34

Paige

"Where the hell are you Ashley Bennet?" Stella scolded through the phone.

"I'm tired, I want to leave now." I ended the call giving my manager no chance to protest.

I just couldn't stand being in the same room with the person I hate the most. It's been years since I've last seen him. Many things has changed for me in that amount of time, and for sure he as well.

I thankfully finished my school years as an Eres graduate but many things have changed back then, I suffered a lot in the past. I even had to change my whole life set. I searched a new path that I never wanted. I had to give up my dream, I gave up myself.

From all my hopes and dreams I had from when I was young, none of them turned out as planned. All I wanted was to be successful, living a peaceful life where I can be myself, but fate had different plans. Now the whole world knows me, as Ashley Bennet. I remembered how sad I felt when the modeling agency said that I couldn't use my first name as a title. When I started everyone called me Ashley, I found it weird and unusual, Although it's my second name I still felt like it wasn't me. It wasn't Paige.

But as the years went by, I got used to it. As time passed I learned to accept it, and now I can say that I'm fine with it. This life may not be the life I've hoped for or the life I've planned, but here I am now, I've gotten this far, and I survived. That I'm proud about.

Seeing Blake once again brought back all those memories, funny how all this time, we never came across each other until now. Even so, I hear a lot of news about him, it's hard not to miss it since aside from his well known family, we also have a lot of connections since we're both from the same school.

"Wow after 8 years you finally meet again." Aicko laughed. "It's bound to happen."

I frowned at Aicko, she was searching her phone for a resort venue for our class reunion. It was a mistake that I told her about my encounter with Blake the other night coz now instead of inspecting the resort venue she's more interested in gossiping.

"Didn't you hear?" Aicko crossed her arms. "He's now the CEO of Carlisle group."

"I don't care." I said coldly.

"Well he deserves it, I heard he studied really well and took on internships while in England." Aicko continued. "He's so cool, even if his father was so strict and was always scolding him, look at where he is now."

I turned to Aicko who was watching my facial reaction closely after what she said.

"Cut it out, I said I don't care." I warned her. She just laughed.

I fully moved on from him after I learned that He and Gia became a couple right after our break up. Ever since then, I strengthened myself and moved on.

I found it funny that he repeatedly denied it only for me to find out that they were an official couple all over the news. I felt hurt but I was the one who let him go. It just sucks to know that he could do that to me. He even repeatedly said that he loved me. Or did he really? But that doesn't matter now, I've made my way in life, I won't interfere or care about his anymore.

Throughout the years of us not encountering each other, I slowly lost my feelings for him, and I'm sure that the same goes for him. It's better this way.

"Hey, I like this resort, what do you think?" Aicko showed me her phone.

"It looks great." I said without looking at it.

The next day, I woke up early to go to the gym with my trainor. We spent 2 hours at the gym, afterwards I had a shoot for a swimwear brand.

"You're a natural, Ashley." The photographer praised me when we finished the shoot.

When the stylists helped me change into a robe inside the dressing room, my phone buzzed.

[Is your shoot done yet? I need help] Aicko said.

"I'll be there, we just finished."

[Alright, hurry up.] She ended the call.

I kept my phone and slumped in my vanity chair while stylists worked on me.

"Ashley Bennet." Stella's authoritative voice called.

"Yes Stella?" I turned to her.

"The rumor about you having a daughter is getting wilder and wilder." She frowned. "Can't I just clear it up?"

I sighed. "No need, just keep it that way." I stood up and got my designer bag. "I finished my sched for today, I have an event this afternoon so I'll have to get going." I smiled at her before walking out of the room.

When I got outside of the studio, I hopped inside my car and drove to the venue. Aicko sent me the location so I didn't have a hard time finding it.

When I go to the resort, the whole place was already decorated and prepped for our batch. It's still early that's why our other batchmates aren't here yet but I promised Aicko that I would help her that's why I came early.

"Hi." I greeted the girl in the lobby.

When she looked up at me, shock was plastered on her face. "A-are you A-ashley Bennet?" She stuttered.

I suddenly felt awkward. "Oh...yes." I smiled.

