Ch. 86..90: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 86-90

Chapter 86: Will he never forgive me

Knight mansion

Trevor was going through some papers which needed his signatures when Grace sat next to him and asked." Honey, do you find Gavin a little strange these days? He doesn’t seem to stick at home and is always busy building his physic and playing sports."

"Shouldn’t you be happy? He is finally getting serious in his life" Trevor chuckled and signed the papers one by one before keeping them aside and joining his wife in conversation.

Grace was concerned for Gavin because this sudden change in him scared her. She knew Gavin wasn’t interested in joining the business, and she agreed to it, but when she asked him about his interest, he started to fumble, ignoring that topic which scared her even more.

Until now, she didn’t know what her younger son wanted to do in life. But now, being serious all of a sudden made her question his action, and she feared he would come to tell her something that would scare the shit out of her.

"I know I should be glad that he is finally being serious, but I can’t. Why is his change scaring me, Trevor?" she asked, looking at him with worry.

Heaving a sigh, Trevor holds on to her hand, pressing it lightly, and says," You worry for nothing, Grace. First, you were concerned that he isn’t doing any valuable thing in his life but now when he is, why are you disturbed."

Trevor was open to whatever career his children would pick for themselves. He never forced them, neither he nor Grace, and they knew Gavin wasn’t someone who would want to handle the business, so they gave him the liberty to decide his path and would gladly accept it.

Trevor’s words were correct. Wasn’t she pestering him for being serious with his life and don’t spend it fooling around? Shouldn’t she be at peace that finally he is doing something valuable that he liked, and she should accept whatever he comes and tell her about his plans?

Nodding her head, Grace felt a little better," You are right. I shouldn’t stress and support him in every way", she said and stood up, walking away from there.

As soon as Grace was out of sight, Trevor breathed a sigh and rubbed his face." I hope you stick to your words Grace and don’t pass out when Gavin will finally tell you what he has chosen as his career path."

Trevor recalled the call he received from Tristan and how he told him that Gavin was interested in serving the country but entering the forces.

’You need to help me, dad. Prepare mom first so I can disclose this news to her. I know she would oblige, but that is what he wants, and I have seen that passion in him.’

Trevor didn’t object, but he also knew it would be hard for Grace to accept that her son wanted to hold guns and bombs and fight for the entire country. She was against violence and wanted her children to be away from fights that caused their life.

’Dad, I know he will be doing a good cause’ Tristan’s words made guilt surge in his heart, but he didn’t show it and nodded his head.’ Fine, I will talk to your mother.’

Thinking about their conversation, Trevor recalled when Tristan stayed in the states and how his life changed completely. Though for a good cause still, he blamed for letting his son step into the world his mother never wanted her children to come across.

Trevor sighed and focused on the documents before him, trying to brush off the thoughts.

*****

Studio

Alice was absentmindedly looking at the laptop screen, staring and doing nothing. All her thoughts drifted back to Noah and how she couldn’t manage to apologize for her mistake.

The morning she took the breakfast for both of them, she had made up her mind that she would apologize to him and take all the words from him with open hands.

But her heart dropped when she saw his least interested look, and she doubted if he would even listen to her.

"Ugh!! This is so difficult. Why can’t I even utter a sorry to him" Alice slammed her palm on the table, helpless for not mending her relationship with Noah.

After Ashley and Xavier, Noah was the only person who handled her arrogant and rude behaviour without expecting anything in return. But what she did...she ruined their friendship by doubting it.

"How should I make him talk with me? Will he never forgive me for my mistake?" She mutters and suddenly feels her heart swell.

No, she can’t let that happen. She can’t let him retreat when he is the one to initiate the friendship with her.

Alice was determined to soften Noah’s anger toward her, and she would do anything to normalize their relationship.

*****

Quickly finishing her work, she picked up her bag and dashed out of the studio.

Taking her car, she drove to Noah’s company and patiently waited for him to step out of the building.

After an hour, she saw Noah stepping out of the building and was about to walk to the parking space when she drove and stopped the car in front of him.

"Holy f**k!! Do you want to kill me" Noah flinched, stepping back and about to beat the shit out of the driver but halted when he saw Alice stepping out of the car?

Surprised by her sudden presence Noah opened his mouth to say something but could and watched Alice stop in front of her.

"Noah, Do you wish to come on your own, or should I drag you?" her words surprised Noah, and he gave him a dumb look.

