Chapter 45

Ashley.

I woke up the next morning with a throbbing ache traveling through my entire body. The light streaming through the curtains seemed too bright, too harsh. I glanced down at my arms, covered in bruises, and winced.

It brought a fresh wave of tears and I started sobbing all over again. I had a raging headache and I wanted to do nothing more than to sleep comfortably.

I needed a bath, something to soothe the pain away, if only for a little while.

Slowly, I made my way to the bathroom, the cold tiles sending shivers up my spine from the night I spent on the floor. I turned on the faucet, letting the steam fill the room, and stepped into the warm water. It was a small relief, but a relief nonetheless.

As I lay in the tub, I heard a knock on the bedroom door. My heart rate spiked instantly.

"Ashley?" Logan’s voice was soft just like he is but after last night, I begged to differ. "Ashley, can we talk? Please, I'm sorry."

I didn’t want to answer him. I didn’t want to face him. But the memory of last night’s violence made my decision for me. If I ignored him, there was no telling what he might do.

Taking a deep breath, I got out of the tub and wrapped a towel around myself. The pain made me gasp, but I ignored it, slowly making my way to the door. I unlocked it and opened it just a crack.

His eyes were red-rimmed and filled with remorse. He stepped closer, and I fought the urge to step back.

"I'm so sorry, Ashley," he murmured, reaching out to touch my face. His fingers traced the edge of a bruise, and I flinched involuntarily.

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just... I was so scared you'd leave me," he continued, his voice breaking. "I love you so much. I can't lose you."

He leaned in and began kissing my bruises, each touch sending a mix of pain and confusion through me. His lips moved from my cheek to my neck, then down to my shoulders.

"I’m so sorry," he kept whispering between kisses. "I’m so, so sorry."

I closed my eyes, trying to shut out the conflicting emotions brewing inside me. Part of me wanted to push him away, to scream at him for what he had done. But another part of me was terrified of what he might do if I did.

"I forgive you," I whispered, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. It was a lie, but one I needed to tell to keep the peace. "I forgive you."

Logan pulled back slightly, looking into my eyes. "Do you mean it?"

I forced a nod, even as fear continued to gnaw at me. "Yes, I mean it."

A relieved smile spread across his face, and he pulled me into a gentle hug. "Thank you, Ashley. I promise it won't happen again. I’ll do anything to make it up to you."

His words were a hollow promise, one I couldn't trust. But for now, I had to pretend. I had to survive.

"I know," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I know."

He looked behind me, "Let me leave you to your bath, I will make breakfast."

I nodded and he left. I sighed and leaned against the door, I didn't realize I was trembling till I took a step and crumbled on the floor.

I cried till I couldn't cry anymore before I showered. I managed to pull myself together and padded to the kitchen.

He was true to his word, he was busy on the stove making breakfast. He served me a plate and sat opposite.

My body stiffened but I gave him a stiff smile and mumbled an awkward, "Thanks,"

I think you should stay home today, Ashley," he suggested softly. "You need to rest and let your bruises heal."

I nodded, grateful for the excuse to hide. "Okay, I'll stay home."

He kissed my forehead and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I changed into my pajamas and tried to relax.

My phone buzzed, interrupting my thoughts. I picked it up and saw Keisha’s name flashing on the screen. With a deep breath, I answered. "Hey, Keisha."

"Hey, girl! Just wanted to confirm our lunch today. Still on?"

I panicked for a bit,  I couldn't let her see me like this. "Actually, Keisha, I’m not feeling well. Can we reschedule?"

"Nonsense," Keisha replied firmly. "Some fresh air and good food will make you feel better. I’m picking you up in ten minutes."

I sighed, knowing I couldn't argue with her. "Alright, I'll be ready."

I quickly changed into a long-sleeved shirt and jeans, covering the bruises as best as I could. Keisha arrived, her usual bright smile in place, and I forced myself to smile back as I climbed into her car.

We went to a restaurant but I could barely focus on the menu. Keisha noticed my silence almost immediately. "Ash, you’re so quiet today. Are you really okay?"

