All Chapters of TWISTED AFFAIR: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

RYAN'S POV The street was quieter than usual tonight. The kind of eerie quiet that clings to the air like fog. I stood across from Ashley's building, leaning against a streetlamp, cap over my face, jacked zipped up to the neck. My eyes never left her apartment window.Third floor. Light still on.I knew her routines better than I knew mine.She liked chamomile tea before bed. She always had her hair in that lazy bun when she's stressed out. Walking barefoot when she thought no one was watching. And tonight?She seems unsettled. I could see her pacing, stopping, pacing again. “Still beautiful,” I muttered to myself. “Still mine.” I stuffed my hands into my coat pockets and inhaled slowly. The New York Air had a bite, but it kept me alert.I'd changed my name a few days ago, got a clean ID, and a fresh license from a guy in the city who owed me a favour. Now I go by the name “Chris Landon.” Born in ohio. Clean record. I even had a fake address and a mailbox rental I checked weekly.T

MICHEAL'S POV The second I read Jayden’s text, my heart slammed in my chest like it wanted out. Liam’s here. I stared at the words for barely a second before shoving the phone back into my pocket. Ashley felt it.She pulled away gently, looking up at me with those tear-streaked eyes, her brows slightly furrowed. “What is it?”I hesitated, then kissed her forehead. “I promise I’ll explain later. Just stay here, okay? Don't go out, please. Stay inside and lock the door behind me.”Her fingers curled around my wrist as I turned.“Micheal…be careful.”I gave a light nod and walked out, my fists clenched, pulse thumping hard in my ears.I stepped out of her apartment and walked fast down the hallway. My blood was simmering, boiling, as I stepped into the elevator. Not just from the lies and the betrayal, but from the fact that my stepbrother has the guts to walk into my company after everything.The moment I entered the car, I dialled Jayden’s number.“He just walked in,” Jayden answered

ASHLEY'S POV “Michael, you're late.”I voiced out, shattering the silence as Michael stepped into his penthouse. I was laying on the couch in one of his sweatshirts, waiting quietly for him to be back with my legs drawn up under me. I didn't budge. I just looked at him.He closed the door behind him and rested against it for a second longer than usual. His tie was gone. The first three buttons on his shirt were undone, his sleeves squeezed from rolling them up, but it wasn't the clothes that had him looking ruffled up. It was his face. He looked worn out, tired, like he hadn't blinked in a while.I got up slowly and moved towards him.“You didn't return my calls. I was worried.”“Yeah,” he murmured weakly. “I'm sorry.” I waited for a second, then moved closer to him. He made no move. Not even when I extended my hand and mapped the rough line of his jaw with the pads of my fingertips.“Are you okay?” I asked softly.He didn't answer right away. He just looked through me as though he

ASHLEY'S POV “Ashley, you better not be late tomorrow. I mean it.” My dad said into the phone, his voice firm but distracted.I rolled my eyes, pushing my hair out of my face as I paced back and forth in the living room. “I know, dad. The charity event. I've got it marked like three times in my planner.”“It's not just any event, sweetheart. You know how much this means to your mother. It's the hospital's biggest fundraiser, and your name is listed as a co-host beside mine.”I froze. Co-host? “Wait, what now?”“We'll talk when you get here. Come to the house, will you? Now. We need to go over the prep.”Before I could ask more questions, he hung up. Typical Jayden.~~~~~~~~~~The sky has that shade of dark grey as the sun dipped low. My stomach twisted, but not from the nervousness of the event. Lately, going to my dad's house makes me feel some type of way. Guilt, maybe? Ever since I'd started seeing Michael—like really seeing him—I always felt like a bitch that betrayed his father

MICHEAL'S POV The sky has that golden shade of early morning light as I stood at my penthouse window, tying my cufflinks in the reflection of the glass. I wasn't the type to think much about my appearance because, honestly, I don't have to do too much to look good. But tonight was different. The charity event has always been a big deal, but this year? It kind of felt personal. Maybe because Ashley would be there, and for once in years, I wouldn't be alone. I can't wait to see that little brat of mine.I exhaled and adjusted the collar of my suit. It's a midnight blue classic Armani suit. Nothing too flashy, but well tailored and sharp enough to slice the air. Ashley always said I look too serious in black. “Baby, why not try other colours. You'll look less like a mafia boss,” she'd teased once.My phone buzzed on the marble counter of the bar. Jayden.“Michael, a quick update on the venue,” he said as soon as I picked up. “There has been a minor shift in the arrangement. We had to m