Ch. 21..25: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 21-25

Chapter 21: Someone moved in

"Now that’s my Ashley. " Alice squealed in happiness praising her friend.

Both Alice and Ashley never liked anyone looking down on them. They were that sleeping tigress who once provoke would think twice before slitting their enemy. And now it was Greg and Jane who tried to betray her then how was she going to let them go.

After talking with Alice, Ashley felt a little better. She was the one friend who didn’t judge her for her decision and accepted her even though she made numerous mistakes.

Slumping down on the bed Ashley felt her eyelids turn heavy and soon she drifted off to sleep.

In the room next to her, Tristan was busy working even though he said he would be enjoying his holiday. Being the CEO of Melanin brought him many responsibilities and he didn’t want to neglect them whenever his attention was needed.

Ending the conference call Tristan decided to go through the things which he would do by staying with her.

Ashley was the only woman who managed to catch his attention and now he wanted her to be more than a muse for him which he watched from far.

He recalled the event when he had first seen her among all the influential people who came for the award ceremony. He had walked inside the event hall without getting captured by the media and also kept his presence lowkey within the crowd.

There were barely a few businessmen who managed to recognize him and tried to approach him but Karl handle everything brilliantly without letting his presence known.

Between the midst of people, his eyes captured the figure of a woman whose beautiful smile reached his chords pulling the string of his heart and making him get swayed by her bewitching aura.

He had never seen such a pure and beautiful woman in his entire life who managed to break his reserve shell and bring him out of his workaholic life.

The way she spoke without leaving her smile and how her eyes widen whenever she heard something that surprised her made his heart sway by her beauty.

Tristan for once wanted to let go of his cautious head towards the girl who had caught his attention but before he could reach her he got an important call that made him leave the event without letting anyone know.

It was Karl who took the award on his behalf of him and after that, he never got the chance to ask her out because a few days later her relationship with Greg went public disheartening him and making him look at her from distance.

Remembering about his time back then when he thought he wouldn’t get a chance to let his heart to her but everything turned in his favor when Karl found out that Greg was cheating on Ashley.

He was so enraged by the bastard that he wanted to go and punch him black and blue until he realized what he had done. Greg was playing with Ashley’s feelings by fooling her making her believe that even he loved her but his lies didn’t stay unhidden when Ashley went to surprise him.

It was Tristan who asked Karl to send her the image of both Greg and Jane and let her know in which hotel they were staying.

Tristan had thought Ashley would just ignore some anonymous news and still keep her faith in Greg but he was wrong when he saw her heard towards the given address and the rest was history.

She was termed as the smartest lady by her fans but as a matter of heart, she believed the wrong person.

Closing his eyes Tristan tried to forget about the past as for now he wanted to focus on his present and how to make Ashley fall for him. He was going to be patient with her and let her feel his love before she agreed to marry him on her own.

Just the thought of marrying Ashley brought a smile to his lips and his thought drifted to what was Ashley doing at the moment.

Climbing down from the bed he walked towards this balcony and stepped out. Peeking to the other side he saw the glass door was closed.

Guessing she must be resting he walked back inside his room and continued with his search.

****

Alice’s apartment

Getting herself busy with cooking Alice finally made something edible for herself to eat. She wanted to make the best out of her day she decided to cook steak and spaghetti for herself.

Arranging the small dining table she was about to take her seat when she heard some noise coming outside from her house.

"Did someone move into the next apartment" Alice knitted her brow and heard the noise getting louder?

Ignoring the commotion outside she concentrated on the food in front of her eyes and started to savor it.

By the time she was done eating every small piece on her plate, the noise outside her house had also reduced.

She had been the only person who was living on the last floor of this building while the house next to her was vacant till today but not anymore. With the way the owner of the house arrived with a loud and noisy entrance she hoped whoever it was wouldn’t try to befriend her.

She liked to keep her distance from strangers and never like to get close to them. Being alone for more than five years had made her keep herself isolated from unknown people.

Picking up the empty plates she was about to walk toward the kitchen when she heard the doorbell ring.

