Chapter 1

Ellie's POVIf you asked me when I fell in love with Asher Thorne- I wouldnt know what to tell you․Maybe when I was 8 years old or‚ maybe‚ when I was 17․Or maybe I had loved him so quietly for so long that by the time I realized I was in love with him-‚ the feeling was already there․So I dont remember the exact moment-․But I remember everything else.The rain in London.The sound of his laugh.He always used to walk on the side of the pavement which was closest to the road․His hand is warm around mine․He looked at me the way he used to‚ like there was nothing wrong with me at all․Like I am the perfect girl out thereI was a chubby little girl with a round face‚ big legs and a penchant for hiding behind big jumpers․ I hated being photographed․ I hated school uniforms․ I hated swimming lessons. Mostly‚ I hated mirrors․But these were insecurities that Asher never seemed to notice․Or maybe he just didn't care to notice them․I met Asher Throne when I was eight years old․We went

Last Updated : 2026-09-27

Chapter 2

Ellie's POVAfter graduation, I found a job.Asher joined his fathers company.He worked harder than anyone I knew-.He was brilliant. I had always known he would be.At first, his promotions made me ridiculously proud-.He had call me after a good meeting, sounding tired but pleased with himself-, and I'd listen to him talk about numbers and projects I barely understood-.Then came the bigger responsibilities.More meetings.More travel.More late nights.And, somehow, less of him.I never wanted to become the wife who complained about her husband's success.So I didn't,.When he cancelled dinner two hours before we were supposed to meet-, I told him it was fine,.“I'm sorry,” he said over the phone. “Something came up.”“It's okay.”“Are you sure?”“Of course-.”I always said that,.Of course, Its okay- Don't worry about it.When he forgot our anniversary plans I told him we could celebrate another day.“I am really sorry, Ellie-.”I remember sitting on the edge of our bed still dre

Last Updated : 2026-09-27

Chapter 3

Ellie's POVI didnt stay for the applause.The moment people started gathering around Asher and Olivia- I quietly stepped away from the crowd.I needed to leave,.I needed to get home before I did something embarrassing- like cry in front of people who didn't even know who I was-.I had almost reached the entrance when I heard someone call my name-."Eleanor?"I stopped.I turned around and saw Helen walking toward me.She smiled warmly-."You're leaving already?" she asked-."Yes. I was just going to head home." I forced a smile."But you haven't had dinner." Helen said "I am not really hungry-"She frowned-."Don't be silly. Come and have dinner with us." She replied and pulled my hand softly I shook my head."Really, Mrs. Thorne, it's quite late. I should—""Nonsense." She replied"You've barely spoken to us all evening. Come." she continuedI glanced toward the ballroom.I didn't want to.Not anymore.Especially not after what I had just seen-."I actually have something I need

Last Updated : 2026-09-27

Chapter 4

Ellie's POVBy the time I got home- it was almost midnight-.I closed the door behind me-.And then I broke.I don't remember taking off my shoes-.I don't remember putting my bag down-.I just remember standing in the middle of the living room- still wearing the dress I had chosen so carefully this evening- and feeling like something inside me had finally given up-.I covered my mouth with my hand to stop myself from making a sound but it didnt work- .A sob escaped anyway.Then another.I sank onto the sofa and pulled my knees toward my chest-I had spent the entire evening holding everything in-The smiles.The polite conversations.The dinner.Asher looking at me like I was someone from his childhood.Asher saying he'd never thought about marrying me.Asher announcing his engagement.I pressed my palms against my eyes.My mother.I needed my mother.My hand reached for my phone.Margaret.Her name was right there.I could call her.She was five hours away living in the countryside

Last Updated : 2026-09-27

Chapter 5

Asher's POVI didnt sleep much that night-Every time I closed my eyes I saw Ellie standing in our living room-Crying.I could still hear her voice.Was I a mistake?I hadn't answered her properly.I couldn't.Because the truth was complicated-Ellie wasnt a bad person- She was kind.Loyal.Warm.She had been there before anyone else knew my name.Before the company.Before the board.Before the interviews and photographs and people shaking my hand because they wanted something from me.She had known me when I was just Asher.And maybe that was the problem- I had fallen in love with her when I was just Asher.A boy.An eighteen-year-old who thought love was enough to build a life on-It wasnt-I had spent years telling myself that it was.That we would eventually tell our families.That I'd eventually make her my wife publicly.That everything would somehow fall into place.But now I was CEO.Every decision I made mattered.Every person beside me mattered.The company had relationshi

Last Updated : 2026-09-27

All Chapters of On Her Terms, At His Cost: Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5