Chapter 32

Ashley

"Can you talk already" I snapped at Kristine who was busy pacing around Mrs. Grace living room. After I left the house, I didn't go back to the restaurant instead I decided to branch back to Mrs. Grace home. She had already given me the opportunity to stay for as long as I want. And if I need space from Neil, then I have to be away from him.

I'm glad he support my decision even though some part of me isn't happy with the fact that he didn't even try to stop me from leaving. Ashley, maybe he doesn't like you the way you do.

"Do you even know what you're doing?" She stopped pacing focusing her gaze on me.

"Of course I know what I'm doing" I ushered back. She let out an exasperated breath snapping her eyes shut and opening them again. "This is wrong Ashley"

My brow crease in confusion. "What is wrong?"

"The whole thing. I mean you know what you feel for him then why are you shutting him out for a small reason"

"What?" An annoyed chuckle escaped my mouth. "You know so well how hurt I am knowing that they're all hiding something from me and to even make matters worth, Neil didn't deny it. Tell me if what I did here is wrong"

As a matter of fact, out of all people, Kristine should the first person to support my decision but hearing the words out of her mouth made me think otherwise. Things must've turned against me now.

Her gaze softened as she reached for my hand taking them in hers. "I'm sorry about my words. I don't know if your decision is going to turn better, but know that I will support your decision. We've got each other's back. And for Neil..." She trailed off squinting her eyes a bit.

My brows creased more as I waited for what she has to say. "Let's give him some time like you said. I will keep an eye on him for you. We mighg get some clue"

"Thank you Kristine. You're indeed a good friend" I ushered squeezing her hands. A smile made it way out of her mouth. "Mention not. What are sisters for. I hope you won't stay long living here. You might come home running missing Neil"

Forming my hand in a light fist, I dab it on her back. "What the hell! Are you trying me Mrs. Neil" She said passing me a glare.

"Say that again" I reached for the small pillow beside me daring her to repeat her words again.

"No thank you. I just remembered, I have some work to do"

"Work?" I repeated. "When did you start working? And where?" I bombard. I don't remember her having any job.

"Why would you know when you're busy with your loverboy" Truth be told, she's right. We were busy with our couples act that I hardly pay attention to Kristine.

"Please tell me. Huh" I pouted hoping my little act will work on her. "It's not a big job. I'm only assisting Mr. Micheal with some few works" The way she speaks made me raise my brows in question. I find it suspicious.

"Is that so? You must take the work seriously by the way you're smiling. I think something is fishy here"

Her eyes suddenly widened. "What do you mean smiling" She answered cupping her face with her palms.

"Your face says otherwise. I can see it all. So obvious. I-"

"I'm running late. See you later" Before I could open my mouth to reply, she made a run out. A chuckle left my lips. That's Kristine for you.

**

The rest of the afternoon didn't go faster than I expected. I did nothing only take a nap, made some pancake for myself and now I'm left sitting staring at the ceiling. A hiss left my lips. The boredom is killing me already. My brows raised as my eyes landed on the remote control. What was I been doing all day? In this situation, I needed my laptop. Yet, I have no laptop nor phone. What the hell!

This is one of the reason I need to get my shits together. Pressing the power button, light resurfaces from the flat screen TV.

"Let's see. I should've thought of this idea long ago" I pressed on some few buttons and the loud noise revamped to my ears so loud that I was quick in changing the channels.

"Mr Richard Thompson whose company was known as one of the top ten best company in New York was reported to undergo some financial problems. We're yet to find out the cause of this sudden loss. Stay tuned for more news" From the moment the man mentioned my father's name, everything stood still. My eyes were glued to the screen as his voice was faraway to my ears. I was shocked to the core.

I smack my head to make sure I'm not dreaming. The door was suddenly pulled open came in Kristine. "Ashley I'm back" Came her voice. I was beyond shocked to even look at her.

I felt her presence beside me. "Can you believe what happened to me today?"She commenced again.

"Kristine I-" I try to speak up but the bile that rise in my throat prevented me from continuing.

"What happened?" She asked. And just in time, the news went on display again.

Mr Richard Thompson whose company was known as one of the top ten best company in New York was reported to undergo some financial problems.

"Oh my god!" Kristine exclaimed rising to a standing position. "How did this happen? What-"

"Oh my god! Ashley" She sat back down holding my arm. The stiffness I felt inside couldn't be explained. I don't even know what to think.

"Is this enough prove to show that they don't really care to tell me. After all I'm their daughter. Their only daughter Kristine" The tears I've been trying to hold

made themselves out in no time. My emotions took the best of. I can't hold in the pain anymore. It's so painful living this way.