Part 31

Part 31
I couldn't breathe. It wasn't exactly a revelation of the century but I never expected him to confess. Ashton always had feelings for me but I thought they were long gone when he started dating again. How could I not see it coming?






All I felt was numb as he kept staring at me. It was so quiet that I could almost hear the sound of my blood rushing through my veins. His breathing was quiet, ragged and so calculated like he was trying to hold back. It pained me to see how he was so nervous about my reaction.





Ashton was the best friend you could ask for. Ever since we became friends he has been nothing but helpful. He is a good person to just sit back and observe what he is like. There was always something quirky going on in his mind.






And he handled Aiden's chaotic and stubborn antics very well. At times it made me feel like I should have met him sooner. Maybe that would have changed my mind about rooting for someone who would never love me back. Sometimes it made me think it would have been so much easier to have him as Aiden's father.






Another thing was my parents adored him. They always praise him in front of me in the hope that I would finally date him. It was kind of surprising to see how my father got along with Ashton so quickly. He always had something to say about my male friends but with Ashton he was cool. Maybe because Ashton actually likes the same football team as my father and got him a signed ball. My father gushes every moment about it. It's kind of amusing.




"Aria" Ashton whispered, breaking the silence. I raised my head towards him.





"You don't have to say anything. It was just something I need to get off my chest. I can respect our friendship enough to not let my stupid feelings affect it" He gave me a weak smile.





It pulled at my heart noticing how he was trying to conceal the hurt he was feeling. Maybe it was time I finally acknowledge that I needed to move on. That I needed someone like Ashton in my life. He's kind, funny and to good care of Aiden. Bonus points he likes me for who I am. What more do I need?





I cleared my throat, "They're not stupid"




He blinked his eyes in confusion, unable to understand what I was trying to get at.




"What?"





I licked my lips nervously, "I mean your feelings are not stupid Ashton."






He bitterly chuckled, his hand clenched together, tightly. I could hear his soft sigh as he blinked his eyes.





"You don't have to pity me. I'm fine"




A frown settled on my features. Why would he think that? Then again he has been waiting for a while. He had every moment to think about it. It was almost funny how fate works.






Here I was pinning over Edward for so long that I almost missed noticing that someone else might be the one for me. I let Ashton feel the same way Edward made me feel. It made my gut clench at the thought of the pain I must have bestowed upon him. All those nights I cried for Edward were painful enough to make me realise how cruel unrequited love can be. And unknowingly I caused the same pain upon Ashton. The same person who has helped me without a thought and has always been there for me. How could I hurt him?





"I am not pitying you" I sternly said to which Aston looked taken back. Obviously, he was not expecting me to retort him back.





"That's the last thing I would do. Trust me"




He shrugged, "That's nice to know"




I winced at his casual tone. I wanted to tell him that I was ready to take the fall. I really wanted to be with him if that's what made him happy. He deserved that.





"Ashton stop that" I softly whispered, aware of the way his eyes were digging into my skin.




"What?"




"You know what I'm talking about."




"I don't. Humour me" He crossed his arms and stared at me.





"I mean stop pretending that you're not hurt. That you don't feel pain"





His face fell at that. It was hurtful to watch the way he quickly put on a mask and shook his head.





"Well that's the only thing I can do"




"Maybe it's time I stop you from feeling that way"




It was never a conversation we had. Back then when he asked me how I was in a bad place. I was naive enough to think that Edward would come back to me and we would be a happy family. And Ashton was a good friend who took it lightly and agreed to be my friend instead of being angry over my rejection. Ever since then it was clear to everyone that I was not ready to date anyone.






After Aiden was born my entire focus was on him and then my job so that I can provide him with everything he wanted. There were times when I felt jealous when Ashton talked about going on dates. That's something I wanted to experience without feeling guilty that I was betraying Edward somehow.





But now that I know Edward is engaged maybe it is time that I move on too.




His eyes widened as he tried to make sense of what I said. For someone who was a medical doctor, he could often be slow. A huge smile broke out his lips as the realization dawned on him.




