[NOT EDITED]

Katherine's POV

"What do you think happened with Alex and Cara by now ?" I asked placing my head on Ashton's lap as i laid down.

He shrugged , then ran his hand in my hair.

"I hope they figured things out." I said looking at his face, "I hope so." He said looking at me with a smile.

"Since when you know Alex ?" I asked feeling curious all of a sudden.

"I was eleven years old i guess , or maybe twelve when I first met him." He answered.

"Wow , I didn't know that you guys know each others that long." I said feeling surprised.

"How did you guys meet ? " I asked , "Were you in the same class or something ?"

He shook his head , "You know i used to go to a boarding school , Alex used to attend the same school."

"One time i was walking in the playground when i saw two guys hitting Alex , I didn't know him back then but I couldn't handle seeing someone getting beaten so i directly rushed toward him and tried to help him." He said , "But i ended up getting beaten as well." He said with a chuckle probably remembering that day.

I chuckled, "I can't imagine someone beating you."

"I was young , come on." He said glaring at me.

"So what happened after ?" I asked , "So , i took Alex and we went to the nurse , and him being him ,he started flirting with her." Ashton said.

"Typical Alex." I commented pressing my lips into a thin line.

"After that, i knew that one of the guys who was beating him , is his roommate, so we tried to transfer him to another room but there were no empty spaces left , and i was staying in my room alone , so i offered him to stay with me , and since then we became friends."

"We took same classes together , and went to the same college then we started working together." He said with a smile.

"Friendship goals." I commented and he nodded.

"Was he always like this ? Like he can't stay serious for more than five minutes ?" I asked and Ashton nodded. "Kind of." He said.

"Today was the only time I saw him like this ,angry and sad." I said , remembering how sad he looked as he talked about Cara.

"I've seen him in worst situations." Ashton said , his tone and facial expression suddenly changed as he muttered that sentence.

"What do you mean ?" I asked , i didn't like the sudden change in his tone.

He kept silent for a while making me more curious.

"Like i told you , we stayed in the same room." He started , he looked bothered by the thought, "I've seen him trying to .. to cut himself couple of times."

At his words , i directly shot from his lap , my eyes widened , "What ?"

"That's why today , i called him to see why he hadn't came to work yet , when he seemed angry on the phone and i felt that something happened , I directly went to his house , i was afraid he may repeat it again." He said.

I don't know why my heartbeats accelerated due to his words.

"Did he try to hurt himself today ?" I asked my eyes still wide , i still can't digest this new information.

" I don't know , when I arrived i just saw shattered glass on the ground, i knew he did hit the mirror by his hand , but I don't know if he was going to do anything else." He said with a sigh, "Let's just say I was there in the right time. I just hope he is past that stage by now."

"I still can't believe this." I said , still
Shocked , "I mean this is Alex we're talking about , he is always joking , laughing , he is always smiling , i mean .. I really don't understand."

"I know." He said with a sigh," I think some people don't like to show their pain, so they just hide it with a smile."

He had a point.

He then placed his hand over my shoulder and pulled me toward him placing my head over his chest , "Don't say anything to him , he doesn't like to talk about it."

I nodded, my mind was busy trying to register everything.

Never in a million years that would've crossed my mind.

It is really scary what a smile can hide.

*******

After few hours we went to the airport, Ashton's flight is in about half an hour.

I wish he doesn't have to go.

I know it is just a week but still , it will feel like an eternity.

I'll miss him so much.

We stepped out of the car and entered the airport , it is three in the morning so there is just few people here and there.

"Look ! There is Ashton and Katherine." I heard Alex's voice before seeing him.

When I turned my head i saw him walking toward us with Cara beside him , a big grin on his face.

I couldn't help but smile, they probably figured things out.

"Wait wait , i'll tell them." He said to Cara and stepped in front of her.

"Ladies and gentlemen." He started looking at Ashton and me ,"I'd like you to meet my fiancé."

He bowed extravagantly showing a smiling Cara.

I couldn't help the squeal that left my lips as i ran toward Cara and squeezed the hell out of her.

"Congrats !" I said - more like shouted as my hold over her tightened.

"Thanks." She said , she looked happy , she is happy , i can see it in her eyes.

