Love and Friendship

Twenty Three

Nathan went back to his apartment with Leo. A tall dark haired guy was waiting at the lobby.

Nathan: Hey Mike.

Mike: Nathan.

Nathan: This is Leo my best mate. We can trust him.

Mike nodded eyeing Leo.

Nathan: Lets go up. We have a lot to do.

Nathan POV

I am furious. I have half a mind to tell Ashley off. How dare she!

I know how cunning Ashley is. And her resources are plenty. I need to be strategic.

Turning to both Mike and Leo,

"We have to figure out how this picture was taken. Ashley is not one to be messed with. We have to figure this out without letting her radar on."

Leo: So looking at this picture, where exactly is this taken?

I eyed the picture and saw the headboard. Shit!

"That is my bed!"

Leo: What? You mean to tell me she was here?

I wanted to say more but Mike stopped me. He eyed me to tell me its not safe to talk here.

"You know what. I think we should head out for drinks." I lied.

I gave Leo a look to play along. He seems to catch on to it and they made their way out.

We walked towards Mike's car and headed to the place I know Ashley will not know to find. My safe house.

Mike parked out in front of a luxurious cabin in the woods by a lake and we head in.

Leo: Wow. This place is wow!

"Yup. I used to come here a lot with Ginny."

As they get settled in front of the fire,

Mike: I will get your apartment checked out.

Leo: You mean to tell me she bugged your apartment.

"I dont know yet. It is more of a precaution. Im not surprise if she do."

Leo: Ok now explain why the hell was she there?

"I dont know what to tell you. As far as Im concern, I have never brought her over."

Mike: Actually there is a way to find out. (He looked uncomfortable) When you moved in, I installed a camera outside your door under orders from your father as a mean to protect you.

"What?! Didnt we agree on me not being monitored?"

Mike: Yes sir but it was a measure to ensure your safety.

As much as Im furious about this, I hope this could help lead me to how Ashley got into my apartment.

"Fine. Im not happy about this but lets find Ashley first. Do you have the footage?"

Mike: Yes. I can look it up.

He took out his encrypted laptop and searched for the footage.

Leo looked amazed.

"I dont like it but it has its perks."

While Mike searched, Leo followed me to the kitchen.

"You know Leo, I really do love her. Hurting her was the last thing I want. I wish I dont have this situation but Im stuck with it. I am trying my best to manage it. To ensure she does not get hurt in the process."

Leo: I know. I wish things were different. I cannot bear see her get hurt Nate.

I grab a drink, passed one to Leo and took one for Mike.

Mike called out as we entered into the living room.

Mike: Sir, I found it.

I saw the footage. It appeared as if Ashley was alone. She picked the locks of my apartment and let herself in.

Damn it!

"When was this?"

Mike: 2 nights back.

"I met Ashley that night. I met her at the club."

"I went to tell her Im done playing this game and I will end it all. She doesnt look happy of course. But we both know of this arrangement being solely professional. She started yelling at me telling me it is not over and she stormed off."

"I had a bad headache after from her yelling and all this. I was hoping to end it with her so that we can both end this arrangement."

"I went back, took some meds and slept. I dont even remember her coming over."

Mike: Look sir, she came out about 20 minutes later.

I saw Ashley stepped out of the apartment smiling with the picture in her hand before walking away.

"How is all this possible? Was I framed in a way?"

Mike: Looks that way sir. The problem is we dont have any evidence of what she did.

Leo: How about you explain to Selena what we find out here? If Ashley's main purpose was to break you up, appealing to Selena might give u some leverage.

I agree with Leo but part of me is worried she wont accept it.

--

Nathan POV

I asked Ginny to bring Selena over in the morning to show her the footage.

I have dark eyes that shows the non existent sleep I had.

Ginny came over with Selena whose eyes are swolen. My heart breaks to see her this way.

I started to explain everything to her. From the club to the cctv to Ashley breaking in. Selena listened intently throughout.

"Baby. I will never cheat on you. I think this was a setup. A ploy to make you leave me so I have to go through the arrangement with her."

Selena: I trust you Nate. I was mad at you because I couldnt figure out the picture. Im sorry.

I went over to hug her. It felt so good to finally hug her.

Ginny: Aww.. That is so sweet. Im so happy this is over.

"Technically it is not. I still dont know how she manage to capture the picture. You know Ashley."

Ginny: I know that bitch will stop at nothing until she gets what she wants.

"Baby. Im worried for you. From now on, can you not be alone? I don want any other things to happen."

Selena: Im a big girl. I know how to take care of myself. And now I know what she is capable of. I will be prepared.

I smiled and lean over to kiss her.

Ginny: Ok enough you two. How about food?

They were glad to have made up but will this nightmare returns?