Ch. 76..80: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 76-80

Chapter 76: That was quick

Ashley didn’t realize her being in pain would affect Tristan this much that he would blame himself for not protecting her. But in reality, it wasn’t even his fault.

She kept hugging him until he relaxed and pulled back. His eyes held fear, but she couldn’t understand why.

"I am not that strong as you think of me, Tristan. Even, though I feel the pain but after going through so much in life I managed to overcome it eventually" Ashley didn’t realize when she became obliged to pain that she came to handle everything on her own.

She grew up without a mother. Her father was the only family she had. But even after having him, she couldn’t bring herself to tell him everything that bothered her.

Some things were shared only between a woman, and she had no one to talk to until Alice entered the picture.

She felt lucky enough to have someone who shared the same thoughts as her and would feel better venting her anger, frustration, and even happiness with her. She could talk with her about everything and anything. She became her best friend.

Tristan saw her turn quiet as if she was thinking something, and he reached to cup her face," Then depend on me. I was hoping you could share your every pain and happiness with me. I want to you, Ash. I want to be the first person who comes to your mind when you can’t make a decision. I want you to lean on me."

He spoke so much that she felt her heart skip a beat. She didn’t know her keeping things away from him would hurt him, and he would end up talking so much.

She always thought him to be playful with her, but today she could see the depth in his every word and care. He didn’t say them to impress her, but he meant every word.

He told the truth when he said she was the first woman in his life. When he said he would protect her, he told the truth. His every word and action spoke of his devotion to her.

How did she get so lucky to find Tristan? She couldn’t understand. Her father was right when he said she would be loved to no extent and cherished, and the person who would give the whole world would be Tristan.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, tied him up, and sealed his lips. She couldn’t stop herself from falling for him because he made her feel special every second, and that was enough for her to love him.

"I love you..." she said, pulling back and seeing the shocked look on Tristan’s face.

"W-what did you s-say," he asked, blinking his eyes, confused if he heard it wrong.

Ashley smiled and again kissed him, saying against his lips," I love you, Tristan" her words were so clear that they broke his frozen state, and he wrapped his arms around her back, deepening the kiss into a passionate one.

How long he waited for this day to come. He liked her for so long but never got the chance to tell her until today.

He poured his love in that one kiss and pulled back when they ran out of breath, panting, trying to catch air. Resting their forehead together, Tristan looked into her eyes," I love you more, Ash. You can’t even imagine" brushing their nose, he smiled and pulled away.

The contentment in his eyes spoke of how happy he was. Pulling her again, he pecked her lips repeatedly and smiled in satisfaction," You don’t know how glad I am right now. You made me the luckiest man in the whole world, Ash" he picked her up and swirled her around.

Ashley was too happy that she finally expressed her feeling for him and didn’t keep it holding back. She had long understood that she had fallen for him, but she never told it, but now she didn’t want to keep him waiting. She would keep telling him every time how much she loved him and how her heart had finally let go of the past.

Carefully placing her down, he hugged her back and was about to say something when Ashley’s phone rang.

"I need to take this," she said and slowly walked to the side table, picking up her phone and attending the call.

"Ma’am, I found the person who entered the changing room. She’s someone from the crew, but-" Miley paused and heard Ashley ask.

"But what Miley?" Ashley frowned when she found her hesitant.

"I couldn’t find that girl anywhere since last afternoon" her words deepened Ashley’s frown.

"I heard she left the job", she continued.

Ashley kept silent for a second before she said," Keep an eye on Jane. I know she has some connection with her"

Ashley couldn’t go wrong in knowing Jane because after what she did to her on the set, such was sure she also did the damaging part of the dress. And she only needed proof.

Informing her something more, Ashley ended the call and turned to see Tristan standing with his hand folded," What did she do this time" his voice, void of any emotion, asked her.

His sharp eyes looked at her in anticipation, and all she did was take a deep breath and spill everything to him.

"You are telling this to me now when I asked you." Tristan flared and continued to scold," What if I didn’t hear, you wouldn’t have told me."

Ashley knew she was at fault and was ready to listen to him scold her. But even if she said she was ready, she still didn’t want to witness his angry side.

"Sorry..." she lowered her head and heard him sigh.

’How was I supposed to stay angry with her? Tristan sighed in defeat and walked to her, pulling her into a hug.

"It’s okay. I forgive you for now but-" pulling back, he warned," Next time, don’t hide anything from me. And if you do, I will ask my spy to keep an eye on you" he was serious because previously, when he found out about the picture she had asked him to let her managed it on her own but this time it came to her life.