"C-can I have a picture?" She asked shyly.

"Sure." She went closer to me and pulled out her phone. I smiled at her camera.

More employees came to me and asked for pictures as well. Before, I found this tiring and annoying but now I've just gotten used to it.

"Paige!"

I turned to Aicko who was walking to me excitedly. She clung her arm on mine and faced the employees. "That's all for now, go back to you're jobs."

She dragged me away from the lobby and into the hall.

"That was mean."

She laughed. "So what do you think about the resort I chose?"

My eyes roamed the resort. It's interior was beautiful and was indeed fancy, surely it would live up to the standards of the royals. I eyed the glass windows overlooking the golden sand and turquoise water, while palm trees stood proudly.

"It's beautiful." I said in awe.

"Glad you like it."

Aicko pulled me into a huge suite. The suites interior was also breathtaking. I threw myself on the couch to rest my feet.

"When are the others coming?" I asked.

"They'll be here soon." Aicko went to suite's fridge. "Hungry?" She handed me the resort's menu.

"No thanks." I shook my head. "I'm on a diet remember."

"Oh yeah, I forgot." Aicko's shoulders shrugged. "Sucks to be you."

I just laughed.

The door of the suite suddenly opened, and in came running was a small girl in a cute pink dress and pig tails.

"Mommy Peggy, Mommy Koko!" Hana ran towards us.

"Hi Baby!" Aicko opened her arms and greeted Hana in a huge hug. She then went to me to hug me as well.

"Why are you here cutie?" I squeezed her cheeks.

The door opened once again and Shari entered, she was wearing a long sleeved dress that ended above her knees, a bag was on her shoulder. "Sahana, what did I say about running?" She scolded.

Aicko and I chuckled and looked at Hana.

She looked down and played with her fingers. "I'm sorry Mama."

"Hey, loosen the reins, you just got here." Aicko laughed. "Don't be too harsh on the kid."

"Yeah." I held Hana's hands. "Our little baby just wants to have fun right?"

Hana laughed. "Yeah!"

Shari sighed. "Fine, but be careful ok?"

"Yes, Mama." Hana giggled.

"You're lucky you're these two are on your side." Shari gave us a bad look making Aicko and I laugh.

Hana looked up to Shari. "Mama, can I please have a lollipop?"

Shari opened her bag and pulled out a pink lollipop. "Just one okay?" She said before handing it to Hana. "Now go and explore the suite."

Hana did as told and explored the huge suite with a lollipop in her mouth.

Aicko turned to Shari. "Mama can I have a lollipop please?" She mimicked Hana's voice and stretched out her hand to Shari.

"Cut it out, you're not my daughter." Shari moved Aicko's hand away and sat down beside us.

Aicko laughed.

"Why did you bring her with you?" I asked. "Your husband's in abroad at the moment?"

Shari nodded. "I don't want to leave her at the house with the babysitters so I brought her along, by the way, thanks Paige for taking care of her the other day, it means a lot."

"No problem, anything for Hana."

"Wait, you're not going to thank me? You might've forgotten, I took care of her for a whole week while you and your husband were on a vacation." Aicko folded her arms.

Shari laughed and hugged Aicko. "Thankyou."

Someone knocked on the door again and in came Eloise.

"Eloise!" Shari rushed towards he and pulled her into a hug.

"Your highness." Aicko bowed.

"What's gotten into you?" Eloise raised her brow.

We all laughed.

It was Aicko's turn to hug her. "I missed you so much."

I rolled my eyes. "As if we didn't hang out last week."

Eloise chuckled. "Oh by the way, where's Hana?"

"Oh wait a sec." Shari turned around. "Hana! Come say hi to Mommy Loisey.

"Ok!" Hana came running towards us. "Hi Mommy Loisey!" She greeted.

"How's our little baby?" Eloise kneeled down to Hana's level and hugged her.

"I almost forgot, is Aiden coming?" Aicko asked.

"No, he said he's busy right now so he couldn't come."

We all gathered in the bed and continued talking there while waiting for the reunion to start.

"It's so tiring being the CEO of your family's business." Shari sighed. "I barely get a day off."

