LOGINJeff’s POV“What do you mean she hasn't come in? Ashley is always one of the first people to come in to work every day."“Yes, sir, I am surprised too, but she didn't show up this morning, and she didn’t leave word that she wasn’t coming in. Also, I haven't been able to reach her. Her phone has been off all morning, although she did tell me that she wouldn't be coming to work yesterday because she took yesterday off," she replied.The words caused my chest to tighten. Had I chased Ashley away without meaning to? Her assistant continued talking."Do you want me to give her a message when I finally can reach her, or if she comes in later, sir?""Yes, please. When she does come in, tell her to come see me in my office, and if she calls or if you manage to reach her on the phone, please let me know."“I will, sir."I walked back to my office, my mind already thinking of different scenarios that would explain Ashley’s unreported absence. It seemed like I was right about Ashley regretting e
Jeff’s POV By the time I wrapped up things at the office that night, it was already far too late to go and see Ashley. Seeing and talking to her was all I had wanted to do all day, but I had been so busy all day. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing a hand over my face as exhaustion overcame me.The office was very quiet, almost eerily so, with only the faint hum of the air conditioner in it, and the occasional burst of conversation from the security people downstairs to disturb it. A soft knock came on my door, and at my quiet ‘come in,’ one of the cleaners poked his head in.“I'm sorry to disturb you, sir, but I wanted to ask if you're almost done?” he said.“Ah, yes, I am. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting for this long.”“Oh, no. It isn’t a problem, sir. These are my usual work hours. Besides, I was cleaning some other offices and only just finished.”“That’s good, then. I’ll pack up my things and be out in a moment.” I informed him, and he retreated.As promised, I made quick
Ashley’s POVThe two of us stood there for what felt like an eternity staring at each other, while I racked my brain for something … anything, to say. Absolutely nothing came to mind.“I … I …” I began to say, stammering, but there was nothing I could say that would explain away why I was standing in the middle of his room in his empty home and holding envelopes containing stuff that he definitely wouldn’t want anyone to ever lay eyes on.“Yes? You what, Ashley?” He asked in a deceptively quiet and calm voice, smiling at me as pleasantly as though he was asking if I wanted some tea.“I … Janet called me, so I came to see if she was alright, but she’s not here. She seemed down the last time I saw her. I came here the other day to see her, you know, and we had a fight. So I came to patch things up with her. I was just leaving.”He nodded as if he understood and agreed with what I just said. “I see … and is she?”“Huh?”“Is she alright?”I stared at him helplessly, thinking fast. This ps
Ashley’s POVAt first, I didn't find anything suspicious or weird-looking. Most of the papers that were littered around on the floor were official files, invoices, and other official-looking documents.I dropped my phone on the floor, using it to secure the stack of envelopes containing the threats, and moved like a robot around the room, my eyes scanning the mess of papers on the floor.I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I had found identical threatening notes to the ones I used to receive in Will's bedroom. So what was the theory here?Now wasn't the time to ponder on any of that. I was looking for something, but I didn't know what. All I knew was that I had to find it and leave this place before Will came back.My gaze landed on the only drawer in the room that hadn't been pulled open. It was almost untouched, but not quite. A few sheets of paper peeked out from the gap inside it.They were crumpled and uneven, as if they had been shoved inside it in a hurry. My pu
Ashley’s POVThe further I advanced up the stairs, the more pungent the smell of perfume and air freshener got, and the more convinced I was that whoever sprayed it was trying to mask another smell.The master bedroom door creaked softly as I pushed it open, and if I thought the smell was strong before, then I had been mistaken. In here, it was overpowering and literally choked me.Despite how powerful it was, I could still sense that underlying smell, which I still hadn’t been able to place. It didn’t matter, though, because in the next second, I got distracted as I stepped into the master bedroom.It was in total disarray and looked like a tornado had passed through there. Several drawers had been pulled open, and documents and all sorts of papers were scattered everywhere on the floor.At first, panic gripped me as I wondered if someone had tried to rob the house. The whole chaos looked deliberate … as if someone had been desperately searching for something. I looked around the roo
Ashley’s POVMy breath caught in my throat. I stared at the message, which was sent less than two hours ago. Help me? What on earth was going on? Why would Janet of all people need my help, considering how we parted the last time we saw each other?I quickly dialed her number and raised the phone to my ear. It rang and rang, but there was no answer. I pulled the phone away slowly, staring at it and wondering what was up with that.If she had been desperate enough to send that message, then why wasn't she answering her phone? I called her again, but still, the phone went unanswered. Maybe it was nothing then.Maybe she had sent the message in a moment of panic, but enough time had passed that everything was fine now, and she was back to not wanting to hear from me. I could just go home and forget all about it.After all, I didn't owe her anything … not anymore. But even as the thought crossed my mind, different scenarios, none of them good, kept springing up in my mind.What if she wer
Ashley’s POVMonday comes soon enough, and with it comes a flurry of activities that leaves me totally drained at the end of the day.At first, when I wake up that morning, I feel something akin to lightness in my chest because I have such high hopes for the day.Today, I'm finally going to get sta
Ashley’s POVThe following day, I come to work earlier than usual because I already know my day is going to be hectic and stressful.Claire is waiting for me by the elevators. Yesterday, she told me to come to work early today if I wanted to get anything done, so it makes sense that she's already h
Ashley’s POVFor the first time in several days, I managed to sleep soundly, even though I'm heartbroken at the fact that my money is gone, and that the bills keep piling up because of Janet’s hospital stay.Her case hasn't changed since the accident. She's still unconscious, and it breaks my heart
Ashley’s POV“Well, this is acceptable. You can go now. Return to your floor and try to look presentable.” She delivers her verdict, already scrolling away on her tablet. "Oh, and by the way, Jeff expects you to finish your reports today, so it will be in your best interest to do that."Acceptable







