Chapter 89

Ashleigh hummed along to the soft music playing in the background, releasing another curl from the iron. She ran a brush through her hair, watching in satisfaction as the waves settled around her shoulders. Paired with a cropped top and sweatpants, it was a casual yet put-together look-one she rarely put effort into. She stepped back, checking her reflection again. Was it too much? Her phone buzzed beside her, pulling her from her thoughts. She picked it up, skimming through the texts from her friends: Fiona: Ash did you give us a wrong address......? James: Girl is this your aunt's house? Arthur: I'm at your aunt's house apparently? A small chuckle escaped her lips. Their surprise was expected. Fiona and James hadn't visited her since she got married, for obvious reasons, and Arthur was still getting to know her. This sleepover was meant to bridge the gap between them, to let them in, at least a little. Her gaze flickered back to the mirror. Maybe she really did need a second opinion. She turned toward the door, expecting her assistant. "Finally, Susan! I wanted to ask if......." The words died in her throat as she met Adrian's sharp gaze. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. But his eyes... they weren't just observing. They were assessing. Ashleigh suddenly felt too aware of her outfit under the weight of his gaze, so she turned toward her bag to finish packing. "Aren't you going for a sleepover?" His voice was smooth, but there was an edge beneath it. "What's the need to put in so much effort?" "It's not like I'm going to bed immediately," she said, rolling her eyes. "We'll probably play some games, have some drinks and talk first." His gaze flicked over her, darkening slightly. "Drinks?" She caught the subtle shift in his tone, and recalled her not so good drinking incidents. However she brushed it off, hanging the bag on her shoulder. "Yeah, Fiona, James, and Arthur thought it'd be fun. Nothing serious. And I'm in my aunt's house so there's no danger." Adrian pushed off the doorframe, stepping closer. "But they are men." His voice dropped slightly. "Men you don't want me to know, so I'm not sure of your safety." Her heart skipped a beat. This was new. Adrian had always been distant, he was never the type to react emotionally to anything involving her. "Are you..." The question slipped out before she could stop it. "Jealous?" His eyes flashed, but his expression remained controlled. "And if I was?" His voice was dangerously soft. "Would that change anything?" Her fingers curled around the strap of her bag. "It wouldn't," she said, though her voice was quieter now. "Because they're my friends. And I can't cancel just because you're being difficult, Mr. Cagliari." A slow smirk tugged at his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Okay." She moved to walk past him, but before she could, he caught her wrist, pulling her just close enough that she could feel the warmth of his touch. "Behave yourself tonight," he murmured, his fingers brushing against the inside of her wrist. A small shiver ran through her spine. "One word from your aunt, and I'll come get you." She scoffed, yanking her hand away. "You act like I'm going clubbing." His smirk widened. "I'll be waiting for your call when you miss me." Ashleigh rolled her eyes, ignoring the heat rising in her cheeks as she stepped past him. She needed to get out of here before she started reading too much into that moment. Tonight was supposed to be about fun, and she wouldn't let Adrian ruin that. ***************** "So you're telling us that mystery man not only paid your scholarship but also got your aunt this insane penthouse?" James's voice was a few pitches higher than usual, his disbelief echoing through the large living room. As soon as Ashleigh arrived, she'd been ambushed with questions. Fiona, James, and Arthur had already made themselves comfortable, and after greeting her aunt, she joined them in the spacious living room, sipping her drink as their voices washed over her as they got to know each other better. It had been a while since she felt this relaxed. That is, until they started interrogating her. "Y-yeah, he kind of gifted it to my aunt," she admitted, and they let out a collective gasp. "This is insane," Arthur said, shaking his head. "Who even is this guy?" "So what's the deal?" Fiona asked, grabbing her drink from the coffee table to take a sip. "Is he an older guy? A businessman? A prince in disguise?" Arthur wiggled his brows. "Or maybe you're secret lover." Ashleigh choked on her drink. "What?! No!" James leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "So you're telling us you're completely platonic with this guy?" "Yes," she said firmly, causing the enthusiasm on their faces to fade into disappointment James groaned, flopping back against the couch. "Hopeless. Absolutely hopeless..... how could I forget that you're unromantic." Ashleigh frowned. "Excuse me?" "If a guy is out here throwing luxury penthouses at you, the least you could do is flirt with him," Arthur stated, huffing. "Or don't you want to take your relationship to the next stage?" Her heart stuttered..... taking things to the next stage with Adrian? She forced the thought down, heat curling in her stomach. "He's not interested in that." Arthur gave her a deadpan look. "And how would you know? Have you even tried?" Ashleigh hesitated........ Had she? Her mind drifted over the past few months: their arguments, cold interactions, moments of tension neither of them ever acknowledged. "I haven't," she admitted quietly. "Then why would he take you seriously?" Arthur asked. "What if he was interested but gave up? What if he's moved on? Would you be able to bear it?" Moved on? Could Adrian really....... like someone else? Fiona, who had been scrolling through her phone, suddenly gasped. "Guys. You need to see this." She turned the screen toward them, Ashleigh's breath hitched. There, on a glossy news article, was Adrian. He was dressed in a sleek, tailored suit, standing beside a woman named Caelia at an exclusive event in Italy. The headline speculated about their relationship, hinting at an engagement. Her fingers tightened around her glass. James let out a low whistle. "Damn. If this is real, our boss is even more untouchable than we thought." Arthur leaned in, skimming the article. "Looks like they've been spotted together a lot lately. Makes sense. Articles say their family friends." Ashleigh swallowed. "I thought he said he went to Italy to investigate my parents." Her eyes flickered over the picture again. Caelia was beautiful and sophisticated...... The kind of woman who belonged at Adrian's side. He didn't look uncomfortable as well..... it looked so real. The words from earlier echoed in her head. "Would you be able to stand it?" Arthur noticed her silence. "Ash? You're awfully quiet. Didn't you used to work for him too? What do you think?" She forced a small laugh, masking the irritation bubbling inside her. "It's probably just business." Fiona hummed, still studying the article. "Maybe. But they do look comfortable together." "Giving total power couple vibes," James added. Ashleigh clenched her fists beneath the table. "I am his wife, but he's giving power couple vibes with someone else." Fiona suddenly nudged her. "You're awfully quiet, Ash. Don't tell me you had a crush on Mr. Cagliari... is that why you're not interested in mystery man?" She nearly choked again. "What? No! That's ridiculous." Arthur grinned. "Maybe, but you do have a thing for powerful men. First mystery man, now this." James sighed dramatically. "Such a waste to fawn over Mr. Cagliari when your mystery man shows potential. If I had someone throwing penthouses at me, I'd be making moves immediately." Fiona nodded sagely. "Honestly, Ash, it's time you take control. Be bold. Who knows? Maybe your mystery man is waiting for you to make the first move." Ashleigh forced a small smile. If only they knew. Her mystery man was currently being linked to another woman in front of the entire world. And she knew nothing about it till now.