Dante and Ashley sat quietly in his car, parked just across the street from the hospital. Ashley fiddled nervously with her fingers, her gaze meeting Dante for a brief second before she quickly looked away.

 "You said you wanted to speak to me urgently."

 Dante cleared his throat slightly, breaking the odd silence.

 Feeling his gaze on her, Ashley wished the ground would open and swallow her. If not for the tight situation, she wouldn't sit in the car of the same man who shattered her into pieces.

 Ashley licked her lips nervously. "I need your help... it's really urgent. I have to pay my brother's hospital bills by tomorrow, and I don't have enough."

 "You know money isn't my problem. I can help you with any amount you need, but what do I get in return?" he said shamelessly, going straight to the point without hesitation.

 Ashley's gaze flickered as his words rang in her ear; she couldn't believe such words were coming out from Dante. When they were much younger, he used to be shy and respectful towards ladies.

 He was the true definition of a gentleman. But how could she be foolish enough to think he was the same guy she got married to seven years back?

 "What do you want from me?" she asked bitterly. "My body?"

 "I want you to be my woman, and everything that belongs to me is yours."

 "There's no need for formality," Ashley scoffed, looking away. "If it's my body you're after, we might as well negotiate. It's not like it's your first time anyway."

 Dante grabbed her by the shoulder, gently but firmly turning her face to meet his. "I'm serious, Ash," he said, his voice low, eyes piercing into hers.

 She gulped down her saliva, feeling as if her heart was about to rip out of her chest. She couldn't handle the position they were in. Suddenly, she felt suffocated, and all she wanted to do was get away from him. Ashley found herself nodding her head to his words.

 "We are good then?" Dante said quietly. "No going back on your word, Ash. No matter where you run to, I'll always find you."

 He reached into the back seat and pulled out a small paper bag of food, placing it in her hand. Without saying another word, Ashley opened the car door and stepped out.

 She watched his car take off into the distance, leaving her sinking in regret over her decision.

 The following morning, Ashley woke up on the couch in the hospital. She looked over at her brother's bed only to find it empty.

 She felt her heart jump in her chest as panic seized her.

 Just then, a nurse walked in, all smiles, toward Ashley. "Relax, ma'am, the patient got transferred to a private ward. We would have informed you, but we didn't want to disturb your sleep," she said respectfully.

 "Can you show me his room?" Ashley asked as she stared at the nurse, who had spoken to her rudely the previous night and was glaring at her like she didn't belong.

 She wasn't in for drama, and all she was bothered about was the welfare of her younger brother. As she walked into the spacious room, Ashley couldn't help but feel impressed at the interior of the room; it was designed to look like a home. There were so many enhanced amenities like flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi connectivity, and entertainment systems.

 The room also had a private bathroom, comfortable furniture, and personalized services such as dedicated nursing staff and personalized meal options, with additional services such as a spa. It was indeed no different than a hotel; she couldn't help but feel grateful to Dante.

 As Ashley left the hospital to grab a few things from her apartment, she walked down a quiet hallway when someone yanked her ponytail from behind, dragging her into the shadows.

 She shivered in fear as his strong scent hit her nostrils, recognizing who it belonged to. Ashley knew the devil was here. "Let go of me!" Her voice was muffled with his hand as she struggled helplessly in his grip.

 "Shut the hell up," he hissed loudly as he viciously threw a brutal slap across her face, causing her to spit out blood.

 Ashley trembled as she curled up like a worm on the ground; beads of cold sweat were forming on her forehead as he approached her. She could swear she saw the malicious smirk on his face.

 He knelt beside her, pulled a gun from under his coat, and pressed it against her stomach. She whimpered, pleading through tears, "Please! Please!"

 "I see that little brat survived," he sneered as he surveyed the hospital premises.

 "What do you want from me? I already sent all the money." Ashley's voice cracked.