What if something significant had happened, he couldn’t even imagine it.

Ashley nodded her head and watched him smile a little." Do you have any shoot today" he asked just to ease the air.

"Hmm... but it will end soon. I would be free by evening," she answered and saw him hum.

"Okay then, be ready in the evening. We will go out," Tristan said, but then he remembered something," Are you sure your leg doesn’t hurt," he asked again to make sure she wasn’t lying.

"No... now will you excuse me for getting ready" she pushed him aside and walked inside the bathroom.

Tristan smiled, watching her get annoyed, but soon that smile dropped when he remembered Jane.

Making a call to Karl, he informed him of something before ending it and walked out of the room.

*****

Melanin

[ Gwen’s desk]

Gwen was working when her eyes raised, and she looked at Karl through the glass wall of his cabin. He was fully engrossed with his work, and that made Gwen frustrated.

"Can’t he just once look at me? At least give me some hope that my plan of avoiding him is working," mumbling to herself, she looked back at the screen.

Inside Karl’s cabin, after talking with Tristan, he began to concentrate on his work when Gwen’s thoughts crossed his mind, and he raised his eyes and looked at Gwen.

After what she said in the elevator, Karl felt a little strange. Shouldn’t he be happy that she understood whatever he said was the truth and they had no future together but then, why wasn’t he happy?

Looking at her through the glass wall, Karl watched her work when he saw her lift her head and immediately looked down.

"Phew... that was quick", he muttered and looked at the document in front of him.

He didn’t want to see her sad eyes because they didn’t shine back whenever he saw them.

’Maybe that’s all it has to be’, he said to himself and continued working.

*****

Alice stepped out of her house and walked toward the elevator before entering. Reaching the parking area, she was about to take her car when she heard a loud honk," Ugh!!"

Turning her head to the other side, she looked at Noah, who waved his hand from his car.

"Have you decided to scare me every time we meet" Alice wasn’t expecting to see him since it wasn’t that early?

"Come get in. I will drop you at the studio," he asked, and without making, any scene, Alice entered the car, and they soon left from there.

Inside the car, Alice looked at Noah, who looked happy than usual, and she couldn’t help but ask," You look happy today. May I ask the reason."

"I thought you wouldn’t come soon, and I was about to leave, but you appeared on time," he said casually, and she arched her brows in amazement.

 

Chapter 77: It’s mute

Amazed by his answer, Alice asked him," You were waiting for me all this time?" she couldn’t help but come to think it.

"Hmm"

Widening her eyes in surprise, Alice looked at Noah like he had grown two heads.

This man gave her back-to-back shocks, and she felt her heart would jump out of her mouth.

Noah waited for her to say something, but when he didn’t, he asked," What are you doing this evening?" his words broke her trance, and she shook her head," Huh! um... nothing"

"If you don’t mind, can I take you somewhere?" he asked, turning to see her this time.

Alice felt her heart skip a beat. This man was asking for her permission. How did this sudden change occur in him?

Noah wanted to spend time with her and get to know her more. She had just recovered from her accident, and he wanted her to feel at ease, and the best way he could think was to take her out.

Alice thought for a while before agreeing to him and saw him smile.

’Was he that happy’ she asked herself and turned her eyes away from him.

Her lips curled on her own when she remembered the smile he had just now given her, and she liked it to her surprise. It wasn’t a bad idea either. Since they were friends, she didn’t mind spending time with him.

*****

Tristan’s cabin

Luke and Tristan were going through some points that Gwen marked out, and they were pretty impressed with how they didn’t see them.

"Good work Miss Gwen. We will make these changes" Tristan was impressed with his sister’s hard work and couldn’t stop appreciating her.

Passing on the document to Karl, Tristan asked him to work on it as soon as possible.

Karl and Gwen were about to leave when Luke called Gwen," Tristan if you don’t mind I would like to discuss some points with Miss Gwen," he said.

Gwen looked at Luke and then at Tristan, lightly shrugging her shoulder. She didn’t mind if he would ask her questions in front of everyone but alone was something she obliged.

Luke saw her falter as she looked at Tristan, and he continued," Karl can even join us" he looked at Karl and saw his bewildered face.

"Okay," Tristan said, and they walked toward Karl’s cabin.

****

Inside Karl’s cabin, they settled down, taking their seat, and Luke started discussing the points. His involvement in the project made it much easier for them to work as he personally came and talked about the issues to them.

