Chapter 13: Chapter 12

⇝**Chapter 12**⇜

Present

Madison

"Ace, we have a problem." I didn't mean to interrupt his conversation with Melanie– Our guest– but it's a huge mess.

He excused himself to her before walking to me. "What is it?"

"One of the models is sick, she can't even stand properly. What should we do?" It's really a problem. The runway will start in 20 minutes and the girl is sick, and it happened that she's the one who's supposed to wear the collection set, the most expensive one. There's no way this event will go without them seeing it.

He just looked at me like he was thinking when Luke showed up next to him. For the first time, ever since Ace found out about us now is the only time he showed up again. And I'm not complaining though. I heard the gossip on the floor that he's banned from even stepping on our floor as Ace ordered, I bet he's just here because of Ace's order too.

It's mind-blowing to realize that in 2 days, our first monthsary is already coming. Our wedding feels like it just happened yesterday. Whatever I expected him to act after knowing my past relationship with Luke, Being sweet and all possessive is the last thing that I might think of.

"What are you doing here?" Ace glared at Luke making me exchange glances between them.

"Heard you have a problem, Can I suggest something?" he said, sounding like he can really help making Ace look at me before nodding his head to him. "Madison, As far as I can remember you're trained how to walk and act properly and fancy for business when we were together–" he stopped a moment and stared at me with a smirk.

What the fuck are you trying to say Luke? Does he think he can say anything he wants in front of Ace? If whatever he's going to say is something that will surely make me piss, I won't think twice before slapping him.

"And what you're trying to say is..." Ace flashed him a warning glare before standing next to me.

"Maybe we can let her do the final runway."

"What? No fucking way, Ace don't listen to him, You know I won't do it." I glare at Luke before turning to Ace who's still glaring at Luke, "Ace."

"Leave us." out of everything, he did it first because he knows I'll be uncomfortable with Luke.

Luke just smiled at me with smugness before walking away.

"Ace–" I was about to continue when he suddenly wrapped his arms on my waist and pulled my body closer to him. When I felt our bodies colliding, I looked up at him and he was already staring at me.

"You're our only chance for this event to go well, like we planned. But you know I'll never force you to do something you don't like. Don't worry, I understand." He cupped my cheeks before pecking my nose.

Why do I suddenly feel guilty? All Ace did was to support and do whatever I want, even though he doesn't like it. And now, when I know that Luke is right about me knowing how to walk powerful, like I'm the boss, but that's not the same as how the models walk. He's not really asking me much but...

"I'm really sorry Ace, but I just don't want to ruin it. I know to myself that I won't be able to do it."

"How? If I know someone who's good at everything except skating, it was you. I know you can do it, if that's your reason then I'll go there with you. I'll be by your side." His eyes were now softened, not like how he looked with Melanie, Luke and any others. "Sweetheart."

Letting out a sigh, as I look at him before wrapping my arms around his neck. "Alright" small smile formed in my lips when I noticed the corner of his lips twitching up. How can this man be this handsome?

"Someone's looking at us, wanna tease him?" he said with a smug smile on his face before it turned into a teasing one. I know what he's talking about, more likely who's he talking about. But I think he's the one who really wants to tease his brother, pettiness.

Without waiting for my answer, he smashed his lips on mine, making me chuckle at him. With his hand going to my nape to deepen the kiss, I got caught off when he suddenly bit my lower lip earning a gasp from me. He took advantage of it and slid his tongue in my mouth.

With his mouth slowly moving against mine and his tongue roaming in my mouth, I held his arms before tilting my head to give him more access.

This is crazy.

His taste. His smell. His soft hair. His strong arms around me. Gosh I'm going crazy.

It's all addicting, the way he kisses me is one of the special things he's always doing for me.

And now, even my heart is confused about what to feel. I'm not easy to get but everytime he does this, my heart will just explode. No warnings. I guess there's nothing wrong if I just accept that I'm already falling for him, right? But– I'm still not sure though...

My thoughts got cutted when he slowly pulled back.

"You might need to fix your lipstick." He smirked before leaving another peck.

Smirking back at him, I bring my hands up and wipe the side of his lips that has a stain of my lipstick.  "Might as well wipe this first."

He chuckled at me before holding my hands. "It's my favorite flavor."

