Chapter 4 Valerie Thorne

• **Third person**
• Ashley was already out the door, the sound of his protests fading behind her.
• As she sprinted down the stairs, a hysterical laugh bubbled up from her chest, the awkwardness of the situation finally hitting her.
• She had just slept with a stranger and told his wife what happened.
• Phew…
• What a way to start her day!
• She hoped she'd never see him again.
• ***************************************
• Ashley sat in Matthew's spacious living room, her fingers tapping nervously on the plush leather armrest.
• Matthew, noticing Ashley's nervousness as he poured tea into a cup, reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. "I understand your pain. But don't you think you'll be in danger if you go back?”
• Tears welled up in her eyes yet again, spilling over and tracing a path down her cheeks.
• “What do you suggest then, Matt?” She shouted. “That I just let them be? That I just… just…” her voice broke.
• “They put me through hell!” Ashley's chest heaved in pain, her croaked and hoarse voice mirroring the devastation she felt.
• "Ash..." Matt soothed, his voice gentle as he pulled her into a comforting embrace.
• After a moment of silence, he spoke up again. "This new face, this new body... could it be a chance for a fresh start?"
• “I mean…” He whispered, his fingers stroking her hair gently. “Isn't this a chance to escape your toxic family and be with someone who actually cares about you?”
• Ashley pulled back, her eyes flickering with a mixture of uncertainty and defiance.
• “Someone who actually cares?” She echoed, her lips curling into a self-deprecating smile. “No way I'm giving up; that company is my sweat!”
• "I know, Ash," Matthew conceded. "Still, going back is risky. They might..."
• “They might do what?” She cut him off. “I've got nothing more to lose.”
• A year ago, she never would have expected her life to turn out like this.
• She was expecting, and even if Adam had been cold to her before, those four months had been different. He'd told her to stay home and rest for the baby.
• He'd been very caring and had even suggested the ship cruise celebration for her birthday.
• Now it's clear why he acted that way.
• “I’ve already lost everything!” Ash cried. “Myself, my baby, my family... That old Ashley is dead.” She furiously wiped her cheeks, irritated by her persistent tears.
• Just yesterday, she'd walked into Harrison Enterprises with medical proof and pictures to prove to her parents that she was still the same Ashley—their lovely daughter.
• But who would have thought that her parents were involved in all this?
• She clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. “No matter what it takes, I'll make sure that they all pay.”
• Her revenge was the only thing she had right now, and she wasn't going to let it go.
• Matthew stared at her for a while, the glint in her eyes fierce, and he knew that arguing was futile. "If that's what you want, then I'm with you,” he sighed out.
• Ashley turned to face him, her gaze finally softening. "Thank you for everything, Matt. I truly owe you a debt I can never repay. But..." Her voice hitched.
• "This isn't something I can drag you into. It's dangerous, and I have to face it alone."
• "And what about you?" Matthew countered, worry etched on his face. "Isn't this just as dangerous for you?”
• She blinked rapidly to suppress the tears welling up in her eyes again. "My mind's already made up. I'm done being Ashley; it's time to let go.”
• Matt's gaze was fixed on her face, waiting for her to elaborate.
• But instead of speaking, she picked up the cup of tea and brought it to her lips, inhaling the scent of the lavender before taking a sip.
• Once the tea was in her system and her head felt a bit clearer, she turned to Matthew.
• “I’m already a new person physically; I just need a new identity to infiltrate their lives.” Her dangerously calm voice and the icy gaze on her face made Matthew swallow.
• He'd never seen her this way. At least for the past year that he'd known her.
• “Well, have… Have you thought of a new name?” Matt stuttered, unsure of what to say next.
• “Yes,” she replied firmly. “Valerie Thorne.”
• It was the name that she'd already told Adam and her parents that day.
• Matthew took her hand in his again. “If you want to make them pay, then I have your back. I'll help you get your revenge.”
• Ashley gave him a small smile. “Thank you, Matt,” she whispered, a spark of newfound purpose flickering in her eyes.
• Matthew rose to his feet, a playful glint in his eyes, as he bowed dramatically and extended a hand to Ashley.
• "So, Valerie Thorne, let's get started with arranging a new identity for you.”
• **Valerie**
• Two weeks had already passed, and today I was standing in front of Harrison's enterprises again.
• I hope I left quite an impression on Adam the last time I was here, because that'll determine if I get this job or not.
• After taking a deep breath, I pushed open the imposing glass doors and stepped inside.
• Once inside, I immediately headed to the receptionist's desk.
• “Good morning,” I greeted curtly.
• “Ms Thorne? Glad to see you again,” she started with a grin.
• “You didn't drop your contact information the last time, and the boss asked about you,” she continued.
• So Adam even asked about me? Interesting...
• A smile stretched across my face. “I'm sorry for the trouble, I had an emergency.”
• She nodded.
• “Ok, just a moment.” She picked up the phone and dialed a number.
• “Miss Thorne is here,” she said into the receiver.
• There was a pause before she continued, “Yes, sir.”
• And then she dropped the phone.
• Turning her gaze back to me. “You may go in now. The office is the last one on the second floor,” she instructed.
• “Sure,” I murmured, an unnoticeable sarcasm laced in my voice.
• Of course I know where the office is because it's mine!
• After a curt knock, I was directed into Adam's office by his secretary.
• It seems he's already hired someone else.
• There, behind my mahogany desk that seemed to stretch the length of the room, sat Adam. His face, etched with the lines of stolen power and privilege, remained impassive.
• Ugh, he'd even changed my cushion.
• I preferred the old one.”
• Adam's face lit up as soon as he saw me. “Take a seat, my dear,” he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.
• “You just left last time without dropping your contact information,” Adam scolded softly.
• I took a seat before rendering an insincere apology. “I'm sorry, I…”
• I stopped halfway when I noticed his eyes land on my cleavage briefly, and he licked his lower lip. “Would you like anything, dear?”