Lost

Chapter 3: Lost

As dawn approached, Ashley rose, restless. Haunted by nightmares of Christian and Kayla in their former matrimonial bed, she couldn't sleep. Every time she shut her eyes, the images crept in.

Her hands instinctively went to her stomach, imagining the tiny life growing inside, and her eyes watered.

"Your dad may not want you, but I do," Ashley whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "This may not be the best moment, but you're the best thing that has happened to mummy in a very long time, and I'm going to protect you with everything I have." Tears fell freely as she spoke.

Christian's orders echoed in her mind, reminding her of how obedient she still was to him. Perhaps it was the reason he hated her—she had never dared to defy or challenge his authority, unlike Kayla.

Last night had been no different. She had retreated to the guest room as he demanded, though the real reason was harder to admit. Fear for her safety was only part of it, but the shameful truth was that she still held onto the hope that Christian might change his mind about them.

Frustrated, Ashley hurled a pillow across the room, shattering a flower vase on the mirror stand.

"Ahhh!" She crouched down, crying, the pain still fresh, and she felt as if she were drowning.

A knock on the door jolted her from her thoughts, and she scrambled back to her feet, hastily wiping her tears, composing herself.

The knock came again, more insistent this time. She opened the door to find Christian standing there, his eyes scanning the room. Her surprise quickly turned to anger.

"What was that sound?" he asked, his gaze flicking over her shoulder.

"Nothing," she replied, meeting his cold gaze with defiance. "Why do you even care?"

"Because this is my house, and I won't have you destroying everything before you leave."

"Oh, I totally forgot that," she said, rolling her eyes. "Thanks for the reminder. Now, if you'll excuse me, I was preparing to leave YOUR HOUSE."

As she turned to retreat inside, Christian grabbed her arm, pulling her forward. Their bodies collided, and for a brief moment, Ashley inhaled the familiar masculine scent, her gaze falling on his full lips. A brief, unwanted desire stirred within her.

"If you want to leave peacefully, watch how you speak to me, understood?!" Christian growled, breaking the spell.

Her senses snapped back into place, and she struggled to free herself from his firm grip. "Let go of me!"

"Or what?" He smirked. "I saw how you looked at me just now. You still want me, don't you? Admit it, and I'll fuck you one last time before you go."

Ashley slapped his cheek without thinking. "You're despicable!" she spat, yanking her hand away.

Christian stood stunned, rubbing his cheek, his eyes flashing with fury.

The thought of his proposition made her skin crawl in disgust. He wanted a last-minute thrill before she finally walked out of his life. The audacity of him to think she'd still be his plaything after all he'd done.

Yes, she couldn't deny she wanted to remain by his side, but as his wife, not some fucking toy.

She tried to slam the door in his face, but his hand stopped it, grabbing hers. "You're still in my house, which makes you my property—body included."

His eyes roamed her body, and Ashley's heart raced, but not in a way she'd once hoped.

"I was never your property, Christian," she said coldly. "I was your wife. And if you touch me, I'll drag you to court for rape."

He chuckled, a cruel sound. "You'd sound pathetic...a desperate, divorced woman, seeking pity and attention."

A tear slipped down Ashley's cheek as she pushed him off. "Get out... Now!"

"Baby, what's going on?" Kayla's voice unexpectedly cut in. They didn't realize she'd been watching their exchange for sometime, and it infuriated her that christian talked about wanting to fuck Ashley. But she pretended otherwise.

Christian swiftly turned to her, his expression smoothing out. "Nothing, honey. Just warning this woman here not to damage my properties."

Kayla's glare didn't ease out a bit, focused on Ashley. "Please, let's go back inside. I need you." She finally told christian.

Christian nodded, giving Ashley one last glance before following her inside. He wrapped his arms around Kayla's waist, and Ashley couldn't help but notice the softness he never showed her in their years together.

A wave of anger surged within her. Even now, he felt entitled to her, despite everything he had taken from her—her dignity, her peace, and now her love.

She watched as Christian kissed Kayla playfully, and she quickly turned away. The sight flamed her chest.

She reached for her phone, dialing Maddy's number. Yesterday, she had told Maddy she was heading to Aunty Charlotte's house, but Maddy had insisted she stay with her and her husband. Ashley had declined, not wanting to burden them.

It took only twenty minutes before Maddy arrived in her black jeep. Her vibrant red hair caught the light of the rising sun as she rushed toward Ashley.

Maddy's _eyes, filled with empathy and anger, assessed Ashley's fragile state before she pulled her into a tight hug.

Ashley crumbled into her embrace, letting her tears flow freely, body quivering.

Maddy was one of the few people who made her feel safe to be vulnerable, without fear of judgment.

"You'll get through this, babe. Everything will be fine eventually," Maddy whispered, her words sharp with unspoken rage. "He'll regret ever leaving you."

Ashley wished it were true, but deep down, she knew better. Christian was very much in love with Kayla, he'd never even take a second to miss her.

After their hug, Maddy grabbed Ashley's bag and led her to the car. Ashley and Maddy's friendship went way back to highschool. Now, with both of their families gone, they only had each other to lean on.

Ashley cast one long, last glance at the white mansion, its beauty a stark contrast to the painful memories it held. Without another word, she slipped into the car, and Maddy drove away from the life she had once known.

As the distance grew between her and Christian's home, a numbness crept over her heart, slowly, painfully, until it consumed her– the damn organ completely stopped pumping.

It was the end of the road.

End of that girl who always wanted to fight for love, who fought twice, to believe in it, to have it.

That girl lost.