The Rise of Ashton

Chapter Eight

The Golden Card

Ashton leaned against the counter, his expression cold, though the disdain was clearly on his face. 

He didn’t need to say much; he’d seen enough to understand exactly what kind of people Zoe and Clifford were. 

Their mockery, their laughter, it didn’t hurt him. It just disgusted him.  

“Why don't you leave, punk! No one believes your lies!” 

But Ashton didn't reply. He just walked off. 

The club slowly began to fill as more of Ashton’s classmates arrived. One by one, they filtered in, dressed in designer suits and cocktail dresses. 

They were loud and cheerful as they greeted one another. Yet, despite the growing crowd, no one approached Ashton. They barely even glanced his way.  

Except for Liam.  

Liam pushed through the crowd and walked directly to Ashton. “Hey, man,” he called out. 

“What’s their problem? Acting like they don’t see you. It’s ridiculous.”  

Ashton shrugged, his eyes scanning the room. “It’s not surprising. They’ve always been like this, all jealousy.”  

Ian scoffed. “Jealousy is an understatement. You were the best student in our class. Top grades, top athlete, and let’s not forget, your girlfriend.” 

He stopped himself, his eyes darting to Zoe across the room, “was the most beautiful girl in school. They hated that you had it all.”  

Ashton smirked faintly. “Had it all, huh? Look where that got me.”  

Liam scoffed. “Don’t start with that. You worked hard for everything you had.”  

“Let it go,” Ashton interrupted, his tone calm but firm.  

Liam clenched his fists but nodded. He respected Ashton too much to push further.  

But as the night continued and more people began to mingle, it became obvious that Ashton and Zoe, the perfect couple, weren't together anymore. 

Ashton noticed that the dudes were all excited to know that Ashton was dumped, it was somehow a compensation for their not standing a chance with Zoe. 

“I bet they can see her with her new man dog," Ashton hissed lowly, glaring at Zoe who was speaking to a small group and casting glances at him. 

Liam looked at him and arched a brow, “She should be ashamed for losing you. But the other way around.” 

“Well, it doesn't seem that way. She's talking down on me right now, I see how she's staring at him." 

“Oh please! You did everything for that girl. She should be ashamed." Liam insisted. 

But just as they were discussing, Ashton heard his name from behind. “Hey, Ashton,” one of them said, a thin, fake smile plastered on his face. “Long time no see.”  

Ashton raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, long time.”  

Another student chimed in, a girl with overly styled hair and too much perfume. “So, we heard about and Zoe. Tough break.”  

It wasn’t sympathy they were offering him, it was a front row seat to his embarrassment.  

Ashton was pissed but he remained calm. “You heard, huh? Must be a slow night if my personal life’s the highlight of your conversations.”  

Liam, however, couldn’t hold back. “Why don’t you all mind your own business? Or is Ashton the only thing keeping your pathetic lives interesting?”  

The group exchanged uneasy glances. One of them scoffed and crossed his arms. “Come on, Liam. We’re just trying to check on our old friend. No harm in that.”  

“Friend?” Ian snapped. “You never spoke to him unless you needed something. Don’t act like you care now.”  

Before anyone could respond, Zoe and Clifford sauntered over. 

“Awwnnn, Liam,” she said mockingly. “Always the loyal sidekick. It’s almost cute.”  

Liam glared at her, but it was Ashton she addressed next. “So, Ashton,” she began, “how about you tell us all, how’s life treating you? Still chasing those big dreams of yours?”  

Clifford laughed, his arm tightening around her waist. “Big dreams? More like pipe dreams. What are you even doing here, Ashton? You’re clearly out of your league.”  

“You have his left over, man, try not to be so proud." Liam snapped at Clifford. 

Clifford looked hurt but he tried to play it off with a smirk.

Zoe, noticing that her new man was upset, quickly tried to massage his ego. “Left over? I was never yours to start with, Ashton. You're lucky I even agreed to share my life with you!" 

Liam crossed his arms. “Of course. He graduated top of the class and you had to rub off his fame and prestige then, huh?" 

Zoe picked her nails dramatically and flipped her hair, “You can't tell me whom to date, Liam. Instead, advise your loser friend to step up. Or leave, he'll never be worth seeing in places like this.” 

“Hey, Zoe is pretty. She can have anyone she wants," one of the students said. He'd always had a huge crush on Zoe and was hoping she'd finally notice him. 

Zoe nodded, pleased. "Of course he didn't deserve me! I left for someone better!” 

Then she went closer to Clifford and kissed him right in front of the crowd. 

“Let’s not pretend, Ashton. You’re jobless, aren’t you? A total loser now. Why shouldn’t I find someone who can actually take care of me?”  

Liam snapped at her, “That’s enough,” he growled. “You don’t know half of what he’s been through, so keep your mouth shut.”  

Zoe smirked. “Oh, I know enough. He’s broke, useless, and still clinging to whatever scraps of pride he has left. Am I wrong?”  

Everyone laughed and began to whisper behind him. They were agreeing with Zoe. 

“Yeah, she's pretty. She deserves better!" 

"If you're jobless then you can't afford a girl like Zoe. Stop shaming yourself and go get a job!” 

Their voices were all aimed at humiliating him. Now they weren't jealous of his perfect life, they began to mock him. 

Ashton couldn't stand the insanity anymore. He had to silent them and at once, he thought of the card in his pocket. 

“Waiter!” Ashton’s voice rang out. 

The same girl from earlier, Bella, hesitated before approaching. She looked nervous as she stood before him.  

“Yes, sir?” she asked quietly.  

Ashton reached into his pocket and pulled out the golden card. Without a word, he tossed it in front of her.  

“Bring me one hundred bottles of your most expensive drink, right now!”