The ruthless billionaire’s introvert

episode 3

Ashley's pov

I was so engrossed in my work , that i completely lost track of time . I heard a knock on my door . "come in." I looked up from my work as Suzi entered inside . " ma'am you haven't eaten anything since morning. Should I bring something for you? " she asked me in a worried tone . "I really don't feel like eating today . Thank you for asking tho . "I could see concern in her eyes. Before she could say something, I interrupted her . "Suzi , can you please inform Tony that I'll be down in 5 ." " sure ma'am . anything else " "No, thankyou . you may leave now . "

I rested my head on my desk , exhaustion filled my body . If it was up to me , I would go home and sleep the night off . I got up and packed my stuff. I headed out of my office . Tony was standing right outside my door . He took my bag and pressed the button of my private lift . He always has his gloves on , whether I'm around him or not.

After an hr or so , we reached my house . Tony opened the door for me . As we headed inside my house, Tony informed me about tonight's security . "Ma'am ,everything is ready for tonight . I have double checked all the security . You should not worry about anything ." "Thank you Tony, I know you'll not let anything happen to me. Now go get ready. "Tony went towards his quarters .

As I entered my house , I heard some laughing noises . I knew exactly who it was . as I entered the living room , luna saw me and jumped in delight . " aww my gorgeous girl . you look beautiful even when you come home after hours and hours of work . see that's why they say your beauty is out of this world. " i giggled at his comment . he is always this excited and happy . " are you one of them luna " i asked him. " ohh ! ofcourse i'm . who wouldn't want to praise this goddesss " he never miss a chance to flirt .not just with me , he can flirt with uncle claude as well . my train of thoughts were interrupted by a scream . i turned to see luna's workers coming in with big boxes . " common beauty let's head to your dressing room " we head towards my dressing room , which was on first floor . uncle claude was right ahead of us and opened the door for us.

Luna was instructing her workers where to keep things and some rules of this house . " arrange all the dresses nicely , I don't want any problems and remember not to touch anything without my permission . If I see you touching something not related to your work, I'll chop your hands off and feed them to you and wear your gloves , remove them once you are out of this house . You understand me?" Those two just nodded their heads . They were soo scared . "You are scary, luna . see these poor people can't even look up . Luna, give me 10. I'll go and take a shower real quick ."

I went to my room and undressed myself on my way to the bathroom . I turned the shower on and waited till the water was warm enough . I stood under the shower and let hot water wash away my tiredness and stress. I rinsed my body and took a towel to dry myself . On my way out, I wore my robes and headed towards the dressing room .

When I reached the dressing room, It was filled with dresses . " luna I told you to bring one dress not 20 . " luna turned towards me and smiled " well beauty , i want you to look best tonight . and i have chose world's most rare dressesfor you . they are only one in the whole world. not stop talking and choose a dress for urself . we need to work . otherwise you'll arrive when the party is over ." i sighed and searched for the best evening gown . they all were soo beautiful . but i want something that screams power and elegance . my eyes landed on a black evening gown . i knew that this is the one i want to wear . i removed it from the rack and showed it to luna . his eyes glowed with excitment " i knew you would like this one . now hurry lemme do your make up and hair first then you can put on your dress . " i sat down in front of my vanity and luna his team started working . i don't need to tell him anything . He knows my likes and dislikes very well .