Luke took over the company when his father died, and since then, he had been very skeptical about doing his best just the way his father wanted.

He knew Tristan from college but never met his family since they like to keep it private. He wasn’t aware of Gwen either, so he couldn’t recognize her and talk formally.

But from the day he came to meet Gwen, something about her made him attracted to her. He knew she was his assistant, but that didn’t stop him from knowing her.

The more he saw her, the more he found her attractive with his looks and work.

His eyes kept staring at her while she talked to him, and he was amazed by the advice she had stated.

"I must say you are way smarter than I thought. I wished I had an assistant like you" Luke genuinely praised her.

Gwen smiled, listening to his words, and averted her eyes towards Karl only to find him gawking at Luke with fuming eyes.

"Okay then I will definitely consider your advice Miss Gwen," Luke said with a smile and stood up before he left the cabin.

Gwen heaved a sigh and turned to leave when she was pulled forcefully by Karl," What are you doing-"

Gwen looked up only to find Karl’s anguish-filled eyes staring at her. They looked restless as they watched her.

She didn’t know why he was so angry and why he looked at Luke in that way as if he was stopping himself from hitting him.

"Karl, you are hurting me..." she muttered slowly, and his hold on her hand loosened.

Karl felt his blood boil in anger when Luke said those words. He could tell Luke didn’t see Gwen as a worker but as something more; the thought of him having a soft spot for her made him angry.

Rubbing her wrist, she turned to leave but was stopped by Karl’s words," Don’t avoid me, Gwen."

She turned and saw him stare at her with sadness. He was the one who told her to forget her feelings for him, but what was this, and why was he hurting?

Composing herself, she looked at her with stern eyes and said," You said we couldn’t be together because of our rank, then my avoidance shouldn’t bother you, sir" her words stabbed like knives in his heart, and he opened his mouth to say something but stopped when he saw her turn and leave from there.

He wanted to stick truthfully to his words, but the thought of someone liking her made him forget his words. He kept saying it was better if they didn’t talk, but the more she kept quiet, the more he missed her.

*****

Ashley reached the agency only to see Jane walking from the other side.

Jane walked with a proud smirk and stopped in front of her. Removing her glasses, she examined her and looked at her ankle.

"How is your leg, Ash? I hope it’s not hurting," she asked with fake concern, only to be ignored by Ashley as she turned and walked inside the building.

Getting ignored by Ashley’s arrogant behavior, Jane fumed and followed her in anger.

Reaching the top floor of the meeting, Ashley walked to her room, utterly ignorant of the woman behind her.

Gorge called Jane as he wanted to discuss something important with her. Being one of the directors, he kept Jane in his circle.

****

Gorge’s cabin

"Why did you call me Gorge" Jane was annoyed when she was asked to come.

After a passionate night with Greg, she hoped to spend some time with him, but this older man wanted to meet her urgently.

"Why aren’t you answering my calls?" he asked, gritting his teeth.

Gorge was patient with her because she had helped him many times by shaming Ashley’s character back then, but even after scheming, they couldn’t bring her down.

Jane rolled her eyes at his angry face and asked lazily," tell me why you called. I don’t have a day to sit and keep asking you."

Gorge clenched his jaw and saw how arrogant Jane had turned after regaining her position in the agency. It was his grace that she wasn’t removed after she publicly announced her relationship with Greg.

He had convinced the board members to give her a chance, or her fate would have turned just like Greg, who was immediately dropped from the campaign.

"You shouldn’t talk to me like that, Jane. Did you forget it was me who kept you still here, or else your career was long gone" Gorge couldn’t handle her unethical behavior, not when he was her savior here.

Jane shot a glare at him and finally dropped that attitude.

"Good. Now tell me did you handle everything" Gorge asked eagerly.

It was all his idea to fabricate Ashley’s dress, or else with Jane’s low IQ. She wouldn’t have the chance to bang the entire screen.

Nodding her head, she hummed and said," But what after that? Even if she was removed, the team is still considering keeping the images taken for the cover page. Even after so much hard work, we couldn’t do anything for her. She is still their priority.

Gorge chuckled, listening to how foolish the girl was, and his smile made her frown," Why are you smiling? Have you lost your mind" Jane couldn’t see that man smile when her life was not resuming like before.

She had acted on his words because she wanted to fail Ashley by damaging her dress, but even after that, she won.