Sighing... Alice held his collar and dragged it into her car, opening it and throwing it like a sack before she locked the door.

Everyone who witnessed this iconic scene gasped and watched Noah being dragged by a girl who was half his size.

"Alice... what are you doing? Open the damn door" Noah tried to open the door, but she locked it and flashed a killing smile before she walked to the other side and got in.

"You can’t just come and do anything you please with me" Noah sounded irritated, and when he expected her to get scared of his seriousness, she pinched his cheeks like a kid.

"Ow... my Noah is angry. But I don’t mind because I won’t listen to you," she said and started the car.

’M-my Noah... did he hear her right’ Noah was stunned by the carefree aura that made him shut his mouth and let her take him wherever she wanted to.

****

Driving the car at the fastest speed, Alice stopped it in front of their building. Noah frowned when he saw where she brought him and turned to ask her," If we were coming home, then I would’ve had to drive by myself. You didn’t have to drag me all the way home" his words made her scratch her hair, and she looked at him apologetically.

"You weren’t talking with me, and I had no other way to make you listen to me"

Alice knew it was unreasonable of her to go and pick Noah up from his workplace when in the end, she would always find him reaching back home.

Noah scoffed her word and stepped out, followed by Alice, who thought he might leave." What is it you want to talk with Alice" he asked, ignoring her and turning the other way.

Alice was never treated this way by Noah. He would always come behind her, pestering and nagging her even when he knew his actions pissed her off. But now, with him being distant from her, she felt someone was stabbing her.

Looking at him for a while, she reached her hand and held on to his and said," Come with me", saying she dragged him along with her.

Noah was surprised at how she didn’t make any fuss about his harsh words and kept quiet.

Taking him inside the building, Alice took the other way leading to the common gym built inside the residential building.

Noah was surprised when she stopped in front of the gym and opened the door taking him inside.

****

Inside the gym

Standing in front of a punching bag, Noah raised his brow and turned to Alice as he folded his hand and asked," Why are we here?" his cold voice made Alice lower her head like a kitten ready to get scolded by him.

Closing her eyes, Alice took a deep breath before raising her head up and looking straight into his eyes," Noah, I know last night I made a mistake and hurt you with my stupid words. I know I messed up everything by doubting your friendship but trust me, I regretted the very second I blurt those stupid words" Noah just kept quiet and listened to her spilling everything.

Chapter 87: Punch me

Alice watched him stand casually without reacting, which sank her heart.

"If you want, you can scold me. Put brain in my head, punch me-" she stopped and watched him arch his brow.

"Ahem... I mean, think this punching bag as me and pour all your anger on it until you are ready to listen to me," she said and again lowered her head.

Noah found her way of apology too weird. Who on earth would’ve thought Alice would come up with this idea and bring him to the gym so that he could vent all his anger against her on this poor punching bag?

’How on earth did he fall for a clueless soul’ Noah sighed and walked to her, making her look up and meet his eyes.

"Why are you so desperate for my forgiveness Alice?" his voice was calm, but it was enough to stir her mind.

’Why?’ she asked herself while her eyes tried to find the answer in his grey ones.

Alice knew she liked him as a friend and his presence gave her peace. But after last night, she started to feel more than a friendship for him.

The way his alluring lips tempted her and how without any second guess, she tasted it made her feel a spark within herself. The way she was desperate to make a move further than a kiss, even when she never once had sex in her life, made her question her claim.

’Was he just a friend she liked, or was it more than that?’ Alice suddenly felt her body stiffen. There was no way she would come to like him that way. She had sealed all her feelings because she knew it didn’t bring any good to her.

Her eyes fluttered, trying to speak, but she couldn’t answer him. It should’ve been easy for her to say that she wanted to be his friend, but she couldn’t utter a word when her thoughts began to shake.

Taking a step back from him, she composed herself. No, she couldn’t have any such kind of feeling for him. She had long forbidden them from invading her peaceful life.

Noah observed her ignoring meeting his gaze. He was expecting her to speak what she felt for him and not label their relationship as only friendship when he felt something more than that brewing between them.

"Tell me, Alice? Why are you so desperate to gain my forgiveness" he again questioned, and this time, he took a step toward her.

Alice could feel her heart race because of the closeness, making her fall weak. Her eyes started to well, and she held her arms tightly until they turned red.

She was finding it hard to breathe when the memory of her past flashed in her mind, and she started trembling.

