Billionaire's Bride

Care

I expect you to stand by me when the whole world is against me.

Janette had no answers to Ana’s barrage of accusations. She was furious—no one had ever treated her the way Ana had today, not even Asher, the man responsible for much of her misery. Marrying him had been bad enough, but trying to explain the reasons behind it to the people who had been in her life before him was turning out to be even worse.

“I asked you something, damn it!” Ana shook Janette’s shoulders, snapping her back to reality. Janette pushed her hands away, crossing her arms over her chest as she glared at her former best friend.

“Why should I tell anything to a stranger?”

Ana’s eyes widened with hurt. Janette’s words stung, even though they had both insulted each other plenty of times before. But this was different. Today, Ana had humiliated her in front of the man who relished in her pain—the man who, by all accounts, was supposed to protect her. Janette couldn’t let that slide.

Tears began to spill from Ana’s eyes, and Janette felt a pang of guilt. In the past, it was always Janette who came to Ana’s rescue, chasing away bullies and comforting her when things went wrong. The irony of being the one to cause Ana pain now wasn’t lost on her.

The last thing I ever wanted was to hurt her, Janette thought. But things were too complicated, too messy to explain. She bit her lip, fighting back her own tears. “It’s complicated, Ana. You wouldn’t understand.”

Ana wiped her tears, her voice cracking as she spoke. “I never expected this from you. It was nice knowing you.”

Janette turned to stop her, but Ana was already walking away, her voice trailing off. “From now on, we’re just strangers.”

“If only you knew, Anastasia...” Janette whispered, but this time, no tears came. She was too exhausted to cry anymore. She stood frozen in place until she felt a hand on her shoulder. Without looking, she knew it was Asher. His intoxicating scent gave him away.

“Let’s go,” she whispered, not daring to meet his eyes. If she did, she knew she’d break down, and after showing so much strength in front of Ana, she wasn’t ready to fall apart. But for some reason, she felt an overwhelming urge to cry in front of the man who was practically a stranger to her. She couldn’t explain why.

He took her hand gently and wrapped his arm around her. She didn’t resist, letting him lead her away from the beautiful surroundings, which felt far too romantic for her shattered state. To onlookers, they appeared to be a couple madly in love, but the reality was far different. Janette couldn’t understand why Asher was acting so tenderly. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. His face was expressionless, yet there was something about the way he held her that made her feel... cared for.

Maybe it was all just an act, but she liked this side of him. Seeking more comfort, she rested her head on his shoulder, and when he didn’t say a word, she took that as permission to wrap her arms around his torso. His suit prevented her from feeling the muscles she knew were there, but even so, she felt a strange sense of peace.

How is it possible that just moments ago, I was crying over losing my best friend, and now I’m here, leaning on the man who caused all my pain? she wondered. Maybe it was because he had witnessed Ana’s insults firsthand. Even though she hated it when people pitied her, she found herself appreciating his compassion, even if it was temporary. She smiled at the absurdity of it all.

Soon, they reached his hotel suite. Asher helped her sit on the bed with surprising care, as though she was something precious. Then, without a word, he disappeared into the closet.

Why is he acting like this? Janette sighed, resting her back against the headboard. It’s not like it’s going to last. She closed her eyes, feeling drained despite it being only noon. The events of the morning had taken a toll on her.

When she opened her eyes, she found Asher standing by her side, offering her medicine and a glass of water.

So considerate... she thought, surprised. He’s actually being nice. She met his gaze, getting lost in his deep blue eyes. His jacket was off, and he stood there in just his tie and white shirt, looking impossibly handsome.

“Take it,” he said softly, his voice filled with unexpected warmth. Janette couldn’t help but accept his offer, gulping down the pills with orange juice.

“I’m heading out for some work,” he whispered. “Take care.” Asher turned to leave, but Janette instinctively grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks. She didn’t know why she did it.

“What?” he asked, looking down at her. In that moment, something about him seemed so alluring. She wanted to say something, but no words came. Embarrassed, she let go of his hand.

“Nothing,” she mumbled, shaking her head. “You’re going?”

“Do you want me to stay?” he asked, a teasing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Janette felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, and a flutter of emotions stirred in her stomach. Did I want him to stay? she wondered. And if I do... why?