2025-02-05 22:22:29A World Against Him
The man laughed and leaned back against the headboard, completely at ease in Ashton’s presence.
He looked as if he had already won.
"You poor, clueless fool,” he said, shaking his head with amusement. "I’m rich. And that means I can take whatever I want, including your girlfriend."
Ashton’s fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms, but the man continued to laugh.
“You kept failing every job interview, didn't you? Kept wondering why nothing was going your way?" He let out another laugh, shaking his head.
Ashton couldn't speak. He was speechless. The man seemed to know everything about him. Zoe had told him everything.
"That wasn’t just bad luck. I made sure every company you applied to turned you down. Money opens doors, but it also closes them."
Ashton’s entire body stiffened as the weight of the words sank in.
His failures, his crushed dreams, hadn’t been his fault. This man, lounging comfortably in his bed with Zoe, had orchestrated it all.
“What? You told the companies not to hire me?”
Zoe shifted in the sheets, her lips curling in amusement now that she saw his shock.
“Did you really think all those companies just didn’t want you?” She tilted her head mockingly.
Ashton felt his heart pounding. “What the hell are you saying?”
The man finally sat up, his smirk widening. “I paid them to turn you down.” He chuckled, stretching his arms. “You were never going to get a job, Ashton. Not when I had a say in it.”
Ashton’s entire body went cold.
This whole time. It wasn’t that he was unqualified. It wasn’t that he was unlucky. It was Zoe's lover. This arrogant, smirking bastard had deliberately crushed every single opportunity before he even had a chance.
“Why?” Ashton’s voice was hoarse, his throat dry.
The man shrugged. “Because I can.”
Ashton couldn't take the humiliation anymore.
He couldn't stand by and watch them tangled in each other's bodies and mocking him.
“Who are you?" The question slipped off his lips before he could stop it.
The man smirked arrogantly, “I mustn't introduce myself to a low life like you. Ok sure Zoe here knows who I am."
"You told him about all my struggles?” Ashton looked at Zoe, betrayed.
“Oh please, you're a nobody. You weren't going to achieve anything anyways."
Ashton balled his fist and turned to the man. “How dare you?! How dare you mess with my life all because of a girl!"
But Zoe's eyes widened as she realized that Ashton didn't even beg her, instead he referred to her casually.
“How dare you call me just a girl? I'm the best thing that could ever happen to your full life!"
The man sprang from the bed, “Watch your words, poor boy! I could get you beaten up for insulting Zoe."
Zoe smirked, “You don't have to do that, Clifford. He's just leaving."
Ashton watched her. Hoping for a second that he could see the love they once shared in her eyes. But it was blank. Nothing.
“I told you to leave!” she spat.
Ashton could barely process her words. “
“I won't watch you disrespect my man. Do you know who Clifford is?" she snapped. “This isn’t your house anymore, Ashton. You’re nothing.”
Nothing.
That word hit harder than anything she'd said.
Ashton took a shaky step back. His hands trembled as he stared at her, as he stared at the woman he had loved and given everything.
She had chosen Clifford.
Clifford lounged back with a satisfied smirk. “See, that’s the difference between us,” he said smoothly. “I have power. And because of that, she will always choose me.”
Zoe folded her arms. “We’re done, Ashton.”
Ashton swallowed the lump in his throat. His heart was tearing itself apart inside his chest.
Zoe’s lips curled cruelly. “You should leave before you embarrass yourself even more.”
Laughter.
Again, there was that mocking laughter as Clifford leaned back against the pillows, pulling Zoe onto his lap like she was his possession.
And maybe… maybe she had been all along.
Ashton couldn’t stand it. He turned away and walked out. Out of the room. Out of the apartment. Out of the life he had built.
Ashton was distraught. His whole life had just shattered in that room.
He had been betrayed by the woman he loved and his whole life had been manipulated by some rich bastard.
Broken, Ashton wandered aimlessly down the streets. His mind was blank, his body numb.
Ashton was still filled with rage when out of nowhere, he heard the loud roaring of engines and a screeching sound.
A fleet of luxury cars sped past him. Sleek, black, expensive. The kind of cars that he could never afford. .
People on the street turned to watch, murmuring in awe. They had never seen so many expensive vehicles moving together like this. It was like an entourage of kings.