After an hr of them torturing my hair and face . they were finally done . " it's all done beauty , have a look at the goddess in front of you . "I opened my eyes and was shocked with the final result . my hazel eyes were popping because of the eyeshadow . i turned towards him and asked " is it really me? you did a great job luna . " he lightly slapped my arm and smiled like a fool ." trust me i didn't even do much . now go and put on your dress , so that we can have a good photoshoot . " i got up and headed towards my changing room . i opened the lingerie drawer and pulled out a black lace thong . i wore my undies and put my dress on . It fitted me like a gloves . It was perfect . it was Alex perry strapless crepe gown . I decided to put on my Bvlgari Serpenti necklace and earrings . It had emeralds in it . emeralds are my favourite stone . I paired it with Renne Covilla's leather cleo wrapped heels in green . I completed the look with Bottega veneta's long knot cluth .when i was satisfied with my look . i head out of The changing room and stood in front of the mirror . i turned around to find luna and his team staring at me with their eyes and mouth wide open . " what is it luna , say it ? you look like a fool , stop staring ." luna squealed and was about to hug me . i took a step back and put my hand in front of me . to stop him from coming any near . he stopped and look appologitic " i'm sorry , beauty . i forgot . i couldn't control my emotions , you look soooo ravashing . you gonna get some suitors today . come on let's click some pictures."

We took some pictures and finally I was ready to head out . For the first time in my life I was grateful that the dressing room was on the first floor . As I reached the living room, Tony was talking to some other guards ,he was dressed in a matt black Armani suit that I had gifted him on his last birthday . Tony turned around and greeted me, " you look beautiful ma'am . shall we go? Your father has already called me 5 times in the last 30 minutes . " father really thought I was gonna back out at the last moment . Anyways, " thankyou hulk . you look handsome . common let's go . " he gave me a pointed look at his nickname but didn't say anything . He held my hands in his gloved ones.

In half an hr we reached Radcliffe's mansion. The first thing that came into my view when the car pulled up the driveway was the bright flashes and nonstop clicking of cameras that rivaled a red carpet event with A-list celebrities ,but aside from known celebrities , the gathering was full of powerful and rich socialities. which wasn't a surprise at all . i mean who wouldn't want to come to radcliffe's party.

I sighed as the swarming paparazzi and the brilliant light , that was so blinding that i had to cover my eyes for a moment . because even though the car windows were heavily tinted the light still blared through it . i was getting so nervous at facing the limelight . because I knew if i get out of this car today and make my first public appreance , my life will not be same . people could recognize me anywhere and these paps could follow me anywhere .

I breathed deeply to calm down my nerves .

author's pov

When the car finally stopped in front of the red carpet, hundreds of cameras immediately zoomed into the expensive car . Everyone was curious to see who was the dazzling man or woman that would step out of a very expensive car . The people around held their breath in anticipation , when they finally saw that the chauffeur [tony] that came out was good looking and well built , they all thought that the person who was about to get off must've been someone extremely influential as well .

Tony used his well built body to block the people's views and opened the door slowly.

"Are you ready, Bella? "he asked in a low tone . Ashley looked at him with worry in her eyes but still smiled at his nickname that he often uses ,when they are alone . Ashley took a deep breath and firmly said "Yes , I'm ready."

Tony gave her a nod , then finally opened the door in all its glory . Instantly , the cameras started clicking , while the loud voices of the people could be heard, and among them a lot let out a gasp, while the cameras moved faster than the speed of the light .

One slender fair leg came out first, then followed by another, and when Ashley Ambrose finally came out with her head held high, a lot of people couldn't believe their eyes .

Dressed in a beautiful exquisite gown , with her hair pulled up in a beautiful messy bun, she looked like a goddess . Some couldn't recognise her ,as she never made her public appearance . but some did .

"omg it's Ashley Ambrose ! Charlie Ambrose's daughter . "

"She really is a goddess."

"What!!! She's Ashley Amrose?"

"she looks like a queen "

"I never believed the rumors when they said that she is the most beautiful woman. "

Ashley naturally waved at the cameras . Cameras started clicking and people started gossiping . Paying no mind to the gossip, Ashley walked as if she owned the whole world . Bodyguards were covering her from all sides . People have never seen soo many guards guarding a person for an event . Tony was holding Ashley's hand and escorted her inside the mansion.

When the large door opened and she finally came in , hundreds of eyes were on her . Instantly, the lively chatter died down in a low murmur . The music was still playing, the people were still mingling but many eyes were trailing her as he descended the stairs and walked towards her parents . Her bodyguards didn't allow anyone near her .