Keeping the plate in the sink she washed her hand had walked to open the door.

"Sorry to disturb you but can you help me in picking this box," Noah said looking at the woman when his eyes widen realizing who she was..," YOU..."

When Alice had finally thought she had forgotten the morning unfortunate incident, the personal omen came and stood in front of her door.

Noah’s lips curved up with amusement and leaned on the door frame watching the lady who had fought with him in the morning.

"We meet again" his teasing tone irked Alice.

She kept her face straight not showing him how badly she wanted to scratch that beautiful face of his. If she even had the slightest idea that he was going to be her new neighbor she would’ve vacant her house.

She looked down at the box and then back at him," I don’t help strangers"

"But we already knew each other don’t we" Noah was surprised by her audacity to reject him on his face which made him see how feisty she was.

Alice wanted to shut the door right onto his face so his lame smirk would wash off forever. She knew her blood was boiling inside her body but she still kept her calm and force a smile.

"I am sorry but I don’t remember you. And if you are done then I am busy-" she was about to close the door when Noah blocked it.

"Is this how you shove a needy person when he asks for help" Noah did imagine she would try to shut the door on him but when she did he let go of his mischief and turned serious.

Alice halt her action and pulled the door open looking at how serious he was now. If he would have kept it neutral she wouldn’t have to shove him this way.

Letting out a sigh she agreed to help him move the big box which the men he appointed left just like that.

"Ugh.. why is it so heavy" Alice felt like he had packed a big rock inside the box which made her run out of breath.

"Gaming system," he said cheekily and they both carried the box to his apartment.

Placing the box in the living hall, Alice’s eyes scanned the house and she was surprised to see so much furniture and much different stuff for a man who was going to live here alone.

"What? Haven’t you seen someone shifting before" Noah who was staring at Alice found her arch on her brow and that made him ask her?

"I have seen it, but I have seen so many appliances before. I mean are you sure you are going to live here alone" Alice who really couldn’t believe her eyes were surprised to see him bring so many goods along.

"Do you doubt? They are all mine and being a gamer I need to be prepared okay"

Noah was never once told of being too much when it came to his needs. Being a spoilt brat he had got want her wanted and never thought one day he would be told about it.

Alice saw him get offended by her blurt words but she couldn’t stop herself. She just said what came to her mind and she didn’t care if he felt bad or anything.

"I think I have helped you enough, now I’ll take my leave" saying she walked out of his house without waiting for his answer and headed to her apartment shutting the door with a loud thud.

"Why is she always in hurry" shrugging his shoulder Noah too closed the door and walked in.

Chapter 22: Not again

By the time Ashley woke up, it was evening. She slept for too long that she didn’t even realize that had already started to turn dark.

"I slept for too long" getting up lazily she brushed her eyes and looked out.

Ashley had so much to eat for lunch that made her fall asleep without any effort.

’Thanks to the tasty food’ she said and climbed down from the bed.

It was her first day here and yet she hasn’t done anything exciting, to begin with. Thinking for a while she remembered knowing a pool that was built on the terrace of the building.

"Good.. how about go for a swim," she said excitedly and rushed to get herself change.

Reaching the terrace of the building Ashley looked at the empty swimming pool and felt relaxed that no one was around except her.

Removing her robe she stood wearing a black lace swimsuit that fitted perfectly on her body showing her sexy curves.

Tying her hair into a bun she stepped inside the pool adjusting to its temperature.

While coming here, her eyes looked at the closed door of Tristan’s room and felt relaxed that he wouldn’t follow her.

She began to swim and let herself get relax inside the warm water. She wanted this kind of peace in her mind which didn’t let her remember her heartbreak.

"How I wish Alice would also have been here" Ashley muttered...

"Whom do you wish to have here?" a loud voice startle her and she turned to see Tristan standing wearing his boxers.

"Not again..." she cursed rolling her eyes and turning away resuming her swim.

Tristan stepped inside the pool and joined Ashley but the women ignored him as he wasn’t present there.

