Ashley’s POV
I tossed and turned in bed again, frustration building up until my head smacked against the bedside table.
“Ouch,” I winced, clutching my forehead. “This can only mean bad luck…”
I sat up slowly, the darkness of the room feeling heavier with every second. My thoughts drifted to the one person who had been haunting my mind.
“Why is my life like this? And why is Mr. Jaden making it even more complicated? He’s not really Leon, right? No, he can’t be Leon. My Leon… he was kind, gentle. This man is nothing like him.”
“Are you trying to wake up the entire building?” Mabel’s voice rang out, pulling me from my thoughts as she entered my room with her usual bluntness.
“I’m sorry, Mabel,” I muttered, rubbing my tired eyes. “I just couldn’t sleep. Every time I manage to doze off, I keep dreaming of him. Of Leon. The last time I saw him.”
“And why on Earth are you suddenly dreaming about your long-lost childhood sweetheart?” Mabel asked, crossing her arms with a raised brow.
“I don’t know. Maybe my subconscious is messing with me.”
“Or maybe you’re just being paranoid,” she said, her voice teasing but laced with concern. “The wealthy, but clearly maniacal CEO, showed up at your doorstep yesterday claiming to be your childhood love, and now you’re spiraling.”
“He’s… he’s said he’s going to marry me, Mabel. In four days. No, wait, three days now.” The realization hit me hard as I spoke. “In three days, according to him, I’ll be his wife.”
Mabel stared at me like I’d lost my mind. “He’s obviously crazy. Why are you even taking him seriously?”
“Because…” I hesitated, “he sounded serious.”
She rolled her eyes. “Anyone can *sound* serious, Ashley.”
“No, it wasn’t just that,” I said, shaking my head, feeling a knot forming in my chest. “It was the way he said it. Like it was already decided. Like there was no other option, no escape. I’ve never heard someone so sure.”
Mabel’s face softened as she sat beside me. “But can you really picture yourself married to someone like him? A man who’s made your life hell?”
“Marry him?” I let out a bitter laugh, the idea making my stomach churn. “I’d rather die than spend my life suffering with him.”
“Good.” Mabel smiled, giving me a nudge. “Now, stop sulking and get your butt out of bed. I made breakfast.”
I couldn’t help but smile back. “You’re a lifesaver, you know that?”
“Will you be going to see your mom again today?” she asked, her voice dropping slightly as she walked to the door.
“Yeah,” I nodded, the heaviness returning to my heart. “I just… I need to be with her.”
Mabel’s face fell. “You really should be focusing on finding a job, Ashley. The hospital bills are piling up, and they won’t wait much longer.”
“I know,” I said quietly, swallowing the guilt rising in my throat. “I’ll start tomorrow. I swear. But just let me have today with her. Being with my mom… it gives me strength.”
Mabel sighed and pulled me into a quick hug. “I wish I could do more for you, Ashley. You know I would, but my paycheck barely covers rent and groceries. I hate that I can’t help with the bills.”
“You’ve already done more than enough, Mabel. ” I squeezed her hand. “You’ve housed me since we finished school, and it’s thanks to you that Mom’s still at the hospital. Don’t ever think you aren’t helping me. I couldn’t have made it this far without you. I promise, one day I’ll pay you back. Tenfold.”
Her smile returned, soft but reassuring. “Come on, freshen up and have breakfast. Then I’ll drive us to the hospital.”
After a quick shower, I joined her in the kitchen, surprised by the sight of… cookies?
“You… made cookies?” I asked, wide-eyed, as I sat down.
“And tea,” Mabel said with a grin. “You sound surprised.”
“Well, you’ve never been much of a cook,” I teased. “Usually, it’s toast for breakfast. This is a… nice change.”
“Go on, try it!” she said, excitement bubbling in her voice.
I took a bite and chewed slowly, trying to hide my thoughts.
“How is it? Good?” she asked, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
I bit my lip, trying to find the right words. “Should I… maybe make us something else for breakfast?”
Mabel laughed, throwing a napkin at me. “Okay, okay! Let’s just go. I’m running late for work anyway.”
We arrived at the hospital shortly after, and as we stepped inside, Mabel was greeted by a familiar scowl.
“Running late again, Doctor Mabel ?” asked Dr. James, the young, grumpy doctor from the other day. His tone was cold, as always.
“It’s only a few minutes past 9,” Mabel replied cautiously. “Is there a problem?”
“Punctuality is part of your job description, or have you forgotten?” His voice was sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife.
“I’m sorry, Doctor. It won’t happen again.”
“It better not,” he muttered before storming off.
I turned to Mabel, frowning. “Why does he always bully you?”
“Not just me,” she sighed. “He bullies everyone here. He’s like the Steven Blackwood of this hospital. And since he’s the most talented doctor, I can’t exactly talk back.”
“Why are all talented and handsome men such jerks?”
Mabel shook her head with a smile. “Who knows? Anyway, I’ve got to go. Have a good time with your mom.”
******
“Mom…” I whispered, sitting by her bedside, holding her hand gently. “Do you remember Leon? That little boy I met when we moved to the house by the lake? I dreamt of him last night… I haven’t thought about him in so long, but seeing his smile again, it felt so real. He was my first love, you know? I miss him so much.”
I sighed, leaning back. “But Mom, you won’t believe this. The CEO I told you about… Jayden? He’s claiming to be Leon.”
I laughed at the absurdity of it, but it quickly faded. “I know it sounds ridiculous, and I don’t believe it either. Leon… my Leon would never be like him. He’s cruel, heartless.”
My stomach growled, and I sighed again. “I should head back home and eat something, but I don’t want to leave you just yet.”
I poured myself some water from the dispenser, but as I turned around, my breath caught in my throat. Standing there, like a shadow looming over my heart, was Steven.
The glass slipped from my hand, shattering on the floor.
“Mr… Mr. Steven… you scared me.”
“Williams was right,” he said, stepping closer, his presence suffocating. I instinctively backed away.
“H-how did you-”
I didn’t finish before I slipped on the wet floor, landing hard on my back with a yelp.
Steven didn’t flinch. He just stood there, staring down at me, emotionless.
“You could’ve helped me up, you know?” I muttered, wincing as I sat up, only to see blood seeping from my hand where the glass had cut me. “Look what you caused!” I snapped, holding my bleeding hand up to his face.
He turned his gaze to me, cold and unyielding. “Did you just raise your voice at me?”
I froze, my heart pounding. His expression was deadly, more terrifying than ever.
“I-I didn’t mean to…. to” I stammered, my voice shaking.
“Next time you raise your voice at me, Luna,” he said slowly, “will be the last time you ever speak.”
A chill ran down my spine. Was he serious? The threat lingered in the air, suffocating me.
“I-I’m sorry…” I whispered.
He took another step forward, his eyes locked on mine. “I’m here to make you a deal.”
“A… deal?”
“In three days’ time, we’ll have our mating ceremony. You will marry me.”
“Excuse me, Mr. CEO, but I never agreed….”
“Interrupt me again,” he hissed, “and it’ll be the last time you ever interrupt anyone.”
I swallowed, feeling the goosebumps rise on my arms. His presence was suffocating, dark, and inescapable.
“Please, continue,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
“You marry me without fuss,” he said, his voice low, dangerous, “and I’ll make your mother conscious again. Refuse me, and she dies. Either way, in three days, you will be my mate.”
I stared at him, my blood running cold as he smirked.
The choice was clear. The easy way, or the hard way.