Ashton looked in fascination and then suddenly, one car screeched to a stop tight in front of him.
It was so close that Ashton had to jump out of the way, missing the car by an inch.
Ashton froze as the door opened, and a man stepped out. An old graying man.
As
hton’s eyes widened as he gasped in recognition at once because had seen his face before.
He knew the old man.
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The Rise of Ashton Chapter Five
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The Rise of Ashton Chapter Six
Rags to Riches Ashton decided to head to the graduation party. He wasn't so excited about it before. But now, everything has changed. “I'm sure you're going to have fun, son,” Ashton's father had said as he handed him the card. Fun. That was a foreign concept to him. Ashton had been working all his life after college to get a job. Fun wasn't exactly on his list. "I guess I have what it takes to show up now,” Ashton murmured as he finally texted Liam that he was going to be at the party for sure. The gold card felt heavy in his pocket. He didn't have any limits. In fact, it felt like he'd been given a task. How could he spend so much money in one night?! He got dressed in an old suit, it wasn't anything expensive or grand but it was neat. “Where to?" The driver asked as the car rolled to a stop. “The biggest club in the city. We're having a party," he replied and the driver looked at him oddly through the rearview mirror.Clearly, Ashton didn't look like where he was going. The
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Seven
Rich or Not?Bella was shocked and Ashton didn't bother to tell her what he wanted the third time. Clearly, she's heard him, she was just surprised. “I…I haven't ever heard someone order so much drink at once,” she stuttered, avoiding his gaze. Ashton smirked, this was odd. But of course he had the money to pay and he would buy it. After all, he had a task to spend so much money. On hearing the drink that Ashton had ordered and how many bottles he needed, he suddenly hurried back to the counter. “Bella," he said with a frown, “don't you have something else to do inside? Something meant for low staff?" Bella blinked, a little lost and tried to explain what Ashton wanted. "Oh, don't worry, I'll attend to the gentleman, you shouldn't be serving important clients like him,” he said enthusiastically and nudged her aside. Bella stumbled a little, clutching her tray tightly as she glanced nervously between him and Ashton. “Hurry along," the bartender insisted and she nodded as she
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Eight
The Golden CardAshton 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 jealous
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Nine
Quest Storm“Huh?" Liam asked, wide eyed.Liam was his only friend but even he knew that Ashton wasn't worth such an amount of money. Ashton merely smiled and stared back at him quietly. “What are you playing at? We all know the most expensive drink isn't meant for the likes of you," Zoe snickered. The room went quiet for a short while and everyone turned to Ashton looking at him oddly. “He's just bragging!" One of the girls snapped. “Did you hear that?” one of his classmates jeered, nearly doubling over humorously. “A loser like him wants to buy the most expensive drink here? What’s next? I'm sure he’ll tell us he’s buying the whole building?” “Or that he's going to get us all a bunch of new cars!" Another voice interrupted. “He certainly can’t even afford a loaf of bread in such a posh party, let alone a hundred bottles of anything!” The mockery got even worse as it spread across the party and before long, everyone was laughing and taunting Ashton. Ashton didn't respond.