Swimming towards her he blocked her way which made her rise up and glare at him with anger," Why did you block me" her irritated voice came loud.

Tristan who heard her felt a sudden irritation in his heart when he thought about her missing that Greg guy. He didn’t want her to have the slightest memory of that cheater who broke her heart.

Holding her by her shoulder Tristan looked at her annoyed face. He could tell that something was bugging her and he wanted to know.

"You didn’t answer me.. who were you expecting here with you" his voice held a trace of coldness in it which made her shiver in the warm water.

Ashley who had seen this deadpan face made remember how he had asked her to take responsibility for taking advantage of him.

Keeping a straight face she jerked his hand away from her shoulder and began to swim again.

She didn’t want to answer him because his dominating and controlling behavior was annoying her.

Letting out a sigh Tristan turned back and began to swim letting go of her words and just being casual around her.

Ashley who found him turn silent without pestering her made her stop and she said," My friend Alice. I was expecting her to be here with me"

Ashley didn’t know why she explained herself but his silence was bothering her. She had always seen him being mischief around her and his sudden quietness was disturbing her.

Tristan stopped his movement and his lips curled up. He was getting upset thinking about nothing.

Facing her he walked to where she stood staring straight at him.

"I told you earlier too I can be your travel companion if you let me be. In that way you wouldn’t feel lonely" he stopped right in front of her with a smirk lingering on his lips.

Ashley hated that teasing look on his face but when she stared at it for long she found him more charming.

She thought about it when she returned after their lunch. It wasn’t a bad idea to let Tristan be with her unless he wouldn’t test her patience. If was good with her all the time she wouldn’t mind his presence.

"You should have said it earlier. I wouldn’t have spoiled my mood" he muttered under his breath hiding his displeased look.

Tristan would’ve kept burning in jealously just thinking about Ashley still having a soft corner for her ex.

Ashley who heard him chuckle at how cute he looked with that complaining voice.

She didn’t know this tall and handsome man would have a childish side in him too and that made him look like a cute little kid.

Ashley felt her lips stretch into a smile which made Tristan look at her in confusion.

"Did I say something funny?" he asked and saw her suppress her smile by covering her mouth.

Tristan couldn’t guess what she was thinking didn’t take it any longer and wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her closer to him.

"Tell me what you are thinking" his hoarse voice make her stop smiling and she found herself getting drawn in his blue eyes.

They were just like the water beneath them clear and pure.

Ashley who forgot to push him felt like melting in his embrace. His gentle touch of holding her made her kneels fall weak and felt herself getting bewitched by his charming face.

"I- I don’t know w-what you are t-talking about" she muttered as she couldn’t think straight.

Her mind was turning into a mess with the closeness of their body and she felt like her blood rushing through her veins making her cheeks turn pink.

Tristan was quite amused with the way her cheeks tint into pink letting him know that his closeness was bothering her in a good way.

He knew she would have pushed him by now if she wasn’t liking it.

Ashley didn’t realize when his hand rested on her cheeks and she brushed it lightly," You are blushing.." she heard him say which broke her composure pushing him away from her.

"I-it’s too hot here. I need to leave" avoiding him she turned back and step out of the pool amused Tristan.

Wearing the robe back she closed her eyes shutting them tight. She knew Tristan must have been laughing at her but what was she supposed to do when he was so close to her.

Before she could run away from there she heard them say," You didn’t answer me Ashley" his words made her turn back at him.

He stepped out of the pool showing his good-built body making her irresistible to ignore his stunning personality. Those wet hair and that pink rosy lips were making her pounce on him but she brushed off her thought when she was him stopping right in front of her.

"Huh.."

Tristan rolled his eyes looking at how clueless this girl was forgetting everything that he said to her.

"You know you are not that smart that you try to show everyone. This brain of yours is too slow to recognize" he flicked her forehead making her whine in pain.

"Ow. Tristan" she glared at him looking like a cute angry bird.

"Okay, I won’t tease you but at least answer me. Would you like me to be your travel partner? I promise to keep a good company" his genuine approach made her skip her anger and nodded her head.

