Chapter 122 Should Have Known Better.

Chapter 122 Should Have Known Better.
Asher's POV 

I never understood what murderous intent felt like until now. Even as Ethan stared at me with a smile, a smile that looked too fake now that I noticed it, I wanted to strangle him.

“Hey, Ash—”

“Screw off.” I cut him off, bumping into him on purpose as I dragged my things with me and made my way out of the building.

“Asher! Asher, wait up!” Roman called after me but I ignored him as I rushed out before he could get to me.

I didn't know how to face him or what to say to him. I wasn't blaming him; I knew it wasn't his fault. It was all mine.

I just felt too much anger in me and I didn't want him to suffer for what wasn't his fault.

I didn't know where I wanted to go. With no choice left, I took out my phone and dialed Mom's number, because there was no one else I could actually talk to at this moment.

She didn't pick up after the first ring so I hailed a cab and gave the driver directions to her apartment instead.

The drive lasted for a few hours and all I could do was stare out the window, my expression blank. I couldn't cry, couldn't laugh. 

All I could do was stare.

When the cab finally stopped, I stepped out and dragged my suitcase with me into the apartment, then I rang the bell.

It took a few seconds before I heard a response, earning a sharp tug in my heart. The door finally opened as Vera's face came into view, and she blinked at me in confusion.

“Asher? Oh my goodness, what a surprise. Come on in! Where's Roman?” She asked in happiness as she glanced behind me but then noticed I came alone.

“Mom…” I started but my voice cracked, giving my stupid facade away, and her expression changed immediately.

“What happened to you? Come here, it's okay.” She whispered as she extended her hand to me and I walked into her arms.

Tears spilled down my cheeks as I cried on her shoulders and she gently patted my back, whispering comforting words to me.

After minutes of crying, she helped me into the apartment as she dragged my suitcase in with me while I settled into the couch.

“Talk to me, what happened? Who would do something to hurt you?” She asked in worry as she sat beside me and I let out a shaky breath.

Then I started to explain all that happened. Since she knew most of the details, it didn't take long for her to understand as she gasped in horror.

“That fucking asshole. I should have known he was up to no good!” Vera muttered in anger as she shook her head. “I never knew he would go so far for his own selfishness. If I had known it was something we could handle, I would have never asked him to come back.”

“You couldn't have known…” I whispered weakly as she took my hand gently.

Truly, if we had known from the start that we could get ourselves drafted, we wouldn't have had to go through anything we went through.

All those plans, fake fights and everything wouldn't have happened. My best friend wouldn't have had to betray me. I wouldn't have walked away from my boyfriend.

None of this would have happened if we actually knew better. 

“How are you holding up, honey?” She whispered as she rubbed my shoulders gently and I let out a soft sigh.

“Like I wanna crash out? But also like I just wanna rest. There's a war going on in my head.” I explained and she nodded in understanding.

“Are you really going to break up with Roman?” She asked and I immediately shook my head, my brows furrowing in confusion.

“Why would I break up with him? For something that was my fault?”

“First of all, it wasn't your fault. At all. We'll blame both Keith and Jordan for this bullshit going on. They're such asshole fathers.” She said sternly, making me thin my lips. “Also, I thought you said you wanted a break?”

“A temporary break, just to get myself together. Why would I break up with Roman? I love him too much to do that… even though we'll be away.” I mumbled, looking away and feeling slightly embarrassed, and she chuckled softly.

“What if he wants to stay with you and forsake his hockey dream—”

“No! I'd never let him do that.” I said immediately and her face lit up as she gently ruffled my hair.

“How about you sleep for a bit and when we wake up, we'll talk more. You look like you could collapse.” She replied softly and I nodded with a resigned sigh.

She led me up the stairs and to Roman's old room that smelled just like him. 

“Call me if you need anything.” She patted my shoulder and I nodded as she made her way out.

I walked around, smiling at the pictures of Roman in the room and tracing my fingers over them.

My boyfriend was going to the NHL, how could I not be happy for him? Why was I choosing to be selfish? I've been selfish all along…

If I had just let him…

And how could I actually break up with him? What if he thought I meant breaking up completely?

I should reassure him… but first, I had to sleep.

I crashed to the bed and pulled the pillow in, hugging it right as my eyes closed.

It had only been a few hours, yet I missed him so much…

My eyes drifted close and I fell into a deep sleep. But then, I felt arms wrap around my waist and pull me into that familiar embrace I was used to.

It had to be a dream…

“I missed you, love.” He whispered and I jolted up immediately, looking around to see an empty room.

What was I thinking? I knew it was a dream.

Just then, the door opened and a figure walked in, making me freeze.