ASHLEY'S POV I was about to crawl into bed when I heard a knock on the door. I didn't even bother turning my head. “Go away, Micheal.” I muttered, my voice heavy with exhaustion.But the voice that came from the other side wasn't his. “Bunny, it's me, Liam.”I paused for a moment before sighing and walking over to open the door. The second I did, Liam brushed past me and sat on the couch like he owned the place. Well, his brother does own the place.“Can I talk to you for a minute?” He asked.I crossed my arms. “If I say no, will you leave?”He gave me that annoying smirk of his.“No, I won't.”“Figures.”He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “Listen bunny, I know you're mad at me for hitting your friend, but he crossed the line.”“Yeah, I'm mad at you,” I said sharply. “You were supposed to be my friend. And friends listen to each other. I told you to stop, and you didn't. It could have gotten worse, Liam.”“I'm sorry about that,” he said softly. “But I'm not sorry
ASHLEY'S POV Austin didn’t even make it to the entrance before Liam had him pinned against the wall. His fist was flying like he had been waiting for this moment. Each punch landed with a sickening thud that echoed through the private dining. My heart pounded so loud it hurt.“Liam, stop! Please, stop!” I yelled, running towards them, but it was useless. His eyes were wide and filled with rage.I turned to Michael, who was standing a few steps away with his jaw clenched and his expression unreadable. “Make him stop, please.” I begged, my voice cracking.He didn't even look at me at first. “He's only getting what he deserves for touching you.”“He's going to kill him if he continues,” I sobbed, grabbing his arm. “Please, Michael. If you have any feelings left for me, make him stop.”Michael’s jaw flexed, his nostrils flaring. Then, finally, he gave a sharp nod toward Liam. “Enough.”Liam dropped Austin like a rag doll. He hit the ground with a groan with blood dripping from his nose
ASHLEY'S POV Two weeks ago, I had this perfect plan with my best friend—ditch Liam and travel out of town to anywhere that doesn't remind me of Micheal. Anywhere that didn't make me think of him. Anywhere else that didn't make me want him despite what he did to me.But fate—fate had other plans.FLASH BACK TWO WEEKS AGO After making sure Liam was in a deep sleep, I quietly slipped out of the room and tiptoed down the hallway. My heart was pounding so fast I thought it'd give me away. I found Austin waiting by the kitchen door with his keys dangling in one hand and his hoodie pulled over his head.“He's out,” I whispered. “We have to leave now.”“Good,” he muttered, checking his phone.“Give me a minute, I just need to grab something.”A minute later he came back with a bunch of keys in his hands.“Where exactly are we going?” I asked as we walked towards the garage.“My dad's got a place outside the town. It's been empty for a while, but we'll be safe there.”I nodded. I didn't car
JAYDEN’S POV The last time I felt this kind of fear was when my wife left me in this world with a ten year old who became my entire reason for living. I've faced struggles in business, suffered heartbreak, and lost a loved one. But nothing—absolutely nothing, compares to the fear of losing my only child.And right now, that fear is crawling under my skin. Because she gave me an ultimatum—make things right with Michael, or you won't see me again. I guess that's what love does to people. As much as I hate the idea, I still have to do this.So here I am, standing in the lobby of Kingston Technology, swallowing the last of my pride to be here.“Micheal,” I called out the minute I stepped in, my voice echoing across the walls of the building. Heads turned, whispers followed. There's nothing to hide now, it's all on the news. Then he appeared turning around slowly like he couldn't believe his ears.Hell, I couldn't believe mine either.He looked at me with that icy calm look—the kind that
KATE’S POV I was shoving the last of my files into the briefcase when someone knocked loudly at the door. My heart jumped. For a second, I froze, staring at the door like it might break down any moment. Then I heard his voice.“Kate! Open this damn door.”Jayden.I swallowed hard and unlocked it. He stormed in the second the door opened, his eyes blazing with pure fury.“What are you doing here?” I asked, though my voice came out small and shaky.He slammed the door close behind him.“Seriously? You're asking me that after your big confession almost killed my daughter?”His words hit like a punch to my chest. I took a step back, trying to breathe. “Jayden, I messed up. I know I did. But I had no choice…” “No choice?” he barked. “That's what you're going with after putting my daughter's life at risk?”“Simon threatened me,” I blurted out. “He knows about us, Jayden. He knows everything.”He froze. “What do you mean everything?”I felt my throat tighten. “He called me when I was in Ne
AUSTIN’S POV My kitchen smelled like garlic and butter, the way It always does when I throw a quick meal together after a long day. Cooking helps me relax. It kept me grounded. I was stirring the sauce, humming to a song under my breath when I heard a sharp knock at the door.That's strange. I wasn't expecting anyone.I wiped my hands on a towel, frowning as I moved towards the door. Curiosity gnawed at me, but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw when I peeked through the door.Ashley?I blinked. My brain refused to process it at first—its like my eyes were playing tricks on me. Ashley stood there at the entrance with a suitcase by her side and her hair slightly messy. And behind her—Liam, Michael's brother, stood there like some sort of bodyguard.What the hell is he doing here?I pulled the door open before I could voice out my thoughts. Ashley tilted her head, giving me the smallest smile. “Austin Carter, how long are you going to keep a lady standing outside?”“I…uh…sor