THE DECISION

= ASHLEY's POV =

I had just finished work and as usual, Asher and I were still out of the office all day unless it was absolutely necessary. I also fixed the schedule of his meetings and I also told him about the details so I said goodbye to go home.

In the few days that we have been together, we are ok at work. Even though I know that he hates me and I can see that in his eyes, he doesn't open up about our personal problems anymore.

Although his head quickly warmed up to me, I understood because I was also doing something wrong so he could find a way to get angry with me. I don't blame him if he treats me like that, it is his own way to release his anger towards me after I left him. After he gave me everything and leave his life in America just to grant my request, and most of all after he accepted me fully despite my ugly past I was still able to leave him and hurt him.

I don’t know what he went through after I disappear, but I’m only sure of one thing. He was hurt and he must have had a hard time getting up when I disappeared. Because until now there are still traces in his appearance the pain that caused him to change. In gesture and the way he talked.

I returned not to be his wife. I came back to be his friend because I hoped that at least I could get back at him. At least there I can be with him and see him. I hope he forgives me even though he doesn’t know what is really true and why I left him. I hope he will accept my reason and eventually he will respect my decision and he will go on with his life without me.

But it seems vague that will happen. Because what I can see is the size when he has changed and he has been swallowed up by anger and hatred for me. He doesn't even say it directly but I feel and see that. It seems like it will be hard for me to take his heart again, not unless I tell him the truth. But we can't be ok out of pity. I don't want him to forgive me because he feels pity for me.

I feel sorry for him and if I can only do something to somehow reduce the anger and pain I have done to him I will do it. But even I didn't know how to do that.

I just came home to my apartment while thinking about what happened to me. I looked around this apartment then smiled. I never thought I would live in this kind of place. Not that I underestimate it because I'm just thankful that I have a place to stay.

I want to go home to my brother but I can't. This is not yet the right time for me to admit to him about what happened. I will first get Asher’s forgiveness because he is the real victim here and he is the one I hurt the most.

My brother is just there anytime and the moment they find out what has happened they will automatically forgive me and they will accept me again. I lay down on the bed to rest when I heard a doorbell ring. I was surprised because I don't expect any visitors and no one knows where I'm staying. But instead of dying of curiosity I got up to open the door and was shocked to see that Asher is outside.

"Mr. Miller, what are you doing here?" I wondered. How did he know I lived here? I put the address of the mansion on the resume so how did he track me down.

Is he following me?

"We are not in the office so don't call me that." At the same time, he pushed the door, so the door is wide open and he threw the bottle of wine outsi

de before entering. The pounding in my chest got stronger when he was able to get inside even more and I could smell the alcohol. His face is already red and he has a bit of a gap when walking. He's drunk and I'm sure on it. But what is he doing here and how did he find my place?

"Where's your new boyfriend, where's the motherfucker you chose over me?" My heart aches. Asher is not directly referring to HIM but since he is the reason why I walked away I feel like he is the one he's cursing.

"Don't belittle him, I chose to stay away because I'm no longer happy with you so don't get mad at him." Asher suddenly turned to me and then held my hand tightly. It hurts but I endured because I knew it hurt even more to him what I did.

"Where is he and why don't you introduce him to me?" he said softly but was stunned as he looked around. "Don't hide him because I just want to meet him," he added.

"He's not here and I'm the only one here." He smirked then released me then looked around again. "Go now, Asher."

"I came here to meet him and then you will drive me away?" he said then sat on the sofa.

"You're drunk and I told you he's not here," I replied.

"Why did he let you live alone? Isn't he afraid that you might find someone else better than him, just like what you did to me, or that he doesn't really love you and he's just using you so he doesn't care if you leave?"

"None of your business and this is not a part of my job."

"But I am still your husband." I could not immediately respond to what he said because it is true that we have not annulled. "Why did you do that to me?" His eyes were red when he asked me.

"This is nonsense, please leave, this is a nonsense conversation," I said then turned my back on him but he immediately grabbed my arm.

"Just answer me, why did you leave me?"

"I already told you when I left, why do you still want to hear?"

"Because I want to," he replied. "Because I hope there's another reason." When he said that, it was as if I wanted to admit everything to him. "Tell me, why did you leave me?"

"Because I don't love you anymore and I love him more than you." But I still chose to lie. sadness, that's what I see in his eyes.

"Did you love me when I was with you?" he asked me.

"I did," I replied. "But I suddenly get bored because I didn't find to you what I really wanted," I added.

"Come back." I was surprised when he said that but I didn't show it to him. "I'll still forget that you chose him over me way back then. For the last time, I want you to come back and let start a new life," he said and knelt down in front of me. I felt sorry for him but I chose not to be affected because when I did that he will experience more pain, more than what he is going through now. I hope it’s just that easy what he wanted to happen.

"I'm sorry, I can't leave him."

"You're choosing him over me?" he asked tearfully.

"Yes, and I did it already." The earlier sadness in his eyes was replaced by anger. He stood up and then approached me.

"For the last time, please I am begging you to choose me," he said while gritting his teeth. but I sighed and remain calm.

"I'm sorry, I don't love you anymore." He bowed and I saw his shoulder shake. A minute he stood up and walks toward me with anger in his eyes.

"Time will come, you will kneel in front of me and if it's gonna happen I'll make sure to make you suffer. I will make your life miserable." Then he left.

I sat on the floor as soon when Asher left. I miss him so much I want to hug him. If he only knew how much I missed him but I couldn't. When I tell him the truth, he will be hurt and only pity will exist for him to come back. He will pity me and blame himself and I don’t want that to happen.

I didn't want to see him hurt so I chose to make him angry with me.

'I'm sorry Ash, but I love you so much and I don't want you to get involved in my problem.'

I HAD JUST arrived at the office when my phone rang so I looked at who was calling. Nana, my nanny, is the one watching over him. I pick up the phone to answer it, I'm totally alone because Asher isn't here yet. when I answered the call I immediately heard nana crying on the other line.

"Nana?" My heart was immediately filled with nervousness because I felt that nana had some bad news.

"Ash, he has a heart attack again and almost lost his life, he needs to be operated on as soon as possible," Nana said while crying that immediately cooling my whole body.

"Nana, I don't have any money right now, Ley is in the US for a business trip." Who can I approach and who can I ask for help?

"Then asked Hunter,"

"Nana, I can't, you know what happens to dad after I told him the truth, I don't want it to happen with Hunter, he is the only family I have."

"Ashley, another attack and he might die. Maybe now, maybe later, or after we talk. This is not the right time for you to be tough."

'Oh, God!'

I got a headache. I don’t want to disturb Ley because I know that when she's business abroad it is so important. I also don't want to talk to my Hunter.  What I will do now?

ASHER.

I only know Asher. I'm working with him so I can ask him for an advance. But what if he does not grant me and if he does, what if he will punish me?

But if I don't give it try what will gonna happen to him, what if he disappears forever? What will happen to me?

I had no choice but to try. For him, I will try to plead with Asher. Even though I was worried about what he said last night.

I will try even if its costs my life. I don't have anything I can rely on right now.

"Nana, how much do we need?" I hoped not that much. I really don't know where I can find the money that I needed.

"One million pesos, package deal for all the expenses." This amount is not a joke but there is nothing to lose if I try.

"I'll try," I said then dropped the call. Hoping that Asher will give a chance.