Chapter: 130
Just as Ashley's spirits lifted, Alan instructed the driver to stop the car.
"I'm dropping you off here. Someone will come for you soon. I need to handle other matters," he said.
Ashley attempted a smile, but it was a poor mask for her despair.
She had hoped her return would rekindle their closeness and that Alan would prioritize time with her daily.
Yet, everything was unfolding contrary to her plans.
"Ashley?" Alan called out once more, his brow furrowing as he noticed her distant gaze.
Ashley jolted back to the present, reluctant to part so abruptly.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she launched herself into Alan's embrace. “Alan, are you... are you trying to push me away? Maybe I should never return!"
Taken aback, Alan attempted to disengage, but Ashley clung to him even more desperately.
"Alan, we've lost so many years. I want to be by your side. I promise I won't make Kaitlin uncomfortable." She looked up at him, her face the picture of misery and vulnerability. “Please, let me stay as your secretary."
In her mind, Ashley ran through her strategy. As his secretary, she would be near him daily. She believed that, over time, Alan would warm up to her again.
Alan stared at the woman before him, his annoyance mounting.
He worried about Kaitlin's reaction-how this might fuel her jealousy and potentially drive her away for good.
"No," he stated firmly, shrugging her off with an icy expression that caused Ashley's heart to plummet.
"Get out of the car. I'll assist you with any challenges you face, but that's the extent of it."
His words set a definitive limit, sending Ashley into a state of panic.
“Alan, have you really forgotten everything we shared?"
Alan shook his head, his voice firm. "That's all behind us. Now, I'm committed to Kaitlin. Ashley, we should just remain friends."
Only after Alan's car was out of sight did Ashley allow her fury to surface.
She grabbed her phone and dialed Lilliana, her voice sharp and accusing. “Didn't you tell me Alan cared about me? Well, that was a lie! How come Kaitlin Gilbert is pregnant with Alan's baby, then?"
Lilliana, burdened by guilt on the other end of the line, knew the chaos stemmed from her own secrets. "Ashley, please, calm down. Alan does care about you-he visits your grave every year. Just give it some time, and I'm sure you can win him back."
Trying to shift the mood, Lilliana then changed the subject, her voice tinged with hope. "By the way, this hotel is far too loud. Why don't you come and pick me up? Let's stay together. Alan wouldn't mind, I'm sure.”
Ashley scoffed, uninterested in discussing Alan's feelings. “Alright, I'll text you the address once I find a place."
Lilliana wanted to continue the conversation, but Ashley ended the call abruptly.