Chapter 40

Ashley

I wish I would be able to tell her everything but by the happiness on her face, I don't want to spoil it. So I will tell her everything after the party hopefully they won't take it seriously.

I forced out a smile while taking her hand in mine. "I'm excited too. It's my first party in the village so we'll make sure everything won't go wrong. It's barely a month since my stay here but I must say you people are very kind especially you Mrs Grace, I enjoyed your company" I forced out another smile to hide the emotion that began to build inside me.

I'm not normally an emotional type. I think people do change like time do. She might not understand the meaning behind my words but at least one thing is for sure, I will make sure the party goes well.

"Okay Mrs Grace, let me get going. It's getting late" I rose up to a standing position, also adjusting the muffler that was wrapped around my neck.

"So early? I thought you were going to spend the night like last time" She ushered back also standing up. "I thought you guys had an argument like last time" she added. I almost rolled my eyes at her remark. For a little while, I forgot about her interrogative self.

"It's nothing of such. And besides I can't stay even if I want to. Lucas won't be able to sleep without me by his side. He learnt his lessons" As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted saying them not to talk of the smirk on Mrs Grace's face. As if she noticed my lingering gaze on her, she lightly nudged me on the shoulder.

"Don't worry. I won't say more. I'm glad you guys on a good terms" the only answer I could give out is a smile because I don't think the situation we're in is something to call 'Good terms'

"Thank you Mrs Grace. Good night"

"Good night dear. My regards to the poor guy and your friend" Together we walked to the door and I bade her farewell once again before I began embarking on my way back home. All alone.

Even when I arrived at home, Neil was no more in sight and my parents are still seated in the living room with Mr Michael sitting across them.

As soon as they sight me, they began bombarding me with questions. "Where have you been dear?"

"We have been worried sick" Mom boambard all at once.

"I'm okay Mom" The look on my father's face was enough to show his pissed or rather angry expression.

"Ashley it is" Mr. Micheal ushered beside me. It was then that I remembered he knew nothing about my identity. By the look on his face, my parents must've told him everything already.

"Mr. Michael, I know my parents told you everything so I would like to apologize. You have been a great help to us from the very first day we came here. I can't thank you enough for your generosity. And I'm sorry for putting on an act about my relationship with Neil" I offered calmly.

"It's okay. I know you had your reasons for doing so. Even though it was just an act, I could see the love you have for each other. It will be great if you stay for a day before leaving"

I'm glad he didn't take it too personal. Believe me I thought he would throw us out of the house after learning about the truth "Don't worry Mr. Micheal, we'll stay for a few days" I ushered letting out a smile.

In the short amount of time I spent in the village, I got close to the people. I have many memories that will forever be engraved in my heart. That is why I decided to stay for the party. Even if its for a short while, I will enjoy the moment. With them. With Neil.

"What do you mean we'll stay for a few days? Don't you know how dangerous it is" Mom chirped in.

"Mom please. This is my decision. Mrs Grace have prepared so much for the party. I don't want to disappoint her. You, Dad and Mr. Michael might know the truth about me and Neil. Yet, Mrs Grace and the rest of the people doesn't. So I want to enjoy the remaining days with them. After the party, then we can leave"

The room grew quite. Mr Micheal got the cue to leave and I also did the same. Because I don't think I have enough strength to argue on staying or leaving I've made my decision already.

Just as I set my foot towards the direction of the bedroom door, my father's voice revamped to my ears. "If you're thinking about continuing seeing this killer, then you have to change your decision. Because I won't allow any harm to come to my family"

"He's not a killer Dad. Being a killer's son doesn't make you one. Neil is not like his father" I don't know why it pains me hearing him labeled as a killer.  When he's nothing like that.

"Do you know what he must be feeling hearing those nasty words thrown at him?" I remembered the night he told me about his family. How composed he was. That shows he trust me to the extents that he's willing to tell me about his family and his worries. That shows how painful it is for him to be labeled as that.

No matter how hard I tried to hide or deny it, I know my feelings are genuine and are growing stronger day by day. "I know how it feels to be outcasted. I've been through it"

"It doesn't matter. I know who Raphael is and his family. Better stop being delusional with your childish love. Wake up from your fantasy world and see the reality" His voice was loud to the extent that I snapped my eyes shut.

"Rapheal! Raphael! Raphael!" I exclaimed covering my ears with my two palms. "I'm fed up with the name.  With the whole thing. I'm completely hooked in this" I stop to take in a deep breath before continuing. I have to let everything out today. They should know what I'm feeling deep down.

I spare both of them a glance. "First, I was assigned a bodyguard out of the blue without a concrete reason. Second, I was attacked which almost cost Kristine's life and that too without a reason. And now you're telling me to stay away from Neil without a clear reason. Okay, let assumed you do have a reason here, that he's your enemy's son. Isn't he a human too. Shouldn't he receive care and love like other people?"

"We are your parents. We know what is good for you and what's not" Dad uttered.

Snapping my eyes shut, I opened them again. My inside burning with mixed emotions. "Why do I feel like you don't love me? Enough to tell me everything that Is going on in the family. I don't know what you're hiding but I still pretend like everything is okay. I pretend I'm okay even though I know deep down I'm not. I always do everything you asked me of. Even if I resist, I will still do it later on"

"Stop hyperventilating Ashley-" I immediately cut my mom off.

"This is not a matter of hyperventilating Mom, this is the matter of what I feel. Up to today you still regard Nikki as your favorite daughter. I'm just the second choice to you"

Her eyes widened at my words yet that doesn't stop me from talking. "What are you saying Ashley?"

"The truth. I bet you two didn't know why I choose photography career instead of working in the company. It is all for Nikki. I want to fulfill the dream she couldn't pursue"

A chuckle escaped my mouth. "I must look like a bad girl in front of your eyes right now. However, I want you to know how I'm feeling inside. And I don't resent you or Nikki. I blame myself for feeling this way. That's why from today onwards, I made it upon myself to do what makes me happy and I hope you'll support my decison" None of them were able to give me an answer. They must be too taken aback by my outburst to give a reaction.

A smile made it way out of my mouth. "I will take your silence as acceptance. I'll now take my leave. Good night" Without waiting for them to answer me, I alighted to the room.

Leaning my back on the wooden door, I realized out a sigh. For some reasons, I felt like a heavyweight has been lifted off my chest. Letting out my worries out sure made me feel better. What I have to do next, is to go on with my normal life and for that to happen, I need to sort things out. How unfortunate in short amount of time, my life takes a turn. I wasn't the once rich woman I was before. However, that is bound to change. Very soon.