Noah was alarmed by the sudden change in her behaviour, and something clicked in his mind.

’Panic attack’

Horror crawled in his heart; he pulled her into a bone-crushing her even more before she could harm herself.

Alice kept shivering even when his hold around her tightened. ’No, the past can’t repeat. She can’t make a fool out of herself again’ Alice’s mind was in chaos while tears kept streaming down her cheeks.

She closed her eyes, trying to stop that creepy feeling surge. She couldn’t go through that again. She tried to shove them, but it started playing in her mind until she heard Noah’s soothing voice next to her ear, and she froze.

"Alice... relax", Noah called her gently, knowing she wasn’t in the right state.

The day he learned about her sleeping disorder, the doctor told him about her suffering from nightmares that had deeply engraved in her heart, and sometimes she ended up harming herself.

Her body relaxed in his embrace while his words kept ringing like a soothing melody, and she closed her eyes, falling limp in his arms.

****

Gwen was waiting for Karl a few distances from the office building, making sure her brother would still find her outside the company.

She was still upset with Tristan for ruining their breakfast and calling Karl for an important job. She wanted to join them as she was the assistant too, but her brother forbade her from that meeting which pissed her even more.

Like a jobless lady, Gwen began playing with her legs swaying and waiting for Karl’s arrival when she heard a honk and her mood brightened.

She quickly raised her head to see the person but stiffened, and her smile froze when she saw Tristan’s car next to her.

"Gwen, what are you doing, standing here alone, and where is your car," Tristan asked, looking at his sister, who looked at him like she had seen a ghost.

Looking at the time, he then looked back at her," Get in. I will drop you home. I am heading there too," he said and opened the door for her to hop in.

"I was too waiting for the driver to arrive", she lied and stepped into the car.

Gwen couldn’t let Tristan know about her and Karl’s relationship. She couldn’t put Karl into a difficult position when he had asked for some time.

She closed the door and turned to see Tristan, who got busy with his phone. She, too, texted Karl and informed him about her departure before her brother caught her chatting with his assistant.

Clicking the send button, she sent the text and immediately kept her cell phone in her bad watched the car move out from the company’s gate.

Karl rushed out of the building when his phone buzzed and saw it was Gwen’s message. Reading the text, he heaved a sigh and raised his head only to see the car drive away.

"Sigh!! It’s so hard to date my boss’s sister" Karl dropped his shoulder in defeat and turned to head towards his car.

****

Noah’s apartment

Bringing the fainted Alice into his house, Noah immediately called the doctor to check on her.

"It was a panic attack. Luckily she stopped herself from breaking down and passed out as soon as she composed if not, she would have had a stroke" listening to the doctor’s words, Noah’s eyes widened in shock.

"I am prescribing some medicines. Make sure she takes them and does not stress herself" the doctor gave him the prescription and left from there.

Noah walked towards the bed and sat next to Alice’s sleeping figure. Gently holding her hand, he looked at her pale face, which made him feel miserable even to get angry with her.

"I’m sorry," he said and leaned down to kiss the back of her palm when something irked him.

Her behaviour in the gym had left him with many questions he wanted to ask her.

But watching her current state, he held back, hoping he would ask her when she was fully awake.

****

Karl’s apartment

"I am sorry, I couldn’t fulfil even one promise" Karl slumped on the couch and heaved a defeated sigh.

After getting a text from Gwen, he returned home and got fresh when he received a call from Gwen.

"It’s okay. I could understand. It’s not like you did it purposely" Gwen wasn’t angry with him because she knew what it meant to be an assistant to her brother.

"Anyways, let’s not get upset with it. We have our entire life to have breakfast together," Gwen tried to change the topic.

"I know", he came out of his mouth with ease, which somehow made Gwen swell with happiness.

"So you agree with me," she asked.

"Yes..." he again said without pondering on her words carefully.

"Hmm... so you also think we have our entire life to spend and have our meals together" her words then struck in his mind, and he started to cough.

Gwen grinned and so wanted to see his flushed face. She knew he only agreed with her without paying attention to her words earlier, and now when he did, he was embarrassed.

"Karl" she called his name, but he didn’t answer.

Karl was feeling a sudden heat on his cheeks. He didn’t hear it before, but now that she had rephrased it, he felt giddy. Their being together the entire life felts so blissfully that he starts imagining their future together.

"Hmm... I am listening," he said, brushing his face and trying to ease his pounding heart.