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Ten
A Lottery Ashton watched as Zoe began to taunt him, saying that there is no way he can pay for even a bottle of such drink. “Last I checked, your drinks are worth 10,000 dollars per bottle. How on earth do you expect this loser to pay for even one of such bottles, talk more of ten." Zoe laughed and threw her head back. Clifford stuck his tongue out at Ashton, "You shouldn't have showed up here, man, you shouldn't have even tried to lie to us.” "Yeah! What told you to lie to us, Ashton. Do we look like fools?” Another student asked. But Liam glared at all of them. "We haven't heard from the waitress yet, why don't you all allow her to speak?" Bella was still before the crowd, nervously clutching the golden card in her hands. Then, she spoke, her voice trembling but audible enough to be heard through the noise. “I’m sorry for the delay,” she began, glancing at the crowd before focusing on Ashton. “It’s not that the card bounced or anything like that.” “Let me guess, he stole th
The Rise of Ashton Chapter Eleven
A Revelation The party was finally over and Ashton was on his way home. The drink had been delivered and most of the students at the graduation party were all drunk. But Ashton didn't didn't touch the drink and he kept himself sober. Finally, he arrived home after saying goodbye to Liam who was still stunned at his display of wealth. “I don't know how you did it, man," Liam smirked, "But you sure shut up that bitch and I'm sure she won't be so eager to throw her new toy in your face.” Ashton smiled. Zoe had just gotten the disgrace she deserved and it turned out that Clifford wasn't as extravagant as she'd wanted them all to think. "Yeah, man. I'm glad we all had a good time,” he replied and Liam got into the cab and left. Ashton was back at the luxury mansion where he'd met his father. It was beautiful and he still marveled at it. As he stepped through the front door, he couldn't help but think what else his father would ask of him. It had been one hell of night trying to s
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Chapter Seventy one
The Reunion The elevator hummed softly as it descended, the low mechanical whirr barely masking the hammering in Ashton's chest. He kept his posture relaxed, his fingers resting lightly against his hip where his newly acquired gun was tucked beneath his jacket.The blonde in the sun hat maintained her gaze, an almost lazy amusement in her expression as she took him in.Ashton knew what she was. But he had to play along, the lobby was filled with eyes and he didn't want to endanger anyone. "Nice day for a stroll, don’t you think?" she mused, tilting her head slightly as she drew closed to him. Ashton remained silent. He didn’t like playing with ladies. He was well trained to respect women. The two men flanking the women shifted subtly, positioning themselves to box him in.He noticed when they slowly surrounded him but still, he wasn't alarmed. He forced himself to exhale evenly, calming his expression. If he reacted too soon, they'd have him. If he waited too long, he’d be dead.
Chapter Seventy
Marked for DeathMorning came slow. The night that passed was the longest of Ashton's life. Every time he woke up, he could almost hear his brother's voice right in the hotel room. His dreams were plagued with his face. Was he dead? Was his ghost now haunting him? “Bloody hell!" He swore as he slammed his hands down on the alarm clock and jerked up. What was the alarm for anyway? He couldn't even recall. Sighing, he padded out of bed and went to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee. Celeste and Carter had both left him yesterday with more questions than answers. But the good thing was that they offered to help him. Or at least that's how he understood it. Celeste was convinced that they had a common enemy and he didn't know why. But so far, he knew how influential the Monroe family was and that they could help him. So, he was in. After getting his coffee, Ashton sat in the dim motel room, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts all over the place. The events of the past 24 hou
Chapter Sixty nine
Breaking Point"Stay with me," Ashton growled, shaking him. "Stay with me, damn it!" Augustine coughed, blood flecking his lips. His fingers weakly grasped at Ashton’s sleeve. "I’m fine," he muttered, though his voice was barely above a whisper. "Just...a scratch..." A scratch? That was a goddamn bullet wound, and Augustine was slipping away. Before Ashton could react, the masked men snapped into action. "Move! Take them!" Ashton watched in shock as the men got out of the van and tried to grab him and Augustine. Ashton fought with all he had. Punches. Kicks, blows, everything he had. But he was outnumbered sixteen to one. The odds were against him on every side. "We're taking him now!" the man barked, holding Ashton off despite how much he fought. Two men rushed forward lifting Augustine’s limp body from Ashton’s grasp. "Don’t take him!" Ashton snapped, his voice raw, "you cowards!”At this same time, the roar of new engines added to the chaos on the bridge. Headlights s
Chapter Sixth eight