"What about mothering? Is it just as stressful?" Eloise asked Shari.

"No actually," Shari shook her head. "It's actually quite fulfilling and it brings joy indeed. You all should try it."

"Hard pass." I immediately said.

"Doesn't any of the three of you plan on getting married? Hana would need a playmate you know." Shari sighed.

"Don't ask us, ask her." Aicko pointed to Eloise. "She's the one with the ring."

Eloise's mouth formed a smile, she showed us her hand with the engagement ring. It suited her perfectly.

"But here's the real question." Shari turned to me. "When do you plan on getting a boyfriend?"

I shook my head. "I've no plans at the moment, I'd like to focus on my career."

"C'mon, you could date and model at the same time, besides ever since you broke up with Blake you've never been any other relationship."

"I don't have time for it." I answered.

"Hey Paige Ashley Bennet." Aicko scolded. "You're not getting any younger better make up your mind and do something with your life."

"Wow, you're sounding so much like my Mom." I laughed.

Aicko smiled. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"C'mon girls, lets just let her be." Eloise said. "It's your life Paige, your choice."

After a while of talking, we started fixing ourselves to get ready for the reunion since our other batchmates are arriving.

I wore a light blue dress that had small puffed sleeves and ended above my knees. I fixed my long wavy blonde hair and let it down on my back. I partnered it all with a pair of heels and I was ready.

"I'm done, are you all ready?" I asked the girls. Shari and Eloise were all set.

"Wait! Girls, what dress should I wear? This one or this one?" Aicko showed us two hangered outfits.

"Some things never change." Shari whispered.

I chuckled and turned to Aicko. "Take the one on the left hand and get ready faster, you're the party planner lest your forgot."

"Shit! I almost forgot." Aicko rushed back to change.

"Hello ladies!" The door once again swung open. "So this is where you're all  hiding." Khrysie chuckled.

"Glad you all could make it." I bowed at them. I even let out a smile to Nile, Diana, and Isabel.

"We wouldn't miss this for the world." Nile smiled.

"Oh Lonnie couldn't come, she's busy as usual." Isabel added.

"She's a very busy Empress to be, it's impossible to make her go anywhere away from the Roman palace." Khrysie sighed.

Diana crossed her arms. "If only she'd think about getting a boyfriend."

"But how about you Paigey?" Khrysie wondered. "How's love life?"

Here's this question again. "Sorry, don't have one." I said honestly.

Before Khrysie could say anything else, Aicko came out from the bathroom. "I'm all ready."

We all followed her out the suite. The resort was already filled with most of our batchmates. Since it was afternoon, the golden sunset was displayed on the view of the beach.

I smiled as I kept seeing familiar faces. Those people that I used to see at Eres Academy back when we were still studying, the groups of friends that I see back then is still the groups that I'm seeing now. It feels nice to see us all come together, somehow I feel like I'm being brought back to those Eres school days when we'd attend classes and spend every afternoon at Elite square. Oh how I miss those times.

Me and the girls went out to the beachside, we sat down on some lounge chairs by the palm trees.

"Have you heard? Blake returned from England." Khrysie started, "And he's back for good."

"What?!" Shari exclaimed. "Now that's new."

Diana crossed her arms. "Well at least he's home now right?"

"Did you know about this Paige?" Shari asked.

I saw how Aicko tried to stop herself from laughing that she had to look away.

"No, I didn't." I lied. "Why should I know that?" I raised my brow.

"Wow, that was harsh." Aicko laughed.

"If he's back here then who do you think he's dating now? I mean he's like the American bachelor." Diana said.

"Rumor has it, that he's still with Gia Merrit." Isabel said.

"What?!" Khrysie exclaimed. "Do you mean that slutty supermodel?" She said in disbelief. "She's not even that pretty, our Paige beat her in the dust, in looks and in brains."

"Stop it girls." I said in a serious tone. "I no longer want anything to do with him."

"Ok, ok, we'll stop." Aicko said.

I sighed. I've been feeling uneasy since a while ago, I needed to be sure. "H-he won't attend right?"

"Of course he won't." Aicko answered. "He declined my invitation."

