Silence is over
Marco
After we took Asher with us, it felt as though a fragile sense of order was finally returning to my life. At last, there was silence. Though I knew it was temporary, like the calm before another storm, I no longer worried too much about Ashley, especially since I had people shadowing her wherever she went, watching every step she took, every move she made.
And yet… unease never truly left me. Sandro’s warning still echoed in my mind. Ashlyn could be in danger. Now that Ashley had lost Asher, she no longer had any leverage, no weapon to manipulate me with. That made her desperate. And desperation could turn into something reckless.
I buried myself in work. Every day, I went to the office early, and every night, I made sure to leave earlier than usual, just so I could be home in time for dinner. No matter how chaotic the world outside became, I wanted my family to feel complete, even for a single meal. Thankfully, Andy and my three secretaries were so reliable that I often wondered how the company would survive without them.
Whenever I arrived at the office, documents were already neatly laid out on my desk. Andy sorted them by urgency, highlighting those that required immediate attention. He managed my schedule with precision, ensuring I never missed a meeting. Sometimes, I even brought home extra paperwork, but only if it didn’t cut into family time.
“Sir, the Montecillo Township in Cavite is looking good,” Andy reported the moment I sat down, handing me a folder. “Almost a fourth of the pre-selling units have already been sold.”
I had just settled into my swivel chair, barely taking a breath, when he delivered the good news.
“That’s good to hear,” I replied, flipping open the report. “Once our architects release the final designs, I’m sure sales will double.”
“Absolutely, sir. The feedback from our agents has been very positive. Even during site trippings, clients love the elevation of the area, and the breeze makes the place feel refreshing.”
As he spoke, I skimmed through the report. One detail caught my eye: the roads weren’t yet fully cemented. Some areas remained muddy, especially after heavy rains. That couldn’t be ignored.
“I want those main roads cemented before the first year mark,” I said firmly. “I won’t allow delays in turnover or issues with utilities.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll relay that to the site engineers immediately.”
“Good. Anything else for today?” I asked, signing a document.
“You have a 10 a.m. meeting with the architects for minor revisions on the executive class house designs.”
“Alright. Anything more?”
Andy hesitated. “About Mr. Vergara... he isn’t available on the same days you are.”
My brows furrowed. “Can’t we squeeze in at least thirty minutes?”
“He said he’s willing to meet within two weeks. He seems eager for us to handle the project. The problem is... your calendar is already full during his available slots. Unless...”
“Unless what?” I asked, glancing up.
“Unless we schedule it on a Saturday.” His tone was cautious.
I let out a slow sigh. Weekends were sacred. No matter how busy I was during the week, Saturdays and Sundays were for family. Still, Mr. Vergara’s project was massive, with a nationwide scope, and he was known for being professional and straightforward.
“I’ll ask my wife,” I said finally. Andy nodded, understanding the weight of my answer.
“Noted, sir. I’ll wait for confirmation.”
After running through the rest of the agenda, Andy left me to review the contracts I had revised days ago. I knew the legal and admin teams had already checked them, but I had a habit of reading every letter before I signed anything.
It was almost ten. I was about to head to the conference room when the office door suddenly burst open.
“Marco!”
The voice was sharp, furious, cutting through the air like a whip. I froze, surprised. Ashley stormed in, her face flushed red, veins straining on her neck. Behind her, Andy appeared, clearly trying and failing to stop her.
“Ashley, you’re not allowed here—”
“Don’t you dare tell me what I can or can’t do, Marco!” she snapped, her anger igniting the very atmosphere of the office. “You took my son away from me! And you think you can just sit there like nothing happened?”
“Ashley, the court made that decision—”
“Because you paid off the judge!” she screamed, her voice trembling with a mix of rage and despair. Her eyes were swollen, brimming with tears that didn’t fall. She looked feral, like a cornered lioness ready to lash out.
For a moment, I studied her. I didn’t see a mother in her eyes; I saw a woman unraveling, desperate, clinging to whatever she could still control.
“The judge knew you wouldn’t be a good mother to Asher,” I said evenly, forcing calm into my voice. “If I were you, I’d focus on fixing myself before coming here to cause a scene. You won’t get my son back, Ashley. Not while I’m breathing.”
Her eyes flickered, her stance faltering for a split second before the fire returned. “Not a good mother? Asher is my son, Marco!” She jabbed her trembling finger against her chest. “He’s my blood, my flesh! I have every right to see him, but you robbed me of even that!”
The ache in my chest tightened, but I swallowed it down. “I didn’t take that from you,” I said, voice low but firm. “We had an agreement. If you wish to see or speak with Asher, a court officer must be present. Without that, don’t even try.”
Each word felt heavy, deliberate. I wanted her to understand that this wasn’t a game. I wasn’t doing this to punish her. I was protecting our son from the chaos she carried with her.
She gave a bitter laugh, hollow and sharp. “Of course. You used your money, your influence, your name. And me? I’m left with nothing. Always losing. Always stripped of everything.”
Her voice cracked. “I’m not perfect, Marco, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love him. That doesn’t mean I can’t be his mother.”
I cleared my throat, fighting to keep my composure. “You say you love him, but we both know you’re pretending. Asher needs peace and stability. Until you can give him that, I won’t back down.”
For a heartbeat, silence filled the room. Her eyes burned with fury, but beneath it, I sensed the crushing weight of defeat.
Then she slammed her hand on my desk, scattering some papers. Andy flinched, his fists clenching at his sides, but he stayed put.
“I’ll call security if you don’t stop,” I warned, my tone calm but edged with steel.
“Go ahead. But you can’t intimidate me,” she hissed, her voice low, venomous. “I’m not done with you. Or Ashlyn.”
Before she could step closer, two guards arrived, summoned by Andy. They grabbed her by the arms, pulling her back.
“This isn’t over, Marco!” she shouted, her voice echoing as they dragged her out.
I didn’t answer. I didn’t even look up as the door shut behind her. But deep inside, I knew the truth; silence was over. Ashley would return. And when she did, she would be far more dangerous.