"You didn’t answer me," she asked, and this time he felt shyer.

He doubted he could keep up with her frank behaviour and open flirting. She spoke whatever she had in her mind, flattering him until he felt his stomach churning.

"I am waiting..." she said from the other side, breaking his composure.

"Gwen... I... don’t..." he stuttered, trying to answer her when he heard her laugh.

"Ow... Karl, you are so adorable" Gwen laughed at his struggle. She could tell he was so flattered by her that he was suddenly feeling shy.

Karl pouted, listening to her laugh and heard," You don’t have to say anything because I know we are going to spend our life together because now, I don’t intend to leave you" her words were severe with the glint of determination in them, and that was enough for him get knocked.

Chapter 88: I hope so

Study

"Did you talk to mom" Tristan looked at his father, who was going through some documents?

Even though Trevor had stepped down as a CEO, things couldn’t proceed until he gave the final nod.

Closing the file, Trevor removed his spec and looked at his son.

"Yes, I have, and I think she would understand" Trevor was sure Grace had already made up her mind to grasp whatever Gavin would choose as his career, but he feared she would be fine after that.

Serving the country wasn’t a simple task. She would have to let go of her son and meet him only when he returned from his missions. Her mind would keep drifting towards his safety and only ease when she saw him unharmed.

"I hope so", Tristan muttered when the door to the study opened, and Grace walked.

"My son seems to be so busy that he forgot his mother" Grace faked her anger and watched Tristan stand up as he hugged her.

"Is it even possible, mom? You know I can never forget my sweet mother" pulling back, he kissed her cheeks.

"So what are you hiding from me?" her question shocked both father and son, and they looked at her in horror.

A few minutes back

Grace immediately informed the chef to cook the cuisine Tristan preferred for dinner. She even called Ashley, asking her to join them for dinner. Agreeing to her request, Grace walked towards the study to meet her son when she heard their words that came very faintly behind the closed door.

’I think she would understand’, she heard Trevor’s voice.

’What are they talking about so seriously’ she muttered when she heard Tristan’s voice,’ I hope so’, frowning Grace thought about what made Tristan so worried that he sounded so upset.

Brushing her thoughts, she turned the knob and entered the room.

Present

Folding her hands in front of her chest, Grace looked at Tristan and Trevor suspiciously when they heard a knock, and Gavin walked it.

He was so nervous when Tristan asked him to come to the study as Grace wanted to talk to him. And that was enough for him to feel his soul fly out from his body, and he somehow guessed the reason behind it.

"Mom", Gavin barely whispered and saw his mother shoot a glare at him.

Ignoring her murderous look, Gavin quietly walked and sat beside his father.

There was a pin drop silence in the study. No one spoke a single word, but deep inside, they knew whatever was going to come next would blow their mind.

"Did I lack in my upbringing" after a long pause, Grace uttered a word that made all three of them look at her in shock?

"No, mom, how can you say that?" Gavin objected to her words. She was the best mother he could ask for every life.

"Then how did you think I wouldn’t agree with you joining the forces" Grace’s voice cracked while her eyes looked sad as she conveyed those words.

Yes, she was a coward to her children because she always wanted to keep them away from the cruel world. But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t listen to their wishes.

Just as they never doubted her words for them, how can she ignore their wishes and dreams?

Grace agreed she was against her children being involved with guns and bombs, and being in the force would always keep his life hanging but still, she wanted to convince her heart that her son would be strong enough to come back to them with pride on his face.

Watching his mother tear up, Gavin kneeled in front of her and rested his head on her lap like a small kid. He feared she would misjudge his fear and think of her lacking in her upbringing. She never failed as a mother, she was best in everything provided to them, and there was no way he would let her doubt herself.

"I am sorry... mom, I thought... you would disagree. I am sorry" Gavin started crying, hiding his face in her lap.

He should’ve been courageous enough to talk to her without thinking about the consequence. He should’ve heard her response before assuming about her rejection.

She never stopped them from doing anything, then how can she not agree with this?

Grace hugged him brushing his back slowly. His carefree son had finally grown up and made a decision that filled her heart with pride. She won’t think about the negativity of the passion he had picked for himself because she believes in her son.

"Gavin... my cute baby Gavin. When did you grow up" she made him look at her. His face was tainted with tears while he sniffed like a baby. He was still a child in her eyes who kept running behind her every time.

His life revolved around her, and now she didn’t know how he would stay away from her.