"Don’t lose hope, Jane" he gave her a meaningful look leaving her confused.

****

Dressing room

"Ma’am look at this" Miley came running showing Ashley something on her cellphone.

"Someone uploaded your video, but the entire audio is mute," Miley said as she looked at Ashley, who had a very calm demeanor.

"So she also asked to shoot my video secretly" Miley frowned at her words and looked at the comments that kept popping under the video.

The entire video was captured so smartly that it only caught Ashley falling and how her dress got torn. Then the screen moved to her walking out away in furry. The entire video was mute and was used to manipulate the audience.

Ashley returned the cell phone to Miley and walked out of her room. She knew these stupid actions wouldn’t affect her.

 

Chapter 78: How do you know him

The entire comment section was filled with hate comments. The news was portrayed in such a way that it pointed to Ashley as an unprofessional person.

Sitting inside her apartment, Ashley heaved a sigh and turned off her cell phone.

Pinching the bridge of her nose, she leaned back and closed her eyes.

"They are asking for an explanation" Miley kept scrolling on her cellphone, reading every comment.

After completing the shoot, Ashley returned home and was soon informed about the changes the PR team had taken.

Masha fashion had informed them to replace her with Jane. It was an overnight decision the company had made, and even Cedric couldn’t change their mind.

Ashley never thought the incident back in the shooting location would turn against her. Since there were people who had seen what happened, she knew no one considered their words.

Cedric, the main photographer, even his words were unheard, and now she understood how difficult her situation was.

Masha was the most prominent fashion company, and Ashley was supposed to be the primary model who represented their latest designs.

Keeping quiet for some time, she opened her eyes and looked at Miley," Did you find the girl?" she asked earnestly.

Miley had been doing her best to find the girl who she found to be the first suspect who would help them to expose Jane.

"No, ma’am. There isn’t any trace that would lead us to her," Miley said with disappointment on her face.

Ashley averted her eyes from her and thought for a while," I am sure Jane must’ve asked her to leave the city, or else we would have found her in no time."

Ashley was damn sure that Jane was behind everything happening, and she wanted to expose her.

It was high time that she ignored her useless attack, but this time she wasn’t going to let her do as she pleased.

Ashley’s life wasn’t so cheap that she would let her do whatever she wanted so that she could defame her. Back then, she ignored her because she thought it was all her thinking and Jane was not as everyone talked about her. But now, she learned that she wasn’t that innocent either.

"Any news related to Jane," she asked.

"Yes, ma’am. This morning she didn’t come for any shoot but had come to meet Mr.Gorge," Miley said and saw Ashley frown.

"Why did she wanted to meet him?" she muttered and fell into deep thought.

After knowing Gorge was also involved with Jane and Greg, she couldn’t help but doubt if he was helping her behind the scenes. She couldn’t trust them, and meeting him was fueling her doubts.

*****

Evening

Looking at herself in the mirror, Ashley glanced at her once before she turned to leave. Her eyes looked at Tristan with surprise, who stood behind admiring her beauty.

"When did you come?" she asked and saw him step toward her.

"When you were busy checking on yourself," reaching his arms, he snaked around her waist and pulled her closer before he kissed her.

"Are you okay?" he asked, pulling back and seeing her smile.

The news about Ashley reached Tristan, and he felt terrible for how people were so evil to scheme against her when she never once did wrong to anyone.

"I am used to it. Now it doesn’t affect me that much" Ashley smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, looking into his deep blue eyes. They showed concern, and she could tell he wanted a nod from her to show the people hell who tried to harm her.

"You can’t ignore them every time Ash. They need to be taken care of" Tristan didn’t want them to leave freely without bothering about the outcome. He wasn’t someone who forgave anyone that easily. He tried to take care of them in his way, but her words stopped him every time.

Ashley knitted her brows and asked," Who said I would leave them quickly" a slight grin appeared on her lips, and she saw him raise his brow in questioning.

Releasing her hands from his neck, she rested them on his chest and answered," They will be punished this time," she said confidently and saw him smile.

"Now come on let’s not waste time thinking about those useless people. Tell me where are we going?" she asked, changing the topic.

Pulling her closer Tristan brushed the tip of their nose and said," It’s a secret," he whispered and saw her frown cutely.

****

Studio

After completing her work, Alice was about to leave when her eyes fell on the man she didn’t wish to see.

"What are you doing here?" she frowned, looking at Dylan, who blocked her way.