Trapped on the BridgeThe men didn't stop chasing them as they rushed into the car, finding a way to reverse out of the parking lot of the school. Ashton sprinted toward the abandoned lot. His legs burned, his breath came in ragged gasps, and behind him, the sound of rapid footsteps and gunfire echoed through the school’s quiet lot. Augustine was right behind him, and for once, neither of them had the time to argue. "Get to the car!" Augustine shouted. Ashton didn’t need to be told twice. His eyes locked onto the sleek black sedan they had driven in, parked near the rusting chain link fence. The engine was off, but the keys were still inside. They just had to get there. Another gunshot rang out. Ashton ducked, cursing under his breath. "Who the hell are these people?!" "No idea," Augustine grunted. "But they sure as hell aren’t here to say hi!" That alone was obvious and it made Ashton even more upset. How many times did he have to duck a bullet in one month? It was be
Chapter Sixty seven
The Forgotten YearsMemory lane? Ashton didn't know why that sounded oddly too familiar considering his circumstances. Did Augustine know how horribly confused he felt? Did he know anything more about Veronica than he was letting on? The car ride was long and silent, the hum of the engine the only sound filling the space between them. Ashton clenched his jaw, glancing at Augustine, who was focused on the road ahead, his expression giving nothing away. “Where are we going?” Ashton finally asked, breaking the silence. “You’ll see,” Augustine said simply. “That’s not an answer.” “It’s the only one you’re getting right now.” Ashton exhaled sharply and turned to the window, watching the landscape blur past. He wasn’t armed, and the realization left him on edge. But as he sized up Augustine, he reassured himself, if it came down to a fight, he could take him. Years of taekwondo and self-defense training weren’t for nothing. But he hoped he didn't have to fight his brother. H
Chapter Sixty six
BlankAshton stepped out of the Blackwell Hospital, his breath misting in the cold night air. His heart was still racing, though not from adrenaline anymore. It was the intensity of what he had just uncovered, all the lies, the betrayal, the lengths to which his father had gone to erase his mother from existence. “Wicked old goose!" He hissed as he got to the car park. He clenched his jaw, shoving his hands into his coat pockets as he made his way to his car. The truth had been there all along, just waiting for him to uncover it. His mother had been abandoned. Denied medical treatment. Left to suffer because Frederick Reed had deemed her unworthy. Ashton got into the car and slammed the door shut. Carter looked at him through the rearview mirror. “Where to, sir?" Ashton hissed, “home.x The ride was silent as they drove back to the Reed estate. Thankfully, Carter didn't ask questions. He wasn't ready to answer anyways. His mind was a storm, torn between anger and a cold reso
Chapter Sixty five
A Mother's Heartthrob The speed on the motorbike was exceptional. The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and red as the motorcycle tore through the streets. The cold night air bit at Ashton’s skin, but he barely noticed. His focus was locked on the darkened roads ahead, on the wind whipping past his face, and on the woman maneuvering the bike with impressive speed. Behind them, the men that pursued from the house had vanished into the distance, but Ashton didn’t let his guard down. He still had his gun in hand as he twisted his head slightly, scanning the streets. No headlights, no black vans. Had they really shaken them? Even if they seemed to be out of immediate danger, Rovan didn’t slow down. She weaved through the lonely road with the confidence of someone who had done this a hundred times before. Every sharp turn, every sudden swerve sent adrenaline coursing through Ashton’s veins. It was reckless. It was dangerous. But so far, Rovan seemed to know what she was
Chapter Sixty four
The Badass Rovan Ashton took the flash drive from Rovan’s outstretched hand, his fingers tightening around it as he studied her. The dim street light outside barely illuminated her face, but he could see the slight skepticism in her eyes, the kind of look that belonged to someone who had lived on the run for too long. “This isn’t enough,” he said flatly. “If you want me to believe you, I need more.” “You should be glad I'm giving this to you. You'd never be able to find out what happened to your sister otherwise." Ashton looked at her and then the flash in his hands, “Frankly, I don't care." Then he flipped the flash drive in his hands, “I need information and I know you have it." Rovan sighed, shoving her hands into the pockets of her dark coat. “We can’t talk here. It’s not safe.” “Then take me where we can talk." Rovan looked at him like he'd just lost his bloody mind. “I think you're missing something here. I'm helping you, you aren't in the right place to make demands
Chapter Sixty three
A Messenger “Sir, we found out that the elevator was being tampered with," one of the security men said. Ashton sighed and shook his head. “I'm sure it's nothing, just make sure the lights don't go out again.” “Sir, you don't understand, you might have been in danger in there, I think we were breached." This was the part that he didn't want to deal with. He didn't want anyone snooping around just in case they found the Irish woman. She'd gone through so much stress to warn him. "Don't bother, I'm fine. Don't push it.” He warned sternly and then left them all stunned. As Ashton made his way toward the executive wing, a voice called out behind him. “Mr. Reed! Sir, if I could just have a moment of your time.” Ashton barely slowed down. He hoped no one would get nosey and ask about the elevator. He wasn't about to tell anyone what happened in there. A young man,no older than twenty-seven, hurried after him, his eyes were gleaming with enthusiasm. The ID clipped to his blazer re
