#Completed
Janette's world is shattered the day she walks into her home, fresh from her graduation, only to find out the people who raised her aren't her real parents. Her true identity? The long-lost daughter of wealthy millionaires, Robert and Ju...
"My love for you will stay with me even after my exit from this life."
Asher was startled when Janette grabbed his hand, her fingers trembling slightly, holding him back from leaving. Her eyes, once defiant, now seemed defeated, pulling him into a silence he couldn't quite understand. She was sad, and he hated seeing her like this. His duty was calling, but her green eyes, filled with something fragile, trapped him in place.
"Do you want me to stay?" he asked softly, caught between obligation and the unfamiliar feeling stirring within him.
Janette blushed at his question, her lips parting as if to speak. But instead, she quickly shut her eyes and pretended to be asleep, her childish attempt to hide her embarrassment making him chuckle under his breath. Asher shook his head, wondering how he could feel protective of the daughter of his greatest enemy. He longed to care for her, to spoil her even-but that was a dangerous thought.
If only Hector were here to give him advice. But Hector was busy attending Alexander's wedding, and Asher didn't want to disturb him. He had no choice but to wait for his friend's return.
With a soft sigh, he leaned down and brushed a gentle kiss against Janette's forehead. Guilt washed over him as he straightened, knowing he was leaving her behind. If he stayed any longer, he risked something far worse than breaking his record of never missing a day at the office-he risked breaking his heart.
This trip was supposed to be about business. Sure, it was his honeymoon, but every November, Asher visited this branch of his company for the Annual Gala. This year was special. He would introduce his wife-his shield, Mrs. Norman-to his business associates and investors. Until now, only Reigna had ever accompanied him to such events, but that was before... before Janette.
"It would be beneficial for us, Mr. Norman, don't you think?" Mr. Clegg's voice pulled him from his thoughts. Asher blinked, realizing he had zoned out. Nodding absentmindedly, he silently berated himself. It was unlike him to be so distracted.
"I think we should reschedule," his cousin Adam muttered sarcastically, leaning back in his chair. "Our boss seems to be a bit preoccupied."
The room erupted in muted chuckles, and Adam followed up with a casual, "Congrats, by the way." The rest of the group chimed in, offering congratulations on his recent marriage.
Asher's jaw tightened. "Thanks," he replied, his voice sharp, "but now shut up and focus." The room fell silent again, but his mind continued to drift-back to Janette. Back to those eyes.
Asher forced himself to concentrate on the meeting, giving input when necessary, but Janette lingered in the corners of his mind. There was something about her, something he couldn't explain, and that scared him.
The meeting ended, and one by one, his colleagues left the room until only Adam remained.
"I didn't think you'd settle down so soon," Adam remarked, drawing Asher's attention.
"That too with the murderer's daughter." The words cut through Asher like a blade, his fists clenching involuntarily.
Adam smirked. "How is she in bed? Heard she's pretty sexy."
Before he knew it, Asher had grabbed Adam by the collar, his eyes blazing with fury. "How dare you speak about my wife like that."
"Your wife, huh?" Adam taunted, his smirk widening. "Go ahead, punch me. What's stopping you?"
Asher's fist hovered in midair, but Adam's words made him pause.
"See? That girl's changed you. You'd punch your own blood over her, wouldn't you?"
Asher's grip slackened, and he let go, stepping back. Adam smoothed his collar and sighed, glancing at Asher with something like pity.
"I was testing you, bro," Adam said quietly. "You promised Uncle you'd keep your emotions in check. That you'd get revenge. But now? Now I see you falling for her."
Asher stood still, his mind flashing back to that brutal day. The day her father killed his mother and her friends. The day his whole world shattered.
Adam's voice broke through the haze. "Don't forget what he did. How mercilessly he took everything from you."
"I'm not in love with her," Asher said, more to himself than to Adam, his voice hollow.
Adam raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Anyone can see it, Asher. The way you look at her, the way you defend her. You've already crossed the line."
Asher raked his hands through his hair, frustration bubbling to the surface. What Adam said was true, and it terrified him. But it couldn't be love-it was pity. It had to be.
Adam's voice softened as he placed a hand on Asher's shoulder. "I'm just reminding you of your goal. Don't lose sight of it."
Asher said nothing, standing frozen as Adam walked out of the room.
For years, he and Adam had been rivals. They competed over everything, even girlfriends. Adam had once been poised to take over the company, until Asher's marriage changed everything. It was childish, looking back, but it was a reminder of how far they'd come.
In some twisted way, Asher was grateful to Adam. He brought Asher back to reality, back to his purpose. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake the feeling growing inside him. It wasn't just pity anymore. And that was dangerous.
Because falling for Janette Stark meant betraying everything he had ever fought for.
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