Amazed by Alice’s fierce attitude, Dylan smirked and stood there, crossing his hand without breaking his eyes from her.

"You have become more brave Alice" Walking towards her, he stopped in front of her and smirked.

Alice rolled her eyes and took a step back before asking," If you don’t have anything to say, then excuse me," she said and tried to walk past him, but he held her wrist and pulled her back," Don’t you dare talk with me this way."

Dylan didn’t like when she would answer him back arrogantly. He had seen her like a submissive cat who did everything he asked her to do. And now, after all these years, the changes in her bothered him.

Alice crossed her hand and stared at him, keeping her face blank." And why do want me to be good with you?" she chuckled and continued," A man like you doesn’t need good words" her words made Dylan fume.

"You.." Gritting his teeth, he was about to snap at her, but she cut him," I am not here to listen to you rant. I have work to do, so... if you don’t have any work, will you excuse me" she asked and saw him shut his mouth.

She looked at him for a second, and when he didn’t say anything, she walked past him, leaving Dylan behind.

He didn’t like that rude behavior of Alice, and he turned to see her back." You think showing me your attitude will make you forget about us. No way, Alice, I will keep you reminding it. you wait and watch," he said with a smirk and followed her.

*****

Outside the studio

Noah stepped out of his car and was about to head to the studio entrance when his eyes watched Alice. He smiled, looking at her, but her awareness of his presence made him walk toward her and stop.

"Hey... where are you rushing?" Noah blocked her by her shoulder, making her snap out of her thought.

Alice was so engrossed in her thoughts that she forgot Noah must be here to pick her up.

"Uh!.. I... um..." she stuttered while she looked at Noah when Dylan’s voice came from behind.

"Miss Alice, I hope you will-" his words died when he saw Alice with someone.

"Oh... I am sorry I didn’t mean to disturb," he said, looking at Noah, who seemed to recognize the man.

"Mr. Grey," Noah said and saw Dylan smile at him," Noah... what a pleasant surprise. I didn’t think I would meet you here" Dylan reached his hand for a handshake, and so did Noah.

Dylan and Noah knew each other due to business. Dylan’s father was Noah’s business associate, and they had an excellent relationship. Going to many business parties, Noah came to meet Dylan there. Though their chat was short, still his face was remembered.

"Even I didn’t expect to meet you here" Noah was glad to see Dylan and that in Alice’s studio.

Passing a polite smile Noah turned to see Alice, who had a shocked look on her face that surprised him.

Dylan watched Noah and Alice for some time, and by the looks, he could tell they knew each other.

Clearing his throat, Dylan said," Okay then, Miss Alice, since you have some work, I will come later to discuss the shoot," he said with a smile and turned to look at Noah, who smiled back, and then he walked away from there.

After Dylan was gone, Alice looked at Noah and asked," How do you know him?" she was curious to see how friendly they spoke with each other.

Noah gave her a fantastic look when he found how eager she was to listen to him," His father is my dad’s business partner. I happened to meet him through my dad," he said casually, but then he saw her frown.

"Alice..." he called, breaking her thought and saw her look at him in a daze.

"Huh!"

"Why are you lost," he asked with a smile," Is anything wrong" he continued.

"Umm... No... I was just.." she paused and looked at his concern-filled eyes.

’Should I tell him, she thought, looking at how Dylan’s presence wasn’t that pleasant in her life, and now that they were friends, should she talk to him?

Looking at him for a while, her mind spoke,’ No... you can’t ruin your friendship with him just because of her past

Brushing off her thought, she smiled and held his arm," Nothing, I was thinking about my work" she lied because she didn’t want Dylan to ruin her mood.

Noah saw her relax, which made him drop the uneasiness he felt when he saw her spacing out.

"Okay then should we leave," he said and saw her nod.

"YES..." she squealed with excitement, and they headed toward the car and drove away from there.

Chapter 79: Drew the line

Gwen stepped out of the company’s building. It was time for her to leave and she waited for her driver to come and pick her up.

After whatever happened in Karl’s cabin, her heart and mind were a mess.

’Why did he said not to avoid him when he was the one who drew the line between them’ heaving out a sigh she looked into her cell phone when she heard a loud horn that made her flinch.

"Jesus..." she squeal and looked ahead to see Karl’s car standing in front of her and the next second window slid down.

Karl looked ahead without sparing a glance at her and that made her hurt squeeze.

"Get in" she heard him say but his eyes still kept looking ahead.

