• T H I R T Y - S E V E N •

Natalia wasn't letting him go. She was clung to his body as if her life depended on him. Ashton was in the backseat with Natalia clung to him for her dear life. She was scared he could instantly figure that out. The past two hours of events were quite horrifying. Allen had gone with Cedric in the ambulance while Austin and Aaron ride back with him to the city.

They knew who planted the bomb and even know the culprit of Nicholas death. It was all crystal clear. There were few more shreds of evidence required for arresting Victor Reynolds and Veronica Hayes. He received a message earlier from Xavier when the police were investigating Natalia about the bomb and the Cedric. He wished Xavier collects all the evidence and as early as possible they could re-open the case.

Austin behavior toward's Natalia was quite unusual he was afraid of losing her that he just got to know she is his sister but the question nagging was then who was he? What are the identities and the new found relationships? Aaron, on the other hand, was quiet, his mind didn't have any thoughts he was lost somewhere between identities and lies he didn't know what was the truth. the truth was jumbled and they need to solve it before it gets too late and another life gets hurt.

Aaron rounded the car in Ashton's apartment parking and let out a sigh of worry. His sigh caught the attention of Ashton and Austin while Natalia was fast asleep in his arms. There was complete silence in the car. A storm was waiting for them after this silence. It was a warning that the storm is at the door any moment it can enter and ruined many perfect lives till then they have a little time left to save their own lives and prepare for the upcoming storm

"What's with that sigh" Austin was the first to break the silence. Aaron averted his eyes to him while Aston too had his eyes directed to him

"Tomorrow is going to be chaotic, the media won't leave a single chance to manipulate the event happened today" Aaron filled them with his worry while Austin had a sarcastic laugh

"That's not it, my father's crimes are still there for more media's attention," Austin said with a tight smile but there was anger building inside him. He needs to see March only she can calm him down. Why did he realise it so late?

Ashton carried Natalia bridal style and walked inside his apartment. Lotus was present in the living area cleaning the antique vase Ashton has bought from France. She looked up him and then Natalia in his arms. Over time he has actually gotten himself adjusted to being Natalia in the house and even in the kitchen.

"Should I cook something?" Lotus asked in concern. Ashton nodded his head and headed towards their room

She was fast asleep in his arms with a content smile on her face. A sign of peace was washed on her face. She didn't know anything about the turn of events happened when she was away. Ashton was worried regarding the truth. All her life she didn't know who's mistake was she but today all the cans of secrets were open and the bundle of lies bursts out of it. If the media get to know about her identity there will be a lot of heaps.

The heap he won't be able to assemble it.

He just hoped she will keep herself strong as the media won't let a single thing get away from their biggest hit of the month. Many questions and fingers are going to be pointed towards her, people and media are going to throw dirt on her character and her life. How is he going to explain the fuss to his parents? He just hoped that she would keep her guard and be strong for herself not for anyone else.

He laid her down on the bed and sat beside her staring at the beautiful woman in front of him. She confessed her love to him earlier but for security, he needs to hear it again so that he'll be able to absorb the fact she loves him and the fear that she will leave him is not going to last as she is going to stay with him forever. He couldn't believe she said those words. He always imagined a forever with her but after knowing about her and Nicholas he thought love is the only thing he won't be able to ever taste it.

The knock on the door broke his chain of thoughts, averting his eyes from Natalia to the door. Allen peaked a little inside and asked a few minutes, Ashton nodded his head. He tugged her properly under the blanket and planted a kiss on her forehead.

Allen sat near the pool area while Ashton was standing at the glass window looking outside at the beautiful New York City. "Cedric has been taken care of?" Ashton asked without looking at Allen whereas even Allen answered without looking at him "Yes"

Ashton nodded his head and took a deep breath "You want to know why I said he has Anna's heart? right?" asked Ashton. He knew his best friend too well. He could read his eyes. Anna was very special and dear to Allen. He knew it

"Yes." Allen didn't know what to say. He was out of words. Suddenly a reminder of Anna bought back a flood of memories from their time off togetherness to her death. Everything played like a flashback in his eyes

"When that doctor was caught redhanded by the police he was at his hideout with body parts and organs read to transfer them to a different country" Ashton paused looked at Allen. He was shattered it was visible on his face still, he continued "All the organs were kept safely in the box with their name tag on top. We found Anna's heart too" Ashton let out a breath he didn't know he was holding "The police decided to donate those parts to the needy people who can't afford it instead of seizing and after Anna's death for the first time I and dad agreed on something same. At that time Cedric needed a heart so dad decided to save his life. We couldn't save Anna but at least we can save another life"

"why didn't you tell me earlier?" Allen felt himself asking. He wasn't angry with Ashton or with his choice of action because he knew what he did was correct at that time. Anna was gone but her heart could save another life

"I don't know, maybe you're health condition at that time didn't allow me," Ashton said void of any emotions. His sister's death and Nicholas death has left an imprint on his heart, and that imprint has tainted his heart which made him cold and ruthless

"I miss her" Allen whispered audible enough for Ashton to hear

"We all do Allen" even he did miss her. Anna has always been a part of his heart no one can take her place not even Natalia. Thinking of Natalia a thought popped into his brain he didn't wanted to ask Allen about it but then he couldn't stop himself from doing so "Can i ask you something?"