Ashley had already made up her mind to agree with him and since she kept recalling her father’s words she wanted to see if Tristan was trustworthy just as he said. And having him along on this trip would make her know him more.

"But if you do pester me. I will smack that smirk off your face" warning him she saw him chuckle and they both walked out heading to their respective room.

****

Melanin International

"Why does he have to give me loads of files to read in one day" Gwen who was going through the company’s history couldn’t help but feel proud of his father and brother who put their sweat to bring the company to a position where it stood now.

"How I wish to become like them" she muttered reading the final report which had the annual profit of Melanin.

As she was busy going through the file Karl walked out of the meeting room and headed to see if she was fine with the work he had given her.

When he reached her desk his steps slowed down when he found her completely focus on her work.

Karl had never associated with Gwen before so he didn’t know that she was just like her brother when it came to working. The way she fixed her eyes on the papers she read made him think highly about her.

She was twenty-three and was soon going to graduate but she wasn’t like that young teenager who liked enjoying their life. Her dedication to learning surprised him.

Heading towards her desk he stopped in front of her and asked," Miss Gwen have you completed the work given to you"

Gwen who was so focused on reading the file didn’t realize when Karl came and stood in front of the table.

Chapter 23: Am I loosing my mind

Lifting her head she saw Karl looking at her intently.

’When did he come here she thought staring at him back in a daze.

Gwen who was surprised to see him standing in front of her suddenly found his face handsome.

’Wait.. what!!’ she screamed inside but didn’t shout loud.

Gwen had seen Karl working for her brother for more than five years now. Being around then never once did she see his good-looking face.

That well-gelled hair pulled back gave him a prince-like look. That spec he wore did hide his black eyes but that didn’t overshadow his beautiful face and last but not least his six feet tall figure made him look not less than a runway model.

’How didn’t I see him before.. he is damn handsome’ she thought but didn’t voice it aloud.

Karl who saw her staring at him in a daze cleared his throat breaking her thoughts," Ahem.. Miss Gwen I asked you something" he said again and this time found Gwen opened her mouth, and then close it back.

Karl was confused on why this constantly talking girl took the time to answer him back. She was never out of words by today she was finding a word to speak. Did he load her with too much work on the very first day of her joining?

"Um. Mr. Assistant- ah..NO sir.." she stumbles on her words and averted her eyes because she was took feeling tongue tide after gawking at him like a fool.

Karl frowned when he saw her avoiding him and that alerted him.

"Miss Gwen are you okay??.. I mean you don’t seem to be well" he asked with concern and lifted his hand to touch her forehead.

He checked her temperature and frowned," Everything seems normal" he said and pulled back his hand.

Gwen who stood like a dumb idiot couldn’t react to his reflex and kept standing without answering him.

Being the most popular and intelligent girl in her college yet she didn’t let any boy fly around her. She felt it was all waste of time to date her batchmate and divert her attention from her studies. But now when she looks at this man her thoughts began to waver.

’Am I losing my mind’ she thought and saw Karl stare at her with even more concern?

Composing her thoughts she cleared her throat and let out a fake chuckle," Hehe.. Mr. Assistant.. oops.. I mean sir. I am fine it’s just I wasn’t expecting you here" she said scratching her neck and avoided meeting his gaze.

"Oh. I thought I just exhausted you with loads of work" Karl who finally saw the frozen girl speak felt a bit relieved that she was all good.

Looking at him for a while she saw him look at the file in her hand which made her recall his question earlier.

"Oh.. sorry to keep you waiting, Sir. I have finished reading the company’s overall working history and even noted down the points which we need to work on further" Gwen was very careful when it came to the work she was put into and she made sure she would do her best.

Karl was impressed with how Gwen finished the task that was given to her on time and even picked out the points that would be needed to look on.

Nodding his head and lifted his hand and looked at the time before looking back at Gwen," It’s time for us to leave" saying he turned to leave but stopped and turned back.

