CHAPTER 24
919 Words
Of all things, Ashley was sure about this:
She was flawed.
Every time she opened the curtains that eclipsed her past, she regretted doing it. Because, all that was left was remorse and guilt.
Most women would find forensic science a nauseating study. But, for some unfathomable reason, Ashley found, searching the searched, scrutinising dead bodies and researching even the minutest of details intriguing.
The idea of being a part of an investigation team thrilled her. The nation's most gruesome crimes were brought to her notice. Here and there, she managed to hear first hand gossip about the nation's most influential people.
What fascinated her the most were the twists in every crime story she happened to deal with. Sometimes, the least expected people turned out to be killers. The kindest hearts had manipulating brains. And even the most beautiful minds seemed to hold grudges.
Ashley devoted all her time to her work. She slogged day and night to become an expert in her profession. So, she felt that things like having a brief chat with her widowed mother, playing along with her little brother, strolling around in the gardens, listening to the birds and dancing in the wind were no more than a waste of time.
All these were beautiful to read in poetry but it wasn't pragmatic.
She had so much to do. So much to accomplish and so much to achieve. These trivial things threatened to be a hindrance to her ambition.
Ashley was too busy at work one day.
She was analysing a bullet hole in a man's body to ascertain the angle in which he could be shot and neglected the phone calls she received.
She was at work.
Anything can wait.
Later, to her horror, she learnt that it was Ashton who'd called.
Her sick mother had been in death bed and wanted to see her for one last time.
Ashley gazed at the lifeless body of her mother and that's when the reality hit her.
Her mother was dead.
And she hadn't been with her when she needed her the most.
There wasn't a single day, Ashley hadn't felt sorry for what she'd done. She wanted to go back in time and attend to the needs of her mother. Embrace her and kiss her and tell her how much she loved her.
Unfortunately, life doesn't offer you a second chance.
Ashton had taken several months to recover from the loss. And once he did, he expressed his wish to move to a different city.
"Is it because you don't want to stay with me?" Ashley had asked.
Ashton had rolled his velvet brown eyes, one of the many qualities they had in common.
"Why would I?" He'd said with a sigh. "It's just that I want a change. I want to put mommy's memories behind to move on with my life"
Though he hadn't really worded, Ashley could sense the displeasure he had for her.
It was all her fault.
He can't be blamed.
Now, Ashley was left with nothing but her job. She tried to streamline her focus only towards her work. Once it wavered to how reckless she had been in the past, it would dunk her mind in a deep pool of despair.
It was a year later that she met Ronny.
For the first time after what seemed to be a decade, Ashley was charmed by a man. She was instantly drawn to him.
His masculine figure, subtle smile and piercing eyes intrigued her.
And there was his pun, witty laugh and enthralling voice that captured her attention. Soon, she found herself longing for him, filling her mind with filthy thoughts.
When it really happened, when Ronny first touched her, it was a feeling she'd never experienced before. It was like someone had lit her from within. Her skin was ardently burning. She kissed him again and again, rolling her tongue over his and yet couldn't be satisfied.
She wanted more of this man.
She wanted to make love to him.
Scenes from the car flashed before her eyes. Their bare bodies rubbing against each other. His rough palms gliding over her smooth skin, his lips kissing every part of her body and filling her with ecstasy.
Ashley couldn't get him out of her mind.
Long after the night was gone, she could still feel his scent trapped in hers, his lips fondly tracing circles around her navel.
She went to meet him in his office.
And they made love again.
Only after it was all over, only after she was all spent, exhausted and breathless had Ronny bombarded her with the startling news.
He was married.
For a moment, the world was a blur. She was simply staring at him with nude shock.
And then, it all came gushing towards her. Like fierce waves towards a shore.
She was betrayed.
He had used her for his pleasure.
Another innocent woman had been cheated on.
She got up and slapped him with all her might. Then gathered her clothes and walked away, never looking back.
It was only after she reached home that the pain settled in on her.
Even though, it was a matter of few days she'd grown out to love him with all her heart. And Ronny had so cruelly played with it.
An avalanche of feelings and emotions engulfed her, as she stood there looking into the eyes of the same ruthless man after a long time.
And Ashley Feathers had a beautiful mind.
- Writer