 Kairo laughed darkly, his eyes roaming around her body. "Who are you to question me? I can do whatever I want," he said, grabbing a handful of her hair.

 He growled. "Come with me, bitch." Kairo yanked her to her feet. As she walked out of the premises with Kairo closely behind her, she could only pray he wouldn't hurt her.

 Kairo opened the door for Ashley to get in when she heard a voice call out to her from behind. "Ashley!" As she turned around, she saw Dante, and she didn't know why she felt a wash of relief immediately.

 Kairo froze, and his grip on her loosened. His eyes dropped to Dante's hand, where the silver ring with crossed daggers gleamed under the sun, and recognition struck instantly.

 Without a word, Kairo released her and jumped into his car, tires screeching as he sped off into the distance.

 Ashley stood frozen, her legs feeling like jelly; her body quivered as she ran into Dante's arms, sobbing uncontrollably, forgetting everything for a moment. "Thank goodness you came right on time; he would have taken me."

 Dante didn't say a word as he gently stroked her hair, letting her cry freely. "I'm here, Ash," the name slipped out of his lips just like old times.

 After she calmed down, he took her back to her place to grab a few things. He waited outside while she stepped into the apartment.

 Ashley walked into the house and found her father doing what he did best-drowning himself in bottles of stout. Four empty ones littered the table beside him, and he was halfway through the fifth.

 She clenched her fists, trying to suppress the rage boiling inside her. Without a word, she turned and walked into her room, moving quickly to grab a few of her belongings. She planned to stay with Tristan until he recovered.

 Suddenly, Mr. Kingsley stumbled into her room. "Where are you coming from, and where is that little brat, huh?" he slurred as he came close to her.

 His breath made Ashley scrunch up her face in disgust; he was reeking of alcohol as if he had taken a bath in it. "Tristan got shot!" Ashley yelled at him.

 "Shot?" He blinked dumbly. "Why didn't he die? As if he hasn't caused this family enough trouble already," he snorted, letting out a bitter laugh.

 Ashley gritted her teeth, her chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. She couldn't believe the man standing in front of her was her father. "You make me sick! You should be ashamed to call yourself a father."

 Mr. Kingsley threw a heavy slap on her face.

 The impact caused Ashley to crash onto the bed. She struggled to get up, and Mr. Kingsley used the opportunity to grab her by the neck.

 "How dare you, little slut! Do you have a death wish?" Her vision blurred. She gasped, hands clawing at his arms, her lungs screaming for air.

 Just then, Dante came from behind and grabbed Mr. Kingsley, yanking him off Ashley. Before he could react, a heavy punch was thrown at him, causing him to fall to the ground. Dante snatched the opportunity to turn him into a punching bag.

 "How dare you lay your hands on her! You filthy old bastard!"

 "Dante! Please calm down. Don't kill him." She got scared and quickly went to grab his arm, but Dante shoved her gently aside, lost in rage.

 Punch after punch rained down.

 "Please, Dante! He doesn't deserve to die in your hands," she shouted frustratingly, a drop of tears falling down her cheek.

 This made Dante finally let go of Mr. Kingsley, who was bleeding from his nose; from the look of things, it seemed as if Dante had successfully shifted his jaw.

 Breathing heavily, Dante stepped back. Mr. Kingsley lay on the floor, face bloodied.

 Dante turned to Ashley, his gaze piercing daggers. "Grab your stuff, Ashley; you're not staying here another second," he commanded, and Ashley found herself taking a few of her things.

 Without hesitation, Ashley obeyed. She snatched her bag and took her mother's picture from the wall, one of the few things in the house that still brought her peace.

 The drive back to the hospital was in silence. When they finally pulled up outside, Dante looked at her. "I'll be back after work, okay?" he said. Ashley nodded, then laughed bitterly.

 "Back for what?" she asked, and the car fell silent.

 She continued, "Thank you for saving me from that man, from my father, and for moving my brother to a suitable ward. But now you can walk out of my life," she said coldly.

