The Unpredicted Ascendance Of Ashton Pearce

CONFRONTING THE FUTURE

Ashton walked back to his apartment feeling an unexpected lightness. The conversation with Rebecca had brought a feeling of closure and clarity of some sort that he hadn't anticipated. Yet, as satisfying as it was to resolve old issues, he knew that it was only the beginning of dealing with his tangled emotions.

Inside his apartment, he was greeted by the silence of his living room. He made himself a sandwich and settled on the couch, pulling out his phone. For a moment, he stared at it, debating whether to call Thomas and share the update. Instead, he opted to send a quick text.

"Talked to Rebecca. Went well. Will fill you in later."

He set the phone aside and took a bite of his sandwich, letting his thoughts wander. Despite the progress with Rebecca, his mind kept drifting back to Elizabeth. He couldn't shake the image of her waking up in his bed, the confusion and awkwardness of that morning, and the unresolved feelings that lingered between them.

His phone buzzed with a reply from