"I am not a baby mom", Gavin whined and looked at his mother, who reached her hand, wiping his tears.

"I know, but still, you all are my babies and forever will be. It won’t change even when you have your kids" Grace made him sit next to her, and he immediately side hug her.

"Ow, my sweet baby", she smiled, looking at Tristan and Trevor, who also had content smiles.

"Did you forget me" Gwen stood by the door with her hands on her waist and looked at them with a frown?

"Is there any way you will let us forget you" Opening her other hand, she gestures to her to come and embrace her?

Dropping her fake anger, Gwen runs like a kid joining them for a hug. "I love you too, mom."

****

After Grace agreed with Gavin’s decision, the three of them headed out, leaving Trevor and Tristan alone in the study.

There was one more thing Tristan wanted to discuss with his father, which was way more important than the first one. After a long pause, he uttered.

"He is coming here" Tristan’s words made Trevor look at him with a deep frown.

"I thought his Chapter was closed. Then how come he is again coming after us"

Trevor knew whom Tristan was talking about and also knew how much his son hated him.

"He played his game by joining hands with one of our clients, and now he intends to work with us" Tristan’s face was blank like paper. No one knew what was going on in his mind.

Trevor rubbed his chin, thinking for a second, and said," Did you tell him about it."

Tristan shook his head," I don’t want to stress him. He is getting old to handle these matters now."

"I know, but the old man needs to know what is happening behind his back" Trevor was serious and saw Tristan agree with him.

"I will inform him about it," he said calmly.

Again, there was silence between the two when Trevor asked," Does your mother know you still talk with him" knowing how Grace asked him to break all the ties with that man when he came back from leaving the states.

Tristan shook his head and heard his father sigh," I think you need to tell her that you haven’t stopped talking with him and are still helping with his work."

Trevor knew there wasn’t turning back once anyone stepped his feet into his territory, which was why Grace hated to keep any relationship with him.

Tristan knew his father was right and that he should keep secrets from her. Even after breaking all the ties with them, she still could erase the fact that she was blood-related to them.

"I think she somewhat found out about it because one day he called her, but she didn’t talk and left him hanging. She even warned me to stop making her see the good side in him" Tristan remembered that day clearly and how his mother was damn serious when she uttered those words.

Trevor sighed once again, pinching the bridge of his nose," I don’t think my wife will ever mind her relation with her father" saying he stood up and patted Tristan’s shoulder before he walked out of the study, followed by him.

Dante Corner was not only his maternal grandfather but also a mafia leader. He was the most dangerous man in the underworld, and even the cops feared him.

His business was purely for good work, but still, many didn’t like it, which led him to make many enemies. His life was in constant threat, which made his wife Sera move out of the house, taking small Grace away from all the harm.

She wanted to give her daughter an everyday life away from the enemies who always lurk around them, so she left the mansion and started living life with Dante.

But even after keeping no contact with him, his enemies still didn’t stop there and soon found them.

If not for Grace’s great martial art technique, they would have lost their lives, and from that day onwards, she broke all the ties with her father to keep themselves safe.

She grew older as a fine young lady but never once contacted her father after that one incident that came after their life. As if she didn’t want anything to do with him, she started a life that had no mention of her father or his business.

 

Chapter 89: I don’t want to be your friend

By the time they joined the other family members, Ashley was already present and smiling and chatting with his mother. All his gloominess flew out of the window when she turned to see him.

’God... I want to kiss those lips,’ he thought but soon composed his desire and walked toward them.

"It seems like we haven’t met for long", Grace said, holding Ashley’s hand, and then turned to see Tristan," This boy seems to forget us after he got his wife."

Grace kept nagging Tristan to bring Ashley along, but this son kept postponing it, saying they were busy and hardly got time to be home, which was a lie.

Tristan gave Grace a weird look and then turned to Ashley, who was trying her best to control her laugh.

"Okay, now don’t be upset. They are here, so let’s have our dinner together," Trevor said, and they soon headed towards the dining space.

*****

Noah’s apartment

The figure sleeping on the bed slowly curled as she started to regain her consciousness back. Stirring slowly, Alice opened her eyes and found herself in Noah’s room.

She remembered it because she was the one who helped him set up the house.

"Argh!!.. why do my headaches" she muttered, slowly lifting her body and sitting on the bed with a clueless face.

As her eyes wandered around the room, the memories from the gym flashed across her mind, and she gasped, covering her mouth.