I looked at her, the concern in her eyes making it hard to maintain my facade. "I'm fine, just tired," I lied, hoping she wouldn’t press further. I moved and winced from the pain.

Keisha frowned, "Ash, what's going on?'

The weight of everything I’d been holding inside threatened to crush me. Keisha’s concern cut through my walls, and before I knew it, the tears came.

“I’m so confused, Keisha,” I sobbed, burying my face in my hands. “Everything is such a mess.”

Keisha reached across the table, her hand warm and reassuring on mine. “Ashley, what’s going on? You can tell me.”

Her tone was serious now like she was trying to extract the truth from him. I needed to do something, I needed to.

I took a shaky breath, wiping my eyes. “It’s about Aiden… and Logan.”

Keisha’s eyebrows shot up. “Again? You went to see him, didn't you?"

I nodded. “Yes. Aiden and I… we kissed. And I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it so much. But then there’s Logan…”

Keisha’s eyes softened. “Tell me everything.”

“I went there to confront him and he told me he wasn't the one responsible for having me followed. One minute we were talking and try next, he kissed me, and I didn’t stop him. I couldn’t. I wanted it. But then, guilt hit me hard because of Logan.”

Keisha squeezed my hand. “Ashley, it’s okay to feel conflicted. What happened with Logan?”

I hesitated, my voice trembling. “Last night, Logan… he got drunk and… he hurt me.”

Keisha’s eyes widened, “He what?”

I pulled up my sleeve, revealing the bruises on my arm. “He hit me, Keisha. He slapped me and shoved me into the wall. He was so angry, and I was so scared.”

Keisha’s face turned red with fury. “I’m going to end him. How dare he lay a hand on you!” She stood up and started to leave.

“No, Keisha, please,” I pleaded, grabbing her arm. “Don’t do anything. Promise me you won’t do anything.”

"That's not an option. Are you dating a animal? How dare he, he hurt you,"

"Please, don't go after him. I don't want him to hurt you too."

Keisha’s jaw clenched, but she nodded reluctantly. “Okay, I promise. But you need to get away from him, Ashley. You can’t stay with someone who hurts you.”

“I know,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face again. “I want to see Aiden. I need to talk to him.”

Keisha’s expression softened. “Alright. Let’s go see him.”

We left and Keisha drove us to Aiden’s office, she dropped me off. My heart pounded as we walked into the building, my stomach twisted with nerves. The receptionist greeted us with a polite smile.

“I’m here to see Aiden,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

The receptionist checked her computer. “I’m sorry, but Aiden isn’t in right now. You can wait for him if you’d like.”

Disappointment washed over me, and I turned to leave. Before I could take a step, a man approached us, having overheard the conversation.

“Excuse me,” he said, his voice kind. “I heard you mention Aiden’s name. I’m Marcus, Aiden’s brother.”

I looked up at him, surprised. “Oh, hi. I’m Ashley.”

I didn't realize he had a brother, I studied the man intently trying to spot the similarities between their features.

Marcus smiled warmly. “Aiden had to leave for a family emergency. Is there something I can help you with?”

I tried to hold back the tears, but they came anyway. Marcus’s eyes filled with concern, and he gently guided me to a nearby chair. “Hey, it’s okay. What’s wrong?”

I couldn’t bring myself to tell him everything, but I cried into his shoulder. I desperately wanted Aiden to hold me but Marcus held me, whispering soothing words until I calmed down.

“I’m sorry,” I sniffled, wiping my eyes. “I didn’t mean to break down like that.”

“It’s alright,” Marcus said softly. “I assume it's my brother you wanted to cry on. Would you like to wait?'

I nodded, taking a deep breath to compose myself. “Thank you,"

He smiled, and I felt a strange sense of relief. As I walked back to the waiting area, I noticed Marcus watching me closely. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number, speaking quietly into the receiver.

“She’s here,” he said. “I have a new plan, and it will work better.”

The receptionist gave me the go-ahead to go inside his office and I wasted no time in doing just that.