The Rise of Ashton

Chapter One

A Bitter Anniversary

Ashton Reed had everything mapped out. A promising future, a degree from a prestigious college, and a girlfriend he’d been with for three years, Zoe Matthews. 

Today, of all days, was supposed to be the day it all came together.

He was a step closer to landing his dream job in finance. But there was one glaring issue. Despite his intelligence, his hard work, his effort, he had failed every single job interview so far.

He couldn’t figure it out. What was wrong? 

He knew he was qualified, more than qualified. The initial phone calls were full of promise but when it came time for the interviews, it all fell apart. Something wasn’t clicking. Each time he walked out of a corporate office, his hands were shaking. 

How could he give his girl the life she deserved? 

That morning had been no different. 

The hiring manager, a middle-aged man with cold eyes, barely glanced at Ashton’s resume. Instead, he skimmed through it with a sigh before firing off questions that had no real connection to Ashton’s qualifications. 

“So, tell me, Ashton, why do you think you’re a good fit for this role?”

Ashton answered as confidently as he could. “I’m eager to learn, I’m results-driven, and I’m passionate about helping companies thrive. I believe I can bring value to your team.”

The manager scoffed, “Who cares about your passion? You're a nobody, Ashton Reed, your fancy degree is useless here.” 

Shocked, Ashton was too dumbfounded to speak. What had he said wrong? 

Ashton’s heart dropped, but he forced himself to stay calm. “I believe I can adapt quickly, I'll do all you need me to.”

"Listen, prestigious people come to our company,” the man looked at him disdainfully. “There's no opening for a low class man like you. Just leave my office." He sneered and gestured at the door. 

That was it. That was all. The interview was over. 

As he closed the door, he could hear the manager get on the phone with someone. “Don't worry, he's been dismissed." He said. 

Ashton didn't know what that meant. But once again, he was dismissed without so much as a handshake, his hopes of landing the job dashed. 

He left the building, feeling distraught. Today was his anniversary with Zoe. They'd been together for two years.

He hadn’t been able to surprise her with anything extravagant, but the cake he had in mind would mean something. 

He rang her up, about to announce that he was coming home early to celebrate. But she didn't pick up. 

Ashton tried again, tapping the screen impatiently. The phone rang and rang, but she didn’t pick up. “Must be busy,” he muttered to himself,l. 

Walking into a nearby pastry shop, Ashton was excited as he approached the counter. 

A friendly young waiter greeted him.

“How can I help you today?” the waiter asked.

“I’m looking for something special,” Ashton said, beaming. “It’s my girlfriend’s anniversary today, and I want to get her something that will make her smile.” 

“That's very thoughtful. She must be very lucky." 

He glanced at the selection of cakes behind the glass. “Something fancy. She’s a fan of chocolate.”

“Ah, I’ve got just the thing,” the waiter said enthusiastically, reaching for a chocolate cake. “This one’s got a rich, velvety frosting. It’s our best seller.”

Ashton smiled weakly, nodding. “Perfect. I’ll take it. I’m sure she’ll love it.” He handed over his card, and the waiter quickly packaged the cake, placing it carefully in a box.

It was expensive. But he'd saved up a long time just to treat her to something nice. 

He left the shop with the cake in hand, a small victory in an otherwise disappointing day. 

When he arrived home, the first thing he noticed was the strange car parked in the front yard. 

It was an expensive Rolls Royce and he hadn't ever seen such a brand in their quiet neighborhood. 

He shook his head, pushing the strange feeling aside as he dropped his bag on the couch. Zoe’s keys were still in the bowl by the door. She must have been home.

Then, he heard it, he heard the unmistakable sound of a man’s voice. 

Ashton was startled. He couldn't exactly hear what he said but it was a deep baritone that sounded nothing like Zoe's melodious voice. 

“Zoe?" He called out softly as he made his way up the stairs into the hallway. 

Who had parked the car outside? Who was in their home? Did she have a work colleague over? 

These thoughts played in his head as he marched to their bedroom door. 

And that was when he heard another sound. 

It belonged to Zoe. She was laughing heartily. 

Ashton’s heart skipped a beat, but he shook his head again, trying to convince himself it was nothing. 

Maybe she was on the phone with a friend, or maybe it was a TV show. But the sounds grew louder and more distinct. 

Then he recalled the car in the front yard. Zoe was home. But she wasn't alone. 

Ashton shook and the cake wobbled in his hands as he heard the unmistakable sound of moaning. 

He moved cautiously toward the bedroom, every instinct telling him to turn around, to leave, but his feet wouldn’t obey. 

Ashton’s hand shook as he reached for the door. He could hear Zoe’s voice now, a soft gasp and a very loud moan. 

“You're a naughty little minx!" A deep baritone voice laughed. 

"I'm your minx, baby. You get me so wet,” Zoe replied and moaned dramatically. 

Ashton couldn't breathe. How could this be happening on their anniversary? In their home.

“Come on, what do you think your loser boyfriend is doing right now?" The masculine voice asked mockingly. 

Zoe laughed heartily and replied, “What else can a loser be doing?" 

“That’s right, getting rejected by another manager," the man chuckled. 

They knew about his rejection. They were making a mockery of him. 

Ashton had heard enough and he flung the door open. 

Right there was Zoe on the bed, completely naked, with

a man draped around her, their sweaty bodies plastered. 

The cake fell off and landed messily on the floor.