And I can't be any happier for her.

"I love you." I said. I don't know why this whole thing made me emotional, for unknown reason i felt like crying.

Damn hormones !

"I know." She said confidently, I pulled away and shot her a glare , "Normal people would've said I love you too."

"Who said i am normal !" She said arching an eyebrow. I chuckled, "You have a point there."

"Soo, Be ready for your bridesmaid duties." She said smirking and I couldn't contain the happiness inside me.

I am really happy for her.

Cara doesn't have many friends , she doesn't have a good relation with her parents , but now i am glad she have Alex.

He will take care of her.

In my absence , he will take good care of her.

I looked at him , he was talking with Ashton , a big smile on his face, his eyes were smiling as well.

"When is the wedding ?" I asked feeling impatient.

"Not anytime soon." She said ,"Alex and I are really busy with work for the next following months. It'll probably be after you give birth , I think."

I gulped.

My smile dropped.

My heartbeats accelerated.

Cara furrowed her eyebrows probably noticing my sudden change in behavior.

I smiled for her not to suspect anything, i inched closer and hugged her again , this time what i felt wasn't happiness , what i felt was pain.

This girl stayed by side like no one else , and I won't be able to even attend her wedding.

It is sad.

I tried my best to hold my tears and not ruin the moment.

"Don't i get a hug too ?" Alex said making us pull apart.

He opened his arms , a smile still on his face , "Of course you do." I said as i inched closer and hugged him as well.

I felt my hold over him tighten when i recalled Ashton's words before we came.

After a short moment , I pulled away , I didn't notice the single tear the escaped my eye till Alex brushed it away with his thumb.

"If I don't know any better, I'd say you are in love with me and you're crying because i am getting married." He said raising an eyebrow.

I chuckled , "It's a happy tear."

"Aw , you really do love me." He said with a mischievous smile.

I nodded , his smile grew wider , "I'll tell you something but don't tell Cara." He said glancing at Cara who in her turn was talking with Ashton oblivious to us, then he looked back at me ,"You will always be my first love."

He gave me a wink as he muttered that sentence, and i shook my head amused.

This is the Alex i know.

My gaze involuntary traveled to his hand , i don't know why , but i can't shake off what Ashton told me about him.

I saw a hand band over his wrist. Does he use it to cover the marks ?

I felt myself staring at it longer than I should, so i directly lifted my eyes up for him not to notice.

But i was caught.

He was looking at me with a confused expression.

"Nice band." I commented trying to ease the sudden awkwardness.

He placed his other hand over it , fidgeting with the band nervously.

"Uh .. yeah thanks." He said , i can sense he was feeling uncomfortable.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I turned and looked at Ashton , who weirdly enough was smiling talking with Cara.

Since when they act nice with each others !

"Who are these people ?" Alex asked looking at both of them , looking shocked as well.

"I have no idea." I said.

After a short while of us just staring at them confused , Ashton looked toward our direction and so did Cara.

"What ?" They both asked , probably noticing our confused faces.

"Cara come here." Alex said faking seriousness, "I don't want you talking with him."

Ashton shot him a glare , "What !" Alex said , "You used to do the same to me when you first knew Katherine."

Cara chuckled as she walked toward Alex , i did the same and walked toward Ashton who shook his head annoyed by Alex's childish behavior.

He directly wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me closer.

"I'll miss you so damn much." He said pecking my lips.

"I'll miss you too." I said with a sigh.

"Who's going to fix your tie over there ?" I asked , playing with the collar of his shirt.

He chortled , "I'll manage."

"Take care of yourself." I said, for some reason I had weird feelings concerning this trip. "Please."

"You too baby."He said , his hand went toward my baby bump, "Don't give mommy a hard time." He said , i couldn't help but smile.

And then it happened,

His eyes widened a bit and so did mine , my hand involuntary moved and went above Ashton's.

In that moment, it happened again

The baby kicked.

For the very first time.

"Did he .." Ashton was about to ask something when i felt another kick , followed by another.

I felt my heart warm up due to this feeling.

Ashton's eyes said the same.

"Oh my god!" I said with a hearty smile as i felt another kick.