He opened his mouth to say something but stopped thinking it wasn’t his stand to praise her. Looking at Gwen for a second he turned around and walked out from there.

****

Ashley’s suite

After agreeing with Tristan Ashley returned to her suite and got changed. She couldn’t believe how easily she found herself getting smitten by his charm that she made a fool out of herself again.

Why was he so intimidating that it didn’t take a second for her to feel her knees go weak? He had this appealing aura that changed from frightening to awe.

"I need to keep control of myself. He is too dangerous when he is close to me" she muttered and walked towards her bed.

Even though she had agreed with him and let him join her on the trip she wasn’t sure how long she was going to keep her thoughts about him together.

She had noticed how her body begin to heat up whenever he was close to her. She had felt her heart pound against her chest as if it was soon going to come out and show its presence.

Brushing off her thoughts about him she looked at the time and she was again feeling hungry. This time she asked for dinner in her suite as she didn’t want to step out.

When her food arrived, Ashley ate it and then headed to her balcony to make Miley a call.

She knew Miley might look timid and a less confident person but it wasn’t what she showed up to all.

That girl was smart enough to trick a situation by making the person believe in it completely. Miley liked to work according to the situation and if she gets he hand into it she makes sure to work until she gets the best final results.

As the call connect Ashley heard Miley’s tired voice, "What happened Mil why do you sound so stressed out" smirking she tease her manager.

Miley on the other end felt like being bullied by her boss after making her run and shove everyone who came to inquire about her. And the one who was too difficult to handle was Jane... her newly formed enemy.

Hiding her anger Miley chuckled and listened to Ashley but her composure broke when she heard her chuckle.

’Why is she likes to tease me always’ Miley cried internally when Ashley stopped making fun of her and came to speak on the main topic.

" How are things going there Miley. Did you handle everything well? " she asked letting go of her fun mood.

Miley finally felt that the torture was over composed herself and spoke, "Yes ma’am everything is under control here and I have even taken care of Miss Jane’s nagging. She seems to be too much eager to meet you but I talk about it directly to her team and they seem to have handled it with her" Miley said letting out a relieved sigh.

She spoke like a robot who only stopped when every possible detail was spoken.

Ashley nod her head in understanding and thought for a while. She knew Jane must have been itching to meet her because only she had the power to let the accusation made over Greg taken back and he would acquire his reputation back clearing his name.

"Good to hear that. Make sure she doesn’t pester you again and also keep me updating about the work Greg picks up this time. I am sure now he is using Jane to get his career back on track and the kind of fool Jane believes that the man seriously loves her" Ashley sneered realizing how stupid Jane was to believe that Greg was still sticking to her because he loved her.

Getting Ashley’s words they ended the call and she turned to get inside her room when her eyes fell on the balcony next to hers and she frown finding it close.

"Is he already asleep" she muttered guessing and walking inside her room.

Chapter 24: A robot

While Ashley thought that Tristan was asleep, the man in the next suite was wide awake and was making a list of places he would talk to her so that she would forget this memorable trip with him.

"I think we should start with sightseeing. I have heard there are many beautiful places here where we could enjoy our time touring" Tristan muttered making a note of the final place they would end up last tomorrow.

He was sure the girl had no clue about what she was supposed to be doing here alone. She had never been alone on her own after she became a model. Either her manager or her entire team would be traveling with her and being the center of attraction the girl didn’t even bother to think where she was.

Wasn’t that he was complaining because he knew she was pampered through her entire life and even after becoming a sensation that pampering didn’t stop. So, just to make sure she doesn’t feel clueless he took the lead to guide her throughout their stay here.

Making sure he had made the arrangements perfectly that’s when he laid down on the bed and closed his eyes.

Tristan only wished their stay here would bring them closer and he would manage to make even the smallest place in her heart by then.

***

Back in country S, Greg was having a hard time getting him some project which would help him clear the reputation of a play that Ashley purposely claimed on him and threw him out from his current projects with her.

He was fed up with answering every media interview that it was all fake and nothing according to the news was true. But even after giving multiple interviews still he couldn’t completely clear his name.