"Hayst... Stop with your play words Mr, Come on, We only 8 minutes to prepare." I said while dragging him to room where the models are preparing.

****

"Do I look good? How do I look? Ace answered me, Gosh I'm so nervous." I said while walking back in front making him chuckle.

The event started and the models started showing off their outfits on the runway while I'm still here waiting for the last one so I can finally go up there. Still, I don't understand why they gave me this special dress and they asked Melanie to wear the normal dress.

It's just making me more nervous.

"Will you believe me if I say that you look ugly?" He asked, making me glare at him. His teasing smile disappeared as he let out a cough. "No one would believe it either."

"Ace!!! That's not helping at all." I sat back on my chair and took my phone.

I'm so nervous that all I want to do right now is disappear but that's impossible, let's just say run away.

Why are my hands getting colder? I need something warm right now. Coffee? But it'll just worsen my nerves.

I was busy calming myself when he suddenly hugged me from behind and held my hands.

"You look splendid, and no one can change my mind." He softly whispered and it did help. "No one in this world would be against that. You're even prettier than the Milky way. You can do it."

I turn my head to look at him and smile, if he said I can, then I can.

"Mrs Ashford, it's time." One of the organizers called as I immediately got up and took a deep breath. Ace held my hand and walked with me at the entrance.

"And for what we're all waiting for... Let's give a round of applause for Athenway Collection's Main Clothing, Heria!!!" The mc introduces that we need to come out now, loud cheering, loud music, all eyes from the guest, I felt his hands tighten around mine before we start walking.

Not like I expected, my anxiousness from earlier started to fade when I saw someone in the crowd making me smile.

Ace might have noticed me as he also looked at where my gaze was before smiling at me and continuing walking by my side.

"A beautiful Flamingo, One Shoulder A-Line Chiffon Dress with a simple but elegant design of sash made of Tulle. Dress is made with pure Satin with a thin belt made of Velvet, and a Chiffon layer on top of it which makes it look more elegant. Especially the small pink Carnation on its shoulder as its design is made of Voile." The MC describes the dress until we reach the middle of the stage where Ace will have his messages.

Now that I can just stand beside him and do nothing, I let go of his arms and let him have his speech so we can go back immediately. He really wasn't supposed to have it now but he insisted as he wants to be by my side because I'm fucking anxious earlier.

"Good Afternoon everyone. Today is the day where one of my dreams will come true." He said as the crowd smiled at him. "This Heria word actually came from the name Hera, who's wife of Zeus. And ever since, I always dreamed of having my own Hera, it might seem like a fairytale but that was when I was a kid. When I grew up, I realized that I can have someone much better than Hera, and I did. I found my own Hera, but the better one. You might be thinking what's the connection of this with the dress? This dress was specially made for my special someone. The first design of this dress is kinda simple so I think of one thing that has a deep meaning to put on it. And it's the Carnation, it symbolizes Love, Loyalty and Eternal Grief. Which is a very opposite of Hera, but as I said, I have the better one. What makes it special is the fact that my wife is the one who wears it first." He explained making the crowd go crazy.

Love, Loyalty and Eternal Grief.

"Athenass Collection will be out by July 1, hopefully our collaboration with Versace will be out ahead of time so by the end of the year, we'll have 2 concept for year end."

That's translated to: We'll have two things to celebrate by the end year.

"Thank you." He last added before holding my hand and making our way back to the backstage. As soon as we left the stage, I let out a deep breath, making him chuckle. "See, it's easy."

I giggle at him before walking back to our dressing room. I want to change now but I still can't. Sitting on my seat, when I heard the door being closed.

"I'm thankful I didn't slip there, I guess."

He walked in front of me and leaned his back on the vanity table. "Thank you, Darling. You saved the show." He said while grabbing my hands and kissing it.

"Glad to help, btw, I'm already hungry."

"Should we go to a restaurant or you want delivery?"

"Just deliver, they need you here, beside I have a visitor." I smiled at him before taking my back to take my book. The next runaway for Dust Gray, Golden Sand and Creole. And at the final look, they'll all stand next to each other to create the Sunset theme.

Ace

"What's that book about? I notice that you always have that. Even back at the villa, you're always reading it." I asked curiously while gazing at the thick book in her hands.

"Law Book and Case Book, have you read it before?"