Noah’s words started replaying in her mind, and her eyes started growing again. Why was she desperate to earn his forgiveness? she asked herself.

Her eyes fluttered when the memories of the time they spent flashed in her mind, and her body froze.’ Did I fall for him? She muttered in disbelief, which was why her past invaded her thoughts, freaking her to death, and she passed out in his arm.

She didn’t want to go with the same phase where she wouldn’t get anything but hurt for herself. But then Noah wasn’t like him. He wasn’t as selfish as him, who never treated her correctly.

The time she spent with the man she loved with all her heart came across her mind, and she muttered," Dylan".

Just his name was enough to shake her composure because he was the one who ruined her to the point where she didn’t believe in herself anymore. She doubted herself where she even went to on taking her life.

Unfortunately, death didn’t come that easily to her, and she was saved only to live with those memories that broke her inside out.

Her eyes turned red, fisting her palm in anger as she looked straight at the wall when she heard someone call her" Alice."

Her trance broke, and her bloodshot eyes looked at Noah, who walked through the door. As soon as her anger dissipated, she saw him, her anger and her eyes softened instant.

Noah rushed to her side and sat on the bed, examining her, looking for any sign of discomfort." How do you feel?" he asked even though he found her better than before.

Alice kept staring at his face, which showed concern for her. She never felt so cared for by anyone, not even her parents and not by the man whom she loved.

But, he wasn’t like them, who treated her with care because they wanted something in return. Noah was different, not like she assumed him to be or thought of him the last night.

Noah kept looking at Alice and got alerted to the lack of response she gave. "I-I think I should call the doctor," he said and was about to leave when Alice held his wrist and stopped him.

"Noah, I am fine" her voice was weak as if her throat had run dry from sleeping.

The concern on Noah’s face lessened when he saw her smile lightly at him, and he heard her speak," Noah, I know I have hurt you but will you not forgive me?" she looked at him with hope and continued," I know I was stupid to be so blunt with my words that I didn’t realize what I spoke only to regret it the next second."

Looking at their hands, she squeezed them lightly," But please don’t stop talking with me. I don’t like it" her words came out of desperation and meant everything she said.

Him being in her life was like a breath of fresh air that she finally inhaled after a long time. She didn’t know what she felt for him, but one thing was clear, he was slowly becoming her sanity.

Noah was stunned for a moment as he tried to consume her every word. She was so smooth that it skipped his heartbeat. Her eyes held sincerity, which was enough assurance to soothe his heart.

Alice waited for him to speak something, at least show any reaction, but when he didn’t, she began to get anxious," Noah... please give me a chance to prove my friendship with you. I promise I will be a good friend-" she bolted her words in speed but was cut when Noah pulled her, and her mouth was sealed.

Startled, Alice stayed like that with her eyes wide open as her mind froze when his lips touched hers. A slight tuck on her lower lip made her close her eyes, and she gave in, syncing to his pace.

The kiss was gentle, but that was a sense of longing that she couldn’t understand. All she could feel was to enjoy the moment.

Noah kissed her until they were out of breath and pulled back, resting their forehead together," I don’t want you to be my friend Alice" his words widened her eyes and a subtle fear began to surge in her heart.

’Will he ask me never to disturb his life’ but what she heard next blew her mind, and her eyes widened in shock.

"I want you to be my girl" his words held seriousness, no trace of a joke in them, and that skipped her heartbeat.

"Y-you what?" she asked hesitatingly. There is no way he was serious about it.

Noah cupped her face tracing her lips with his thumb, and smirked." You heard me right, Alice" pulling back, he saw her eyes ready to bulge out from her socket.

Smiling at her reaction, Noah let go of his hand from her face and continued," You don’t have to immediately agree with me because I will be making you fall for me,

Alice, and I am confident I will be successful."

His eyes shined with determination, and his words were like the final verdict. She could see how damn serious he was and that scared her.

Was she ready to fall in love again after what she went in the past? Will he turn out to be a blessing or another nightmare in her life from which she wouldn’t get herself out?

So many questions, but she had no answer to them—all she found getting immersed in his beautiful words that scared the hell out of her.

****

Ashley and Tristan drove back home after having dinner. She was so happy to spend quality time with them and even came to learn about Gavin enlisting in the military.

Everyone was so happy that she didn’t realize the time to leave had arrived.

"What are you thinking, wifey?" Tristan’s voice broke her thoughts, and she saw him flashing his mouth-dropping smile.

