You said it will be logical to surrender.
But,
I am sorry, I can't
For you should have known why they call me the king of blunders.
..............................................
The silence of the night was predicting an intensifying storm, ready to strike any time.
His shining shoes hit the rough gravel as he stepped out of his car.
His eagle-like eyes assessing every corner of the dark underground alley.
The sound of his clicking heel echoed in the deserted alley as he made his way towards the very warehouse where it all started all those years back.
Old memories played in front of his eyes, and he clenched his fist in anger.
His 5-year-old self shivering with fear, his helpless state, his innocent eyes.
In contrast to that scared boy, now stood a fearless man.
Who made people beg on their knees for mercy.
"Well, well well!! Look who we have here today!!"
An excited voice called from behind him, as he stepped inside the warehouse.
He didn't turn.
Instead within seconds, he was circled around by men loaded with ammunition.
Her voice was coming near, but still, he refused to see that face that he has hated all his life.
"I know you are not a fool to come here unguarded"
"Boys! "
A man stepped forward to check his clothes when he stopped him.
"Rest assured, I am luckily unarmed today or your head would have been lying near my feet till now"
She cynically laughed at his threatening words.
And took out the pistol from her waist.
"It's such a shame that a man like you has to go down, or else I would have enjoyed your company."
She spoke while tracing the personally designed pistol with her slender fingers.
"Coming to business, well let's discuss the deal then."
A nod from her head, made the person step back from Ashton.
Showing him the way, they descended to a secluded office. The doors being shut behind them.
Her gaze was locked at him, as he tried to show his indifference.
After a long stretch of silence, she finally sits back smiling to herself, deciding to break the ice.
"You know seeing you, I wish to be young again."
He was in no mood to joke, let alone hear a lady double his age flirt with him.
His fists clenched under the table as he set his stone eyes at her smirking face.
"Cut the bullshit Veronica -"
"Ah-huh dear, why so impatient?
Don't you like being appreciated for your beauty and vigour?"
He kept silent making her smile widen.
"Such a beautiful man as yourself deserves an equal match.
What about Chloe? Isn't she beautiful?'
His anger was getting on the surface, but he hid it brilliantly.
With a small smile, he sits backcrossing one leg over the other.
"Or is it that you are not after beauty..but something else?"
Their eyes clashed as he understood the meaning behind her words.
"Oh come on Ashton! We are on the same team! You want her property just like me...or else why would you marry an ugly girl like her."
Her scrutinising gaze was trying to find answers which were perfectly hidden behind his cold exterior.
She moves closer, whispering to him.
"Bring her to me and you can have a 10% share.
A win-win situation"
Running his hand through his silky locks, he sighed while looking around him.
With a bored look now replacing the earlier scowl.
"You know what your problem is Veronica?"
Her eyes narrowed at his question.
Moving closer, he placed his elbows on the table between them.
"You think too highly of me."
Confused, she moved back to glare angrily at him.
"I trade my wife to you and in return, you only offer me 10%.
Not at all an attractive offer, when I get whole 100% by pretending to be in love with her."
His smirk made her crush the piece of paper held in her hands.
"You think you can fool me, Ashton Lockwood?
You have the audacity to decline my offer while standing on my territory, in between my people?"
He stood up, towering over her.
"I will prefer the word courageous but again what can a coward like you understand?"
"See Ashton Lockwood, I have no intention to harm you unless you go against me.
Think again, fight from my side and your win is guaranteed.
But if you wish to deny me, then sadly ..you won't be able to step out of this warehouse alive!"
His silence made her think he was assessing the situation when in reality he was trying to control his rage.
"Fine but first I need to know what you will do with her?"
"Do I see concern?"
His eyes hardened at her.
"It's called humanity which you have lost years ago."
Surprisingly she laughed at his taunt, filling the silent room with her loud voice.
"She will be kept alive, that's the only thing I can guarantee"
He looked lost in thought while she enjoyed his hands tied situation.
"Anyways how would it matter once I get my property.
Who knows I may get generous and throw her out on the streets"
She was testing him,
Trying to find those hidden emotions which he has managed to hide.
But sadly his eyes were empty.
"Fine by me as long as no harm comes to her.
I will get her to you."
She nodded smirking at him.
"I knew you will make the correct cho-'"
"But before that, I have a condition
70% is what I demand, nothing more.... nothing less"
She looks confused, rubbing her hands together.
"I don't think you are in a position to negotiate?"
He ran his hand through his hair while sighing out.
"And I don't think you will get even a penny from her till she is under my protection."
Stomping her foot she agreed after a long thoughtful pause.
"Fine deal"
"Today at midnight, my men will come to get her.
I don't expect any interruption from your side."
He nodded while looking coldly at her.
Walking out of the warehousing he looked up at the clear sky.
His plan was very dangerous, but then again when did victory came without any pain.
....................................................
John stood in front of her with head held down and worry evident in his stance.
"I am sorry ma'am but Sir forbade me from telling you earlier...but now I can't hide.