Now that his career was going through a rough patch his only hope was Jane. He knew she was the only one who would help him bring his life back on track.

"Why haven’t I heard anything from Jane" he muttered playing with his cellphone.

Later that day when Jane had forcefully slammed the cellphone ending the call abruptly she had thought he didn’t hear any of her words. But in reality, he was leaning close to the door and heard every word she spoke.

Greg heard she was talking with Miley and was very desperate to set a private meeting with her. He was happy that his fake love for her was finally paying off. He knew Jane was a fool from the beginning he started an affair with her.

He only used her for satisfying his desire and need because Ashley never let him touch her. She was very careful in their relationship and wanted it to grow eventually. She had barely agreed to kiss him when he said that she didn’t love him as she claimed to.

He had to fool her just to get kissed by her luscious lips and that was it. After that she never let him touch her physically because she wanted to take that step when they would get married.

Greg had always found her thoughts foolish because even after being in a relationship with him for more than two years yet she couldn’t satisfy his needs.

Nevertheless, soon he found a replacement for it and that was Jane. When he found her seducing him it didn’t take time for his resolve to break and they ended up having sex.

Greg slowly learned that Jane had always liked and adored him but he picked Ashley over here and that dishearten her. But he slowly manipulated her making her believe that he would soon leave Ashley once the right time comes.

He wasn’t a fool to let go of a golden chick who would make his future bright just because of Jane. He knew even Jane was beautiful and famous but the opportunities which he got being with Ashley, Jane wouldn’t have given him.

It was his bad luck that Ashley found him cheating on her and he couldn’t explain it to her like he always did. He hope she would come to him after that night but when he found that she took down all the articles about their relationship and even deleted their pictures from their social media account he found it was useless to explain to her.

Being with her had made him understand one thing about Ashley and that was very stubborn and if she decides to break off ties with anyone she wouldn’t turn back again.

He knew there wasn’t any space left for an explanation between them so he decided to make his relationship with Jane official which eventually came into their favor and everyone around adore them as a couple but even that happy time didn’t last long when Ashley did such thing which made every company remove him from the endorsement.

Greg waited for any news to pop up so he could start preparing further but it had been one whole day and he haven’t heard anything from the spy he had appointed to spy on Jane.

Frustrated by the lack of response he was about to call him either when his phone rang. The call came from the same man so without any delay he picked it up and yelled at him," What took you so long..."

The man name Jason felt a shiver run down his spine when he heard Greg’s deadpan voice.

He gulped down hard and fumble as he spoke," Sorry for the delay sir. I promise it won’t happen again" Jason said.

Greg let go of his anger and calmed down because he knew the man he picked to spy on Jane wasn’t just a wanderer but was a skilled person who won’t give him any false details.

"Spill.." he said and heard him say.

"Sir, Miss Jane had set an appointment with Miss Ashley but suddenly her manager canceled their meeting and ask her to wait until her boss approves a new day for them to meet" his words made Greg frown but then he heard him continue again, "And sir there is also one thing I found about Miss Ashley" he paused.

"What is it?" Greg said with annoyance.

"Sir Miss Ashley is not in country S" his sudden declaration made Greg ask, "WHAT!! Where did she go all of sudden" Greg asked?

"I-I couldn’t find out about it. Her manager seems to be very careful about her absence and kept her whereabouts securely hidden" Jason said and found Greg turn silent.

Jason who had been working for Greg for many years knew how bad his temper was and he only wished this much information was enough to clear his doubt. He waited to hear back from him as the second dropped when.

"Hmm.. okay make sure to find when she would be returning and inform me as soon as possible" saying he ended the call and threw the phone aside.

Greg was left in a deep thought guessing whether Ashley had suddenly left and that too without any word.

****

Gwen collected her bag and walked out of the company’s building. Since her first day of work went well she was feeling proud of herself.

Stepping out at the main entrance she found Karl already waiting for her arrival. Without wasting any time she hopped into the car and they drove away from the workplace.

