Chapter 18: Unexpected Encounter

Ashton's POV

I left Astikoz after my father was discharged from the hospital, and I started working at my father's company. It wasn't my dream at all, but right now, I don't have a choice but to do the right thing. My siblings depended on me so much, and Lennon and Cole didn't want to be the CEO of our company. They all expected me to follow in my dad's footsteps, being the eldest son, and right now, as I was sitting in front of my dad's table, I realized there is no turning back because I am my father's successor.

I got busy the entire day attending meetings and reading the monthly reports. It feels so natural now, and I wonder how I will survive in this world that I don't want to be part of, but my father's sudden stroke left me no choice. I know with all the support I receive from my siblings, I will be fine.

I stretched my limbs, and when my eyes darted to the clock on the wall, I realized it was almost five in the afternoon. I suddenly remembered I needed to attend the birthday party of our coach's son. I didn't want to go since it would only remind me of what I had missed in my life because, deep in my core, I still wanted to play football. But I had been bailing on them so many times now, and I think it is about time to show up and meet them.

"Are you ready?" Zachary asked me the moment he got inside my office, and I couldn't stop myself from feeling so envious of him. How could he still play football when he is the only son of his father? But I know his dad is still healthy and kicking. So, he is still free to do what he wants. He can play football until his father retires because Uncle Tommy didn't ask him to give up football even once, as he is so proud of Zach playing pro, and he loves football like us.

"How can I be ready when you know I don't want to go, Zach?" I replied.

"How could you not go when it's Austin's birthday? And we need to leave now since our coach will be waiting for us, and he was expecting you, Ashton," he said, and I got up from my chair and picked up my coat as I walked toward the door.

"Look at you, man. Being a CEO made you look more handsome, and I could say your position suits you well. I was thinking quitting football would affect your body build, but I was wrong. For me, you're still in good shape," he said, and I shook my head without speaking. As we neared the parking lot, I realized we would be riding in different cars since I didn't want to ride with Zach. I'm not sure if he would go home early, and now that I don't play with them, it would only make me more devastated, and I don't want to hate my dad even more.

"Do we need to be in separate cars?" Zach asked, and I nodded my head.

"Of course. I know you will party till late, and you know I have to sleep early," I lied.

"Come on, Ashton. Tomorrow is Saturday. Ever since you retired, you've always found an excuse not to join us anymore. I miss you, and they all miss you, especially our coach. This is the first time you've agreed to join us. I saw the excitement on his face when you texted him that you would come to his son's birthday party," Zach replied.

"Are we going to his house in Megalopre, right?" I asked, and he nodded his head. I released a soft sigh, and I couldn't deny I wanted to go to our coach's house since it is very relaxing over there.

"Yes, but I think we should hit the mall first because we can't go there without buying something. Austin is like his father—he loves football so much—and the best thing we can give him is something related to football. You can get him a ball, while I can give him gloves or a helmet," he said, and I gave him a quizzical look.

"Do you think he needs those when his father is a football coach? He can have all the football equipment he wants, Zach," I replied, and he smirked at me.

"Come on, Ashton, it will feel different coming from us. I'm sure he will be ecstatic about our gifts for him," he said, and I shrugged my shoulders.

"Besides, it's fun to go to the shop. It feels like old times," he said, and I smiled as I remembered when we were still in grade school and my grandpa would bring the two of us to the mall. I was mesmerized watching the football equipment before us. Zach was right—it was fun, and I remembered how it felt.

"Okay, let's do this because we don't know the traffic; it could be heavy at this hour," I responded as I walked toward my car, and I smiled when I realized he had parked his car next to my slot. He drove away from the parking lot ahead of me while I trailed behind him. I wanted to get over this fast because I don't particularly enjoy spending time in the mall.

I avoided going to the mall after what happened between Megan and me, especially watching movies. I haven't watched a single film in the cinema for fucking eight years, ever since she left. I don't like it because I can't stop reminiscing about the past, and our late movie nights are part of those memories I want to forget.

We got inside the mall in a hurry, and I couldn't deny I loved the feeling when we got inside the sports shop. Zach walked into the next aisle while I tried calming my nerves. I could feel the excitement, and I smiled when I gazed at the football equipment before me, even if I felt a pang in my chest as I realized how much I missed playing the game. I acknowledged that I had given up my dream, and I couldn't stop feeling stupid as I realized this was the second time I had given up something important in my life.

I was deep in thought when I felt someone bump into me. I needed to put my hands on the woman's waist to steady her frame since she lost balance. I knew if I didn't catch her in time, she would fall to the ground. I noticed her familiar scent right away, and I didn't want to hope and be disappointed in the end, but when she raised her head, my heart jumped from my chest.

I found it so hard to breathe as I felt the rapid beating of my heart. It felt like I was running a marathon, and I couldn't believe I would be seeing Megan Corteza after a long time. I couldn't explain the happiness I felt, and I could tell she was shocked as well since she was staring at my face. Then suddenly, her face turned so cold, and I could see her beautiful eyes blazing with anger.

"Megan," I said in more than a whisper without taking my eyes off her, and I could feel the knots in my stomach while my hands were still on her tiny waist. I realized she had become more beautiful, and her glorious body made me ache for her. I felt like I was in heaven as I watched her angelic face. But the way she looked at me with horror pained my heart. Then she pushed me hard, which shocked me. Megan was so strong for a woman who looked so sexy and hot.

"Who are you? And how dare you put your hands on my waist like that as if you know me?" she snapped at me, and I couldn't believe she tried to tell me she didn't know me at all.

"What is going on?" I heard another familiar voice, and when I turned around, I saw Alice standing not so far from us. I could see the panic on her face as well when she saw me.

"We need to leave now, Alice. I can't believe some pervert would come to this place," she said, which made me feel so hurt.

"Pervert? I tried to save you from falling on the ground, Meg," I said, and she looked at me. I could see the wrath all over her face, and I couldn't blame her.

"Hi, Alice," I said as I turned to face her, and she gave me a weak smile.

"Hello, Ashton," she responded, and I felt so glad. At least Alice still recognized me. It would be impossible for her to forget me because I could tell I hadn't changed a bit, and my face is still the same.

"Do you know him, Al?" Megan asked, and I suddenly felt worried if something was going on with her.

"Yes, of course," Alice responded, and I saw Megan drag her out of the shop. It took me a minute before I could move and run after them.

"Meg, wait!" I shouted, and I saw them run fast. I couldn't let them go away just like that because I needed to speak with Megan.

I was panting as I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I ignored it as I ran faster. I hated it so much when they got inside the elevator, and I realized Megan and her best friend were going down to the parking lot. I hoped I would get to the right parking space, and my phone didn't stop vibrating, so I had to take it out as I ran toward the escalator on my way to the parking area.

"Where the hell are you?" I heard Zach's angry voice on the other line.

"Help me, Zach. Megan and Alice are here, and I am running after them. If you can, please go to the lower basement parking while I take the upper basement," I said. I ended the call as I took the steps of the escalator two at a time. I got to the parking lot gasping for air, and I ran around the whole place, cursing under my breath. There is no way I am going to let Megan run away from me this time. I have been dying to see her after so many years, and I have to find her now—whatever it takes.