Page 57 of It's Not Home Without You

“It wasn’t even about the sex. It was about the connection; you didn’t give me that. Tell me how many times I came home stressed out of my mind and you bothered to ask me why?”

He was right,I never gave him a piece of me, a part of my soul. How could I when I never got it back?

“That’s not the point, Ash. You slept not only with one woman, but many. I could never forgive that.” The waiter brought our food, causing both of us to be quiet. I knew I would not be sticking around for much longer.

“Come back, gorgeous. We can start over. I know we both had our faults, but we can still salvage what we had. You were good for me. Everyone loved you.”

That automatically had alarm bells going off in my head.Motherfucker. It had never been about me; it was still about him. I threw the napkin down, ready to bolt.

“Un-fucking-believable, it’s all about the investors, isn’t it?”

“I want you back, Freya, and I believe we can start over again.”

“Answer me?” I demanded.

“When you didn’t show last time, they asked questions. You didn’t exactly make it a secret why you left. You and I were part of an image, gorgeous. When you left, it didn't look good for the company.”

“But me having to get tested for STDs, that looks good for the company?” I grabbed my purse and got up, ready to leave, but Ashton took out a white envelope from his jacket.

“I was hoping I wouldn’t have to do this.” He sounded remorseful. He laid two pictures of me on the table. I didn’t need to see more. I remember that day perfectly. After I found Ashton cheating, I left, but not before I took a crowbar to both of his cars.

So fucking stupid.

I blame Beyoncé and Carrie Underwood for glamorizing car vandalism.

“You come to the dinner, pretend we’re still together, and I don’t go to the cops.”

I was debating how much trouble would I get in with the cops. I had no money, even though Max and Abigail had yet to cash the check I gave them, but I couldn’t count on it. I’d rather owe Ash than Max, so that made things easy.

“Fine, only for the gala. After that, you can tell them I cheated on you for all I care, and I’m staying at the Ritz. On you.”

“Done.” He gave me a triumphant smile.

On the bright side, I killed two birds with one stone this way. I got to deal with Ashton, and I was going back to San Francisco.

“Oh, and, Ashton, after this, forget you ever fucking knew me.” I got up, not wanting to spend another minute with him. I had had enough. Before Ashton could reply, I heard Abigail’s voice.

“Trouble in paradise? I couldn’t help and notice you two seemed a little tense. Wanted to make sure you were okay, Freya?”

My shoulder burned from where Abigail was touching me.Someone tell this bitch to remove her hand before I slap her.Max wasn’t far off; he was right behind hisfiancée.When I cast my eyes his way, he was glaring at Ashton. What the fuck was he mad for?

“Everything is perfect now, isn’t, gorgeous?” Ashton used the opportunity to wrap his hand around my waist. I fought the urge to deck him in the face.

“Yes,” I gritted. I didn’t want Ash to tell Max or Abigail why he was here. It would humiliate me if they knew the truth. So, I let Ashton hold me. Picture fucking perfect couple.

Sticks and stones, right?

“Hello, I’m Abigail, and this is my fiancé, Maximilian.” She extended her hand to shake Ashton’s. I tried not to gagwhen he kissed her hand.Wasn’t that what he did with me, and I found it swoon-worthy?

“Abigail, Max, can I call you, Max?” Ashton’s hold on me became tighter as he shook Max’s hand.

“So, what is it you do?” Abbi asked as she leaned into Max. My heart felt a little stab of pain when he put a hand across her waist. When I looked up, he was staring at me.

What happened to us?I looked at him and wondered.

You left,I could have sworn he answered.

“I’m CEO of Hill’s Real Estate.” Abigail’s eyebrows rose with interest. It wasn’t shocking, I had the same reaction. Ashton’s family’s business was everywhere.

---