"I am so proud of Gavin," she said genuinely.

Since she married Tristan, she had wholeheartedly accepted his family as hers. She never had a family except for her father, but through him, she got a mother, a father, grandparents, and even a brother and sister.

"I can see that" Tristan was amused to see how genuine her reaction was. She treated Gwen and Gavin like her sibling, listening to their worries and giving them genuine advice.

"So when will his training begin?" she asked, watching them finally reach Hyatt.

"Next month," he said and saw her nod her head.

"He seems so excited about his enlistment," she said, and they stepped out of the car.

"Yes, he is, and I am sure he will do his best" Tristan wrapped his arm around her waist, and they headed inside the building.

Unknown to them a car was parked a few distances away from Ashley’s residency.

Looking from the window, Greg fumed angrily when he saw Ashley walking inside the building with his hand wrapped around her waist.

Greg suddenly didn’t know why he became so eager to know whom Ashley was dating. But that day, when he saw a man inside her car, his anger increased.

The picture he saw where she was smiling and laughing with her boyfriend made his blood boil in jealousy. In the two years they dated, she never once let him touch her, and kissing was beyond expectation, but now when he looks at her happy self, he can’t help but feel angry.

Why was she like this with him? Why did she never let him touch her? What was in that man that her every rule changed?

His eyes turned red, and he started the engine driving away from there. Even now, he couldn’t see the man’s face since his back faced him, but he was adamant about knowing who he was and how Ashley fell for him.

Chapter 90: I won’t judge

Dashing inside his house in a fury, Greg threw the car key on the couch and headed towards the minibar built inside his living area. Pulling out one bottle for himself, he poured it into the glass and gulped it in one go.

His mind couldn’t stop replaying the smile Ashley showered on that mysterious man who was now her boyfriend. Just the thought of it tightened his hold on the glass, and in anger, he threw it on the floor, shattering it into pieces.

"How dare she" his eyes beamed in fury as his mind kept remembering Ashley’s contagious smile.

Jane heard the sound and sprinted out of her room only to find Greg fuming angrily.

"Greg what happened?" she ran to him, pulling him out of his trance.

His mind was clouded with hate that he felt, throwing everything around him, eradicating it.

Greg fluttered his eyes and looked at Jane, who was worried watching him like this, to calm his breath.

"Greg..." she called him again and reached her hand to cup his face, but he jerked it and walked away, leaving her unanswered.

Something wasn’t right, Jane thought and heard the door of his room shut with a loud bang.

Jane had never seen Greg so angry. He was always calm and calculated, but today she saw another side of him.

Things have not been that great for both of them. Greg was starting his career from thrash, and she was trying to keep her foot grounded. Their life changed so drastically that they couldn’t process it.

"Maybe he is stressed about something," she tried to tell herself and looked at the piece of glass on the floor absentmindedly.

****

Bedroom

Glancing at his sleeping wife, Tristan averted his attention back to the laptop screen on his lap.

While his focus was purely on his work, his thoughts kept drifting toward his father’s words. His fingers stopped typing, and his eyes again turned to see Ashley.

"Will she leave me if she finds out about my other work?"

Tristan had asked his parents to keep that one thing about him away from Ashley, which was about him being in the underworld. Though the business was pure for a good cause, he couldn’t bring himself to tell her about that one particular thing.

Keeping his laptop aside, Tristan walked out of the room and stepped onto the balcony for fresh air. Suddenly he began to feel suffocated, and the thought of Ashley leaving him started making him anxious.

Resting his hand on the railing, Tristan closed his eyes and started to take deep breaths. What if he never tells her about it, then she won’t leave him?

Tristan wasn’t scared of anything but not having Ashley in his life made him become a coward. But then, how long would he keep her under the dark about his life which wasn’t as pleasant as he was living now with her?

When his mind was busy thinking the negative, a pair suddenly engulfed him from behind, breaking him out of his struggle, and a familiar warmth filled his heart.

"Why haven’t you slept yet?" she asked when she couldn’t find him on the bed. He wasn’t working either, which quite surprised her.

Tristan placed his hand on her hand as if he was waiting for her to pull him out from his negative thoughts and heaved out a sigh before he turned to see her.

"I just wanted some fresh air," he said, wrapping his arms around her, resting his forehead on her shoulder.

He needed this so badly. He just wanted her with him and nothing else.