 Ashley unfastened the seatbelt and got out without looking back.

 As soon as she was out of sight, Dante picked up his phone and called his driver. "Assign two able men," he ordered flatly. "I want full-time security around Ashley and her brother."

 Unknown to Dante, a black-tinted car had been watching them all along. The driver dialed a number as Dante's car disappeared into the distance.

 "The license plate has been successfully copied."

When Dante's car pulled up outside the company, he spotted several reporters and an executive waiting near the entrance. As he stepped out, he was greeted by the sight of a red carpet leading up to the door, a clear sign that his return had been highly anticipated.

 The reporters rushed forward, shoving their microphones toward him, but the security guards stepped in, keeping them from getting too close. Dante stopped just in front of the entrance.

 "Mr. Montclair, it's a pleasure to meet you," the executive said, extending a hand for a handshake.

 "Nice to meet you too," Dante replied, shaking his hand. "My apologies for keeping you waiting."

 The man laughed cheerfully. "It wasn't a hassle," he replied, already trying to get on the upcoming CEO's good side.

 As they entered the company, staff greeted him respectfully, everyone had already heard that the boss's son was returning from abroad.

 Shortly after, he heard the sound of heels clicking against the floor.

 "You're quite late, Mr. Montclair."

 Dante turned to see a young woman with short, wavy black hair. She was dressed elegantly in a milk-coloured skirt and a contrast-trim top. Her black high-heeled sandals elevated her posture, making her look even more confident.

 "What are you doing here?" Dante asked, wondering if it was a coincidence or if she already knew he was back in town.

 "You're looking at the president's assistant," she replied.

 Dante raised an eyebrow. "Reese?"

 Ignoring the surprise on his face, Reese extended her hand for a handshake. "Long time no see, Dante."

 "Since when did you get back?" he asked as they entered the elevator.

 Reese smiled. "Three years ago. Your dad later offered me a job in the company as his personal assistant."

 They arrived at the top floor and stepped out of the elevator. Reese led the way to the conference room. It was large and quiet, except for the soft hum of the air conditioner. A long table stretched across the centre, surrounded by sleek black chairs. On the wall, a large whiteboard was filled with handwritten notes and diagrams.

 The atmosphere felt calm and professional.

 Reese introduced Dante as the new acting president, and everyone gave him a warm welcome. The meeting wrapped up smoothly.

 Afterward, she guided him to the CEO's office.

 The office was spacious and well-organised. A large desk sat at the centre, behind which stood a comfortable leather chair. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, and the desk was neatly arranged with a few papers and a laptop.

 Behind the desk, floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city skyline, flooding the space with natural light. Framed awards and modern artwork decorated the walls, giving the room an elegant yet professional feel.

 "Welcome to the company," Reese said, snapping him out of his thoughts. She glanced at her wristwatch. "It's almost lunchtime. Do you mind grabbing lunch with me?"

 "Maybe some other time," Dante replied. "I have something urgent to attend to."

 Reese extended her hand again. "Nice meeting you again, Dante," she said flirtatiously.

 As soon as Dante left the office, Reese pulled her phone from her purse and dialled a number. It was answered almost immediately.

 "He refused to have lunch with me. Are you sure he'd even be interested in me?" she asked nervously.

 Mrs. Montclair chuckled softly. "Take a chill pill. He's definitely going to love you, just give him time. Right now, he's just settling into his new environment."

 Reese pressed her lips together and nodded slowly. "I guess so."

 "Leave everything to me," Mrs. Montclair said before ending the call.

 ....

 The hospital room was quiet. Only the steady beep from the monitor filled the air. Ashley clenched her fists tightly as she stared at her frail brother lying unconscious on the bed.

 If not for their scumbag of a father, none of this would have happened. She couldn't help but be thankful that Dante had shown up just in time and beaten him to a pulp.