Gwen looked at him in surprise. His face was void of any emotion as he kept his eyes ahead. Feeling neglected Gwen walked and crouch a little looking through the window and said," You don’t have to take the effort to drop me home. I have asked my driver, he will soon come" she said and stood straight taking a step back when a black Mercedes came and stopped right behind Karl’s car.

Without paying a glance at him, Gwen walked toward the car and hopped in and soon the car drove away from there.

Karl watched everything from the mirror and clench the steering wheel in anger. Closing his eyes he leaned back and sighed," Why is it hurting so much" slowly bringing his hand up he placed it on his heart.

He tried making him understand that her ignorance shouldn’t bother him but he couldn’t stop himself.

’Was he making a big mistake by pushing her away’ Kar was torn between his feeling and what people will think of him. He never thought that Gwen would pave a path to his heart and now he felt helpless.

Just one day without talking with her made him restless. What if she finds someone better and forgets about him completely?

Luke was already trying to come closer to her and that made him boil in anger. Wait!.. was he jealous, he asked opening his eyes while his mind kept replaying how he felt when he saw Luke smiling and talking with Gwen.

He didn’t like it... he concluded. Then does it mean he too... like her?

His eyes widen at the realization and he started to panic." No this can’t be. How can I fall for my boss’s sister" he asked himself but there was no one to answer him back.

****

Driving the car on the outskirt of the city, Tristan finally stopped the car. Tilting her head a little Ashley looked at the view head. Their car stopped in front of a beach. The sound of water and the cold breeze made her eyes brighten.

Stepping out of the car Ashley looked at Tristan with a broad smile and asked," So this was the surprise"

Walking towards her Tristan wrap his arm around her waist and pulled her a little close to him," It’s just the beginning" he said and pecked her cheek making her blush.

Holding their hands they walked a little ahead letting the cold wind pass through them.

"Tristan..." Ashley’s eyes widen in surprise when she saw a tent with a pathway of the rose petal that lead to them and her heart skip a beat. The candle gave it a romantic vibe and she couldn’t help but feel happy with the way it was set up.

"When did you plan all this," she asked turning her head in surprise and looked at Tristan’s contagious smile.

"Your husband isn’t as boring as you assumed him to be" Tristan held her hand and kissed it.

" After this, my perspective towards you changed" her words made him smile and they walked on the petal path heading towards the tent.

Tristan wanted to keep Ashley away from all the negativity. He knew being in the modeling industry wasn’t that easy and it came with many downsides.

Romantic dinner setup on the tropical beach with table, lights, lanterns, and chairs, with sky, sea, and beach in the background, Ashley couldn’t ask for more.

Tristan had kept it simple yet she couldn’t help being mesmerized by the enchanting view of the sea in front of her eyes.

Pulling the chair for Ashley, Tristan made her sit and walked to the other side. He was so nervous before they reached here and just hoped Ashley would like it.

"Did you like it?" he asked watching her in anticipation. Though the look on her face already gave him the answer he was expecting but still he wanted to listen to it from her.

"I didn’t like it" her words dropped his face but then she continued," In fact I loved it. It’s so peaceful here"

Tristan heaved out a shaky breath and smiled back again," You scared me" he said and saw her chuckle.

*****

Alice looked at the tall building and turned to see Noah who squealed like a kid.

"You wanted me to come here?" she arch her brow giving him ARE YOU SERIOUS look.

Noah’s excitement drained looking at her furious face and he shrugged his shoulder saying," I wanted to show you my company and specifically my gaming room"

Alice couldn’t believe Noah would bring her to show his company as if she was dying to see it in the first place. She expected he would take her on a long drive or maybe for dinner but all her hopes broke and she could only sigh.

Ignoring her displeased look Noah dragged her by her wrist and they entered the building.

Reaching the top floor of the building Noah took Alice to the private room which he mainly used for playing games online. Him being interested in gaming and designing made him look like a weird person.

Even his parents couldn’t believe it when he told them about his liking for games.

"Oh my god. Is this your room" Alice couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the entire room was filled with gadgets and computers.

Noah puffed his chest proudly traveling his eyes along with Alice as she was completely got knocked out watching the latest 3D gaming edition.

"Do you want to play?" he asked and without any hesitation, Alice nod her head like a small kid.

Wearing their VR glasses both Alice and Noah positioned themselves and watched the enemy attack.

*****

"Phew... that was tiring" Slumping on the couch Alice removed the glasses and kept them aside.

