AT LOVE 12

Posted by Admink, ? Views, Released on May 5, 2025

Chapter 12

KYLE

The past few days have been a whirlwind of emotions, a delicate balancing act between work, my therapy appointments, and the unavoidable sight of Ashley with Violet at the hospital.

Seeing her there was like a constant reminder of everything I’d lost, and her clear attempts to avoid me only made it worse.

Today is Ashley’s birthday. She didn’t remind me–she didn’t need to. I’ve always remembered. This morning, I sent her a simple text wishing her a happy birthday, followed by a tentative request to meet. A date, I suggested. It was clumsy, but I couldn’t let her slip away without at least trying.

She read the message. No reply. The silence hit me harder than I expected. Maybe my approach was off, maybe it was too much too soon, but I couldn’t let her slip away without at least trying.

Jack was right. It’s going to take more than just a date. It’s going to require a complete shift in priorities, in how I live my life.

My plans are clear: once things are more stable, I’ll end my relationship with Atlas. I don’t care if it risks the stability of my company. I can’t afford to let everything fall apart again. What matters now is Ashley. I’ve spent the last two years realizing that.

Jl paced around my office, glancing at the clock, each minute dragging as I mentally prepared myself. I knew she had been avoiding me for days. Today’s

attempt at reaching out felt like a desperate measure, but I had to try.

My plan was simple: I was going to pay her a visit at her apartment

Yeah, I know where she stays. My days of watching her movements in secret had paid off. I knew her routine by heart now–knew the path she took to Ryan’s place. I knew she leaves her house at 8:10 a.m. each morning to meet Violet at the hospital, and she returns around 6:30 p.m. Sometimes 7, depending on how late Violet stayed at the hospital. I knew she stopped at a pet store now and buy for supplies for her cat–another detail I’d memorized. I also knew she often retreated to a cozy coffee shop down the street, lost in a book or her thoughts for hours.

Today was different. Today, I had a chance. Violet wasn’t going to the hospital; there was a good chance Ashley would be home. I checked my watch again–it was after 3 p.m. I couldn’t wait any longer.

I stepped out of my office and into my car, the engine humming to life, but the nerves in my stomach felt like they might tear me apart. This was ridiculous. I’d never been this anxious over a woman before. But I couldn’t let the day go by without trying. Not after everything.

The drive to her apartment felt longer than usual, every minute stretching into an eternity.

A few minutes later, I parked outside her building. I sat in the car for a moment, taking deep breaths, trying to calm the nerves that were threatening to overwhelm me. This was ridiculous, I thought. But still, I had to do this.

I stepped out of the car, my hands shaking slightly as I approached her front door. No turning back now. Before I could second–guess myself, I knocked gently.

There was a brief pause, then the sound of footsteps approaching. The door creaked open, and there she was, looking surprised and disappointed like she was expecting someone else. I took in her sight and she was dressed in a stunning blue dress. Her red hair was pulled back, showcasing her heart–shaped face and striking features. Her deep brown eyes sparkled with surprise and annoyance, while her full lips parted slightly. A delicate silver necklace glinted on her neck, adding to her elegant poise.

“Kyle”

She said, her voice a mix of shock and caution.

“Hi, Ashley” I said, trying to keep my tone calm.

“What are you doing here?” She asked

“I just thought I should stop by”

“Stop by?” Her brow arched, clearly confused. “How did you even know where I live?”

Oh, right.

I… I found out,” I muttered, awkwardness flooding me, making my words feel hollow. I didn’t know how else to explain it. “Shouldn’t you let me in?”

She hesitated. Her eyes flickered between curiosity and reluctance, a battle she was clearly losing. Finally, she sighed, and with a slow movement, she flung the door open wide. The familiar scent of wildflowers filled the air, mingled with the unmistakable smell of her. It felt like coming home, except that the