Flashback:- When Ray was finally sound asleep and Ashly was done staring at him in his adorable slumber, the omega quietly retreated from their shared bedroom in the small city apartment. Heading out into the tiny living room, Ashly grabbed the wooden box, which was still sitting on the coffee table, and added to it the newspaper articles she had cut out just an hour ago. For a long moment, she just stared at the open box and at the picture in the article, which was still visible. Ashly had made the decision earlier that day to make this the final one she added to the box, and the last one she even dared to look at. No more newspapers; no more following the alpha who broke her heart years ago. It was time to look and move forward. At first, when she just started collecting those articles, she would actually read them. Like the one about Alex following in his famous parents footsteps and going to take care of business and pack. Or the one where she read about Alex completing assignm
The next day, Ashly was confused about whether she should reach out to Alex or not. Now that things have slightly calmed, she not only feels bad for the man but also wants to see him again. She means he is the father of her child and her first love, and he still has an impact on her. As last as it may be, Ashly can't deny it. Especially knowing that Alex is sad and lonely, and now that Ashly knows the whole story, she does feel bad. Of course she's a long way away from being okay with Alex and forgiving him, but she can't help it; she just hurts when people she cares about are hurt. And Ashly hates more than anything being bitter and holding on to grudges against someone. At the end, Alex is the one who contacts her. The alpha texts her, asking about Ray's things and whether he can drop them off later, but Ashly has a suspicious inkling that it's more than just that. Her heart skips a beat of its own accord as soon as she sees the Alex name flashing on the screen, and even more so
After cross-checking their schedules, Ashly and Alex finally settle on setting their date for three days after their conversation on the balcony. Three very long days that seem to go on longer than the usual pace go by. Or at least so it seemed to Ashly, who for the past three days has been all over the place. She hated what a mess she became at the prospect of finally going on a date with Alex. but she also secretly kind of loved it. Sure, she was terrified and worried about all that could go wrong, and her brain wouldn’t stop supplying images of all of it, but she was also excited. After so many years of imagining she had lost the love of her life and that she’d never love again, Ashly finally had a chance to open her heart again. For the past 14 years, since she added the last newspaper clipping in the box, Ashly hasn't shown the slightest interest in love or anything resembling a romantic relationship. Nor did she have time for one. Between two jobs—her night school and raising
When they finally arrive at the lawyer's office, Ashly's nerves intensify and she goes completely insane. She's glad when Ray seems to notice that she isn't at her best, and she doesn't argue when she's asked to wait in the waiting room. And Ashly herself also doesn't argue when Alex insists on coming with her to the meeting with the lawyer. To be honest, besides the fact that the alpha is actually studying law and can probably be very useful, his presence has also been quite calming for Ashly, and she's glad to not have to go through it alone. "Hello, Mrs. Ashly," the lawyer greets them when they walk into his office. Thank you for coming at such short notice; I know it must have been quite an inconvenience." "It's okay; I understand that it must not be under your control." Ashly says, trying to control the urge to not yell at him and just get on with it. Taking a deep breath, which fails to calm her, Ashly forces herself to calmly ask instead, "So what is it you wanted to talk to
"I will take it." Ashly declares, gracefully spinning to face the Alpha once more, who appears to be quite surprised by her entire declaration. "Are you sure?" he asks with a frown. "I mean, it's a great place, but it's far smaller than the other establishments we saw." Ashly smiles broadly, feeling giddy and excited like a child in a candy shop. "I'm sure." She says, then looks around again at the small space. It is certainly much smaller than the rest of the properties they saw all around the city, but there was something so unique and different about it. She also didn't need long to know; she knew as soon as she walked in and saw the multi-colored brick flooring, high ceiling, and purple walls. This is it. It's been a whole month since her father's funds were cleared and transferred into her account. Of course, the first thing she did was add a good portion of it to Ray's college fund, which Alex insisted on adding to as well. It took her another three weeks until she finally
Alex then takes them into downtown, where he parks the car, then leads Ashly towards a small, hidden restaurant. Yet again, it takes Ashly another moment to realize where they are. "I found this place a few years ago." Alex tells her as they approach the Asian restaurant, "I came across it by chance one day, and it reminded me of your mother's cooking, so I kept coming back." Ashly watches him in awe as they approach the entrance, struck by Alex's response, which wasn't at all what she was expecting. "Alex..." She breathes out, the only thing she manages to say, because she has no idea how to respond to that. Then, Ashly pulls the alpha into another soft, quick kiss. "Thank you." She whispers into the small space between them when they pull away. After another short moment, they step inside, and Ashly is struck yet again by the charm of the place and by the nostalgic scents that hit her nostrils. It already reminds her of home. Once seated and presented with menus, they decided to
The following months, Ashly worked hard to set up her shop. Ray and Alex helped her at any chance they had, helping her with getting the furniture in, hanging up shelves, and organizing all of the products. Alex also helped her set up all the legal aspects of setting up her shop, which Ashly is immensely grateful for because she would have gotten lost without him. The alpha also set her up with a great accountant. With all of the preparations, Ashly and Alex had barely had time to themselves. When they weren't in the shop, they were either with Ray or Alex, two boys who had slowly grown very fond of Ashly. The omega also adored them; they were very sweet boys. The little time they did have together was often interrupted, and on a couple of occasions, Ray even almost walked in on them in compromising positions. Knowing smirks on Ray face every time (although he was also quite horrified about walking in on his parents), was evidence of how bad they were at trying to hide what they wer
Alex scatters open-mouth kisses along the planes of Ashly's caramel skin, causing the omega to writhe and mewl, her hands clutching onto Alex's shoulders, likely leaving their mark there—a face that pleases and satisfies the alpha in her possessive core. When Alex reaches the waistband of Ashly, she looks up at him with questioning eyes, and Ashly is quick to nod and lift her hips to help the alpha as she slowly starts to pull the pants down. A low, possessive growl rumbles through Alex and escapes his lips as he eyes the omega's body, naked and spared in front of him. Then he lowers himself once more and starts to nip, suck, and lick at her hip and verginia. When Alex is pleased with the purple marks he left on Ashly's skin, he can't help but gawk at his handwork, which sends shivers through Ashly's veins. A soft whine escapes Ashly's lips, clearly wanting Alex's mouth back on her and frustrated that he stopped. Alex smirks at her and then gives the omega what she wants and latche