Inhaling her fragrance, Tristan snuggled, burying his face in the crook of her neck, and whispered," Ashley hold on to me tight" his words made her smile, and she tightened her grip around him and just stayed like that for some time.

After some time, he finally pulled back and stared at her. Ashley didn’t hear him utter a word, which made her ask," Do you want to talk?"

She didn’t know why but felt like he wanted to talk to her but stopped himself. His eyes held emotions she couldn’t grasp because they were soon replaced with a playful ones.

Tristan shook his head and hugged her again," I want to hold you close to me," he said as he tried to brush off the doubt he saw in Ashley’s eyes a while back.

Maybe he was too obvious with his words that she found his action strange, leading her to question him. But he wouldn’t tell her. He can’t let her find out about his other side, which would make her fear him.

Ashley found his back average as his voice that spoke with desperation a while back was replaced with a playful one. When she thought he was finally better,

Tristan slid down his palm resting it on her buttocks, and squeezed it, making her jump.

"Tristan," she slapped his arm and heard him laugh.

There was no way she would understand him because he switched his mood like channels, leaving her doubting herself.

"What" laughing his heart out, Tristan saw her glare at him.

"Shameless"

"Only for you, wifey," saying, he picked her in his arm and walked inside the room, taking her by surprise.

Carefully placing her on the bed, he joined her by pulling the duvet and covering them both. Pulling her closer to him, Ashley rested her head on his chest and laid quietly, feeling his heartbeat.

"Tristan..." she called him lovingly, drawing circles on his chest with her finger.

"Hmm.."

"You know I am there for you. So when you feel like sharing your problems with me, don’t hesitate. I won’t judge" she raised her head and saw him look at her with love.

Tristan was speechless, thinking how easily she understood her torment. But he knew he wasn’t ready to say about it yet. He had just got her, and he didn’t want to ruin their building relationship.

Brushing her cheeks with his thumb, he hummed and pulled her closer before he closed his eyes, and they both drifted off to sleep.

*****

Alice’s apartment

Last night after walking out of Noah’s apartment Alice locked herself in her room. Her face turned red like a tomato, and all she could think and hear was Noah’s words.

He said he wanted her to be his girlfriend. He wanted to have a relationship that was more than friendship.

"How can he easily say it" covering her cheeks, feeling the warmth built after he kissed her.

Alice still couldn’t come to accept that he had just declared his love for her and was willing to wait. He said he would earn her love and make her fall for him and that one claim knocked her heart.

No one...no one had ever made her their utmost priority, and now with Noah, she suddenly began to panic.

What if his love will reduce when he learns about her past that wasn’t fruitful? Will he think of her as a disgrace once he finds out she isn’t worth being loved? Will he leave her after knowing the Alice he has seen is just a life with a hollow soul?

Sliding down the closed door, Alice buried her head in her knees and let her tears roll down her eyes. She didn’t know if his love would bring life to her or will her past experiences would lead to another heartbreak.

*****

The following day Alice woke up with a headache. She fell asleep only to wake up after some time, and after that, she couldn’t find herself sleeping again.

She wanted to take the sleeping pills but stopped when she remembered Noh’s strict words about not using them again.

Walking like a corpse, she entered the kitchen and was about to make a coffee for herself when her phone rang, and she scowled." Who has a death wish early in the morning?"

Walking out of the kitchen, she picked up her phone and saw an unknown number.

"Who is this?" she muttered and picked up the call.

"Hello," she said out of frustration. And heard the man chuckle on the other side.

Alice froze on the ground when she heard the familiar voice. ’How did he get my number’ she thought.

"Alice..." he called her name, which broke her frozen state, and her eyes fluttered, finally registering the reality.

"Why the hell do you call Dylan? Didn’t I warn you not to disturb me?" Alice’s anxiousness flew away, replaced by fury.

She didn’t want to let him know that his presence still affected her. She didn’t want to give him the chance to make her fall weak.

Her eyes turned cold as eyes, and she heard him chuckle.

"Alice... Alice... my dear Alice. Did you expect me to follow your harmless warning"

Dylan wasn’t scared by her words, and she also knew he wasn’t someone who listened to anyone?

Her hold on the cellphone tightened, and she asked in anger," Then take my word serious, Dylan and make sure you keep that filthy mouth and eyes of yours away from me because I am no more that innocent Alice who would give the chance to walk down on me like before" her words came out like venom that silence without any sweetness in it.