The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us
Lily's POV

Ashton came home later than usual today. When I called, he told me there was an extra meeting. I had already prepared dinner.

Ever since Kelly and her mother moved into this house, I’ve often been cornered. They always find fault in everything I do. They still blame my father for the death of Raymond and Liam Williams. Haven’t they had enough, seeing how much my father has already lost?

“You still have the audacity to walk around here. Aren’t you ashamed? Your father is responsible for the death of my husband and my son.” Mrs. Williams stood with her arms crossed, staring at me with eyes full of hatred. Nothing I do will ever matter to her. They won’t even touch the food I cook.

“Of course she’s not ashamed, Mom. Just look at how her mother used to throw herself at David Taylor,” Kelly added with a cruel smirk, her eyes scanning me from head to toe. “She used her body to tie David down with money. So cheap.”

Even though my mother and I never really got along and our days filled more with fights than peace, I still couldn’t let them drag her name through the dirt.

“Were you never taught manners, Kelly? Don’t you dare insult my mother.” I kept my voice firm, my eyes locked on hers. I needed her to know I wouldn’t stay silent.

“Oh, how touching. The dutiful daughter standing up for her poor mother.” Kelly laughed mockingly, twirling a strand of hair like I was nothing but entertainment.

“Remember this, Lily. You don’t belong with Ashton. You don’t belong in our family. There’s no place here for a murderer’s daughter.” Mrs. Williams stepped closer, each word she spoke cut deeper than the last.

My heart stung every time they threw those accusations at my father.

“My father is not a murderer. Time will prove it,” I said firmly.

The tension in the room finally began to fade when Ashton walked in. He looked exhausted, like he’d been buried in work all day.

“Ashton, you’re finally home. I made dinner.” I welcomed him, reaching out to take his briefcase. He pulled away.

“I’m going upstairs, Lily. I’m really tired.” His voice was flat, lacking the warmth I was used to.

“Don’t you want to eat first?” I asked again.

“I’m not hungry.” His tone didn’t change, his face unreadable.

He trudged upstairs. I could feel Mrs. Williams and Kelly sneering behind me, but I didn’t care. I followed him up.

He was changing when I entered the room. For the first time, Ashton looked like the weight of the world was crushing him.

“Are you really not going to eat?”

He shook his head, walked past me, and collapsed onto the bed. No kiss. No hug. He was pulling away from me again.

I climbed into bed beside him, my head swirling with questions. What’s wrong, Ashton? Is it work?

He stared blankly at the ceiling, lost in thoughts I couldn’t reach.

“Ashton…”

He glanced at me, just for a second, then turned his gaze back upward.

“Is something bothering you? You’re different today.”

He let out a breath, long and heavy. Something inside him was unraveling.

He looked at me, expressionless, his eyes cold. A stranger’s gaze.

“I keep thinking about the same thing. Over and over. I won’t be at peace until the person who killed my father and brother is punished.” His voice trembled with barely restrained anger.

“Frederick and Evelyn are helping investigate, aren’t they? The truth will come out eventually,” I said softly, trying to reassure him.

Ashton’s eyes sharpened. “No other suspects have been found, Lily. Your father is still the strongest one. Before the accident, a car with your father’s company logo was seen following theirs.” His words were pointed, heavy with blame. I could see the fire in his eyes every time he mentioned my father.

I sat up, and Ashton followed. Now we were sitting face-to-face on the bed, a space meant for warmth and safety, now tainted by confrontation.

“You keep calling my father a murderer. But there’s no solid proof, Ashton.”

“There’s one piece that only strengthens my suspicion. A car from your father's company followed my dad’s car, Lily.” Ashton raised his voice.

“That doesn’t prove anything. That road isn’t private. It could’ve been a staff member running an errand, or maybe they were headed to the same place.”

“I’m convinced your father was involved. I’ll wait for the next piece of evidence—enough to put him behind bars!”

I froze. I didn’t know how to answer anymore. I was tired of the same accusation every time.

“Every time you look at me, all you see is my father, the man you believe killed your family. How are we supposed to live like this, Ashton?” My voice was firm, but my chest felt like it was splitting open. Maybe this was why he always kept his distance, maybe he saw my father in me.

“What are we even doing, Ashton? Is this just a contract marriage? One year? You got everything you wanted—my father’s project, public recognition that ruined his reputation… Why not just let me go?” I tried to sound strong, even as it broke something inside me to say it. Deep down, I wanted to stay. I wanted this marriage to become real. But I couldn’t keep living like this. His pain was always there, haunting everything between us.

His eyes grew colder, sharper, like he was holding back a storm. I didn’t know if I meant anything to him at all. If he loved me, wouldn’t he understand how it feels every time he accuses my father?

“I’m not letting you go, Lily. Never. Do you hear me? Never.” Ashton pulled me into his arms so suddenly I lost my balance.

He pressed me down onto the bed, hovering over me but still giving me space to breathe. My heart raced, my breath quickened and so did his.

“Do you love me? Do you want me?” I asked, eyes locked on his. I knew he did. I could feel it. But he was holding himself back with everything he had.

“I want you more than anything in the world.” His face was so close. Just inches away.

He kissed me. Deep, urgent, desperate. I felt him in every kiss on my lips, my neck, my chest, every part of me. My thoughts vanished. All I wanted was him. I wanted him to lose himself in me. To give me the intimacy I’d never known.

But then, he stopped.

He pulled back, the fire in his eyes now dulled by hesitation.

“I’m sorry, Lily… I can’t.”

And just like that, I fell apart. Disappointment swallowed me whole. The past—his pain, his thirst for justice—it still ruled him.

Ashton, how much longer will you keep pushing me away?