 "You're awake?" Ashley said happily as Tristian's eyes slowly fluttered open. He squinted against the brightness of the room before fully adjusting.

 The blurry figure in front of him became clear; his sister's bright smile instantly made him feel a little better. He tried to sit up but groaned in pain.

 "Don't move, Tristian. You don't want to lose the stitches," Ashley gently reminded him, adjusting the pillow behind him to help him relax.

 He had been shot in the side of his stomach, and the doctors had done their best to patch him up.

 "Does it hurt badly?" she asked, worry clouding her voice.

 Tristian shook his head, managing a faint smile. "I feel better now that I've seen you," he said hoarsely.

 Ashley poured him a glass of water and handed it over with a straw. After a few sips, he waved it away.

 "I was so scared when I got the call that you'd been shot," she said, her voice cracking again. "If anything had happened to you, I don't know what I would've done." She took his hand and kissed it gently.

 Tristian sighed. "I'm okay, sis. But if you keep crying like this, I might just join you, and you know that's not good for my health," he teased.

 Ashley chuckled softly and wiped her tears quickly.

 He glanced at the dark circles beneath her eyes and felt a pang of guilt. His 27-year-old sister had clearly been keeping vigil over him all night.

 Just then, a knock came from the transparent glass door. Both siblings turned their heads at the same time. Dante was standing outside, waiting for permission to come in.

 Ashley's eyes widened, she hadn't expected him to show up now. She stepped out, gently pulling Dante by the hand to a more secluded corner of the hallway, away from Tristian's sight.

 "How is he doing?" Dante asked, glancing down at her hand still gripping his.

 Noticing his gaze, Ashley quickly let go. "He's awake and doing much better."

 "I'd like to check on him before I leave."

 Ashley hesitated. "Thank you, Dante. For everything you've done. But... I don't think it's a good idea for you to see him or let him know about us. He knows about me and my fiancé and..."

 Dante forced a smile. "I get it, Ash. You don't have to explain." Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving her speechless.

 As soon as Ashley returned to the room, Tristian spoke up. "Wasn't that Dante you were just talking to?" he asked, needing confirmation.

 Even after seven years, Dante hadn't changed much, if anything, he'd only gotten more attractive.

 Ashley bit her lip and nodded.

 "Why was he here? Don't tell me you're planning on getting back together with him. What about your fiancé? You can't betray him like that."

 Ashley's fists clenched. Guilt twisted in her stomach. She wasn't ready to tell Tristian the truth just yet.

 "Nothing like that is happening. Dante and I ran into each other a few days ago, that's all."

 Before Tristian could speak again, she cut him off. "Enough talking. You just woke up from a coma. Eat something." She handed him a bowl of freshly cut fruit.

 A knock sounded at the door, and Simon entered, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers.

 "Hey, kiddo! How are you feeling?" he asked, placing the flowers on the bedside table.

 "I'm doing better," Tristian said, smiling.

 "Good to hear. Get well soon so your sister can stop worrying over you; just look at those dark circles under her eyes," he teased.

 Tristian burst into laughter.

 Ashley shot Simon a death glare, placing her hands on her hips. "Very funny, huh?" she muttered, rolling her eyes and giving him a knowing look.

 "Ash, can I see you privately for a minute?" he asked, and she nodded, following Simon as they strolled through the hospital garden.

L

 Ashley finally broke the silence. "The guy who shot Tristian... he was one of the mafia's men."

 Simon nodded slowly, then asked, "How were you able to move Tristian to the VIP ward in this luxury hospital that doesn't even look like one? I mean, it feels more like a chill centre."

 "Well... it was Jude who did it," she replied, avoiding eye contact with Simon, who could always tell when she was lying.

 He let out a loud scoff. "Jude? Even if there was a money tree growing in his backyard, he still wouldn't have done that. We both know how tight-fisted he is."

