RESIDENT EVIL • Assignment Ashley: Rescue Condor One (RE4)

Nail In the Heart

Ashely's POV:

What the actual FUCK Aaron?!

I knew Aaron was stalling to come up with a cover story, but this? Playing the boyfriend-girlfriend card? How could he think this was a good idea? And why was I so upset that Leon might actually believe it?

Aaron introduced himself as Luis, his hand hovering awkwardly before he let it drop with a shrug. The silence hung heavy in the air.

Why Luis?

I forced myself to meet Leon's gaze, his eyes were cold and calculating. The weight of the secret Aaron and I had to keep felt unbearable. If Leon saw through the facade, my father would find out, too.

Seeing him felt almost surreal, like my troubles had summoned him. I wanted to tell him everything—from Saddler to Eyewall—but revealing the truth wasn't my choice. It was about more than just hiding this shadow life; if Lord Eye discovered that Leon and Dad knew, the consequences could be dire.

We have already messed up so much. He saw Aaron at the ball, and he managed to track us tonight. If he finds the truth...No, I have to stick to Aaron's story.

But what will it cost me? A small voice in my head asked. 

I felt my stomach churn. "Leon, it's complicated," I began, my voice faltering. I looked to Aaron for help, but his smug expression only fuelled my frustration.

Aaron cleared his throat, stepping into the spotlight. "As I said, my name is Luis. I'm Ashely's—"

"Boyfriend," Leon finished for him, his voice laced with skepticism. He wasn't buying it.

Aaron nodded, meeting Leon's stare. "Indeed. And you asked where I took her tonight? To a party. After that accident at the ball...Ashley needed to recover. I did what any boyfriend would—I wanted her to feel better."

Leon's eyes narrowed. "So you took her to a party? And that's why you had to give her the invitation in the ladies' restroom?"

Aaron's calm demeanour cracked slightly. "Look man, if you're expecting some elaborate story where I'm the villain, you're not going to get it. The truth is simpler. Yes, I followed her to the bathroom. Maybe you're not connecting the dots, but when a guy loves a woman, he follows her into a private space for reasons that aren't always sinister."

My face flushed, the sting of his words twisting in my chest. I wanted to shout the truth to Leon, to tell him everything that had remained unsaid. The last thing I wanted was for him to think I was involved with Aaron in any way that wasn't true.

This is necessary. This is necessary. This is necessary.

Leon exhaled sharply, his frustration palpable. I knew he wouldn't believe the story until he heard it from me. I had to drive the last nail in the coffin, even if it meant sealing my own heart.

I took a deep breath, steadying my voice as I faced Leon. "Aa—Luis's telling the truth," I said, forcing the words out despite the lump in my throat. "We were coming back from a party when you intercepted us. I know this feels convenient, but I wouldn't have been standing here if it weren't true. Luis is a good guy, and most importantly—I love him."

The confession hung heavy in the air, and I could see the impact of my words on Leon. His eyes briefly flickered with a mix of surprise and pain before he buried it behind his stone-faced expression. The flicker of hurt only deepened my guilt, knowing that I was contributing to the ache I saw in his eyes.

Is he hurt that I'm lying to him? Or does he...no I'm imagining it.

I had hoped for a different resolution, one where I could be honest without risking everything. But I had to deliver the final blow. I stepped closer to Leon and took his hand in mine, my gaze pleading. "Please don't tell Dad. He doesn't know about Luis yet. Our societal status complicates things—Luis' place in the world is far removed from what's expected for someone like me. All I'm asking is that you to keep this between us for now."

Leon removed his hand from my grasp and gently cupped my face. The soft, lingering touch sent a shiver of warmth through me, stirring an ache for more of his closeness. Yet, the fleeting moment passed as he brushed a streak of dirt from my cheek with his thumb, his eyes softening for just an instant.

"I'll believe you," he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of resolve and reluctance. "Even if the evidence suggests otherwise."

Then, with a final, searching glance, he turned to Aaron. "She's coming with me. I will send someone to collect your bike later and deliver it. For the time being, use public transportation to get home."