Inside the silent car, Gwen kept stealing a glance at Karl’s side profile. His pointed nose and that sharp jawline were messing with her thoughts.

After rejecting so many proposals she had received till now, she had thought there was no one in this entire world to whom she would get attracted. But no she was wrong because the thought which she had been carrying in her mind was slowly fading making her believe that there was someone whom she could adore.

Karl who found Gwen’s constant stare at him cleared his throat breaking her trance, "Ahem.. Miss Gwen, do you want something" he asked because the way she kept looking at him made him guess that she needed something but was holding it back.

Gwen who was caught while gawking chuckled in embarrassment that made Karl confuse.

’Did I say something funny’ he thought looking at her.

’Why was he so cute’ Gwen who had never noticed Karl until now had finally started to see him apart from her brother’s assistant.

"Mr. Assistant, are you always this reserved around women. I mean is such a handsome man haven’t you ever associated with any women in your life" Karl who couldn’t understand why she was suddenly talking about women in front of him shook his head.

"Then why are you always so cautious around me. Do I scare you or something" she asked turning around to see him avert his gaze to the road back?

All these years she had seen Karl with Tristan and never once saw him talk much. Even if he said something it was all related to work and nothing more.

Sometimes she felt he was a robot specifically customized to work only for his

Chapter 25: You saw it

Reaching the Knight mansion Karl opened the door for Gwen to step out. As she took a step to walk Gwen stopped and turned to see Karl.

"I know you don’t like to groom around but try to loosen up when you are around me, Karl. You can’t always act like a robot" her words made him look at her with surprise.

Shrugging her shoulder she turned and left from there leaving an impression on Karl that curled his lips into a smile.

***

Inside the tranquil room, Ashley had been sleeping peacefully when all of sudden she heard the doorbell ring. Knitting her brows she stirred a little and tried to open her eyes.

Cursing the person in her mind she climbed down from the bed and headed to open the door. Who had a death wish early morning, she muttered and opened the door.

"Good morning princess" she heard a cheerful voice that made her dizzy mind clear and her eyes opened fully looking at the person who stood in front of her door.

Her face immediately turned stern and she asked," Do you have a death wish Tristan. Why the hell are you disturbing my beauty sleep" she gritted her teeth and glared at him.

Tristan by now was used to Ashley’s cold behavior towards him and didn’t mind when she would get annoyed by him. Rather he would find it funny to pester her and get a response even if it was an irritated one.

Flicking her forehead he pushed her away and stepped inside her suite.

"I think you forgot that we have been here to enjoy our trip and not just waste our time sleeping" saying he turned and saw her face getting even worse.

Ignoring her glare looked around and just scanned the entire room.

Ashley who wanted to go and break his leg controlled her urge. This man was so shameless that he didn’t think twice before entering her room. Did he know the basic manner before entering any women’s room?

Shutting the door she walked towards him and stopped tapping his shoulder making him turn," You need to ask my permission before entering mister" her voice held annoyance as she spoke with him.

Tristan turned and was amused to see the glare she shot at him. Bending down to her level he looked deep into her black orbs, "Why do I need to take permission to enter my future wife’s room" his words were so clear that they immediately dissipated Ashley’s anger and she found herself tongue-tied.

"W-who said I am going to marry you" she fumbled and took a step back getting startled by his claim.

Tristan felt so sure that she was going to accept him and that thought made her feel giddy. She had seen the determined look in his eyes though it was for a fraction of a second yet she couldn’t ignore it.

Smirking at her cute intimidated face, Tristan couldn’t help but pull her close to him which took her by surprise.

"What are you doing.." Ashley who found herself trapped in his arm within a second was left clueless about what just happened.

"Time will tell whether you will marry me or not but I am damn sure that you will eventually like me. Just wait for the day when you will love me crazily Ashley and I promise to give you every happiness you have ever wished for" Ashley felt herself getting swift into his passionate-looking eyes that spoke sincerity.

Her heart sudden pace fast as she kept on staring into his blue orbs. Why was his every word making her believe him? Why was he so damn determined to make her like him.. she didn’t know but whatever he said right now made her want to trust him.

