Shadows of deceit : The Augustus secret

Chapter Fourteen

Ashley

I woke up with a sharp headache that immediately brought me back to reality and the harsh feelings of a hangover after last night's drinking. The morning light hit me hard as I lay in bed, not ready to deal with the day and the full house of Augustus family members. My head was pounding, and I wanted to bury my face in my pillow again and try to ignore the situation and all my responsibilities. I didn't want to leave the comfort of my bed and face the day ahead, and the prospect of interacting with the family and working on the article made me feel even more overwhelmed and apprehensive.

I reached for my phone on the nightstand, and my eyes widened as I saw multiple unread texts from Will. I quickly opened my phone and started to read the texts, not even thinking to check the time or get ready for the day ahead.

Will

"Anything yet?" 7:15 pm

"You talked to David?" 9:30 pm

"Ashley fucking answer me already." 10:00 pm

"Is everything okay? Are you hurt?" 10:30 pm

"Jesus Ashley I'm starting to worry, where the fuck are you?" 12:01 pm

"That's it, I'm coming and you better have a valid excuse for being MIA if you're okay." 9:13 am

My heart dropped as I checked the time on the screen of my phone. It was 9:30 am and Will was on his way here, which meant that he would arrive at the house in a matter of minutes.

He shouldn't come, he can't come! His presence would only raise suspicions and potentially lead Stefan to find out about my relation to a detective. I knew that Will's arrival must be prevented at all costs.

Without wasting a second, I picked up my phone and dialed Will's number, my anxiety and tension rising with every ring of the phone. When he finally picked up, I blurted out in a rushed tone, "Will!"

"Ashley, thank fuck. Why the- " Will's words came through the phone, and I immediately cut him off with my own angry reply, "What are you thinking?! You can't come, you'll blow my cover!" I whispered-yelled loudly into the phone, unable to contain my growing frustration and desperation.

"Don't you think I know that?" Will snapped back at me, his tone sharp. "If you had managed to respond to my texts, I wouldn't have felt compelled to come and check on you."

"Yeah well, I'm fine. Besides, nothing could happen to me, If I got hurt it would only make Stefan's situation worse," I stated confidently. I wasn't afraid of anything that the Augustus family could do or try against me, as I saw myself as having the upper hand.

Will paused for a moment and then sighed. "Still, don't underestimate them Ashley." he repeated sternly. "Always answer your texts, I'm serious," Will emphasized with a stern tone. He had made it clear that he wasn't going to be ignored or avoided. He was expecting me to respond and keep in constant contact with him, as his actions of showing up at my house to check up on me showed just how serious he was taking this situation. And my dumb ass had to go and get drunk.

Feeling guilty and embarrassed for my past lack of communication and irresponsibility, I sighed and agreed with Will's statement. "You're right. It won't happen again."

"Good," Will stated firmly in response to my agreement to stay in touch. "Now tell me, did you talk with David?" I got off the bed and opened the bathroom door, taking a moment to turn on the shower before replying. "Yeah, briefly though." I replied casually. Will hummed in response, as if he wasn't fully satisfied with my answer. "And?" Will asked, obviously wanting to hear more about my conversation with David.