Ashley's pov

As I was walking towards my parents, a man rushed towards me . I clenched Tony's hand in alert . but that man was pushed back by the guards which caused him to loose his footing . one of the guards tried to help him but he refused and got up himself . i neared my parents i saw my father wearing his gloves . i greeted them and father pulled me into a warm hug . i do feel bad for my parents somethimes . i mean who wouldn't want to kiss their child and show them affection . but my parents could only hug me while weraing gloves and try not to touch their faces or anyother exposed body part to mine . i was pulled out my thoughts when my father pulled away from hugs . he turned around and i saw aunt and uncle standing there with happiness and pride in their eyes . i think they are proud of their younger kid . i saw vincent radcliffe beside them . the man everyone feared was standing in front of me . his hands in his pockets and looking like the devil himself . he had a strange expression on his face . i turned towards aunt and uncle and greeted them " good evening everyone. i would like to appolgize for my tardiness. uncle , aunt you both are looking stunning." ezra uncle smiled and said " oh my dear goddness , you look soo beautiful my child . and no need to be sorry , i can totally understand you have a lot of pressure . anyways let me introduce you to my eldest son vincent. "i turned towards the devil to find him staring at me . i politely greeted him ."nice to meet you." he smiled at me . omg ! i'm not being a fan girl here . but Vincent Radcliffe . The most cold heated person just smiled at me . and man he look so handsome while smiling . " nice to meet you too . i have heard a lot about you from my parents . " ofcourse he had , i mean uncle and aunt might have told him about my disease that's why he didn't try to shake hand when i greated him . i came out of my imagination world when i heard a heartly laughter from my father. i turned towards him to find my parents and uncle, aunt talking to tony ." tony child you look good today." my father complimented tony. " thanku sir . you look good too ." mom and aunt were giggling seeing tony being so uncomfortable . it's hard to make tony uncomfortable . so i decided to pull his leg a little . " i told him the same father . but he never takes my word seriously ." father laughted out loud at my comment . tony sent me a glare . while we all were laughing and talking I felt somone staring at me. i felt cold shiver ran down my spine. i tried to ignore it . just then the man from before joined us . i took a few steps back . my back hit a hard wall . wall ?? in a middle of a ballroom ? i turned to see vincent behind me . i steped aside and murmured a small sorry . i turned to see that man talking to my father and uncle . i was having a really bad vibe about this man . "so mr ambrose , this is why you were hiding her for soo long . she is really beautiful. " he looked towards me and licked his lips in a disgusting way . vincent moved forward and pulled him towards him by his collar " you f*****g stay away from her .if i find you anywhere near her. i'll kill you ." he shivered in fear and ran away. vincent turned towards me , i look into his deep blue eyes . i tried to not show anyone that i was scared . father took hold of my hand and said "princess , there's nothing to worry about . see we all are here . i'll never let anyone touch you ." he promised me and uncle agreed with him . i truly was lucky to have such an amazing father .

Everything was back to normal . I talked to a few businessmen whom I knew . We all sat in our respective chairs . our's and Radcliffe's family shared the same table . a glass of red wine was placed in front of me . i turned to refuse but saw Tony brought it . so i accepted it . tony never let me have any drink served from anyone other than him and suzi . enzo uncle asked everyonen for their attention . he appreciated his son's efforts and how proud he is of both of his sons.

