The Bet for Love

Chapter 31 - Exposed

Ashley's POV

I felt his breath fanning on my face. My heartbeats increased. I felt butterflies in my stomach.

Suddenly, his phone rang. I opened my eyes in disappointment.

He breathed deeply as he pulled back and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

"Yes, Carla." He snapped as he stood up and walked away.

I sighed watching him leave. I gasped as Aspen kicked me hard. I placed my hand on my stomach, breathing deeply. I went to my room afterwards.

I tiptoed as I walked in. James was sleeping on the couch. I sat down on the bed and opened the drawer quietly. I pulled a book out of the drawer. I riffled through the pages.

Finally, I found a photo; Blaze and I in Aspen. He was hugging me from behind while I was leaning my cheek against his. We were smiling happily. I pursed my lips as tears ran down my cheeks.

Blaze's POV

As I arrived at the company, my secretary informed me James was waiting for me in his office. I nodded and went to his office. I knocked on the door and walked in.

"You wanted to see me. What happened?" I asked dryly.

"Yes, sit down." He gestured to the seat. I nodded and sat down.

He handed me an envelope without saying anything. His face was dark.

I grabbed the envelope as I raised my eyebrow in a questioning expression.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I think you have to answer this question." He said firmly.

I furrowed and opened the envelope. There was a note inside the envelope.

You always clean up after your brother, but he goes behind your back. Do you want to know what he is hiding from you?

I tensed up as I read it. I gritted my teeth. I cleared my throat as I asked. "Who has sent this?"

"I don't know. What is going on, Blaze? What are you hiding from me?" He asked firmly as he stood up, putting his hands into his pockets.

"...I don't hide anything." I said indifferent, trying to control my voice.He looked into my eyes, unconvinced.

"I will take care of it." I stood up, grabbing the note and envelope and left the room quickly without letting him say anything.

I went to my office. I placed the note and envelope on the desk as I called Damian. I told him about the note and ordered him that he didn't take his eyes off Ashley for a second.

After talking to him, I looked at the note again. Who is that bastard? I punched the desk angrily.

It was evening. I rubbed the nape of my neck, closing my eyes as I leaned back against my seat. I was so tired today. I grabbed my phone and left.

Before going home, I met up with Mike. He suggested having dinner together. I arrived at the restaurant and walked in.

Mike was already here, waiting for me. I gave him a side hug and sat down. The waitress brought my order.

"How are things going on between Ashley and you? You look wistful." He asked as he took a sip of water.

I sighed and entwined my hands. "More and more complicated." He raised his eyebrow in a questioning expression. "Last night...." I cleared my throat as I continued. "I almost kissed her."

His eyes widened in surprise. "Almost?"

I nodded, taking a sip from my wine. "Carla called and interrupted us."

He burst out laughing. I gave him a dirty look. He stopped laughing and put a serious expression on his face.

"Don't you think you extend this relationship too much? It is getting in your way now." He said.

I replied after taking a sip from my wine. "I think so too. I will handle it. I used her for getting Ashley jealous and angry after I had found out about the baby. I felt betrayed and frustrated. I wanted to make her pay. Nothing more." I rubbed my chin as I added. "But there is something else. And it makes me really confused. I cannot get this out of my mind." I breathed deeply and continued. "I feel some bond to this baby."

I remembered last night feeling his movements, his kicks, it was a magical feeling. I smiled.

Mike looked at me with questioning eyes.

"I don't know why, but I already love this baby. I know it is strange. Because I should hate him, he is standing between Ashley and me. He is holding me back from the possibility of being with her. More than James. But..." I shook my head, sighing. Mike looked at me seriously while thinking.

"I know I am talking bullshit, but..."

Mike interrupted me as he said. "No, I don't think so. But..." He paused. "Are you sure he is not your baby?" He asked.

I looked at him in surprise. It crossed my mind a few times too, but the doctor's words were stopping me.

"There is something fishy. As much as I know Ashley, she is not a girl who runs someone else's arms right away after break up. Especially if she is in love with that man. And she was totally in love with you."

I rubbed my chin, thinking. "Maybe they were drunk and..." I paused, even saying it made my heart sink. "And when they found out about her pregnancy, they decided to marry. Because it was really odd, they got married without telling anybody."

"And this time, it gets more odd. Because we are talking about James. The most serious and thoughtful person in the world. He will never take advantage of that kind of situation. You know." He took a sip from his water as he added. "And I think I don't need to remind you that he never gets drunk."

I looked at Mike, thinking. He was right. I sighed. I didn't know what to think anymore. More I thought about it, it got more complicated.

Ashley's POV

I was in the mansion. Kelly visited me today. We were talking and drinking some tea in the garden.

"What are you going to do? The birth is close." She said as she placed her cup down on the table.

I sighed as I placed my cup down on the table. "I don't know. I cannot stop this agreement now, because my family softened up newer. I cannot tell them that I don't want to be with James anymore. On the other hand, I cannot tell them that I lied to them about this marriage. Then Blaze will understand everything."

"I still insist on telling Blaze the truth." Kelly said.

"How can I tell?! It is already late. How I can say to Blaze that I am carrying his child." I said desperately.

I turned around immediately as I heard the sound of breaking glass.