Chapter 3

• Micheal's POV
• I sat on the luxury seat of the private jet, I had it all to himself, perks of being a billionaire. I looked through the window, my eyes following the clouds passing outside in white patterns. My mind was far removed from the beauty of the cloud. All I could think about was her. The hotel room girl ‘Shit! I don't even know her name,’ I muttered to myself.
• “Sir, Do you need anything?” One of the flight attendants asked, interrupting my thoughts.
• “No, thanks. I will call for you when I need anything.” She simply nodded and carried on with her job.
• My thoughts drift back to events of last night. It wasn't planned that way, the one-night stand was supposed to be a way to distract me and help keep my mind from the pains of my past. I had justified that a little fun wouldn't hurt, just like every other night. But then she came along.
• Her innocence caught me off guard, she wasn't like the women I was used to, experienced and street-wise. No, she was different, pure and delicate. When I realized it, when I noticed how untouched she was, guilt had slammed into me like a train. ‘Fuck, that was not the way it was meant to go.’ I muttered under my breath and ran my hand through my hair.
• I just left her there in that hotel room, alone. And to make matters worse, I knew I had hurt her. When she cried… God, that had sliced me up more than I wanted to admit and being the egotistical jerk that I am, I just walked away without thinking twice.
• But now I feel sorry, I feel sorry for leaving her like that and making her shed tears. She was worth better than have treated her.
• The flight was endless, but soon the plane was descending over New York. As the city light sparkled below, I prepared myself. There’s a dinner party I need to attend, a welcome home kind of party, thanks to my best friend. Jayden. The man who had been my support and business partner for 20 years. The man who had always stood by me no matter what.
• The moment I stepped out of the jet, I was greeted by Jayden's aide. Who ushered me into a brand new black car. The drive to his house was short for me to actually think about what to do, but as they pulled in front of his home, I knew I had no choice but to clear my mind of all thoughts concerning her.
• The moment I stepped into the private dining room, Jayden was waiting with open arms. Years of separation melted away. Two long time friends hugged each other briefly before Jayden gestured me towards the lavish dining table.
• “Micheal, Good to see you man.” Jayden said, his voice genuine. “It's been a long time, Welcome home.”
• “Thanks, and it's good to see you too, my friend. Thank you for pulling this party together to welcome me. It means a lot.”
• “It's nothing, it's the least I could do for my best friend. I was going to pick you up myself at the airport, but Ashley was running late.”
• “It's fine man, how is she doing though? Have missed my little girl so much, I really can't wait to see her”
• Jayden raised his eyebrow, as if he couldn't believe what I just said, “She's not so little anymore, you've been gone for a long time man, Ashley is 25 now, you will see her soon anyway.”
• As we moved in, the room was filled with people, friends and business partners we've worked with over the years. We exchanged pleasantries and I appreciated them for coming, but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn't help but think about her, the way I yelled at her, the way she looked up at me with tears in her eyes. I just knew I fucked up badly.
• Am not the type that opens up easily. Not after my ex-wife betrayed me, someone whom I trust so much. Have experienced too much to let anyone in. And yet she had shattered that barrier with a single look.
• The clinking of glasses could be heard as I played with my food, I could not even give ear to what had been discussed. I was suffocating with guilt and regret.
• Jayden moved closer to me and whispered into my ear. “Micheal, you are not eating. Are you okay? Or is the food not up to taste.” What's happening man, you are distracted.”
• I could not tell him what was bothering me. I can't tell him about her or what had happened that night. I took a deep breath and sighed. “I'm fine, I'm just tired I guess.”
• Jayden didn't look convinced, but he just let it slide, taking the conversation back to work. I had to join in, to pretend that everything was alright, but deep down in my heart, I knew it was not.
• I could still sense the tremble in her voice, the way her eyes had welled up with tears. My heart had been racing in my chest with guilt, but I cleared it all out. I need to focus.
• Before I could go deeper into my thoughts, the door at the exit of the house opened with a soft creak.
• “I'm home.” The voice yelled out.
• The voice froze me in place, that voice sounds familiar to the same one that haunted my thoughts.
• Jayden seated across from me laughed out upon hearing the voice.
• “Took you long enough Ashley, you are late.” Jayden yelled back.
• “My flight was delayed, you know how it is sometimes.” She replied, her tone was carefree, but I noticed the barest hint of exhaustion underneath.
• My head spun, gazing at the door, waiting for her to appear.
• And there she was, The woman I had a night out with, the woman who had left me filled with guilt, now standing in the same room with me, but she was an entirely different person.
• She had a comfortable look, her hair was pulled into a ponytail and twinkle in those blue eyes with the same spark he had seen previously.
• She smiled widely at Jayden, stepping forward to peck him on his cheeks. “I miss you so much. It's good to see you.”
• “I miss you too sweetheart, Welcome home.”
• Home? What was she even doing here?’ I muttered to myself.
• Then Jayden turned to me “Micheal, you know Ashley, right? My daughter.”
• My chest tightened,
• Ashley? Jayden's daughter?
• Jayden smiled at Ashley, “Ashley, let me introduce you to Micheal, I'm sure you know him already, your uncle Micheal whom you're so fond of, the one you wouldn't stop talking about.
• “Ashley, Meet Micheal, My best friend and business partner.”
• The air was still for a moment, the time stopped as my brain whirled with shock. I turned to look at her and shock was written all over her face, her mouth widely opened.
• The woman I had left in the hotel room, the woman whose tears stuck to my mind, stood now before me and she turned out to be my best friend’s daughter. Ashley.
• The same Ashley who was like a daughter to me, The Ashley that I babysat and fed, I watched her grow.
• This is not a problem, it's an explosive, one that could shake everything to its foundation. And neither of us are ready for it.