"He won't attend don't worry." Khrysie said. "He's a very busy man and extremely hard to contact or to even meet up with, even for a royal myself."

"So you have to relax." Eloise patted my back. I nodded.

After a while, Aicko, Shari, Eloise and I left Khrysie with her girls at the beach and we re-entered the resort building.

Eloise and Shari went around to explore the resort while I accompanied Aicko as she greeted guests.

"Hi there thankyou for coming."

"OMG I missed you!"

"So glad you could come."

These were the words that Aicko's been saying every time she greeted guests. Every single time we'd come across our batchmates, Aicko would stop by to talk to them, at first I'd talk with them too but I got tired and kept distance with them while scrolling through my phone.

While Aicko chit chatted, I was reviewing my schedule for the following day.

"Hey!"

My eyes widened when my someone jumped right in front of me.

"God." I held my chest.

"Haven't seen you in a while Paige." Ram laughed. "Or must I say, Ashley Bennet?" He teased.

I punched his shoulder. "That's unnecessary."

"Wow, you haven't changed, I thought Ashley was different from Paige but from the looks of it, they both like punching shoulders."

I laughed.

"By the way, do you still make cakes?"

I suddenly stopped laughing and sighed. "No, I haven't baked in so long."

"Oh." Ram looked down. "That's bad, I wanted to show you how good I am now in baking." He sighed.

I laughed. "I'm sure you're good."

"By the way." I looked around the place. "Who are you with?" I asked even if I was sure that he'd probably be alone.

"I'm with-"

"Ram." A voice from behind us called. I turned around and my eyes widened when I found out the owner of the voice.

I immediately bowed.

Kile stood there behind Ram.

"Unfair! I'm a prince too, how come you only bow to him?" Ram complained.

"Sorry." I apologized.

"Fine, you two catch up, I'll just roam around the beach, catch you guys later." Ram walked away.

I slowly looked up at Kile. "Wanna take a walk?"

He nodded. "I don't see why not."

We walked together through the resort's hallways.

"So you're the crown prince now." I said remembering the news. "Congrats."

"Thankyou." He said.

"How was the Knight school? Excalibur? I wondered. "I heard that it's very hard to study there, how did you cope with it?"

He was silent for a moment.

"Yes it was hard." He admitted. "But I actually loved it." He smiled.

"Really?" My brows scrunched. "Good for you."

"How's modeling?" He asked.

"It's ok." I admitted. "Something I've gotten used too."

He nodded.

"Well how's life? I asked. "Are you happy?"

He thought for a moment. "Yes, I am," He turned to me. "You?"

"Same." I said plainly.

"That sounds like a lie."

I sighed. "The truth is, I don't know." I played with my fingers. "I'm not sure."

"You'll find it someday." He looked at me. "Happiness."

I smiled. "I hope I do."

"You will."

I took a deep breathe and turned to him. "Thankyou Kile."

He gave me a smile. "I'll see you around Paige."

I bowed to him before he walked away to find Ram.

After all this time, I'm just glad to know that Kile's doing well, he's found happiness, maybe in his job, or in a person, or maybe in himself. I wish I could say the same for me.

Suddenly I felt my phone buzz. I answered it.

[Hey, come out to the beach, everyone's outside, we'll be starting the games.]

I suddenly felt excited, I haven't played games in such a long time.

Suddenly a thought came to me. If Ram is here at the reunion, and so is Kile... would that mean that Blake is too? It might sound impossible but he's in the country, what if he stops by or attends eventually?

And if everyone's outside, there might be a possibility that I might see Blake. I felt my urge to join the games subside. No matter how much I wanted to play, I still can't take any chances. He's the last person, I want to see today.

I pulled out  my phone in my pocket and called Aicko.

[Where are you? We're about to start now.]

"Uhm, Actually I think I have a headache." I made an excuse.

[What? All of a sudden?]

"Yeah, I- I don't think I can join the games."

I heard Aicko sigh. [You can't fool me, what made you change your mind?]

"I have my reasons."

[fine do what you want.]

"I'll just hang out with Hana, Have fun there." I ended the call and walked towards our suite where Hana was staying.

