My Heaven

Aftermath

My fingers danced across the piano keys, each note a brushstroke on the canvas of the smoky nightclub. Music flowed through me, filling every corner of the room, quieting the patrons until only murmurs of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses remained. My eyes scanned the room almost unconsciously, and there he was—Michael, sitting with his friends Steven and James. They were laughing, the kind of easy camaraderie that felt like sunlight on a cold day. William must have left, because he was nowhere to be found

But Michael's gaze lingered on me. When he smiled—just that subtle, knowing curve of his lips—I felt a flutter in my chest. It was thrilling and grounding all at once, as if his presence alone could anchor me amidst the chaos that constantly swirled around me.

The moment fractured as Lacy's voice pulled me back. "Ashley, you're dazzling them as usual," she said, her tone warm but her gaze sharp. Lacy always looked at me like she was trying to uncover some secret I wasn't even sure I was hiding.

I let out a soft laugh, brushing the compliment off. "You're up next, Lace. Better get ready to wow them yourself."

She leaned in close, her voice dropping conspiratorially. "So, who's that dark-haired guy you were with earlier? You looked cozy."

My cheeks warmed at the mention of Michael. "You mean... Michael?"

Her eyebrows lifted ever so slightly, her teasing grin widening. "Oh, first-name basis now, are we? Don't tell me he's the reason you've been glowing lately."

My laugh came light, a practiced deflection. "We're just spending time together."

"Uh-huh." Lacy's grin faded as she turned toward the stage, but her eyes flicked back to me one last time, curiosity and something deeper flickering there—jealousy, perhaps? Pain? It was hard to tell.

Later that evening, I stepped outside into the cool night air. The distant hum of city life mingled with the muffled music from the club, and for a moment, I closed my eyes, letting the breeze brush against my face.

"Needed a break?" Michael's voice brought me back. I opened my eyes to find him standing there, his hands in his pockets, his expression soft but searching.

"Just a little air," I said, my voice lighter than I felt.

Without a word, he stepped closer. His hand reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from my face. The simple gesture sent my heart racing, and before I could second-guess myself, I leaned in. Our lips met, a kiss that was gentle but full of promise, and for a few fleeting moments, the rest of the world disappeared.

The next evening, I noticed a shift in Lacy. She approached Michael at the bar, her tone overly playful, her touch lingering on his arm. "So, you're Ashley's new man?" she asked with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Michael looked taken aback. "Uh, yeah, I guess you could say that."

Lacy leaned closer, her voice dipping into a tone I'd only heard her use when she wanted something. "You know, she's not an easy one to pin down. You must be special."

From across the room, I caught sight of them, and a flicker of irritation sparked in my chest. I walked over just as Lacy laughed—a bright, tinkling sound that felt more pointed than genuine.

"What's so funny?" I asked, my voice light but edged.

Lacy turned, her expression unreadable. "Just getting to know your boyfriend. He's quite the charmer."

I stepped closer, my hand instinctively resting on Michael's arm. "Yes, he is. And he's mine."

Lacy's smile faltered. She excused herself quickly, leaving me and Michael to exchange a knowing look. "What was that about?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

I shook my head. "Nothing important."

"So I'm yours then?" Michael smirked.

"Shut up!"

As the week went on, Noah began to reveal himself for who he truly was. During one performance, he suggested we sing a romantic duet, and his voice dripped with insincerity as he sang directly to me. I played along for the audience's sake, but I could feel Michael's tension from across the room.

Backstage after the set, Noah cornered me. "You and I make a great team," he said, his smile sharp and calculated. "Maybe we should do this more often."

I crossed my arms. "I'm fine on my own, thanks."

His grin didn't waver. "Come on, Ash. You're on the rise. I could help you get there faster. We'd make headlines."

My stomach churned. "I don't need your help."

And that's when the mask slipped. His smile twisted into something darker. "Don't kid yourself. You think that boyfriend of yours can protect you in this business? He's just a distraction."

"Excuse me?" My voice rose, the heat of anger rushing to my cheeks.

Before I could respond further, Michael appeared, his jaw tight, his eyes blazing. "You got something to say about me?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

Noah smirked. "Just telling the truth. She deserves someone who can actually help her career—not some nobody soldier."

I barely had time to react before Michael lunged. The two men grappled, knocking over chairs and sending a mirror crashing to the ground. "Stop it!" I shouted, but they didn't listen.

Finally, with a surge of anger, I stepped in and landed a solid punch to Noah's jaw. The sound of my fist connecting with his face echoed in the room, and he stumbled back, clutching his cheek.

"Get the fuck out," I said, my voice cold and steady. "You're done here."

Noah glared at me, his eyes full of venom, but he didn't dare retaliate. He stormed out, leaving me to turn back to Michael, who was still catching his breath.

"What the hell were you thinking?" I demanded, my voice sharp.

Michael looked sheepish, running a hand through his hair. "He insulted you. I wasn't going to let him get away with that."

My anger softened, though I kept my tone firm. "I appreciate you standing up for me, but I can handle myself."

A small, apologetic smile tugged at his lips. "I know. You're amazing."

I sighed, the tension in my body easing. "Come on. Let's get out of here."

As we walked hand in hand into the cool night air, I felt a renewed sense of clarity. With Michael by my side and the toxic people weeded out of my life, I was ready to face whatever came next.