"Can you tell me who's really cheating in this circle? Men are out here seeking sex and I'm just looking to get money for free. You’ve only been in the industry for a short while, but trust me, you’ll understand it all once you've seen the world."
"Geez, you're amazing. Is Davis Miller outside? Can you take me to see him now?"
"Heh! I was with him just last month. He's got a great figure and his face is just as handsome. But tonight, it's Mr. Lewis who invited me here. Who do you want me to accompany? You can tell me later. Behave yourself and try to catch Mr. Liam’s attention."
The sound of high heels gradually faded as Ashlyn received another text message on her phone.
[Commercial shooting starts at 70,000 and the shooting location and details can be customized as needed. We’re all in the same circle, so we can discuss the details in person.]
Ashlyn stared at the sultry portrait in the message, her expression blank. Her vision began to blur.
After a long time moment, she stood up and went to find Davis. She told him that her mother was not feeling well and wanted to go home, asking him to take her back.
This felt like a transaction, dirty and repulsive. However, if Davis was willing to go back with her, it would mean his conscience still lingered somewhere and maybe she could find some comfort in that.
Too bad, Davis hesitated.
Ashlyn smiled, as soft and gentle as ever. "Then I'll go back first. Remember, don’t drink too much. The D family's offline event is coming up soon, so you can't afford to have a swollen face."
"I got it, baby. You are helping me a lot by stopping me from drinking. I promise I won’t drink anymore. Let’s pick out a wedding dress tomorrow. Just wait for me at home! Kiss me goodbye before you go…"
Ashlyn pulled back before his kiss could reach her lips. She walked swiftly, not wanting to stay for even a second longer.
Fireworks exploded again in the garden while several men laughed, their arms around the women beside them.
Under the brilliant bloom of the fireworks, everyone smiled brightly, but Ashlyn could not bring herself to enjoy the fleeting beauty.
She forced herself to stay alert.
The driver was waiting outside and once she got into the car, Ashlyn let herself sink into the seat, her head resting against the window. Exhaustion and nausea overcame her and she felt as though she might vomit, but nothing came. In desperation, she thought of calling Lindsey to ask for some stomach medicine.
It was then that Ashlyn realized her phone was missing. It must have been left behind in her haste and anger when she stormed out of the bathroom earlier.
Frustrated, she instructed the driver to turn back.
But if life could be rewound, Ashlyn would have given anything to tear her eyes out the moment before she entered that bathroom.
She had seen Davis, his shirt unbuttoned, with several red lip prints scattered across his chest. He was staggering, clearly intoxicated and barely able to stand, relying on Jonathan’s support.
"Davis, you're so good to her that even I would be jealous. We’re so close, but you’ve never peeled a shrimp for me."
Jonathan teased, glancing at Davis’s chest while tugging at his shirt with a half-smile. "You’ve been working out a lot lately. Your figure’s looking better than ever."
"If you want me to peel the shrimp, just say the word! You’re my boss. I’ll peel whatever you want, without question!"
"You really know how to speak nicely. Aren't you worried about making Ashlyn angry?"
"What do I have to fear? With you, I don’t need any other resources!"
"You’re so sweet, man. Go upstairs now. Let me show you something new today."
Davis was drunk and staggered upstairs as Jonathan helped him. He did not notice Ashlyn standing silently behind them, her face ashen.
Ashlyn was barely aware of how she managed to retrieve her phone or how she even made it out of the villa.
At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to disappear quietly from this world.
But now, her thoughts were consumed with the idea of ruining Davis!
The dim lights of the old community flickered in the late night as Ashlyn stumbled, tripping twice at the entrance and down the stairs in her distraught state.
By the time morning came, her ankles were swollen and bruises covered her arms.
When Davis saw her injuries in a video the next day, he rushed to her side.