I knocked on the door and Hana's babysitter opened up for me.

"Where's Hana?" I asked.

She pointed to the bed. I looked at it and saw Hana laying down while watching something on her phone, she was already in her pj's but she was still wide awake. Well it's just 7 in the evening so maybe it's still too early for her bed time.

I sat down beside her on the bed.

"Mommy Peggy!" She hugged me.

"Did you have dinner?" I asked.

"Yeah!"

I nodded. "What are you watching?" I peeked at her phone. She was watching a toy video.

An idea suddenly popped in my mind. "Hana? Do you want Mommy Peggy to buy you some toys?"

Her eyes lit up. "Yes! And Ice cream too!"

"Ice cream?" I laughed. "Does your Mom let you eat ice cream."

"Mama says it's ok if I don't eat too much." She looked at me. "Can I have ice cream, please Mommy Peggy?" She made looked at me with her cute googly eyes.

I sighed. "Ok fine."

"Yey!" She jumped up and down the bed with excitement.

I turned to her babysitter. "Did she already have dessert?" I whispered.

"No ma'am, her mother didn't allow her to have dessert tonight since she already had a lollipop this afternoon."

Oh dear, Shari really is too strict about sweets. "Ok, I'll just talk to her Mom." I said to the babysitter.

"Lets go to the mall?" I said to Hana making her even more excited. Her babysitter helped her wear her shoes while I called Shari.

"I'm taking Hana out to the mall for to shop for toys and ice cream."

[You're spoiling her, you know that right?]

"Yes and I'm happy to do so."

"Ok fine, fine, you two have fun." Shari laughed.

I ended the call and placed a jacket on Hana. "Lets go." I smiled and we both walked out the resort and into my car.

She already had her own car seat in the trunk of my car since she rides with me from time to time.

I buckled her up and we went to the mall.

"Mommy Peggy, look it's a dress." Hana pointed at the cute dress we saw at the department store.

We ended up buying 2 dresses, a pair of shoes, 3 skirts, 4 headbands, and clips before we even got to the toy store. Hana was a young fashionista herself. She kept saying that she wanted to be like me when I was little. Maybe she thinks that I've been a model ever since. Little does she know that when I was her age, I only wore loose shirts and jogging pants and my hair was always a mess, but I wouldn't want to ruin my image to this little girl so there's no need to mention it.

Besides, I'm happy to buy her what she wants, I don't even know where to spend the money I earn that's why I'm happy this way.

After we bought some toys in the toy store, we went to the ice cream shop.

"Hana, what ice cream do you like?"

"Strawberry." She said cutely.

"Ok, ok." I squeezed her cheeks. "Sit down on this chair so that I can keep an eye on you while I order ok? Don't leave."

"Ok Mommy Peggy." She smiled.

I stood up and formed a line in the counter, while in line I kept making glances at her to make sure she's still where she's supposed to be.

When it was my turn, I ordered one strawberry ice cream and one vanilla. I wasn't supposed to eat ice cream but I wanted Hana to think that we were playmates both enjoying ice cream so I bought one anyway.

"Thankyou." I said to the guy in the counter when he handed me two ice cream cones. I turned around ready to go to Hana when I bumped into the person behind me making me drop my vanilla ice cream.

"Shit!" My eyes widened when I stained my vanilla ice cream on the clothes of the man behind me. He was wearing a black dress shirt and black slacks making my vanilla ice cream very visible.

"Shit, Shit, Shit." I repeatedly muttered. "I'm sorry I-" I stopped talking when I saw the face of the man I bumped into. Shit! Why the hell is Blake here!

I lost my voice for a moment. I shook my head to bring my senses back together and I pulled out some tissue from my bag and started to wipe the ice cream stains on his dress shirt.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I-" I suddenly frowned and looked up to Blake, "Actually I'm not sorry, it isn't my fault, you were the one who was so close to me that's why I bumped into you."

Blake raised his brow and chuckled. "So it's my fault?"

"Yes, it is." I said firmly.

"Wow." He said sarcastically.

"Wow, you're so sarcastic, then fine, it's my fault, it's all my fault."

