Chapter 111
Ivy’s POV
I sat at the dining table, staring at the untouched cup of tea in front of me. My fingers traced the edge of the mug, but my mind was a thousand miles away. Guilt and regret swirled inside me, thick and suffocating, threatening to choke me.
I couldn’t believe I’d doubted him. Asher, my husband, the man who had told me he loved me, the man who had sworn to me that he didn’t hurt me in any way. Yet, I’d let those cursed images poison my mind.
They had looked so real, so passionate. It felt like my heart would explode. I told everyone, everyone, that he cheated on me. And for what? A lie that Taylor created just to ruin us. I almost let her succeed.
My thoughts turned to Dexter. It was supposed to be a casual fling, something temporary, but I encouraged it. I used him, even though I clearly didn’t want him.
I let it continue so I could hurt Asher, and I had hurt him badly. Not only did I fail to trust him, but I also went as far as to betray his trust in me. I had been disloyal to him.
I couldn’t sit still. My heart raced as I wondered where he was, what he was doing, and, most of all, if he was still mad at me.
Could he ever forgive me for doubting him? For nearly betraying him?
The sound of the door opening snapped me out of my thoughts. My head shot up as Asher stepped in, his broad shoulders filling the doorway.
His dark locks fell over his perfect face, and those chocolate brown eyes locked onto mine, narrowing as they scanned me.
I was on my feet in an instant, my heart pounding. “Hi,” I breathed, rushing toward him.
He didn’t respond right away. His eyes were fixed on me, scanning every inch of me. I froze under his gaze. The air between us seemed to shift. His gaze lingered, intense, almost… hungry.
Suddenly self–conscious, I glanced down at myself. My nightwear, a simple pale pink cotton slip, felt far too revealing under his scrutiny. My cheeks burned, and I looked away, biting my lip. “Asher, I…”
“Get upstairs,” he said, cutting me off.
I blinked, startled. His voice was deep and commanding, sending a shiver down my spine.
I looked up at him, searching his face for some hint of what he was thinking, feeling. “Asher-”
“I won’t repeat myself,” he said, his tone firm, his eyes locked on mine.
The intensity in his gaze left no room for argument. My face flushed deeper, and I turned quickly, heading for the stairs. My heart hammered in my chest as I climbed, his presence looming behind me like a shadow.
I didn’t know what awaited me, but one thing was clear: Asher was far from done with me.
I rushed into the bedroom and climbed onto the bed, my heart pounding as I waited for him to follow. It took a few moments, but then he did. I watched him as he crossed the room, his movements deliberate.
He reached the large couch in the middle of the room and plopped down on it. His eyes never left me, taking in every detail.
I swallowed. “Asher…” My voice was barely a whisper.
“Shh.” He placed a finger over his lips. “I don’t want you to say a word.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but the words didn’t come right away. “Asher, I’m sorry…”
1/2
TRIZ FI, 4 Jul G AG
Chapter 111
80%
He rose to his feet and walked toward me. His steps were slow, measured, and his eyes stayed locked on me. He reached into the drawer and pulled out
the cuffs.
My eyes widened in realization. “Asher, we can’t, we need to talk…”
He stopped and turned to face me. “What do you want to talk about?” His gaze was intense, unwavering.
I scooted closer, my hand brushing his arm softly. “I want to know what’s going through your mind. What are you thinking? Are you angry with me? Did th
“Did you think about any of that when you were hooked up with him during the vacation?” he cut in sharply.
I bit my lower lip, lowering my gaze.
“Where you thinking of my anger when you locked lips with him and posted it for me to see?” His tone had grown more bitter, more furious.
I looked up at him, guilt and pain flooding me. “Asher, I thought you cheated-”
“You thought!” he yelled, his voice echoing in the room. “I told you countless times, didn’t I? I tried to tell you at every point that I didn’t have an affair, that I didn’t cheat on you with Taylor of all people. I told you I loved you. You said the same to me, and I believed it. I believed you…”
I cupped his face gently, my heart aching. “I meant it, Asher. I promise you, I meant it.” Tears welled up in my eyes. “Believe me when I say that it meant nothing. It meant nothing to me. I didn’t care for him, I still don’t. I thought of you the whole time…”
He grabbed my hand and pulled it away from his face, his eyes cold and filled with disgust. “And yet you let him touch you…”
His voice dripped with contempt. “You welcomed his attention with your eyes, you kissed him back. You are mine, and you let another man touch you,” he spat. His eyes flicked over me, filled with disdain. “You let another man touch you…”
AD
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