Ashton was smiling too , a genuine one , a rare look in his eyes, his hand still on my stomach , with mine just above it.

Everything else faded , everything else didn't matter at the moment.

My hold tightened above his , the feeling that invaded my chest is a thing i've never felt before.

This feels perfect.

Ashton , me and the baby. It feels so perfect.

That i can't ask for anything more in the moment.

Just the three of us together, is all what i wish for.

I closed my eyes and wished for one thing , i wished this same moment to be repeated again.

But with my baby in my arms next time.

It was a wish that may not come true but even if it would happen just exactly one moment before i die.

Then it's all what i wish for.

It's all what i want.

The three of us.. Together.. For one last time.

*********

Two days later..

Ashton's POV

"Yeah Katherine, Believe me i just ate ." I said talking on my phone making my way inside the building.

"Ashton ! I will ask you for the last time." She said in a warning voice, "Did you eat your breakfast ?"

I stayed silent.

This time I couldn't lie more.

"I knew it." She said annoyed, "Go eat your breakfast now and take your medicine or I will come to Australia and kick you like i kicked Alex." She said with her authoritative tone.

I chuckled , "I woke up late , i will eat just after the meeting."

"Promise?" She asked , "Promise." I said with a smile.

I love the way she cares , many people would find it annoying , but not for me.

No one ever cared about me ,or about my health like she does.

And I can't be happier.

Having this woman in my life . I really can't be more grateful.

I really do love her.

It's true she hadn't said that she loves me yet, but I don't think she needs to , i can see it in her eyes , i can feel it in her touch, it's obvious just from the way she cares.

I can't lie and say I don't want her to tell me that , i am actually craving to hear those exact words from her mouth. But maybe she is just scared.

She will admit it one day.

And i'll wait.

I can wait forever for her.

"I don't want to annoy you by always calling." She said snapping me back from my thoughts, "But if you didn't eat your breakfast you won't take your medicine and if you didn't take your medicine you'll probably get your asthma attack or even worst and i am really worried."

I involuntary smiled.

"I know baby , i know you're just worried." I said assuring her i am not annoyed.

I heard her let a sigh, "I miss you." She said , i can sense sadness in her voice."Come back already."

"I miss you too." I said the smile stuck on my face.

It's weird , whenever i am talking with her , the smile don't leave my face.

I am seriously whipped.

"I have to go now." I said frowning as the elevator door opened , "I'll talk to you later."

"Okay , don't forget to eat when you finish." She said, "Take care."

"You too baby." I said , "I love you."

"Bye." She said , it came low.

She didn't say it back.

But it's okay.

With that i hanged up , the smile no longer on my face as i walked toward the secretary's desk.

Once she spotted me she directly stood up , "Good morning Mr. Ryder."

"Good morning." I said.

"Mr. Taylor is not here yet." She said , "You can wait in his office till he come back."

I nodded , starting to feel irritated, i would've talked with Katherine more if i knew that.

"Do you like to drink something while waiting ?" She asked , "Coffee would be great." I replied.

She called someone to prepare the coffee then leaded me toward the office.

I seated myself on one of the chairs that is facing the desk , the secretary that I have no idea what her name is handed me a file , "Mr. Taylor said you can go through the file and check if there is anything needed to be changed."

I nodded as i started flipping through it.

I heard the door opening , but I didn't look , i was too busy reading through the lines.

"Mr. Ryder , also you should check this.." The secretary started to say but I didn't hear what she said next when I felt hot liquid being poured all over my shirt , the cup of coffee fell on me as well.

I directly flinched from how hot the coffee is , making the cup drop to the floor and shatter into many pieces.

"What the f*ck !" I snapped feeling anger build inside me ,"Can't you f*cking see where you're walking." My tone was harsher than it should be as I lifted my eyes up to see who in hell is this blind and dropped the coffee all over me.

But I regret it once i saw that she is an old women.

She immediately bowed her head down , " I am so sorry sir." She said, her voice came low , she looked frightened , "I'll bring something to clean your shirt."

She stormed out directly looking shaken and afraid by what just happened, and i felt bad.

Really bad.

Dammit ! Katherine is right , i can be a jerk sometimes.