"Look who's sarcastic now." He said.

I was about to fight back when I felt a tug on my dress.

"Mommy Peggy, what happened?" Hana was already beside me.

"Oh Baby I'm sorry, Mommy Peggy had an accident." My voice suddenly changed. "Here's your ice cream." I handed her ice cream.

When she started eating the ice cream, I rummaged through my bag and got more tissue, I looked up to Blake expecting him to be glaring at me or something but instead he was watching Hana eat.

I took out more tissue and tried to wipe his dress shirt but I just scattered it.

"You know you're making it worse." He said in a monotone.

I rolled my eyes. "Then I'll buy you a new one!"

He raised his brow. "You don't have to."

"What brand is it? I'll get you-"

"I said there's no need." He cut me off.

"Excuse me?" The guy in the counter called our attention.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but can you please take the fight outside, because our other customers are being affected."

I took a deep breathe to calm my sensed. I looked at Blake's dress shirt to memorize how it looks like. I looked up to him. "I'll buy you a new one." I turned my back on him and took Hana's hand. "Lets go Hana." I said and we both left to the mall's parking lot.

When we got to the car I buckled Hana in her car seat.

I frowned when I saw Blake walk through the parking lot and enter the car beside us.

I gripped my wrists and sat down on the drivers seat. I pulled the strands of my hair in frustration. "I hate him! I hate him! I hate him!"

"Mommy Peggy? Who do you hate?" Hana asked innocently.

The second there, I forgot that she was with me. I composed myself and turned to her. "It's nothing baby, It's just the ice cream." I smiled to reassure her.

I looked at the Blake's car beside mine and rolled my eyes. I started my engine and drove out of the mall.

I frowned when I realized that even if I was in the main road, Blake's car was behind me. This might be a coincidence, it's the main road so he'll probably be gone when I take the turn to the resort. I won't assume now since we're both in the main road, I will only assume if he follows me and make a left turn in the intersection because that leads to the resort and only them can I be sure.

After the stoplight I drove through the main road, My eyes widened when I took the left turn, he was still behind us. What a stalker!

I sped off for to the resort and the stalker's car was right behind us. The nerve!

I parked my car in the parking lot and I saw him park his car a little away from my car. I gripped my fists, I turned to Hana and smiled. "Baby, wait here for a while ok? I'll just talk to someone."

"Ok." She nodded. "But if you're not back in 5 minutes, I'll go to you."

I nodded. "Just wait here okay?"

I got out of my car and marched towards his, when I got to his car, he just got out of the door, he had his jacket slung on one of his shoulders.

"Hey!" I called him.

He turned to me with no expression on his face.

"I understand that I stained your clothes, but didn't I say that I'll buy you a new one?!" My brows scrunched by saying those words.

He raised his brow at me.

"Are you holding a grudge against me all because of the ice cream incident? To the point that you'd stalk me?!"

"I'm sorry Miss but I don't know what you're trying to prove here." He folded his arms with his back leaned on his car. I frowned when I saw his expression, he seemed quite amused by all this.

"Don't call me Miss?!" I scoffed. "What I'm saying is... Why are you following me?!" I raised my brow at him. "Don't you have any other place to go?!"

I frowned when I noticed the small grin on the side of his lips. Is he making fun of me?!

"Mommy Peggy, it's been 5 minutes."

I turned to Hana who had her arms crossed against her chest.

I kneeled down to her level and made my voice as gentle as possible. "Ok Baby, we'll be going inside now just give me a sec." I stood up and faced Blake but again his eyes were fixed on Hana.

I cleared my throat to get his attention. "If you came for the reunion well news flash, it's over, you're late, if you don't want to accept that you were following me, then it's ok, I'll turn a blind eye, so just leave."

He chuckled once again and looked at me. "You see Miss-"

"I said don't call me Miss." I glared at him.

My eyes widened when he took a step closer towards me giving only a little space between us.

"I'm sorry Miss, but I can't leave."

I swallowed hard. He's trying to be tough with me, so will I. I raised my chin. "Why?" I questioned him.

He took another step closer to me and leaned to my ear.

"Because I own this place." He whispered.

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