My contract love story

As the sun began its ascent, its warm rays crept through the ward room’s window, casting a soft glow over the space. Ashleigh, nestled on the couch, stirred awake. The couch had been uncomfortable the night before, but fatigue had dulled her discomfort, making it tolerable. Megan, however, was just beginning to rouse from a fitful sleep. Confusion clouded her mind at first. She glanced around the unfamiliar hospital room, her heart racing with a blend of fear and disorientation.

It took a moment for reality to sink in, and when it did, she was overwhelmed by the memories of the previous night. Her skin crawled as she recalled the disturbing incidents where the men from the party had invaded her personal space. Silent tears streamed down her face as she lay there, trying to process her trauma. The muffled sound of Megan’s distress woke Ashleigh. She bolted upright, concern etched on her face as she rushed to Megan’s bedside.

“What happened, Megan? Are you in pain? Should I call the doctor?” Ashleigh’s voice trembled with worry.

The sudden burst of concern startled Megan, who thought she was alone and she quickly wiped away her tears and turned to face Ashleigh. An icy glare replaced her earlier vulnerability.

“I’m fine. What are you doing here?” Megan’s voice was cold, and she snuffled slightly.

“I saved you from those guys last night and brought you here,” Ashleigh explained, observing Megan’s disheveled state.

“So, you go to clubs? Who’d have thought,” Megan remarked snidely, arching an eyebrow. Ashleigh frowned, displeased by the comment.

“That’s not the point. Where were your friends? They drugged you, and if I hadn’t intervened, you might have been assaulted. Why did they leave you with those guys?” Ashleigh’s voice rose with frustration.

“They left with some guys too. They checked on me before they left, though,” Megan defended weakly, recalling how her friends had been too distracted to notice her distress, despite being sober.

She had always known deep down that her friends were using her for her money. She had seen the snide remarks, the whispers, and the isolation. Yet, she chose to ignore it, as long as she was footing the bill for their outings, both on weekdays and weekends, including the previous night.

“But you were already drunk before that. No real friend should leave you at the mercy of strangers,” Ashleigh continued, her tone stern. Megan’s gaze hardened in response.

“Just because you helped me last night doesn’t mean you can talk down to me. It’s MY life! I got drunk willingly. Whatever happened was my responsibility to bear alone. Don’t expect me to worship you; you’re still a nobody,” Megan retorted, turning to face the window. Her harsh words stung Ashleigh, who took a step back, surprised by the outburst.

“I guess I was too concerned. I apologize for intruding. I’ll leave you alone now,” Ashleigh said quietly after a long silence, reaching for her purse with shaking hands and walking towards the door.

Her heart felt heavy with disappointment as she left the room, ignoring the nurses’ calls from the reception desk. As she made her way through the hospital corridors, Ashleigh’s emotions swirled. Megan’s harsh words had cut deeply, suggesting that she preferred the suffering over receiving help. Distracted by her thoughts, her phone rang. Seeing Arthur’s name on the screen, she answered.

“Hey Ashleigh, I’m on my way to pick you up, go to the underground parking lot. Is Megan doing better now?” Arthur’s voice was tinged with concern.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Yes, she’s awake. Thanks for calling,” Ashleigh replied. She heard Arthur sigh in relief. “Thank goodness! Poor girl! I hope she wasn’t too harsh on herself,” he inquired.

“Actually, she was quite harsh. She told me I had no right to criticize her choices and that she would handle her problems on her own,” Ashleigh explained. Arthur scoffed.

“Then I take that back. I told you helping her was a mistake. People like her need to face the consequences of their actions. Now look at how she treated you,” Arthur said.

“And I said I would help her regardless,” Ashleigh countered firmly.

“Well, enjoy playing the saint. It suits you,” Arthur remarked lightly, the sound of him biting into something on the other end came through the phone.

“I just don’t understand why she dislikes me so much. I’ve never done anything to offend her. She’s been rude since we first met,” Ashleigh complained, as she turned to the direction of the underground parking lot.

“It’s like that sometimes. Not everyone will like you, just as you might not like everyone you meet. Think about it-don’t you have someone you’ve never liked from the start?” Arthur’s question made Ashleigh reflect on Adrian. Lost in thought, Ashleigh entered the parking lot and bumped into someone, causing her to stumble. Her phone slipped from her grasp.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t see where I was going,” she apologized, reaching out to steady herself.

The person she collided with was accompanied by security, and her phone was handed back to her. Arthur’s concerned voice continued to call her name from the phone. The man she had bumped into stood tall with an athletic build. His piercing blue eyes, sharp jawline, and thick, curly blonde hair gave him a striking appearance, reminiscent of a demigod she had once seen in a business magazine at the office while cleaning. It struck Ashleigh that this was Alexander Myron, the CEO she had only seen in pictures.

“It’s fine. Are you okay?” Alexander’s velvety voice was laced with genuine concern. Ashleigh, still stunned, nodded numbly.

“Y-you’re CEO Alexander Myron, aren’t you?” she stammered. A gasp escaped her lips as he nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“It’s an honor to meet you,” she managed to say, her voice almost a squeak.

“And I must say the same, Ashleigh Cagliari,” Alexander replied with a warm smile. Ashleigh’s eyes widened in shock.

Realizing the call with Arthur was still ongoing, she quickly ended it and looked at Alexander with a guarded expression.

“You must be mistaken. I’m Ashleigh Hartman. How do you know my name?” she asked, stepping back warily. Alexander chuckled softly.

“I’m Megan’s fiance and Adrian’s good acquaintance.” The revelation took Ashleigh by surprise, and she stared at him, processing the information.