"I thank everyone for gracing us with your presence on our happiness . now I would request everyone to join us for dinner . Thankyou." everyone headed towards the dining room . Uncle had arranged dinner for us in a private room . We sat in our chairs , everyone was chatting happily. Food was served to everyone . everyone was talking happily and having food . i cut my steak and ate a bite . i was about to puke my gut out , not because it was bad , it was nice, medium rare just as i like it but i have not been able to eat anything for weeks now . i think i should talk to dr william , it's high time now. my train of thoughts were disturbed by a vincent voice near my ears . " is there something wrong with the food amore. should i ask someone to bring something else ?" i turned towards him and gave him a smile . " no everything is fine , and the food is very delicious . it's just that i'm not hungry." i tried to eat few more bites . after 2 bites i was on the verge of puking . i stood up and excused to go to restroom . tony followed me towards the restroom . i closed the door behind me , and rushed towards the comode . everything i ate was out of my body . there was a knock on my door " bella is everything fine . " i didn't answer him and sat beside comode because i knew i was not done yet . " bella ? is something wrong ? tell me ? i'm coming in ok . if you don't answer i'll come in " tears stained my cheeks and the feeling returned i turned towards comode and threw up . i felt someone holding my hair back and rubbing my back . i didn't turn around coz i knew it was tony . when i was done . tony pulled me up and helped me wash my mouth . he turned me towards him and asked in a serious tone . "what's wrong bella . should i call dr henry or dr william ? should we go home ? hmm ? answer me bella ." i looked at him " i'm fine . it's just the alcohol i guess . i haven't eaten anything since morning and drank wine on empty stomach ." i tried to convince him it's nothing . but it was tony , he know's when i'm lying. " i don't believe that s**t . but fine . let's go home now . okay ? " i just nodded my head . i fixed my hair and makeup before heading out of the rest room. i walked towards my parents . father was talking to uncle enzo . i cleared my throat to get his attention. " father , i was thinking of heading back home now ." i can't tell him , that i'm not feeling well . if he come to know . he'll take me to hospital the next second . " it's about to get over soon princess .most of the guests are gone . let's wait for another half hr and we'll head home together ." " sure , father . i'll go talk to aunt ." i smiled and walked towards aunt .

aunt was telling me about vincent's childhood . she told me one time vincent pushed his younger brother liam in the lake , just because he asked him about the depth of the lake . he said find it yourself and pushed him . we were laughing , when mr salvator came towards us . just then tony and my other guards surrounded me and aunt . " calm down kids , i'm here to talk to mrs radcliffe not harm your princess ." he said in a disgusting way . aunt thought for a second and stepped forward a bit . he came closer and started talking to aunt . tony was on high alert because he didn't trust him . just then we heard aunt's scream . i turned around and saw aunt on floor and mr salvator in front of me . before i could do anything he had a knife around my throat . i was always know for my reflexes but today i couldn't protect myself . i saw my parents , aunt , uncle and vincent running towards us . as they approached us he pushed the knife deeper in my throat . blood started flowing down my throat . the itching started and my breath shallowed . i was finding it hard to breathe . my vision was getting blur . i could hear shots around me , nothing was clear around me . i couldn't recognize anyone voice . i felt something wet on the side of my neck and it travelled up near my ears . i'm gonna die now . i know it for sure . all the voices around me became distant . black dots covered my vision and i let it consume me whole . i was really tired of all of it . maybe it's my time . i felt like i was falling down but a pair of arms wrapped around me . last thing i rembered before loosing my consciousness was a sting in my arm.

everything was very quite . maybe i have died and going towards my afterlife . that why i feel like i'm floating on clouds. darkness again clouded my vision and i was in deep sleep again . this time when i woke up i heard some beeping sound near me and i could hear some people talking .

i tried to open my eyes but closed them again because light was too bright . i let out a groan and tried to open my eyes again . i blinked my eyes and tried to clear my vision . i heard someone calling my name , i turned and saw vincent looking at me with a worried expression on his face. i tried to sit up and vincent helped me . i saw he was wearing gloves . they had AS wriiten on them . they were my gloves . only my staff and parents have them . they are specially made for me . he might have taken one from tony or my father . he handed me a glass of water . i thanked him for saving me today . " how are you feeling my child ? is it burning anywhere ?" my father asked me in a worried tone . he had a disturbed look on his face. "i'm feeling fine father . nothing to worry about. i'll talk to dr william tomorrow." my father looked a lilttle relived by my answer . but he was still worried about me ,i can see it in hios eyes . before he could say anything aunt started crying and appologising to me saying,that it was all her fault . i tried to tell it wasn't her fault .