"Tell me you are joking," He said in a loud tone. It was enough to attract few eyes towards our table but when I give them a thumbs-up sign they turned back. Ashton could really be loud.





My lips pressed together to hold back a smile, "Why would I joke about it?"





"I don't believe you" He laughed, shaking his head.




I fondly rolled my eyes and casually flicked his arm. He made a show of getting hurt and rubbed his arm mockingly. As I huffed he burst out laughing which annoyed me.





"I am trying to tell you that maybe it's time we get together and you are laughing on me. I take it back you're so annoying"





Ashton made a sound, his eyes wide with laughed and crinkles by the corner of his eyes. He looked so happy as if he got everything he wanted. I just couldn't take it away from him by confessing that I was harbouring a bit of feeling for Edward. In time they will fade away after I start dating Ashton.






"There's no take-backs. You said it"




I mockingly exhaled, "And I already regret it."




"I'll make sure you eat those words" He challenged




"Is that a challenge?"




"You bet" He grinned, his lips wide and eyes twinkling.




"Okay get ready to lose" I teased him and before he could reply the eggs were served on the table. I thanked the waitress and Ashton grinned at her which was enough to make her blush.





"So..." He said after taking a bite of his kale salad. Most of the time Ashton followed a strict diet which made me gag. It was just too much kale.





"What?" I feigned innocence even do my cheeks were hurting from trying to control my smile.





"Are you serious about it? It's ok if you say no. We can always pretend that this did not happen" He said with a nervous smile on his face. I glared at him, feeling a strange sting at how much he was hesitant.






"I think I am tired of pretending" I weakly smiled to which he nodded his head.





Ashton kept his fork back in the plate and sighed, "I'm sorry but it just feels so surreal. Ignore me"




"Gosh you're such a sap"




Ashton laughed at that and rolled his eyes, "You haven't even seen half of it"




"Yeah. Should I be scared?"




"No, but you should definitely be prepared for our date"




My stomach twisted at that. It was going to be my first date with him. Actually my first date in years. I tried not to let it show on my face.





"A date huh? I don't remember you asking"




Ashton looked up wide-eyed, "Do you want me to get down on my knees? Trust me I will do that"




I giggled, looking around the cafe and focused my attention back at him, "Please no"




"Maybe we'll get a free breakfast if we do that"




"You're the worst" I yelled




"Takes one to know one"





"I don't know how I am going to tolerate you the entire night" I dramatically sighed, biting into my toast.





"So that's a yes for a date then?"




"I guess" I airily said, hiding my smile behind the toast.




"You won't regret it I promise"


It was awkward walking inside the office. The previous day had been rough after Ashton bid me goodbye. I took a leave from the office and decided to stay in and spend some alone time.





Aiden was understanding enough as he just slid beside me and cuddled. After that, we watch some movies and ate some pizza. It was exactly the day I needed to get my mind off certain things.





As soon as I stepped inside I could feel the cold air hitting my face. Asif stood exactly beside my office like a guard dog. I hesitantly walked towards him.





"Good morning"




He gave me a nod, "Good morning madam. Boss wants to have a word with you."




I frowned, "Right now?"




"Afraid it can't wait, madam"




My brows furrowed at that, feeling the dread creep inside me at the thought of facing him again. Just the thought of being near him again caused my breathing to accelerate. I couldn't avoid him forever though so I put my things in the office before walking towards Edward's cabin.





Taking one deep breath I pushed the door and stepped inside the office only to see Edward facing the window. The room felt cold just like him. His back was tensed, hands inside his pants pocket.






"You wanted to see me?" I asked, my voice suddenly quiet and small.




He turned around, his lips pressed together and brows tightly pinched. With his jaw clenched tightly he emitted power.





"Yes," He clicked his tongue in annoyance and walked closer towards me.





My breathing felt lodged inside my throat as his scent got closer. I couldn't look away as his eyes were trained on me the entire time he walked closer. Finally, he towered over me and I tried not to sniff at his scent.





"So tell me, Aria when were you going to tell me about my son, Aiden?"


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