as Ashley looked down as she blushed, "I guess I changed my mind, this life suits me more," she said as Jake raised an eyebrow, "This life, huh, and are you perhaps sharing it with someone, I bet you are?" He asked as Ashley sighed, "Unfortunately, I'm not, I just got out of an unhealthy relationship, and I think it's best if I focus on myself and the company," she replied as Jake's eyebrows furrowed, "I'm sorry to hear that," he said as Ashley bit her bottom lip, "What about you?" She asked as Jake shrugged, "I actually-

Suddenly the door opened revealing David, "Mister James, Mr.Leo is waiting for you, it seems like there's an emergency at Starlink," David explained as Jake nodded before turning back to Ashle. who seemed slightly disappointed. Jake flashed a small smile before leaned forward and kissed her cheek, "It was nice seeing you again, Ash," he said as Ashley smile, "Likewise, Jake," she said before Jake left the room. 

"B*tch, you got a lot of explaining to do. 

TO BE CONTINUED...