Allen snapped his head to Ashton "go ahead" his voice was laced with confusion while his eyes tried to read Ashton's dilemma

Ashton didn't meet his eyes at first he couldn't come to the point whether to ask or not but then he chose the later "Will you be able to love again?" he asked the question nagging him since so many days

Allen could see the hesitancy in his voice he wanted to know the reason for his sudden question but instead, he chooses to answer "I don't know" Allen paused for a moment "She isn't alive she is going to be a distant memory. A memory I'll always cherish" Allen smiled. a sad smile curved his lips.

He missed her so much.

"Am i cheating Nicholas?" suddenly Ashton asked the most unusual out of the blue question. Allen for a brief second thought he was talking about Anna but then it was about Nicholas

"No." in an instant Allen replied and Ashton looked at him with vulnerableness " Remember Ash Nicholas asked you to write that letter and give it to Natalia. He clearly stated he wanted you both to be happy and together." Allen passed an assuring smile while Ashton was still unsure. He always felt he was cheating on his dead best friend

"Are you sure?" Ashton didn't know what to do whether just let it go and live happily with Natalia or stay away from her which was difficult as even she confessed she loved him.

Why is his life always chaotic?

"Confident"

Ashton chose to drop this topic and asked about today's turn of events update "Did you talk to Mr. Paxton he was at the hospital when I was admitted, will he be able to manage everything? right?"

"Don't worry Aaron he'll manage" Allen confirmed. Ashton nodded his head in relief. Tomorrow is going to be quite hectic for everyone. The media will be breaking necks for a hit cover front page story.

Ashton emits a long audible breath expressing sadness. He was sad for Austin the guy has to face media alone and answer all those venomous questions and more over the bankruptcy "Austin? How's he?" asked Ashton as he couldn't find him since their last conversation in the car.

"I don't know. He went somewhere he said he needed to clear out his mind" Allen replied. Allen felt bad for Austin he knew where he went. March is the key to his heart and the only person who can keep him sane but he even ruined his relationship with her too. If that little friend caught in his pants would have just waited for a little longer until he realized his love towards her then a little chaotic would this situation had been

"I'll have to talk to Xavier, the first thing in the morning" Ashton made a note in his mind. He wanted to end this as early as possible, his best friend has waited long enough for justice.

"Right now Natalia needs you, we'll figure everything out tomorrow" Allen snapped him back from his thoughts and gave an assuring smile

Ashton settled back to his room with food just to find his room empty. He kept the food on the side table and checked the shower only to find it empty. He strolls towards the balcony and caught a glimpse of her fine beauty.

She was a work of art and he wanted to be an artist just for her, he wished to keep her for himself. The cool breeze hits her face while she savored the moment as the wind blew her hair the strands fell on her face. He heaved she was an epitome of gorgeousness. He just stared at the woman in front of him when did he get so lucky to have her.

He moved closer to her all he wanted to do was hug her from behind resting his chin on her shoulder but restrained himself from doing so. She felt a shadow cover her frame while she knew who the person was she just wished he would take her in his arms try to calm the raging storm building inside her

"Food is turning cold" Ashton exclaimed trying to break the silence eating him up.

It's a fuss going on in their lives no sign of peace. He so wanted to tell her how he felt but his guilt over his dead best friend was eating him up he didn't know what path to choose. The first one is his happiness while the second one gives immense pain.

Wasn't he a human? Doesn't he deserve happiness?

"So is your heart" she whispered

Her voice laced with pain broke his track of thoughts, he tried to take in what she said but couldn't understand. Natalia sighed turning on her heels she went back to their bedroom and started to eat

He just felt like pulling his hair, one minute she confessed her love and another minute she is cold to him and here all he is trying to do is end the debate going on his brain. He scratched the back of his head and walked back to her.

She was toying around with the food instead of eating her. He sat on the adjacent chair beside her and kept num. Today was sighing day from morning till now he's been doing that a lot

"What's bothering you??" finally Natalia spoke amidst the storm building with speed. She felt like her heart could any minute burst out of chest due to the storm

"What's wrong with you now?" she was getting on his nerves, is she not clear regarding her feelings about him

"Me?" she blasted. This was it she couldn't take it. Not anymore "You are the one"

"Me?" he was baffled what was this conversation turning into "What did I do"

"You are the one" she screamed pointing her finger to him

Has she gone nuts? was the first question that popped in his mind "are you confused?" he asked the question hurting him. Is his Million Dollar wife going to break his heart again?

