Ashtine’s POV
The pain in my body couldn’t rival the weight crushing my chest.
My lips were swollen, bruised. My legs ached with every step. But nothing—nothing—hurt more than the image of him with her. Again. Wrapped in her arms. Her lips on his. And the worst part? He didn’t even flinch.
I stood in front of the penthouse, gripping my phone, trembling.
One message. Just one.
"Rich, it wasn’t what you think. I need to talk to you. Please... just this once, listen."
Seen. No reply.
I bit my lower lip so hard it bled.
Another message.
"I was taken. I was hurt. I almost... died. I fought to come back and the first thing I saw was you, with her. Again."
Still, nothing.
A sob clawed its way out of my throat, raw and ugly.
"You told me to trust you. You told me you’d protect me. Wher