 Ashley groaned. "It was Dante. He paid for everything. The night Tristian got shot, he came to the company to see me, and he was there when I got the call."

 "Dante? As in your childhood sweetheart? The one who broke up with you and disappeared abroad? That Dante you couldn't stop talking about?" Simon said in disbelief.

 Ashley sighed. "I guess he just got back after seven whole years."

 "And just like that, you two randomly run into each other, and he decides to help you for free?"

 She forced out a small smile and nodded.

 "It better be for free," Simon muttered. "I just hope he didn't ask you for anything ridiculous like in those melodramas, being his pet, maid, or even slave."

 Ashley didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She was at least grateful Dante had treated her with more respect, asking her to be his girlfriend instead, a request she had helplessly agreed to.

 Keeping Jude's betrayal a secret from everyone still felt like the safest choice for now.

 But on her way back to the VIP ward after saying goodbye to Simon, her phone buzzed with a new message.

 It was from Jude.

 A video clip.

 It showed her walking into Dante's room... wearing sexy lingerie.

"Come see me now or else..." she read aloud.

 Ashley scoffed, wondering what trick Jude had up his sleeve by sending her a video of her at the club.

 "What a pathetic move," she muttered. "What exactly are you trying to prove, Jude?"

 She shoved her phone back into her pocket, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. The moment he cheated on her, he became no better than a stranger.

 Ashley walked back into the room, making sure to keep her expression neutral, only to freeze at the sight before her.

 A young teenage girl was sitting beside Tristian on the bed, her head resting on his chest as he gently stroked her hair with his free hand.

 Ashley cleared her throat.

 The girl jolted upright, her face flushing with embarrassment.

 "Hi, I'm Nyla," she said, waving awkwardly.

 Tristian had mentioned Ashley to Nyla countless times, and she had been looking forward to meeting her.

 She was tall and petite, with delicate skin, a baby face, and fine features. Her youthful outfit matched her age, and she gave off a sweet impression, at least on the surface.

 Ashley didn't acknowledge her. Instead, she turned to her brother. "Tristian, you've barely recovered, and this is what you're doing while I'm out there worrying myself sick? If your injury gets worse, who'll be left to deal with it? Me!"

 "Sis... you're worrying too much. Nothing is going to-"

 "Be quiet!" she snapped. "I know what's good for you. That's why I'm your guardian. If anything happens to you, who's going to worry about it? Me!"

 Her sharp gaze flicked to Nyla.

 "And you, aren't you old enough to know right from wrong? What if you pressed on his injury, lying on him like that?"

 "Stop being mean to her!" Tristian finally raised his voice.

 "Oh, really? Since when did you even get a girlfriend? And you kept it from me?"

 Overwhelmed by the drama, and realizing Tristian never made mention of her, Nyla's eyes welled with tears. Without saying a word, she turned and ran out of the room.

 "Nyla! Nyla!" Tristian called after her, struggling to sit up, but she didn't look back.

 Once the room fell silent, Ashley let out a long sigh, trying to steady her breathing.

 "Why didn't you tell me you had a girlfriend?"

 "Well... you never asked," Tristian mumbled, turning his face away.

 "Young man, this isn't the time for relationships. You should be focusing on your studies!"

 Tristian snapped his head toward her, frustration etched on his face. "I'm nineteen, Ashley! I know what I'm doing. And before you start judging, maybe remember what you were like at my age."

 "Tristian!" Ashley gasped, stunned. "You better watch your words."

 She couldn't believe what had just come out of his mouth.

 "I've only ever looked out for you, and this is how you repay me?" Her voice cracked, rising with emotion.

 Tristian's heart sank with instant regret. He had never judged Ashley for her past, especially not after that night she confided in him while they played video games.

 "I'm so sorry, Sis," he said quietly. "I shouldn't have said any of that."

 But Ashley was already too upset. She stormed out of the room without another word.

 ....