Sir is in grave danger ma'am...and only you can help"
She straightened up on the bed while looking at John with confusion.
"Telling me what?"
"Ma'am actually your aunt Veronica...she is the one who tried killing you earlier.
She is an evil soul ma'am, never trust her.....she used to threaten Sir with your life every day.
Sir loves you...he won't say but he truly does, he wanted you safe so he fought with you that day...he wanted you to leave him to keep you safe.
I was with him everyday ma'am...I have seen him long for you.
First, he thought you were in danger because of him because Veronica wanted to destroy him.
But later he came to know her true reasons."
John went silent, debating on whether to disclose more secrets or no.
But as soon as she touched his shoulder, and her worried eyes asked him to continue.
He knew he had to do it.
"Veronica is your aunt, that's true but she doesn't care for you or anyone for that matter.
Your grandfather Arnold Knight was a very rich man, but he also knew of her true colours.
Dishonouring her from all his wills, he made your mother the only legal heir.
Veronica is after you because of your property Ma'am, she wishes to kill you to make the will void. "
She went silent, too shocked to react.
Her body felt weak all of a sudden ,the information was too much to take.
She has never hurt a fly in her life, then why will someone wish so much worse for her.
"Sir asked me to find out about the will and everything else.
He knew her intentions but he kept you in dark only for your safety.
Please don't consider him to be wrong...he has always cared for you but failed to show it.
Tears were falling down her cheeks as the realisation settled in.
Why didn't that idiot tell her?
Why he was suffering alone?
"I know ma'am that you must be hurt..but right now...we don't have time, she called him today and Sir went alone without any backup"
"His life is in danger ma'am ..I tried stopping Sir.. he didn't listen...now you only do something ma'am...I don't know what to do."
John was on the verge of crying.
His anxiousness has made him desperate for a solution.
Her eyes widening.
"Wh...at?...why didn't you stop him? How can you let him go!!"
"I...I...tried ma'am...I tried but he didn't listen...he was adamant"
"Do you know the location?
The place where she called him?"
"No ma'am , Sir made it clear that no one was to follow him"
She started pacing her room with hands shaking.
"No John no!! God knows where he is!! What if she does something to him!! We need to find him!!"
"Bu-"
"Track his phone, ask the driver, see the CCTV!!! Do everything you can but find him!!"
"I tried already ma'am..but-"
"Sh**!! Why Ashton!! You stupid moron!!"
Her hands rubbing her face and eyes showing her fears.
Minutes turned to hours.
With each passing second, her heart kept dropping into the pit of her stomach.
His worry killing her from the inside.
She has tried calling all her contacts, checked warehouses at the outskirts of the city, searched everywhere but there was no sign of him.
"I told you he has his reasons Ell! He loves you!!"
Lorena sat next to her, her words acting as salt to her self induced injuries.
"I know Lori!! I know!! I was such a fool to say all those things to him!
I said I hate him Lori...he was telling me he loved me...but I...I rejected him!!"
Lorena rubbing circles on her back, trying to relax the girl who was a crying mess.
"But he is also so stupid! Just why didn't he tell me! My safety! My life! Hell, what about him?
Why did he just go there!"
"Don't worry Ell, he will be fine"
"Lori it's been 5 hours since he left! And that also alone!
What if-"
"Shh Ell I said he will be fine!! Do-"
A car honked and poor Elle ran towards the window, not caring about her bare feet meeting the chilled marble underneath.
His car came in her view and without a care of anything, she ran downstairs with Lorena shouting at her to be careful.
Her bare feet stopped near the doorsteps.
There he stood with his jacket hanging on his shoulders loosely, one hand placed inside his pant pocket and the other holding his phone near his ear.
He gazed at her anxious face and the grip on his phone tightened.
Pressing the end button, without leaving her stare.
He moved forward to only have her petite body to crash onto him with full force.
Not expecting such a welcome, he staggered back to be steadied by the bonnet of his car.
Her blossom fragrance hitting him in full force, as her arms clung to him in a deadly force.
Her sobs being the only sound surrounding them, he stood there frozen.
Unable to react.
"I am sorry...I am so sorry for saying all those hurtful words yesterday.
I...I....thought...you......I.......I...an sorry"
Confused as to her sudden change in behaviour, his eyes fell on John who was standing behind her with Lorena.
Guilt evident on his face.
His fists clenched in anger as John met his gaze and lowered his head.
He knew now, that John has told her everything and defied his order.
His anger evaporated as soon as her slender fingers held up his face and showered him with kisses.
Her tears tearing him.
"Thank God you are fine!! Thank God, Ashton! "
Next, he knows, punches were thrown his way as she screamed at him with anger.
"Are you crazy! Why did you go alone! Idiot what if they had hurt you! "
"You are hurting me more my ugly duckling"
Her punches intensified and she heard him making fake painful noises.
"Good! You deserve it you ass*** for hiding everything from me!