just then there was knock on the door . dr henry entered the room . he started doing someone checkups . dr henry is dr william's son , since dr william is not available all the time . so in his absence dr henry is my doctor . he knows everything about my illness . even my nighmares . i heard someone clearing their throat and saw dr henry giving me a look that say 'iknow what you are doing to yourself.' he turned towards my father and said . "everything is fine for now and she'll get discharge tomorrow . but there are few things that you need to take care of . for few days she should not overwork herself , she need to eat properly which she is not doing . am i right ashley ? i told you before didn't i ?" i started fidging with my fingers in nervousness . "anyways i'll talk to you guys tomorrow. have a nice evening everyone" as soon as he was out of the room . father rushed towards me and asked in worried tone " princess has it started again?tell me my child . is it the reason you are so worried ?you should have told us . since how long you are having that same nightmare again?" i think i should tell him the truth now . i looked in his eyes and answered honestly in low tone "2 months father" i heard my mother gasped , she walked towards me " you should have told us my child. charlie let's not send her to her mansion. let her stay with us plz." i snapped my head so fast towards my father that i almost broke it. i can't stay with anyone . my home is my safe place , my paradise . "no mother .i'm fine . i promise i'll take care of myself." i gave my father a pleading look beacuse only father can get me out of this mess. "i also don't want to leave you alone. but i also understand you want to stay alone and in your own space . so i'll not force you . but you have to tell me everything in the morning . for now we'll leave you to rest. " see that's why i love my father more . he understand me like no one has ever done . i thanked him and lie down. as soon as my back the bed , i was out like a light . all this trauma did took a troll on my body .

i heard the sound of water , it suddenly got very cold . i opened my eyes and saw i was in some kinda cave . i tried to get up but failed. i saw my hands and legs are tied . i got so scared , how did i even got here . just then i heard someone talking . 2 men came in , i asked for their help . they started laughing and taking off their clothes . oh no!no! this can't happen to me . i tried to shout loudly SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME . they were touching me everywhere and the next second my dress was lying on the floor . PLEASE DON'T DO THIS PLEASE . SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME !!! Suddenly, I felt pain in my lower body . OHH NO NO NO PLEASE . 'ASHLEY ! ASHLEY WAKE UP !!! PRINCESS WAKE UP PLEASE!!' someone was touching me . no please don't touch me . stay away no! no! i tried to get their hands off of me . PRINCESS IT'S DADDY PLEASE WAKE UP!

i opened my eyes and jolted awake . my vision was blurry due to tears . i felt something wet touch my lips i knew it was water But my body reacted differently . i pushed it away and heard sound of glass breaking . "princess , it's fine . see everyone is here ." my father was rubbing my back . i don't want anyone touching me anywhere . "don't touch me please stay away." my voice breaked as i said that . " princess it's me . daddy !" my father voice was quivering as he said that . i was just feeling their hands on my body . i started feeling itchy on my arms . i was scrathing them soo badly that it started bleeding . "no !no! stay away ." i kept on repeating that . a hand stopped my movement i looked up and saw vincent looking at me in concern and his eyes hold so much pain . i jerked his hands away and covered myself with my blanket ."ashley stop doing it . you are bleeding please stop it ." i want to be alone right now .

" leave please , i want everyone to leave me alone." my voice wavered . my father was about to say something but Vincent interrupted him, " no we can't leave you alone like this . We .." I was not able to breathe .my My breath laboured. i started seeing black dots in front of me . i knew he was saying something but i couldn't figure out what . i felt the walls were closing in . i was feeling so light headed . i heard some shouts beside me . and then i was engulfed in darkness .

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