LOGINWhat are your thoughts on this chapter?🥹🥹
After they were done dishing out the food, Vicky grabbed her bag and turned to face Ashley. “I think I should get going.”Ashley frowned. “You’re kidding right?”Vicky shook her head. “Nope. I want to give you and Jamal some privacy. If I’m here, you and Jamal will be so shy that you won’t have some time to talk or kiss.”Ashley let out a laugh. “But I made pasta though. Your favorite?”“Oh, don’t worry,” Vicky replied with a grin. “I’ll still have some. I’ll just take mine home. You should seize this opportunity and make me a new goddaughter… or godson… or maybe both.”Ashley rolled her eyes. “In your dreams, Vee. You have no idea what I went through raising Sophie, let alone two kids.”Vicky laughed. “It will be different this time. You won’t be doing it alone. I’ll be here and so will Jamal. Oh, and don’t forget about Jamal’s mom.”Ashley shook her head with a smile as she arranged the dishes on a serving tray. They talked for some more minutes after which Vicky took her leave.As
The Next Day“Gosh, I can’t stop watching Jamal interact with Sophie. He is so sweet and patient with her. It’s almost like they’ve known each other forever. Honestly, they look like father and daughter.” Vicky said, smiling from ear to ear as she made her way into the kitchen to join Ashley who was making dinner. Jamal had stopped by to check on Ashley earlier that afternoon, and he’d been there for over an hour.Ever since he arrived, Sophie hadn’t left his side for a single second.“Yeah. I think she’s forgotten that I am her mom.” Ashley answered, smiling as she glanced toward the living room.“Are you jealous?” Vicky teased.“What? Me? No.” Ashley replied immediately. “I’m just happy she’s comfortable around him. It would’ve been a real problem if she didn’t like him.”Vicky nodded in agreement. “I agree with you, babe. That is why I’m so happy the two of you are finally together. Even though Sophie has always had you, it was obvious she needed a father figure in her life and
A Few Hours LaterAshley blinked her eyes open, the sterile white of the hospital room coming into focus. Her shoulder throbbed, while the rest of her body felt sore and heavy.“Babe,” she heard the familiar worried voice say beside her, reminding her that none of this was a dream.She tried to sit up, but the sharp ache spread through her arm, making her gasp.“Hey, easy… the doctor said you shouldn’t sit up yet.” Jamal whispered, his voice laced with worry. Ashley turned to catch him sitting on a chair, his hair was messy and it was as though he hadn’t slept at all. It was then she realized he was holding her hand tight, as though she might disappear if he let go.“How do you feel now?”“Like I just got shot,” Ashley muttered, the words slipping out before she could stop herself. She saw Jamal’s eyes twitched with something like pain and regret.“I’m so sorry I couldn’t get to you in time, love. I was so scared I was going to lose you. But thankfully the bullet only grazed your shou
Mr. Cole was smiling at a video he was watching on his iPad when Vanessa stormed into the living room, looking very upset.“What’s wrong, baby?” he asked as Vanessa began to pace up and down the living room. She was putting a pair of black pants and a matching tee and her hair was tied in a high ponytail.“What’s going on, sweetheart? You’re making me worried.”Vanessa sighed, coming to a halt directly in front of her father. “I can’t do this anymore, Dad. I can’t just sit here waiting for Caleb to come back to his senses. I still can’t believe he tried to kill me and then threw those divorce papers in my face.” she said, already on the verge of tears as she glanced at the divorce papers lying on the table.She still hadn’t opened them, let alone signed them. No, she refused to lose Caleb like this.“I told you everything will be fine, sweetheart. I’ll take care of this. I’ll meet with Victor personally and settle this matter. They can’t just throw you away after everything I’ve done
Mexico! Jamal had taken her to Mexico. Ashley was still trying to wrap her mind around it as they landed. Not just on any ordinary flight either—his private jet. After leaving the Beaumont mansion, Jamal had driven straight to his private hangar, ushered her onto it without giving away their destination, and now, here they were. In Mexico. For pizza. Ashley stared at the breathtaking view of the Mexican countryside as the jet slowed, her mind racing. She thought they were just going to a nearby restaurant for their date. Never in her wildest dream did she imagine he would fly her to another country. For pizza. Who takes someone all the way to Mexico for pizza? Jamal Hale, apparently. And the most ridiculous part was that she wasn’t exactly dressed for this either. The simple jeans and sweater she was putting on felt completely out of place as he led her down the stairs of the jet and into a sleek black car waiting for them. For the first time since meeting Jamal, Ashley realize
Later That Evening “Mommy, when is Uncle Tristan coming home? I want to see him. I miss him so much.” Ashley facepalmed. “Come on, Sophie, this is the sixth time you’ve asked me that today.” Sophie pout with pleading eyes. “I know, mummy. But I miss Uncle Tristan so much and I want to see him.” Ashley sighed, unsure of what else to say. She looked over at Vicky for help, but Vicky simply looked away, pretending not to notice. “Look, baby, I’m sure your uncle misses you too. But like I told you, he’s busy with work right now.” “Can you call him, mummy? Please?” Sophie pleaded, giving her a puppy face. “Right now? No, honey.” “But why, mummy? I want to talk to him.” “Because your uncle is probably busy right now, honey. But don’t worry. I’ll call him tomorrow, and you can talk to him then.” “You promise?” Ashley smiled warmly. “I promise.” “Okay mummy.” “Come on. Let’s get you something to eat. After that, we’ll play a few games together, okay?” Sophie nodded and slipped h







