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I kept running until finally I stopped and leaned against a nearby lamp post, tears slipping down my cheeks in silent rebellion.
My stomach churned with disgust, not just at what I’d seen but at the life I’d lived for years–clinging to someone who never really chose me.
Elena‘ s laughter rang faintly in my ears. If she hadn’t left years ago, I would‘ ve not even had a place on Ace’s side.
His family scorned me, his friends hated me, and now, even my former colleagues took Elena’s side. Even when I gave up on him, I still had to deal with this.
My tears blurred the sidewalk in front of me, and I let them fall.
I could hear footsteps behind me, startled and alarmed I turned around to see who it
was.
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Asher?
“Again?” I furrowed my eyebrows as I shot him a hard stare, I didn’t know how but Asher always showed up in
embarrassing moments.
There he stood in his usual pose, his hands casually shoved into his coat pockets. “Are you following me?” I snapped, wiping my face with the back of my hand. “Are you stalking me?”
in He rolled his eyes. “Calm dowm. It was your brother who gave me your location. He asked me to check on you since your weren’t answering your phone.”
I flushed with embarrassment, the heat lrising to my cheeks. “Oh.”
He stepped closer, his sharp gaze softening slightly as he studied me. “Are you fine?”
I turned away, shaking my head. “Do I look fine?”
Asher let out a sigh. “Do you need help?”
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My first instinct was to shake my head, to tell him I didn’t need anyone, but I hesitated. Maybe I did. I didn’t want to, but I did.
“Yes,” I said finally.
I need to know how all this gossip started. The gossip, the hate… Ace‘ s family, his friends, even his colleagues. Why did they hate me so much?
I knew just the perfect person to get information from, Dave.
“Can you please drive me somewhere?” I
asked looking up at Asher.
Asher studied me for a moment, then nodded. “Alright,” he said simply.
“Let s go.
Asher s car rolled to a stop outside Dave’s house, and I sat frozen for a moment, my hands clenched into fists.
Without a word, I pushed the door open
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and stepped out, slamming it shut behind
- me.
“Ashley-” Asher called out.
“Please just stay here,” I replied and didn’t look back as I marched toward the door.
When Dave saw me, he was instantly going to shut the door on me but I grabbed it tightly, not allowing him to.
“What the fuck are you doing?”
“I just have a question. After that I’d leave.”
“Are you fucking crazy? Did you look at the time?”
“Just one question.”
He frowned, giving up. “Say it quickly.”
“I want to know why you hate me. Why do all of you hate me? What did I ever do to deserve this?”
I refuse to believe that I’d get this hate
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because of nothing.
“Are you joking?”
“Answer.” I remained firm.
“Fine, you want an answer, right? Then listen. You’re just a scheming little bitch. You’re the one who broke Ace and Elena up.”
I laughed. “Are you being serious? Are you a child? I got into a relationship with Ace. only after they broke up! Is it wrong for me to do so? How the heck did I break them apart?”
He laughed. “You expect me to believe that? Ace told us everything. He told us that you’re the reason that they broke up, and Ace fell for your lies, and married you. He said that you’re the one who always bothered them, and Elena broke up because she was insecure. It was all because of you that Ace was so unhappy!”
I stumbled back a step, my breath catching in my throat. “Ace… said that?”
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“You think? So, don’t pretend to be nice. I just don’t know why Ace hasn’t divorced you yet. He shouldn’t have even married you. If it wasn’t because you looked a bit like Elena, Ace wouldn’t even give you a fuck. You know what, Ace hates you.”
I stared at him, my vision blurring as tears welled up my eyes. I felt a sudden pain on my stomach and I instantly clutched myself.
It had always been Ace. He was the one who spread the lies. He had painted me as the villain. And everyone believed him.
But, why? Why? I was his wife. So, why did he even lie about that? In these years, did he ever show me a bit of sincerity?
I turned and left without another word, my legs heavy as I made my way back to the car. My mind raced with everything Dave had just said.
As I climbed into the passenger seat, I shut. the door with trembling hands. Asher
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glanced at me, “Are you okay?” he asked softly.
I stared ahead, my lips pressed into a thin line. I couldn’t speak, couldn‘ t process.
After a moment, he shifted in his seat. “I had something to tell you, but now…
I looked at him for a moment, with no expression. I had no idea how to react.
“What is it?”
He sighed. “Your brother was investigating when he found something. Elena spread some rumours.”
I sneakered. “What?”
I repeated. “What did she say?”
“She spread that you bullied her in college, and you’re the one who broke her and Ace up.
I paused for a moment then a bitter laugh escaped my lips. Before I could stop it, tears streamed down my face.
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Why? Why did they do it? What did I ever do to them? Ace… Why?
I thought of numerous reasons why he lied to everyone about me all of these years, but there was no perfect reason. I couldn’t find out why he would do this.
Asher caressed my hair gently when I wrapped him tighter, pouring my emotions.
out.
For the first time in so long, I felt comfort and a sense of safety.
And for now, that was enough.
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