You think you can handle everything yourself huh? Stupid!"
He smiled at her, but soon that smile vanished as he recalled the deal he has just signed.
"Don't worry...I am with you now, we will solve this together"
Her reassuring words made him place his hand on her head and pull her to his chest.
Inhaling the fragrance of her shampoo, he kissed her head.
"Shhh, it will be over very soon. Don't stress yourself"
His words felt comforting.
After all, what could he do when words were the only thing he had to take her stress away.
..................................................
"I have decided! I will give her all that she wants.
Let her take the property and leave us alone!"
She suggested while she sat in the drawing-room, trying to find solutions.
"Don't be stupid Elle! Do you know what she will do with all that money?
Your grandfather's hard-earned money will be used to push poor souls towards illegal stuff!! She will expand her drug business, killing so many innocents more."
The room went silent as she thought upon his words.
"But...what else can we do?"
He didn't reply, instead getting up from his seat.
He was going to call off the day.
She followed him everywhere in silence today, worried of his safety above hers.
"Why are you following me, Elle?"
"I...fear...you may leave me again....so-"
Her innocent words and those brown eyes made his stomach do summersaults.
Placing his one hand on her navel, he rubbed circles on her back with another.
His hand on her back shifting lower with every rotation.
Her eyes widened as without a warning his hands moved over her bottom and she found herself pressed to him.
" Leaving you was not my choice, but loving you is"
And with this, the piece of clothing separating them was shredded to pieces as they fulfilled their hidden desires.
With head resting on his chest, she asked the question she wished to ask him.
"Ash..."
"Hmmm"
"When you came to know about my angel...how did you knew that it's ours and not ...."
"Are you asking me how I knew you didn't Fu** anyone behind my back?"
His direct words made her blush as she twisted in his arms.
"Yaa...I mean you were gone for a long time..and you didn't even ask me if the child belonged to someone else"
His thumb traced her cheek as he stared into his heaven.
"Do you know what I love the most about you, Elle?"
She moved her head in a no while snuggling closer to him.
"Your character"
Her eyes widened as no one ever said this to her.
"I have never met a girl with a character as strong as yours Elle.
Your eyes never left mine to land on another man,
Your hands never longed to find comfort in others arms even after I pushed you away.
You are a faithful wife Elle and I feel proud to call you as mine."
He never said these cheesy things before, then why today.
"Aren't you being a bit too romantic today? It's getting difficult to digest this cheesiness "
"Enjoy it wifey , its a treat today"
They burst into laughter as he pulled her below him and tickled her with feathery kisses.
Her laughter echoed in the room and soon tears of joy were wetting her eyes.
"I wish....I wish this moment can last forever.
I love you Ashton Lockwood
I love you with my everything"
He could see the truth in her eyes, but how can he say the same words back to her with the same truthfulness.
She saw his hesitation and now she knew he was hiding something again.
"Tell me, Ashton, I know you want to tell me something from so long"
He gripped her neck gently and touched his forehead with hers.
Closing his eyes, he sighed while she stared at him.
"24 years back I was running on an empty road when a car came my way.
I thought I was going to die...but then the car suddenly drifted away and collided with a tree.
That day..... because of me... someone died.
And.....that someone was...."
Her fingers were running in his silky hair, as her eyes encouraged him to continue.
"Your Mother...Anna Knight"
Her hand in his hair stopped.
Those brown eyes forgot to blink as they stared at him.
His eyes moved down, afraid to look into those same loving eyes to be glaring at him with hate.
Few minutes of silence passed and none of them uttered a word.
"You can hate me Ell..I took away your mother from you.... Because of my mistake you suffered all your life....I.....I am a murde-"
"Shhhhhhh"
She said surprising him.
Placing a finger on his lips, she moved her head in a no.
"You are not. A child can never be a murderer,they are the purest of all.
It was just an accident.
You were not at fau-"
"But Ell...I...I stood there in between the road! Your mom..she got killed saving me! I....I should have died instead of her....the burden of guilt I suffer everyday intensified when I came to know you are her daughter....I...I can't love you...how can I?"
"Love doesn't ask permission Ashton...it just happens and no matter what you say, I only see love in your eyes for me"
His surprised eyes met , unable to believe her words.
"You don't understand Elle! You can't love me okay...I have hurt you...rejected you.... embarrassed you...how can you still..."
Before he could continue with the burden of mountains he carried on his shoulders, a sudden force came breaking all the frozen rocks into tiny pieces.
Her lips were pressed on his, making him forget all the worries in his mind.
Those soft lips moved slowly on his tightly pressed ones.
And all their coldness melted giving access to his warm interiors.
They kissed like it was the end of the world.
As the clock kept moving towards the stroke of midnight.
Unknown to her, the guards have been ordered to call off the night and the doors have been opened to bring in the evil forces of Veronica Knight.
....................................................
I saw you falling from a cliff and I jumped after you
Not to die with you, but to break your fall with me as a shield for you.
.....................................................
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