"Tired already. I was waiting for another round" Noah watched her wave her hand and joined her. He didn’t knew Alice turned out to be a splendid player and matched his pace, fighting with the enemies.

"You played good" giving her a thumbs up, Alice shrugged her shoulder proudly.

Noah was satisfied that she looked better and was slowly opening up to him. After thinking about various things he finally found that Alice liked gaming and enjoys it very much from Ashley. If not for her kind heart, he wouldn’t have come to think of anything.

Slamming his hand on the couch Noah stood when Alice asked," Where are you going now?"

"I will quickly order something for us to eat," he said with a smile and went to make a call.

Alice was so happy that she forgot about Dylan. After his visit, she wished to rush back to her home but luckily Noah had already made plans and she couldn’t help but feel grateful to him for bringing her away from there.

She quietly observed Noah and her lips curled up. He was sticking to his words when he said he wants to be friends with her. Like a caring friend, he had been looking after her every need without even asking anything in return. She couldn’t help but admire him.

After some time, Noah walked back and sat next to her leaning lazily as he turned to face her and saw her stare at him.

"Alice" he called her name breaking her stare and she blinked her eyes finally realizing what she was doing.

"Ahem... hmm... what?" she asked avoiding looking at his face.

Alice could feel her cheeks heat up when Noah lifted her chin up and made her look at him." You look cute when you blush" his words widen her eyes and she pulled away feeling shy.

"W-what... who said I-I am blushing" cupping her face she tried to hide her tomato-like cheeks from him.

Noah pursed his lips trying hard to stop himself from laughing. She looked so cute when she did these adorable things in front of him. Alice acted like a strong woman but very few could see through her innocent child-like self.

He couldn’t help but like her even more. He so wished he didn’t waste time flirting with those girls back then and came across Alice before. She made him feel emotions that he didn’t know he had in him.

"You are so cute Alice," he said pinching her nose and annoying her with his act.

Chapter 80: A kiss

Beach

Tristan’s eyes were glued to Ashley as she kept staring at the waving sea and closed her eyes. She was listening to the voice of silence and somehow felt her heart at peace.

Engrossed in her world she suddenly heard the sound of slow music playing and her eyes opened as she turned and look at the people who were currently playing violin for them.

Glancing at Tristan in surprise she watched him stand up and take a step toward her. Reaching his hand to her he asked," Will you like to dance with me?" his calm and soothing voice broke her frozen state and she looked down at his hand.

With a smile on her lips, she took his hand and stood up. "Always" he heard her say and his smile broadened even more.

Walking a little away from the table they stood, looking into each other’s eyes when Tristan wrapped his arm around her waist while placing her one hand on his shoulder and slowly started to sway to the melodic music.

The soothing sound of the violin and the rushing sound of the sea made the scene more delightful.

Their eyes looked deeply into each other as if they were trying to capture every ounce of the moment. No words were said only the sound of their beating heart convey their feelings.

Tristan was so happy when she confessed her love. He felt like the luckiest man on the earth to have a partner whom he loved with all his heart.

He cupped her face and leaned to kiss her. She was like a drug to him and he gladly wanted to get addicted to her.

"I love you, Ash," he said with the deepest emotion in his heart and brushed her cheek lovingly.

Ashley closed her eyes feeling the warmth of his hand on her face and leaned onto it. She absorbed his words and felt fortunate enough to be his wife.

Slowly opening her eyes she saw him stare at her with a thousand emotions swirling in his ocean blue orbs and without holding back she slammed her lips on his.

She was no doubt she loved him. It was so unexpected for her to love someone in such a short period and she proudly accepts there wasn’t anyone like Tristan who would move her heart and make her feel thousands of butterflies dance in her stomach.

His touch burned her skin with desire and pleasure and she craved more for him. She came to find it that even she wanted him just the way he did.

Breaking all the barriers she dived her tongue into his cavern tasting his delicious mouth. Her hand trailed up circling his neck and she deepen the kiss.

Tristan roamed his arms all over her back and heard a slight moan escape from her mouth. He would have taken her then and there but he stopped knowing they weren’t alone and had people watching them.

Ashley gasped when lacking for air and pulled away resting their forehead together. "I love you so much, Tristan" her voice shook a little as she tried to calm herself.

She saw him smile and his eyes shine as if he was holding back his tears.

Ashley never thought her words would mean so much to him that he would tear up. Pulling back she watched him smile at her and her hand was brought to be kissed by him.

"Thank you..." was all he could say.