 In a huge study, shelves were lined with books and files. Dante was seated on a chair, and in front of him was a desk piled with paperwork.

 He was in the study reviewing the company's records while struggling with thoughts of Ashley at the same time.

 Dante knew that with his two trusted lackeys watching over Ashley and her brother, he had nothing to worry about. But the way she had treated him earlier was killing him inside, causing him to take a brief pause to catch his breath.

 "Why does she always push me away?"

 Just then, a knock sounded at the door before it was pushed open, revealing Mrs. Montclair with a tray containing a glass of juice.

 She had single-handedly talked him into spending the night at Evermore Estate, saying his presence filled their family with joy.

 "Son, you've been working all day. Won't you get some rest?" Mrs. Montclair said, worried that her son might get stressed out after burying himself in the company's work.

 "Mom, I'm fine. I'm resuming Dad's company fully tomorrow, and it's important I study everything tonight," he calmly replied.

 Mrs. Montclair gave him a wistful smile. "Honey, it's not just your dad's company anymore. You're his son, his successor. Now that he's stepping down, it's yours to lead."

 "I didn't choose this path, you did, remember?" he said, the tone of his voice a little cold.

 "Look, son, you know you don't have to resume the company tomorrow. You can take all the time you need while Zane handles the company's affairs temporarily."

 Dante looked up at his mother. "I've already made up my mind," he said before looking away.

 "Alright, son. I'll leave you to get back to work. Make sure you have your juice before going to bed," she said before leaving the room.

 As she left the study, a smirk appeared on her face, just what she wanted. She believed she was this close to getting her son and Reese betrothed.

 Mrs. Montclair texted, He'll be at work tomorrow. You should go ahead with our plan" 

 ....

 Ashley wandered into the hospital garden, settling on a bench as she watched patients and their families pass by, chatting and laughing.

 The emptiness in her chest only deepened. The only family she had left had just cut her to the core all because of some girl.

 She pulled out her phone, hoping for a message from Dante but nothing. Her heart sank further as her thoughts began to spiral. What is he thinking? Where is he?

 She didn't return to the room until the sky had grown dark. When she stepped inside, she found Tristian fast asleep. With a sigh, she set the food from the hospital cafeteria down on the table.

 She sat on the couch and pulled out her phone again. Her fingers hovered over the screen as she typed a message to Dante, but just as she was about to send it, she stopped herself.

 At that moment, Tristian stirred. Rubbing his eyes groggily, he noticed her on the couch.

 "Sis... I'm really sorry about everything I said earlier," he mumbled.

 Ashley didn't look at him. Instead, she quietly dished out his meal and handed it over.

 "Here. Eat something so you can take your meds."

 Tristian took the plate, then gently grabbed her arm.

 "Please, say something. I hate seeing you mad at me."

 She sighed. She knew her brother well, he wouldn't stop until she spoke.

 "I'm not mad at you anymore, Tristian. I also realized I made some mistakes. I shouldn't have treated you like a little kid."

 She offered him a small smile, ruffling his hair.

 Tristian smiled back. "I know you were just trying to look out for me, Sis."

 "If you want to be with her, then go ahead. She seems... pretty nice," Ashley said. Then she leaned in and added in a soft whisper, "Just don't forget to use protection."

 Tristian's eyes widened immediately, his cheeks turning red. "We haven't even gotten to that stage, Sis and I don't plan to anytime soon," he muttered, clearly embarrassed.

 Ashley chuckled softly, finally relaxing for the first time that day.

 Just then, her phone buzzed. Hoping it was from Dante, she quickly pulled it from her pocket curious, but what met her eyes left her stunned.

 Her smile faltered.

 It was from Jude again, this time, a link. Her fingers trembled as she tapped it.

 Just watch how I ruin you for cheating on me and calling me the bad guy. Hope you love this little surprise. Next time, don't ignore my messages, you slut.

 Why now? she thought, her heart pounding.