"We're so sorry Mr. Ryder." The secretary who is annoying me by her accent by now said , "I'll tell her to clean your shirt."

"No , it's okay." I said , "Excuse me."

I went out , looking around searching for this old woman but couldn't spot her anywhere.

I should've not snapped at her like that.

I should find her and apologize.

"Excuse me." I said stopping one of the workers , he turned his head toward me , "Do you know where i can find the woman who serves coffee ?"

I had no idea how to refer to her.

The women who serves coffee , pretty impressive Ashton !

"She'll probably be in the kitchen i think." He said , then directed me toward the kitchen.

The door was opened , so I stepped inside , and she was there , her back facing me , her body looked tensed.

I cursed myself again for acting like that.

I think she heard my footsteps because she turned around immediately and when she saw me , i can say she looked really afraid.

Dammit , Am i that scary ?

I even saw unshed tears in her eyes.

"I am really sorry." She said again , her voice shaking , "I will directly clean the mess i did.."

"No , no , don't apologize." I directly said stepping closer , "I am the one who's sorry , I should've not snapped at you like that , i am really sorry."

I let out a sigh looking away , i felt really guilty.

What would Katherine say if she knew what I did ?

"I can be a jerk sometimes." I said running my hand in my hair frustrated.

I have no control over myself, i always let my anger control me.

"You look just like your father." She said , her words startled me, they came low as if she is saying them to herself rather than to me.

I lifted my eyes up , a small smile on her lips , her smile looked familiar but i ignored that as i registered her words.

"You know my father ?" I asked surprised, knitting my eyebrows in confusion.

"I heard the woman over there calling you Mr. Ryder and from your looks i guess you're Mark Ryder's son , right ?" She said , the familiar smile still on her face.

I nodded still confused , "How do you know my father ?"

"I used to work for him." She answered , her expression changed a bit.

"Don't tell me you spilled coffee on him as well ? " I asked trying to lighten the mood.

She chuckled, "You can say so."

"Well , i know from where i got my bad temper , so let me then apologize on my father's behalf." I said , she chuckled again.

"I didn't get to know your first name." She said.

I smiled, "Ashton." I said , "It's Ashton."

The moment the word left my mouth , her smile dropped , her face paled and if i know no better I'll say she is about to faint.

Weird.

The cup she was holding was slightly slipping from her hand , I rushed and caught it before crashing into the ground.

"We don't want to break another cup , do we ?" I said with a playful smile not liking how she suddenly changed.

She looked dazed as her pale blue eyes stared back at me , it took her a short while to recover, she offered me a smile , more like a forced one , "Of course not." She said.

"I didn't get to know your name as well ." I said suddenly feeling curious about this woman.

"Isabelle." She said , her voice a mere whisper that i didn't really get what she said ,"It's Isabelle." She said more clear this time.

I smiled , "Such a beautiful name."

"Would you like another cup of coffee." She asked ,her facial expression changed back to normal ,"I promise not to break it this time."

I chuckled , "I would love to." I said, "On one condition, you will drink it with me over there." I said pointing to the stool beside us.

"But I thought you have a meeting with Mr. Taylor." She said looking confused.

"He made me wait." I said , "So he can wait for me as well."

She nodded with a smile , a smile i can't shake how familiar it looks as she started prepare our coffee.

And somehow i ended up drinking coffee with an old women in an office kitchen with a meeting waiting for me.

And for unknown reason , i was comfortable with it.

"This is the best coffee i've ever had." I said , her smile grew wider at my comment , "But don't tell my wife i said that , she'll probably kill me."

"You're married ?" She asked , her eyes widened a bit. I nodded.

"She's a lucky girl then." She said , i shook my head , "No."

"I am the lucky one." I said.

She was about to say something but my phone started ringing , it was my dad.

I gave her an apologetic look as i pressed the answer button , "Where the hell are all my files ?" He directly asked , i can say he is annoyed.

"Hello to you too." I said sarcastically.

"Ashton, seriously now , where are all the files , I can't find anything." He said with a sigh as i heard shuffling voices beside him.

"Wait , are you in the office ?" I asked. This man is going to kill himself like this.

He didn't answer, he kept silent.

