Ashton slowly walked out of Alexander’s car towards their parents’ house after four days at the hospital. He hadn’t been the same as before after driving Hayley out of his life. His heart expected her to call him, asking about his health, but she hadn’t. It was only the two friends who stuck to one another like always. Ashton knew he should be happy since this was what he had wanted, but he wasn’t happy! He staggered absent-mindedly and Alexander immediately caught him from tripping over.“Careful, man. We want no broken bones, do we?” “Who cares? I might as well have died.” “Stop sulking, Ashton. You’re the one who pushed her away!” Alexander rang the doorbell while Ashton sighed, wondering what explanation to give his friend. He had given the same explanation to the cops as he had to Mr. Barclay. Even Alexander knew the kidnappers had mistakenly picked him up. “I’m completely shaken up, bro. I want to regain a grip on my life first. She is neglecting her studies to be with me, an
After Four Years Hayley squealed with delight, seeing her friends after so many years. She had just graduated from Cornell with flying colors and arrived home last night after four long years. Her parents were ecstatic and so were her uncle and aunt, but her granny still bore a grudge against her for not visiting her even once during these years. More mature now, Hayley didn’t mind at all. She just hugged her and apologized, winning her over immediately.“Congrats, both of you,” said Hayley, hugging Eva and Sienna warmly. They had graduated from their Nursing School and landed up with internships at the prestigious Bellevue Hospital. “I think I’m the most unproductive amongst us,” said Skylar with a pout. She hadn’t found an internship anywhere and her grandparents were already planning to get her married!“You’re wrong! I’m the most unproductive!” said Alyssa as she approached their table, making their jaws drop at the sight of her. Was she back now?They all squealed with delight
The moment Hayley’s eyes met his, everything ceased to exist around her. She drowned in the intense depths of his gaze, her heart racing faster with every passing second. Something was amiss! He didn’t seem the same Ashton she had left behind four years ago! The Ashton in front of her had a deep gash above his left eyebrow, his jawline looked sharper, chiseled, and determined, and his body more mature. More than anything else, it was the brooding and distant look in his eyes that surprised her. Ashton was always aloof, but he wasn’t cold! It seemed as if he had been through a hurricane in the last four years! “Ready to go?” he asked, wrenching his gaze away from hers and raising an eyebrow at the others. It was obvious that he wasn’t thrilled to be their chauffeur tonight. His behavior surprised Hayley! It was as if he didn’t know her at all! Maybe he didn’t want to know her! It was only her foolish heart that clung to a fake hope. “I’ll follow you in my car, Alyssa,” said Hayley, r
After the Maserati pulled away, Ashton closed his eyes to feel her in his arms at last. It had been four long years since he last held her. Unconsciously, he embedded his face in her neck, inhaling her sweet addictive smell, feeling her soft skin against his features. He didn’t want this embrace to end. He could spend his life holding her this way! Maybe he was doomed to not get what he wanted! His life had turned upside down since the day she left for Cornell. At first, he had been too upset that she moved near Jason, but he tried to reason with himself that it was for the best. His heart couldn’t accept it and it had been an intense mental struggle for him to stay away from her, but not anymore. After Kingsley’s threat, he couldn’t ignore her any longer. She was his and he would fight everyone who came his way!He had paid off the entire debt two years ago, but Gambino slapped fifteen years of interest on him. It was a tremendous blow to Ashton. He had finally expected to be free,
Ashton reached his apartment with Hayley in his arms. Feeling her soft body against his chest unleashed a myriad of emotions within him. He had successfully kept these feelings hidden deep within him for the last four years, but not anymore. Why would he obey Gambino when he was paying off his money? Who the f*ck was with Francesca to order him around? After Kingsley’s threat, he felt rebellious, wanting to claim what was rightfully his. Yes, Hayley was his! He glanced at her tenderly, as she snuggled into his chest and an intense need to protect her rose deep within him. He kicked his door shut and carried her towards his bedroom. This was what he had wanted for a long time, to bring her home! He lay her down on his bed and dropped to his knees beside her, gazing at her delicate, innocent face with longing. Why was she so damn stubborn? Why did she need to dance with others when he was dying to dance with her? She stirred, and he froze with apprehension, not wanting her to witness
“I don’t do kindness. I do what I want!” said Ashton impatiently, getting up and holding his hand out to her. She smiled at his denial. No one knew him better than her. Without questioning his motive, she placed her hand in his, and a jolt of electricity coursed through her body at his touch. He pulled her up with him and away towards the door. “Let’s clear the table first.” “Later. What’s the rush? You’re here with me all day!” Hayley’s eyes popped out at his announcement. What? When did she agree to spend the whole day with him?“I’m not. I’m sure you have other important work to do.”“I don’t.” With a sly grin on his face, he locked the apartment and lead her out of the building, onto the streets. They crossed it and walked over to the otherwise secluded beach. On a lazy weekend morning, they saw only a handful of people loitering about. “It usually gets crowded in the evenings, but I prefer the mornings. I jog along this entire stretch at 5 o’clock in the morning every day.”
It was the most exciting news in the Barclay family and everyone congratulated Meredith and Robert Barclay. They all knew how much this meant to them. Granny was in tears and she engaged herself in organizing a baby shower party for Meredith. Hayley was glad that their attention was diverted away from her. After dinner, she could pack up her stuff in peace. Her mom came over to help her. “Jason is still interested in marrying you, Hails. If you change your mind about him, tell me. We’ll plan your engagement.” “I won’t change my mind, mom. I will now look into the business to relieve dad.” Hayley was determined not to give in and marry that man, whatever it took her. She would rather stay single all her life. “That’s a very noble thought, but you can’t live alone all your life, Hails. We won’t be there for you forever. You need a family of your own,” coaxed her mom. “I’ll have my cousins, mom. I don’t need Jason in my life.”“Fine, as you wish.” The next morning, Hayley was in th
Ashton’s announcement confused Hayley a lot. It was so difficult to understand the guy. There were certain things she still needed answers to. She still couldn’t forget the frightening man at the nightclub. Ashton’s words from that night still rang in her ears. He had claimed her as his and had fought with Don’s men. He also mentioned some debt. It was confusing indeed! Was he working for the Don who had him kidnapped? Was that the reason he broke off with her? Then why does he want to resume where they left off four years ago? Why did he want to date her again? There were only unanswered questions flitting across her mind, driving her crazy! Sighing, she went to the master bedroom to check. Ashton had already placed the boxes in the closet, but she had no energy to unpack them tonight. Pulling out a pair of shorts and a plain black tee shirt, she went into the luxurious washroom to freshen up. She groaned, realizing that she needed stuff for the house. Thankfully, the washroom was