Chapter 41

Ashley.

I dragged myself out of bed, my eyes were swollen as shit when I went to the bathroom.

Shit, I looked like a raccoon.

I pressed my lips to a thin line when I remembered how I sobbed in Logan's arms last night, he was going to think that there was something wrong with me.

It was time to face the music, I knew he was up and in the kitchen. I splashed water on my face and headed out to the meeting.

"Morning," Logan said, glancing up at me with a smile as he handed me a cup of coffee. "Sleep well?"

"Yeah, I guess," I replied, forcing a smile. "Just a bit tired."

He studied my face, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You sure you're okay? You seem... off."

I waved him off. "Just the usual work stuff. I'll be fine."

Logan nodded, but I could tell he wasn't convinced. He was always good at reading me, and today was no different. So I showered and grabbed a quick breakfast and headed out the door, hoping to shake off the unease.

At work, I tried to focus, but my mind kept wandering. Something was off, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. My phone buzzed with a message from Logan: "Have a great day at work, baby. Love you."

I smiled at the screen, typing back a quick "Love you too" before diving into my tasks. Despite the busy day, a nagging feeling stayed with me.

Back at home, Logan was waiting for me with dinner ready. He seemed normal, but there was an underlying tension I couldn't ignore.

"How was your day?" he asked as we sat down to eat.

"Busy, as usual," I replied. "Yours?"

"Same. Meetings, calls, the usual." He paused, looking at me intently. "You really okay, baby? You seem distant and after how you broke down,I am worried about you. Are you having nightmares again?"

I sighed and shook my head, "Just tired, Logan. Really."

He nodded, but his eyes told a different story. After dinner, we settled on the couch, and I tried to lose myself in a movie, but my mind kept drifting.

Over the next few days, our routine was the same, both of us tiptoeing around each other like we were strangers. Logan was quieter than usual, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. As I left for work, I noticed him watching me closely.

"See you tonight," I said, forcing a smile.

"Yeah, see you," he replied, his voice strained.

There was no intention to kiss or do whatever normal couples do. Then again, we haven't been a couple in days

Once I was out the door, Logan grabbed his phone and typed a quick message to the men he had asked to watch me.

He waited for their replies, but none of them had anything special to report. According to them, all I did was go to work and come home.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Something wasn't adding up, and he couldn't shake the feeling that I was hiding something. He paced the living room, his mind racing. Finally, he made a decision.

Picking up his phone, he dialed a number.

"Hey, it's Logan," he said when the line connected. "I need a favor."

"Sure thing, boss. What do you need?"

"I want you to clone Ashley's phone. I need to see all her texts and calls."

"Are you sure?"

"Do what I asked," he barked.

There was a brief silence on the other end before the voice replied, "Consider it done. I'll send someone over to get it done discreetly."

"Thanks," Logan said, ending the call.

He knew it was a drastic step, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He had to know what was going on, even if it meant invading my privacy.

I arrived at work and as soon as I walked through the door, June practically bounced over to me with a wide grin on her face.

"Ashley! You won't believe the date I had last night," she gushed, her eyes sparkling.

I forced a smile, trying to hide my immediate anxiety. "Oh? Do tell."

"It was amazing. We went to this new Italian place downtown, and he was so charming and funny," she continued, practically glowing.

My mind raced, wondering if she was talking about Aiden. The thought made my stomach churn. I tried to focus on her words, but all I could think about was Aiden.

"And then he took me for a walk and we held hands. It was so romantic," She added with a dreamy sigh.

I clenched my fists, trying to keep my irritation in check. "So, who was this mystery man?" I asked, my voice a bit too tight.

He laughed. "Oh, just some guy I met online. His name's Mark. He's a software developer."

Relief washed over me, and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "Mark, huh? He sounds great," I said, my smile finally genuine.

I know June and her husband are in a weird thing people call, an open relationship but the idea that she must have had Aiden, my Aiden filled me with rage.

June frowned slightly, noticing the change in my demeanor. "You okay, Ashley? You seemed a bit tense just now."

I scrambled for an excuse. "Oh, I just remembered I have some paperwork to file. You know how it is."

She gave me a knowing look but didn't press further. "Alright."

"Thanks. I'm really happy for you," I said, giving her a quick hug before heading to my desk like I was on fire.

The paperwork I was working on was a ruse. I was editing the pictures from the last shoot because the client said they wanted it by the end of the week.

I could send it to the editing team to handle but she specifically asked for me and I couldn't refuse them. I get extra money for editing their picture especially.

I didn't need the money but it just felt right to be recognized for something that I love doing. I remember the pictures I took at the pack and the day I met Aiden.

