My heart only beats for her…

Asher

“Ohh, good… good morning Sir.” Linda quickly rose to her feet once she saw me.

She looked surprised and though I knew why, I expected her to still comport herself properly.

“Follow me,” I said sternly and then brisked into my office while she hurried after me.

“Why are you looking lost? Where are the files I asked you to prepare? I don't see you holding anything, why?!” I asked while she still looked confused.

“Sir… uhm… I actually wasn’t expecting you to resume this soon. I… I thought…”

“I’m not paying you to think about my personal affairs, Linda. It’s not your business if I decide to come to the office just two days after my wedding. I expect you to do your work and those are the files I asked you to work on. Where are they, Linda?”

“I’m sorry, Sir. I’ll quickly run through them now.”

“You have thirty minutes!”

She ran out immediately while I then leaned back, staring blankly at the door.

It was obvious she thought I would be gone on honeymoon, but why would I do that with a wife I don’t love? It would just be a total waste of my time… time I could use to do valuable work here that would bring more money into my account.

If Ruby’s parents were not so wealthy, I’d have thought she wanted me for the money. That’s the only reason women get so obsessed with a billionaire heir. I understand we used to be childhood sweethearts, but we are no longer children. I met Camila and fell crazily in love, and Ruby knew all about it, but she just wouldn’t give up. I even begged her to call off the wedding, but she was too selfish and wanted to marry me by all means.

I couldn’t go against my parents, and I didn’t want to embarrass Ruby either, else I would have walked away at the altar like Camila asked me to. But I just couldn’t do that to Ruby. She was there for me at my lowest and the least I could do was to give her her wish. The only thing is, that’s all she’s ever going to get from me. A ring and my last name but my heart will forever belong to Camila…

I was about to call Linda to bring the files when a call came in. It was from Camila and the moment I saw her beautiful face lit up the screen, I smiled hard.

"Hey, baby," I picked up without a second thought, and was still smiling.

“Asher…” her voice was quiet and a little breathy, making me pause and immediately alert.

“What’s wrong, baby?” I asked and there was a silence on the other end, then she sighed like she’d been trying to hold something in.

“I don’t feel so good, can you come over?” She whispered and that was all I needed to hear.

“I’m on my way,” I said, standing from my seat.

I grabbed my keys and made straight for the door. Linda stood quickly, looking at me in confusion while I just waved her off.

“I’m done with the files, Sir, and your meeting is in ten minutes.”

“Push it till tomorrow, something urgent came up,” I replied.

“Is everything alright…?”

“Just reschedule, Linda.” I said sternly, and she didn’t say anything more. She just stood there and watched as I walked away.

I hopped in the car and zoomed off but then made a quick stop at Camila's favorite Thai spot. And also another stop at the corner flower shop near her place. The older woman there had just finished wrapping a small bouquet of warm-colored tulips when I pulled up.

I didn’t even have to ask. “For your girl?” she smiled, and I just nodded.

Fifteen minutes later, I was outside her apartment with food in one hand, and flowers in the other. My heart was already easing at the thought of seeing her.

I hurried into her room and found her curled up on the bed, wrapped in a blanket that barely covered her thighs. Her eyes flickered up as I walked in and… God, she was so beautiful.

Even in an old hoodie, a messy bun, bare legs, and no makeup. She was still the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

“Hey,” I said gently, setting the takeout bag on the table.

“Are you okay?” She nodded slowly and then reached out toward me with both hands. I walked over and took them in mine, letting her pull me down to sit with her.

“You don’t have a fever.” I let out, studying her face.

“No.” She replied.

“And your voice sounds fine too.” I tilted my head.

“I know.” She nodded and I squinted.

“Are you... actually sick?” I asked while she gave me the tiniest smile, and then bit her bottom lip.

“No.”

That made me pause.

“Camila…”

“I just missed you, baby. She said quickly, cheeks coloring. “I know it’s stupid and selfish because you are supposed to be with her…”

I kissed her right in the middle of her ramble, and that made her melt into me so fast it made my heart throb. Her fingers slipped into my hair, and I pulled her in so close until we could hear each other’s heartbeats.

“You could’ve just said that,” I whispered when I finally pulled away and touched my forehead to hers.

“I thought you’d be mad… it’s your honeymoon and…”

“Mad?” I laughed softly. “Baby, you know I'll be with you every chance I get. You’re my home and about the honeymoon, we both know it's not happening.”

“Are you sure?” Her eyes softened.

“I’ve never been more sure.” I nodded, brushing my thumb along her cheek while she leaned in again, her arms slipping around my waist.

“Then stay, just a little longer.” She replied while I pulled her into my lap.

“You will always have me. I’m never leaving your side.”

I watched her eat, after which, I pulled her back into my arms, and we stayed that way for a while. But then she suddenly looked up at me with that mischievous little sparkle in her eyes, the one that always meant trouble in the best way.

“I heard about this new place that opened downtown,” she chimed in.

“Oh yeah?”

“It’s a rooftop lounge with a gorgeous view and live music. It’s been all over Instagr*m and I really want to go there.” She let out excitedly while I arched my brow.

“Camila…”

“What?” she asked innocently.

“You just said you weren’t going anywhere,” she added, making me laugh and shake my head.

“So you faked being sick to trick me into a date?”

“No,” she said, pouting.

“I missed you and, since you’re already here, I might as well enjoy my man.” She retorted, and I leaned in again, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“You’re so unbelievable.”

“I’ll take that as a yes?”

I smiled against her skin. “Go get dressed, baby.”

She jumped off my lap, grinning. “Give me ten minutes.”

I watched her rush into the closet, the hoodie rising high up her thighs as she ran. She turned before shutting the door and winked, making me smile like an idi*t.

She always brings out that soft gentle love out of me. A part that vanishes when I’m with Ruby…

Ten minutes later, Camila came out looking like she popped right out of the Vogue magazine. She was wearing tight jeans, a black silk top, and that lip gloss she knew I liked. She stood in front of me, spinning once.

“How do I look?” She asked while I got up, pulled her close again, and kissed her.

“Like someone who’s going to make me forget that I’m married.”

“And that’s the goal, baby…”

We both laughed while I grabbed her hand and led the way out. We got in the car and in no time, we were at the lounge.

We got a table with the most beautiful view, and we just sat there, leaning into each other with fingers laced while enjoying the band playing.

I was about to steal another kiss when I looked up and saw her…

Ruby was right there on the other side, staring at me with deep emotion. If looks could kill, I would be fighting for my life in a pool of my own blood right...