*****

Noah’s company

By the time, the food came they played another game and this time it was Noah who gave up.

"You are a devil Alice. How can you play so much after telling me that you are tired" Noah by now had come to learn that Alice was much more competitive when it came to making anyone lose.

"You shouldn’t take my words that lightly" Alice started eating the fried chicken without looking at Noah who was adoring her.

He wanted to keep staring at her like this the whole time.’ You are a goner Noah’ his subconscious mind said.

"Yes I am" he muttered making Alice look at him.

"Huh! Did you say something" her words broke his trance and he shook his head looking away from her.

Alice had noticed some stranger things in Noah that made her think whether he was fine. Sometimes she would doubt, that he had lost his mind because she found him looking at her like a lovesick puppy. And when she knocks his sense back he would avoid meeting her eyes.

’Something is wrong with him’ she thought while her eyes kept looking at his face.

Alice was so attracted to his face that she forgot her food and kept staring at him.

Noah was the most handsome man she had ever met. His thick brows and long lashes gave him an arrogant look. His straight pointed nose and his thin lips complimented his entire aura.

She never noticed but he had grey eyes that just kept looking at her while his lips smiled every no and thin.

Alice felt her heart accelerate when he again stretched his lips and smiled at her and she felt the need to kiss him.

Alice flirted with many guys but she never initiated a proper conversation with Noah. Not that she never found him attractive. He was way more handsome and charming than she had thought.

Their first interaction wasn’t that pleasant but after knowing him she found him a good man.

Absentmindedly she reached her hand to his lips and brushed it lightly, making Noah stiff.

He looked at Alice whose eyes focused on his lips and she leaned down slowly brushing them. His breath hitched the moment the tips of her fingers touch his lips and he felt his body heat up.

’How can a sane man hold to this proximity they were sharing’

Noah looked at her face and spoke nothing. He so wanted to pounce on her but he didn’t want to scare her. He was like an untamed beast earlier who craved a woman’s attention but after meeting Alice and falling for her his perspective on his earlier action changed drastically.

He acted like a wise man who thought twice about his actions towards her. Not to forget he still wanted to kiss her badly but he stopped himself, telling him that he going to take slow steps.

Mustering up his courage, Noah gulped and forces his mouth to open something when his body froze again.

Alice slammed her lips on his making him stiff on his seat. Noah’s eyes widen as he looked at her. ’What did just happen?’ he asked more of himself than her and felt her move her lips sucking and nibbling it like candy.

Slowly closing his eyes Noah stayed still and felt her kiss him slowly and tenderly. He was never kissed this way by any of his flings. They would always pounce on him and just let him satisfy them.

He was so engrossed in the kiss that he didn’t realize Alice had already stopped. Suddenly he felt the warmth is gone and he opened his eyes to see Alice looking at her in confusion.

"A-Alice.." he whispered and saw her move back averting her eyes from him.

"I-I am sorry..." she said and didn’t dare to see his shocked face.

Alice knew she screwed up and now she felt bad for taking advantage of him. It was her desire she couldn’t hold back and captured his lips without any warning.

Noah was stunned by her words and felt like a bucket full of cold water thrown at him. ’ Did she just lead him teasing his dick and then pull back saying sorry

Alice just turned him on and then pulled back leaving him hanging. She is such a tease, he thought and cleared his throat making her look at him.

Wrapping his arm around him he pointed at her and said," You.. you just kissed me" his words widen her eyes and she opened her mouth and closed gasping like a fish.

Alice blinked her eyes and watched him accuse her. But that wasn’t wrong, she just kissed him without his consent but... what was she supposed to do when he kept licking his lips while eating.

She didn’t realize her perverted mind would instruct her body to kiss him without evening thinking about the consequences.

"N-Noah... I didn’t mean to kiss you" she stuttered but was cut" but you did. You took advantage of me," he said dramatically widening her eyes.

"Advantage! When did I do that?" Alice felt like she had dug her own grave and now she didn’t know what to do.

"J-just now you kissed me. Wasn’t that taking advantage of a poor boy like me" Noah kept on acting watching her knit her brows pondering on his words.

Smiling internally Noah kept on covering himself and waited for her to say something. Her red crimson face gave him the answer to how embarrassed she was because of her action.

Noah wouldn’t have held on if he was the one to kiss her but it turned out to be that even Alice found him attractive enough to lose her self-esteem.

’Did it mean even she was attracted to him’ Noah thought and his lips curled up into a smile.