AFTER ONE NIGHT

CHAPTER 4

• HEARTBROKEN •

It's been six months since Ashley moved in with billionaire CEO Elliott Sanchez and became a stay-at-home wife. She had resisted at first, but he insisted it was part of the contract and claimed her job was pointless. "No way. My wife won't work for anybody, not even me, and that's final," he had said with affection, clearly looking out for her.

Life has been good; her bills are paid, and Maggie, her mom, is getting better after her stroke. They have attended big events together as Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez, traveled to beautiful places, and Ashley is finally living her dream.

At first, it was hard for her to adjust to her new life as the wife of a billionaire. She hardly knew Elliott and remembered their awkward beginning. Over time, she adapted and loosened up since Elliott also made an effort to help her feel comfortable. His tough exterior was just a front; he was genuinely caring, which amused her.

He showed her off in public, treated her like royalty, and showered her with affection. Soon, the lines blurred between their fake marriage and reality. Exploring her body and pleasing her sexually became his pastime.

Ashley realized she was taking a risk by falling in love with Elliott, but she couldn't stop herself. Although he claimed their marriage was merely contractual and meant to fulfill his father's wishes, they both developed real feelings. That was two months ago. Now, she valued what they had and believed he felt the same way. He had never given her a reason to doubt him, and she kept their marriage a secret, telling no one, not even Katy, who kept asking questions after Ashley stopped going to the office, likely thinking she had been fired.

It was a lovely evening in Elliott's mansion, perhaps more beautiful than others, because her man was home. Ashley lay on the king-sized bed, waiting for her husband, who was currently on a business call in his home office. They had just finished dinner, and Elliott had excused himself to take an important call.

As she lay there, she smiled, recalling the previous night. Elliott had pampered her into a peaceful sleep after an intense lovemaking session that left her breathless and completely satisfied. Though their contract stated they wouldn't develop feelings, they had succumbed to temptation and indulged in their desires.

Ashley never attempted to resist; she knew she couldn’t have, not with how her body reacted to him and the way he gazed at her, his look full of sinful promises.

Thinking back on those memories ignited her desire, causing her to caress her breasts, feeling them tighten. A soft moan escaped as she turned to her side, the silk of her nightdress brushing against her skin. Biting her lower lip, she let her hand wander below.

Suddenly, the bedroom door slid open, and Elliott walked in, pulling her attention away from her fantasies.

"Hey, handsome..." Ashley whispered seductively, revealing her thoughts with a smile as she sat up, her eyes locked on him. Elliott closed the distance, kissed her forehead, stroked her cheek, and returned her smile.

"Did I keep you waiting, my love?" He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and kissed her neck, sending shivers down her spine.

"Not really," she replied shyly as Elliott slowly kissed her, his warm breath sending her heart racing. She moaned softly, relishing his warmth. When she tried to deepen the kiss, as they often did, he pulled back.

This was unusual; Elliott had never turned down her advances before. He usually seemed excited to get intimate. What was wrong? She wondered silently, watching him remove his t-shirt and pants, leaving only his boxers before joining her on the bed.

Maybe he was stressed from work and needed to rest, she thought, resting her head on his chest. But his body was still tense.

Elliott was never quiet in bed, which heightened her worries. It felt like he was there but somewhere else too. Did he no longer find her attractive?

Popping her head up to get a closer look, she noticed that familiar look of concern she dreaded. Something was definitely wrong.

"Are you okay...baby?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

"Yeah," he whispered, turning away from her.

Though their relationship had started as a contract, they had grown closer as they explored each other's bodies. This man was hers, but being shut out was heartbreaking. She had already endured silent treatment in her relationship with Anthony and feared history would repeat itself.

"You know I can't sleep like this?" she said, almost in tears. "What's wrong? Did I do something?"

"Hmm. You really...really want to know?"

"Please."

There was an unsettling silence before he spoke again.

"I'm in love with someone else, and my heart belongs to her. I really don’t think we should..."

"You're...what!?"

"Let me finish, Ashley!" he snapped, catching her off guard.

What? How could he say that? He hadn’t called her by name in a long time. Was this a joke?

"Her name is Elena, and I've always loved her. It’s time we end this. You were my rebound, but now Elena and I have worked things out, and I won't let anyone or anything come between us again."

His words felt alien to Ashley, as if he were speaking another language. She struggled to understand, "Rebound... El... Elena, could you please explain!?"

"You heard me, Ashley. Elena is back in Houston, and we've been seeing each other for a couple of weeks."

A couple of weeks?

Now it all made sense. The calls she thought were for work, the weekend trips—those were for Elena? How could she have been so naive? She had even ignored the soft, feminine scent on him lately.

"Is this you breaking up with me?" Ashley asked slowly, her heart racing as fear gripped her.

"It is what it is, Ashley. Remember our contract? You knew the terms, right?"

His words shattered her heart. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Quietly, she pulled away, needing space, her body trembling.

"Everything went according to plan. I’ve fulfilled my father’s wishes and taken over his business, so there’s no need for a pretend wife. I need a real wife by my side."

Could it get worse?

Hearing him say that felt like a dagger in her heart. How had she thought this man shared her feelings, that he loved her? It had only ever been business for him, using her until he could finally let her go.

Ignoring her pain, Elliott continued, "I'll keep my promise. You'll get your money, in full, not just for the six months we've spent together. But there's one condition: you must leave this city and start a new life elsewhere. I have a reputation to protect, and I don't want my business in public. You should know better than to mess with me, Ashley Bricks."

Initially heartbroken, her rage now bubbled over. "You think," she bit her lip, swallowing back the words she wanted to say, holding onto what little pride she had left. She had been deceived again but couldn't entirely blame him. She had agreed to be part of his secret and had allowed him to lead her into a love that had never existed.

"Tomorrow, I'll arrange a taxi for you, your flight tickets will be ready, and your money will be transferred. Make sure I never see you in this city again."

Ashley stood up, unable to tolerate his presence any longer. She swallowed the thousand things she wanted to say, knowing they wouldn't change anything.

"It's fine. I'll take my pay and leave tomorrow."

She didn’t expect a response, but his silence hurt even more as she left the room, heading to the guest room for the night while fighting back tears.

She couldn't cry in front of him. She couldn’t afford to.