"Nope, but why are you reading it? Are you planning to study again?"

"I have no time for that, besides Dada won't approve that. Did you know that I took 6 years in college because I changed course after 2 years with law, because Dada wants me to take Business Management. Still I don't understand him, he forced me to take that course but in the end, he's just going to give the company to me. "

I understand her. My mother is the one who forced me to have Dad's company, but after what Luke did, I swear to myself that he'll never be able to have what I have now. But now it changed, it's not just about the company anymore, it's about Madison too.

"But you want to be a lawyer? Your brothers didn't help you?"

"They have no say when it comes to Dada, just like me." She sighed before removing her hair clip. It looks heavy because of the flower. "Actually, I'm planning to continue my study, but I know Dada will be mad at me."

"Continue your study then, If that's what you want then do it. If you don't mind me asking, does this have anything to do with your parents' case?" I ask, as soon as she shot her eyes at me, I already knew the answer.

"I want them to have their justice, even Zane and Liam wanted too."

"Do it, if you need anything just tell me."

"Really?"

"I don't really have a problem with it, Lisa will come back in a month so after that, you can study again. Are you going to college or home stu–" I haven't finished my words when she suddenly jumps in my embrace. "Uh-oh– What is that?"

She looked up to me before smiling widely. "Thank you so much." Her giggles make my heart flutter. Fuck. I put my hands on her waist and peck her lips.

"But you need to do me a favor."

"What is that?" She asked curiously.

"Promise me, No, Prove me, prove me that you can get your parents justice when the time comes. Okay?"

She looked at me adoringly before biting her lips and nodded. "I promise I'll prove it."

"Okay then, I support you with it." I cupped her face and was about to kiss her again when someone barged in the door as she immediately moved back.

"Maddie!!!" Her freaking best friend came in and ran to her. She jumped on her as she almost stumbled but managed to hug her best friend back.

"Hazel– Gosh you're heavy." She groaned while tapping her back.

"You look stunning earlier, why did you not tell me that you're going to model one of Athenass Collection. You're so pretty bitch, If I just know then I would have brought a huge placard with your face in it." She's so excited that she can't even hide it.

"It's an emergency, I just happened to be here. Hez, could you please let me fucking breathe?" She started making Hazel chuckle and let go of her. As they parted, Hazel's gaze fell on me.

"Didn't see you there, Hi Ace."

"Hi, I'll leave you two so you can talk, I'll come back later."  I excused myself, Madison smiled at me before looking back at her friend.

As I left the room, I let out a sigh before walking back to the main hall where everyone is busy. I thought about going out when someone suddenly came in, making me freeze in my spot. If my day was already ruined because of Luke, then she ruined it more.

"Ace, I need to talk to you."

"I'm busy, Mom, What are you doing here?"

"I heard Luke is working here. Have you gone mad? Why would you accept him? Are you stupid?" She raged making the people look at us, even Luke who just came.

"That's none of your business."

"Did you forget how he stole your father's company from you? How did they steal your father from us? And now you're letting him work here? You're stupid."

"I don't need any of your opinion, it's my company, I'll do whatever I want, I'll hire whoever I want. Don't tell me what to do."

"How can you just ignore the fact that you have a swindler in your company? A fucking family wrecker. He's a fucking useless why would you even hired him?"

I know I hate Luke but I can't just let her talk like that to him. Family wrecker? When she's the one who stole Dad from them?

Grabbing her arms, I dragged her to the parking lot and confronted her there. I don't want to shame her as much as I want to.

"Go home, Dad is the one who asked me about Luke so you have nothing to do with it."

She just glared at me before taking her phone and messaged someone.

"Why did you really come here?

"Jenny collapsed earlier, she's sent to the hospital, she wanted to see you."

As soon as I heard it, my heart started to beat worriedly. I can't think of anything right now but my sister, ever since she was a kid she's always been weak and always sent to the hospital.

"Get in the car."Worries filled me as I stride to the parking lot and went to my car.

****

I'm thankful she's fine, she's awake when we arrived and the doctor said it was just tiredness. After staying with her until she falls asleep again, I just realized that it's already dark. On my way back home, it suddenly started raining, making me think back about Madison.

Madison?

Fuck I forgot about Madison, shit.

Immediately taking out my phone, I pulled the car over and dialed her number.

