Chapter 8
Before turning off the phone, her mother sent a text message: Ashley, Mom applauds your courage to pursue yourself, and Mom hopes you are happy
Ashley looked at the clouds outside the window and smiled slightly
This time, she left the past behind forever, and she will definitely be happy!!!
When Ashley arrived in the unfamiliar country, she didn’t feel too out of place. Everywhere she looked, she saw familiar faces from her home country.
For a moment, she almost thought she was still back in her home country.M
The airport was crowded, but she immediately spotted her best friend Zoe Molina, who had come to pick her up. Ever since Ashley had mentioned she was coming to Puerto Vendaval for work, Zoe had been beyond excited.% Without missing a beat, Zoe had promised that once Ashley arrived, she’d take care of everything; from accommodation, food, the works.N
Ashley watched Zoe, beaming and waving enthusiastically. Her warmth and energy were contagious and Ashley couldn’t help but relax, a smile spreading across her own face.N
Zoe hadn’t changed a bit since back home–bright, cheerful and full of life. No matter where she was, she was like a little ray of sunshine, effortlessly drawing people in.N
“Finally, you’re here.“N
With a relaxed motion, she nudged her suitcase toward her male companion. “Come on, be a gentleman–carry the luggage for the beautiful lady, won’t you?“N
It was only then that Ashley noticed the man standing beside Zoe–it was her cousin, Alejandro.
Before she could react, the suitcase in her hand was already gone.
She actually knew Alejandro. Back when she and Max had broken up, she had briefly dated him.”
The Alejandro she remembered had been tall and slender, a strikingly handsome boy. But the man standing before her now was different–his features sharper, his frame broader, carrying a quiet confidence that made him seem more mature, more masculine.
One glance and guilt twisted in her chest. She instinctively lowered her head.N
He must think she was awful. After all, she had only seen him as a temporary comfort, a way to mend her broken heart.!! And when she got back together with Max, she had ended things with Alejandro without much thought. She only knew that after high school, he had gone abroad. She never expected to run into him again–here, of all places, in Puerto Vendaval.
Alejandro seemed to pick up on her discomfort. He gave a brief, polite nod, then turned to Zoe. “I’ll go put the luggage in the car.” he walked away right after that.N
“Isn’t he ridiculously handsome? Come on, beautiful, why not just take him for yourself?”
Ashley’s cheeks burned, but her voice remained as cool as ever. “Zoe, cut it out.“N
Zoe clung to her arm, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, completely immersed in the gossip.M
“I’m not joking! Everyone knows my cousin is practically a monk–he’s been abroad for years and he still hasn’t found anyone he likes.”
She leaned in, lowering her voice like she was revealing top–secret intel. “I’ll let you in on a little secret–rumor has it he left the country because of heartbreak. His first love didn’t end well. Hahaha!“N
‘No idea which stunning woman dumped him, but honestly? Respect. I’ve been annoyed with him for ages.“W Ashley pressed her lips together, her palms suddenly damp with sweat. Her vision wavered–dark, then darker still.N Meanwhile, back home, Max had dozed off after an all–nighter at work, exhausted.N
His sleep was restless. Ashley’s face kept appearing in his dreams, vivid and unshakable. He woke with a start, his chest rising and falling heavily..
“Ash.“%
He ran his hands through his hair, trying to push down the emotions stirring inside him. In a low murmur, he said, “Ash, just wait a little longer.”
time.
“I’ll keep my promise to you soon.”
On instinct, he grabbed his phone and scrolled through their old messages, only to realize they hadn’t texted in a long
Turning to his computer, he clicked open a hidden folder and lightly traced his fingers over a photo of them together. His usually sharp gaze softened with rare warmth.N
Chapter &
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E aw your salon ya ora a prvo of mein weier. no usually sharp gaze softened with rare warmth. I
Ash, you’re still just as stubbom. But soon… we won’t have to hide anymore.”