We have come a long way from then and yet, nothing has changed. This situation made me wish I was single in the first place because this duality was turning me into something I hated.

A cheat.

The buzz of my phone pulled me from the depths of editing a project and my thoughts. Glancing at the screen, I saw it was Mr Thompson.

A groan threatened to leave my lips. He was not in his office today because of a personal emergency so I wondered why he was calling.

"Hello, Mr. Thompson," I answered,

"How are things in the office?"

"It's all good, Sir. Is there a problem?" I asked.

"Yes, we’ve got another shoot lined up. This is a long-time client and it is impromptu," he said without preamble. "But we can't use your last location. We've been there too many times; we need a fresh location. I wouldn't accept this normally but it is important because of clientele,"

I swallowed hard, my mind immediately flashing to the last time we were ne we r Aiden's office and I frowned "Okay. Where are we headed this time?"

He rattled off the address of a new, upscale neighborhood downtown. "It's supposed to be quite photogenic, lots of natural light. I think it'll be perfect."

"Got it," I replied, jotting down the details. "I'll head over there with June."

"Good. I know I can count on you, Ashley."

I hung up and sighed, feeling a knot form in my stomach. I didn't like change, especially when it came to locations.

Okay, that's a lie.

As a photographer, it is in the job's description to change scenery and locations a lot. But I was pained that they took me away from him.

How else would I get to see him?

But orders were orders. I found June in the break room, grinning from ear to ear about her date. I made it my concern to ask her about this open marriage thing.

Maybe Logan and I can practice it sometime.

"Ashley," she said with that same grin when I stepped into the break room.

"Hey, come on. I need to talk to you,"

Her face turned serious, "what happened?"

"It's nothing serious. Thompson said he had a new shoot for us and it was impromptu so I said I will take you with me,"

"Oh, don't scare me like that. Your face was all serious,"

I laughed, "Come on, I think the client is already waiting for us."

"Where is the place? Don't tell me it's the same one we have been shooting?" she said with a wince, "I mean, I like their coffee but I think the barista is tired of seeing my face,"

"No," I shook my head, "This is different. I think it's the new place downtown the remodeled,"

"I heard that place is nice, I can't wait."

I smiled, though I didn't share her enthusiasm. We gathered our gear and headed out.

When we arrived, June was practically bouncing with excitement. "Isn't this place amazing?" she gushed, taking in the houses and roads.

"Yeah, it's nice," I replied, trying to muster some enthusiasm. But all I could think about was Aiden.

We set up and got to work, June's cheerful chatter filling the silence. Mostly, she and the client communicated while I focused on the task at hand, trying to push Aiden from my mind.

After a few hours, and a little fight between me and the client,  we wrapped up and packed our equipment.

"That was fun!" June said as we loaded the cameras into the car.

"Yeah," I replied, forcing a smile. "Let’s get back to the office and drop this stuff off."

The drive back was quiet, I was relieved when we finally pulled into the parking lot. We unloaded the gear, and as I carried the cameras inside, a new employee approached me.

"Hi, Ashley, right?" he asked nervously.

"Yes, that's me," I replied, trying to balance the cameras in my arms.

"Sorry to bother you, but I need some help with this camera. I'm not sure how to operate it."

I sighed, setting down the equipment. "Sure, let me take a look."

He handed me the camera, and I gave him a quick tutorial. "See, this is the power button, and here’s how you adjust the settings."

"Got it, thanks a lot!" he said, looking relieved.

"No problem," I replied, heading back to my desk.

I totally forgot the interns were coming, why would they apply when they have no fucking idea how a camera worked?

As I was about to sit down, the receptionist called out to me. "Ashley, there's someone waiting for you outside."

"Who is it?" I asked, frowning.

"She didn't give her name, but she said she's a friend of yours."

Curiosity piqued, I walked to the entrance. Stepping outside, I froze in shock. "Keisha?"

Standing there, beaming at me, was my old friend Keisha from Scotland. We hadn't seen each other in years, and yet there she was, looking exactly the same.

With the biggest grin on her face that mirrored mine the more I stared at her.

"Ashley!" she squealed, rushing forward to hug me. "It's been ages!"

"Keisha! What are you doing here?" I asked, hugging her tightly.

"I moved to the States a few months ago for work. I’ve been meaning to surprise you, but I’ve been so busy settling in."

"This is such a surprise!" I said, still reeling. "I can’t believe you're here."

"Believe it," she laughed. "How about we grab some coffee and catch up?"

"Absolutely," I agreed, linking arms with her.

Aiden was pushed to the back of my mind because the one person I felt whole with was here with me.