She had never felt so secure in her entire life but his words comforted her to an extent where she wanted to agree with him.

Watching her turn silent and complete in a daze, Tristan curled his lips into a smile and tap the tip of her nose," Will you just keep staring at me, or do you want to tour around" his playful chuckle broke her trance and she found her mind getting clearer.

His contagious smile felt like a new breeze of happiness to her from where she didn’t want to pull apart.

"Give me some time to get ready," she said and saw him loosen his arms around her waist and take a step back.

"I will be waiting for you in the lobby" saying it with a content smile he walked out of her suite letting Ashley get ready before they start their day.

****

Tristan was patiently waiting for Ashley in the lobby while his eyes were fixed on the elevator when the door slide opened and Ashley walked out wearing a Ruched A-line dress that reach her knee.

She had allowed her hair to fall resting on her shoulder and had applied very light makeup which did hide her original beauty.

’She will be my death one day’ Tristan muttered and walked to her stopping in front of her.

He was left awestruck by her everlasting beauty that muddle his mind making him lose his sense.

"You look beautiful," he said and held her hand bringing it up to kiss.

Ashley who liked his sweet gesture didn’t retreat her hand back and let him do whatever he wanted. She had never felt so loved before not even with Greg too but Tristan was making her feel special and she felt her heart getting inclined to him.

Hiding her blush she lowered her eyes and pulled back her hand," Thank you.. even you look handsome" she said and saw him lean close to her ear whispering," Is that so?" pulling back he smirked and saw her blush even more.

"Shall we leave?" he asked and she nod her head as they both head out.

As they stepped into the main entrance a Black Mercedes was already waiting for them.

"Are you going to drive?" Ashley asked when she saw the driver standing car flashing a light smile on his face.

"Do you want others to disturb us" winking he walk ahead and took the keys from the driver leaving Ashley’s ears to turn red on his perverted thoughts?

She immediately rushed towards the car and stepped in before anyone could see how red she had already turned.

"You shouldn’t be shameless with your words publicly" closing off the door she turned and scolded Tristan.

"Why should I oblige when in the upcoming future you are going to be bombarded with these shameless words constantly" chuckling he started the engine and the car drove away from the resort.

Ashley on the other hand couldn’t only ignore his bold words and focus her attention on the road ahead.

"Are you even familiar with the roads here? I mean you should have asked your driver to drive us" Ashley asked with hesitation because she didn’t know if Tristan knew the roads.

"Don’t worry we won’t get lost and even if we did then wouldn’t it be great, at least we can be together without any disturbance" Tristan again teased her and looked ahead.

"No way I don’t want to get stuck with you after knowing your pervert thoughts" she rejected plainly and turned her head to the side as they cross the tall trees.

Their car was heading deep into the city side which was quite a distance from the resort’s location.

Ashley kept thinking about where he was taking her. She even wanted to ask him but stopped herself from getting buried in embarrassment with his shameless words.

After some time their journey finally came to an end and their car stopped in front of a restaurant.

Stepping out of the car she looked at the place which wasn’t that bigger but still, its interior impressed her.

"Come let’s go" she heard Tristan’s voice and they both headed inside.

As soon as they stepped in a man came and greeted them. By the looks of his attire, he seemed to be the manager of the restaurant.

He immediately greeted Tristan and guided them both to a different private room. She was impressed with how Tristan kept his eyes everywhere as they walked to the place which was mainly booked for them.

"I hope you both enjoy it," the manager said and left the place once they were finally inside the room.

"I didn’t know you would be so mindful in picking up a place where we wouldn’t get clicked" Ashley was impressed by how thoughtful he was in selecting the location where they wouldn’t be recognized by the paparazzi.

"You saw them" Tristan was surprised by her attentiveness around her.

" Did you think blocking my vision would spare them from my eagle-like eyes" chucking she flipped her hair back from her shoulder and rolled her eyes, " No ways... there are like a virus who like lurking around me 24*7 how can I not recognize them"