"Shit shit, answer me darling, please." A moment had passed and she still hadn't answered. The event must have ended 4 hours ago. "Fuck." I tried to call her again and after 3 rings, she finally answered. "Madi? Where are you right now?"

For a second the second line was silent before I heard a man. "She's at your office." Luke says, making me clench my jaw.

"Give her the phone, what are you doing with her?" I immediately started the engine and hit the gas, making a u-turn to the company.

"She said she's waiting for you, it's raining and she's not letting me in."

"Fuck, I'll be there in 5 minutes." Not caring about him, I ended the call and drove to the company.

After a minute, I arrived at the company and hurriedly ran to the elevator, almost all of the lights were off except our floor level. I know Luke knows about her phobia that's why he didn't leave her, even if she won't open the door I know he'll stay there. I can see that he truly loved her back then but that won't change the fact that he once broke her heart, and that won't happen again.

"She's still inside?" I asked as I ran to my office door. I knew it. He'll still be here. He just nodded at me before taking his coat.

"Yeah, I need to go now. She's not mine to take care of... I know I made a big mistake back then but I know to myself that it was a mistake, I didn't mean to do it. I was drunk, that's why it happened."

"Why are you telling me that?"

"I managed to take Dad's company from you, I'll still be able to take her from you because in the first place, she was mine before. If you don't take care of her, I don't care if you kick me out of the company but I'll do everything to have her back."

Where is he getting the nerves to say that? How shameless.

I turn to him before giving him my smug smile. "That'll never happen, Once Mine will always be Mine." I smirked before getting in the room.

As I stepped inside, It was dark and cold. The only light that can be seen is from the moon reflecting on the glass wall, with heavy raindrops. Looking around, I hurriedly saw her sitting on my chair with her face buried on the cushion on my table. She has her earphone again and I can easily see her hand's silhouette shaking.

"Madison" I immediately ran to her and embraced her. "I'm here. I'm here Madi."

As soon as I wrapped my arms on her, she immediately hugged me and sobbed on my chest. "A-ace... Why did you c-come just now?" Her sobs grew louder as she looked up to me with her already red eyes. "W-where did you g-go?" She stutters while holding her sobs.

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry sweetheart. Please don't cry." I caress her hair and wipe her tears but a loud thunder makes her scream and hold me tighter. "I'm here, I'm here."

"P-please don't leave me again."

"I won't, I'll be here." I carried her in my arms and walked to the couch, I put her down on the couch and took the blanket to wrap it on her. I'm sure we'll not be able to leave the company for tonight, and I need to take care of her. "Wait here, I'll go get your bag."

I took her bag from her table and looked for her medicine. As soon as I found it, I went back to her with a bottled water in my hands

"Drink this." I handed her the water and her medicine as she obediently did. Putting the bottle down, I sat next to her and held her arms to pull her. "Try to sleep if you can." Letting her rest her on my chest, I wrap my arms on her waist and fix the blanket around her. With her in my arms, it's much warmer.

"Ace... Mom's asking for help... But... But I can't do anything..." she muttered still sobbing, but not as louder as earlier. "D-dad came, with Luke and Zane... But he's not there when we ran away... what happened to them?" She looked up to me and snuggled on my side.

"We'll find it out."

"W-what if he looks for us?... What if he kills us too?"

"Shhhh, sweetie, that's not going to happen. Stop thinking like that."

"But—"

It's the only way, I pressed my lips against her making her stop. A long deep kiss, even though I can still feel her sobs, I know she's calming down a bit.

How could I be so careless? I promised her that I won't leave again without letting her know, but I just broke it. And now we're in this situation, I just hope the rain will stop now. Something in me doesn't like seeing her cry, whatever the reason is, I don't want to see her crying.

After a long moment, I slowly pulled away and laid her down on the couch. As soon as she did, I took off her coat and lay beside her. Thankfully the couch was big enough for us.

She just snuggled in my chest with her hands resting on my waist, hugging me.

"Please don't leave me again." She mumbled not looking in my eyes.

"I won't, I promise. If I break it again, I'll have my pinky finger cut out." I really mean it but I suddenly heard her chuckling.

"I'm just scared..."

"I know, sweetheart, and I'm here." I kiss her temple before caressing her arms.

She needs someone, and I will to be someone.