Of course he is in the office, dammit !

"How many times i told you to not go to the office." I said pressing my lips into a thin line. "Do you want to kill yourself, i am handling everything from over here , just go home ,okay."

I heard him let a breath ,probably not liking my words.

"How is work there ? When you're coming back ?"He asked changing the subject.

"Everything is going good." I said , "I'll come in five days."

"Is Katherine staying alone ?" He asked. He seems to care about her lately.

"Yeah." I said with a sigh , I don't like her staying alone, especially that she is pregnant.

"Tell Zoe and grandma to check on her." I said , "Yeah , i will also tell her to come stay with us until you come back." He said.

"That would be great." I said liking the idea.

"Okay , now go back to your work, I don't want to bother you." He said , i can still hear shuffling voices beside him.

"You go back home first." I said , "And stop firing people for god's sake." I said.

He chuckled , "Okay."

We both kept silent after that , and I couldn't help but be amazed by how things changed between us.

I always feel like asking him about my mother , my real mother.

But I don't, it's a tense subject, bringing it maybe would ruin what we have now.

I shook that thought as i heard the shuffling voices again from the other side.

He is still searching for those damn files.

"Go home dad." I said , i know for sure he will listen to me now. "I am handling everything."

"Okay , i will." He answered , and if I know no better I'll say he is smiling by now.

"Thanks son." He said.

For unknown reason i smiled.

"No problem."

We bid our goodbyes and with that i hanged up , then looked at Isabelle ,"Is this your father ?" She asked immediately and i nodded.

"How's he is doing ?" She asked , i can feel her tone changing a bit.

"He is fine now." I said with a sigh remembering what happened before ,"But he had a heart attack about two months ago."

"Really ?" She asked , her eyes widened.

"Yeah, but he is much better now." I said.

Why she seems worried ?

I shook that thought as we talked further , she even asked me about Katherine and we talked for a while.

I felt i should probably get going , so i stood up ready to leave when she stood up as well ,"I didn't clean your shirt." She said looking guiltily at my stained shirt.

"No , it's okay." I said, it's not a big deal.

"No please let me clean it , i feel so bad." She said and walked away.

She came back with a small towel in her hand , she was about to clean my shirt but I directly placed my hand over hers not letting her.

I mean she is old , she is probably in her late forties , woman her age should stay at home taking care or her children or grandchildren , not serving coffee to strangers and cleaning their shirts.

She looked up at me , I couldn't interpret the look in her eyes.

Why everything about this women is familiar ?!

Do i know her from somewhere ?

I shook that thought when someone opened the door and stepped inside.

"I am searching for you man ,and you're here enjoying your coffee." Taylor said amused making me step away from Isabelle.

I just shrugged.

"Isabelle , make me a cup of coffee please." He said politely with a smile.

"She prepares the best coffee." He added talking with me.

"Yeah I know." I said looking at Isabelle. The smile long gone from my face.

I feel something odd about her , something weird , a weird feeling.

I couldn't interpret it, so I just ignored it.

Maybe it's just my imagination.

"I told them to prepare your office." Taylor said snapping me from my thoughts , "I'll show it to you after the meeting."

"You're going to stay here ?" Isabelle asked as she handed Taylor his coffee.

I nodded , "You'll be seeing a lot of me." I said.

"Great !" She said with a warm smile.

Dammit, Her smile !

It's is oddly familiar, oddly warm , it is the kind of smile that reminds you of home.

I walked out with Taylor toward the meeting but my mind was still busy trying to analyze.

What is happening ?

I almost skipped a meeting and drank coffee with an old women ,probably would be my mother's age , i was comfortable being with her , talking about my life , about my wife..

Alex was right.

Katherine is really turning me soft.

                          *******

Five hours in a meeting talking non stop is definitely not the brightest idea when you hadn't had your breakfast before.

I walked out of the company wanting to eat something , but on my way I remembered that i left my phone on silent , i took it from my pocket to check for any calls.

10 messages from Katherine.

Did you finish ?  Was her first message.

Of course you didn't, dammit ! Many angry emojis followed that sentence.

Ugh ! I am so bored.

Okay so am i talking with myself or what ?

