Ashton slowly walked out of Alexander’s car towards their parents’ house after four days at the hospital. He hadn’t been the same as before after driving Hayley out of his life. His heart expected her to call him, asking about his health, but she hadn’t. It was only the two friends who stuck to one another like always. Ashton knew he should be happy since this was what he had wanted, but he wasn’t happy! He staggered absent-mindedly and Alexander immediately caught him from tripping over.“Careful, man. We want no broken bones, do we?” “Who cares? I might as well have died.” “Stop sulking, Ashton. You’re the one who pushed her away!” Alexander rang the doorbell while Ashton sighed, wondering what explanation to give his friend. He had given the same explanation to the cops as he had to Mr. Barclay. Even Alexander knew the kidnappers had mistakenly picked him up. “I’m completely shaken up, bro. I want to regain a grip on my life first. She is neglecting her studies to be with me, an

The moment Hayley’s eyes met his, everything ceased to exist around her. She drowned in the intense depths of his gaze, her heart racing faster with every passing second. Something was amiss! He didn’t seem the same Ashton she had left behind four years ago! The Ashton in front of her had a deep gash above his left eyebrow, his jawline looked sharper, chiseled, and determined, and his body more mature. More than anything else, it was the brooding and distant look in his eyes that surprised her. Ashton was always aloof, but he wasn’t cold! It seemed as if he had been through a hurricane in the last four years! “Ready to go?” he asked, wrenching his gaze away from hers and raising an eyebrow at the others. It was obvious that he wasn’t thrilled to be their chauffeur tonight. His behavior surprised Hayley! It was as if he didn’t know her at all! Maybe he didn’t want to know her! It was only her foolish heart that clung to a fake hope. “I’ll follow you in my car, Alyssa,” said Hayley, r

Ashton reached his apartment with Hayley in his arms. Feeling her soft body against his chest unleashed a myriad of emotions within him. He had successfully kept these feelings hidden deep within him for the last four years, but not anymore. Why would he obey Gambino when he was paying off his money? Who the f*ck was with Francesca to order him around? After Kingsley’s threat, he felt rebellious, wanting to claim what was rightfully his. Yes, Hayley was his! He glanced at her tenderly, as she snuggled into his chest and an intense need to protect her rose deep within him. He kicked his door shut and carried her towards his bedroom. This was what he had wanted for a long time, to bring her home! He lay her down on his bed and dropped to his knees beside her, gazing at her delicate, innocent face with longing. Why was she so damn stubborn? Why did she need to dance with others when he was dying to dance with her? She stirred, and he froze with apprehension, not wanting her to witness

It was the most exciting news in the Barclay family and everyone congratulated Meredith and Robert Barclay. They all knew how much this meant to them. Granny was in tears and she engaged herself in organizing a baby shower party for Meredith. Hayley was glad that their attention was diverted away from her. After dinner, she could pack up her stuff in peace. Her mom came over to help her. “Jason is still interested in marrying you, Hails. If you change your mind about him, tell me. We’ll plan your engagement.” “I won’t change my mind, mom. I will now look into the business to relieve dad.” Hayley was determined not to give in and marry that man, whatever it took her. She would rather stay single all her life. “That’s a very noble thought, but you can’t live alone all your life, Hails. We won’t be there for you forever. You need a family of your own,” coaxed her mom. “I’ll have my cousins, mom. I don’t need Jason in my life.”“Fine, as you wish.” The next morning, Hayley was in th

A gentle touch on her cheek woke Hayley up early in the morning at 5 o’clock. She opened her groggy eyes and looked around the bedroom. There was no one! Was it a dream? She was sure she felt someone caress her cheek, and tuck her hair behind her hair with a lot of tenderness. Then she remembered her promise to Ashton. She was supposed to go out jogging with him at 5 in the morning. Groaning, she rushed to the washroom. In ten minutes, ready in a blue top and yoga pants, she picked up her keys and mobile phone and rushed out. To her surprise, Ashton sat on the staircase beside his apartment, waiting for her. “Good morning! How did you manage to wake up so early?” he asked, with eyes twinkling with amusement. Hayley groaned, unable to figure out the reason for his good mood. “I just did! Sorry, I’m late! Shall we go?” Ashton sprang up, and Hayley groaned at his level of energy. All she wanted was to crawl back to bed and sleep. Why did she need to agree to this when she had a hecti