One Night With My Ex's Billionaire Cousin

4: Regret

Asher's Pov

I'm staring at the city view, sipping my whiskey, and all I can think about is Vee. That beautiful woman with black hair and brown eyes has me captivated. No one has ever affected me like this.

I'm still trying to understand our interview. She was like a dog that wouldn't let go of a bone, and that smile? Damnit. But what really gets me is the way she looked at me - like she saw the real me. And that's scary.

I take a sip of my drink, feeling the burn. I need to snap out of this. I'm Asher Lorenzo, after all. I don't get caught up in relationships. I have casual flings. But there's something unique about Vee.

My personal assistant, Rachel, clears her throat, interrupting my thoughts.

"Asher, we need to discuss the upcoming charity event. The organizer is on the phone and wants to confirm your attendance." I sigh, reluctantly tearing my mind away from Vee. "Tell them I'll be there."

Rachel hesitates. "There's something else. The public is still hounding you about your divorce. Do you want me to release a statement?"

I wave my hand dismissively. "Not now, Rachel. Deal with it later."

Rachel nods and exits the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more.

My marriage to Julia was a disaster and it was an arranged marriage that lasted a few months. We wanted different things, but we were too proud to admit it. Julia wanted a perfect life with a husband who would obey her. I wanted freedom and a partner who would support me.

Our divorce was messy. Julia said I cheated, which was partly true. I had flings, but Julia had secrets too. We settled out of court, and Julia got a lot of money.

But the media still won't leave me alone. They write about my personal life, and my parents worry about our family's reputation. They want me to marry someone respectable to fix my image..

That's why I'm considering asking Vee. She's perfect for me. But what if she refuses?

Vee's Pov

Ugh, Asher Lorenzo. I can't believe I let him get to me like that.

I'm still trying to process how my life went from great to garbage in a matter of hours. One minute I was on top of my game, and the next, I'm fired.

All because of that interview. All because of him.

I think about how he looked at me, how he smiled, and how I felt like I was melting into his eyes.

I was so drawn to him, and I hated myself for it. But now, he's the reason I'm jobless. I feel a wave of anger and resentment wash over me. How could he do this to me? I know it's not his fault, but I can't help feeling like he's the one who ruined my life.

No, Liam is actually the one who ruined it.

I throw my arm over my eyes, tears welling up in my eyes. Why did I let my guard down? Why did I let myself fall for Asher?

I'm such an i***t.

I think about all the things I could have done differently. I could have been tougher, more objective. I could have stuck to the script and not let him charm me into asking softer questions. But no, I had to go and let my emotions get the best of me. And now, I'm paying the price.

I toss off the sheets and get out of bed, pacing around my room. I feel restless, anxious. I need to do something, but I don't know what.

I take a deep breath and try to calm down. I need to think clearly, come up with a plan. But every time I try to think, my mind goes back to Asher. I feel a pang of anger and resentment, but also... something else. Something I don't want to admit to myself.

Vanessa and her husband are struggling to make ends meet too, and I don't want to be a burden. I've always been independent, and it kills me to have to rely on them now.

I need to find a new job, and fast.