Dammit Ashton ! Don't tell me you're still in the meeting and you hadn't eaten anything yet.

Why everyone is ignoring me ? Cara is not replying to my messages either !

That piece of sh*t Alex , he is taking my friend away from me.

I am so lonely ! It was followed by many sad emojis.

Ashy boo , i miss you.

Well , that went with the rhythm !   

I couldn't help but chuckle , she is so cute.

I directly pressed her number and called. She answered immediately as if she was waiting for my call.

"Ashy boo ?" I directly said amused , "Seriously Katherine."

"Go eat then come and mock me." She said faking a stern voice.

"I am on my way." I said getting inside my car.

"How was your meeting ?" She asked , "It was good , we started working on the new hotel."

"Oh that's good." She said.

"You know what , something weird happened today." I said , i felt the need to tell Katherine about Isabelle.

"I met this woman.."

"Wait what ? You're meeting women over there." She directly interrupted me , she sounded irritated.

I shook my head amused , "She is an old woman Katherine."

"OH MY GOD !" She gasped , "You're into old women ?"

Oh my god this girl !

"Katherine !" I said annoyed,"Okay i am not telling you."

She chuckled , "I am sorry baby , continue."

I ignored the fact that she called me baby for the first time and talked further , a stupid grin on my face.

"So she accidentally spilled coffee over me and i.."

"Of course you acted like a jerk and snapped at her , right ?" She asked interrupting me , i can imagine her placing her hands over her hips and glaring at me right now.

This girl knows me well..

"Yeah but i apologized come on." I said then told her what happened and how i ended up skipping my meeting and drinking coffee with an old woman.

"She is really nice you know , and she looks so familiar somehow, I don't know why." I said trying to remember if i ever saw her before or anything.

Katherine hummed , "Baby if you're really into old women just tell me, we can figure things out , you know. We can manage." She said , i can sense her hiding her laughter.

I let out an irritated sigh , she started laughing , "Okay okay i am sorry , i am sorry , don't get mad , you know that i lo.." She paused for a moment , her laughter died , "You know that i love teasing you."

I felt disappointed, but tried to not let it affect me now.

"So seriously now." She said clearing her throat , "Maybe you've seen her before , i mean you said she used to work for your dad."

"I don't think so." I said , "She said she left work there long time ago."

"Weird." She commented.

"Never mind." I said , "Maybe she reminds me of you."

"Wait , are you really , actually comparing me to an old woman." She sighed , "What's is wrong with you baby ? Check if you have a fever or something."

I chuckled , i love when she calls me baby , even if she is just mocking me with it , yet it rolls off perfectly out of her mouth.

"See i am going crazy.. Being away from you is driving me crazy." I said. How much i want to wrap my arms around her now and kiss her like there is no tomorrow.

"I can relate." She said with a sad tone. "Go eat now I don't want to distract you."

"Are you going alone ?" She added and i paused for a while before answering.

"Yeah." Was all i said.

I hate lying to her. I really do , but she won't understand.

No , actually she won't approve.

"Okay then we'll talk later." She said , "Bye."

"Bye baby, i love you." I said.

As always , she didn't say it back.

I hanged up after that feeling a bit sad and a bit guilty about my lie.

I ran my hand in my hair frustrated before pressing her number.

"Where are you ?" I directly asked not leaving her a second to say hello.

"It won't hurt you to say hello , you know that." She said.

Her voice annoys me.

"I said where are you Rebecca ?" I asked again feeling impatient.

God , if just I don't need her !

I heard her let a sigh , "I am on my way." 

********************************

So i saw this picture , and i felt it kind of represent what Katherine wished for above.

Ahh ! It made my heart melt and flutter for some reason😍😍❤️

Anyway what do you think about the chapter ? So Isabelle , hmm 🤔 Do you think we'll be seeing her later or what ? 

And Rebecca is back 😂 Don't sound really good.

So the last few chapters were all
Lovey dovey , everyone was happy , love is everywhere , blah blah 🙄 Time for a twist , time to hate Caleb again , and maybe also hate Ashton , who knows ? 😂

Before i shut up my big mouth , i want to say happy Eid to all Muslims over here. 🤗

Love ya all❤️