"You are confused, not me" she yelled Natalia took her plate of pasta and dashed out of their room

Ashton laid alone on the empty bed and in detail thought about today's turn of events. He clearly remembers from day one till today for the last eight months he's been stuck on the same thing and the same woman then why does she think he is confused. He tossed and turned a few times and waited for her but she didn't come back. An hour back Lotus had informed him before going that she was in his study.

Ashton stood outside the study and watched her she was surfing through his computer wearing thigh-high shorts paired with a yellow tank top. The tank top was showing off a bit cleavage of hers instantly gaining his attention. He hadn't much paid attention to her clothes earlier while they were conversing but now when he does he wants to have his way around but she won't let him.

He took a few steps towards and stood at the front side of the table. She moved her eyes from the computer screen to him her face full of anger. She avoided him and hoped out of her seat ready to leave the room.

It was frustrating for him he wanted to answers and even he needed to hear her confession again. He wanted to know where does their relationship stand, where does their marriage stands. So many questions rambling in his head while all she did was avoid him.

She walked past him emerging her steps towards the door. Within few second before even she could register she was pulled by her arm and crashed on a wall being sandwiched between him and wall.

He ran his nose on her cheek her breathing went rugged due to their close proximity. She breathed heavily while his nose nuzzled in her neck. She didn't protest instead she arched her head sideways giving him more access to the area. He stopped his act and watched her.

Her eyes closed, face filled with emotions, her lips wobbling her breathing uneven. He couldn't believe his effect on her.

Natalia felt her body melting under his touch, her skin burning like fire. She wanted to feel more but when abruptly he stopped she opened her eyes. He was staring at her his eyes filled with love while his face was a mixture of emotions she couldn't define a single emotion.

She placed her hand on his cheek and caress his cheekbone with her thumb. He didn't move away instead just stood still waiting for her to initiate the first move

"What's bothering you?" she whispered knowing the wave of emotions crossing his face were full of emotions

"Am I cheating Nicholas?" he asked. She for a moment paused and looked at him was she cheating on him??

"The letter Nicholas gave clearly mentioned me to move on in my life with you. To love you the way you deserve" said Natalia going back to where she paused. The caress

"I know I wrote that letter. I clearly know what that means" Ashton was frustrated it was clear

"You wrote it?" she asked in confusion taking her hand away from him moving aside adding a little distance between them

Ashton snorted "How will a dying man write a letter" he said in a obvious tone

"Then what is your problem" she yelled again

Was she on periods?? He thought. From calm to storm what the hell was going on

"My problem??" he asked she crossed her arms against her chest giving a little bounce to her breasts which of course didn't go unnoticed by him "You are the one constantly yelling and behaving weird after your confession. Do you regret it that much?" the last line he said pained him but as much as it pained him he wanted to know the truth

"You are the one who leave me everytime"

"I. When did I ever do that" her accusations were false. He never left her or so he thought

"At your family's place and many other times. You clearly rejected me" she pointed to him it took a few minutes to register his acts but when he did a smile curve his lips

"so this is what you're upset of?" he asked. She looked away. Her face burning in embarrassment

Ashton pulled her by her waist making her body crash with him. She didn't mind the intimacy nor did she minded their close proximity. She was sure she wanted this. She wanted him as much as he wanted her and it was clearly visible in her eyes

He took her lips in his and sucked, it went from gentle to rough within minute. Her arms went around his neck pulling him close to her while he dug his fingers in her waist. The kiss went wild making them groan in pleasure. His one hand clutched her waist tightly while other went down to her perfect ass. He palmed her ass and pinch it pulling her more to him. His hands were itching since the day he saw he wanted to spank that booty of her to pinch it and today after a long long wait he finally did it.

Before they could go any further and call it a night a voice clearing the throat interrupted their night. "Hey guys hope we aren't interrupting" Aaron cleared his throat they instantly pulled apart watching all their friends at the door of his study

'fucked up assholes' Ashton thought making a bad face clearly ment they did interrupt and he didn't like their interruption

Aaron giggled "Shut up Aar" March spanked her brother's head

"I wore a t-shirt today" he showed her his tongue while she slapped him "lame bro" earning a laugh from Allen and a smile from Austin

Natalia and Ashton straighten themselves and their rugged breaths the embarrassment was clearly visible on their faces

"Why is everyone back?" clearly not liking their presence

"Urgent matters to discuss" March said

"Look who got time to meet," Ashton said pushing them aside moving out of the room with Natalia

"Hey, I'm trying to hide from media. Don't you know" March tried to justify. Ashton settled himself and Natalia on the couch and narrowed his eyes at her giving a like really look

"Still March I did expect a phone call" Ashton accused while March gave puppy dog eyes

"Awww sorry Ashy"

"Ash is better. Ashy is weird"

"an your a weirdo"

"let's stop this here we have matters to discuss" Allison tried to stop the duo "Look who's saying even you didn't call" Natalia accused this time and Allison gave an apology hug

"Let's sit and talk" Allen suggested. He spread a few papers on the table and sat on the opposite couch followed by all others. March and Austin had awkward eye contact before drifting to different directions. March sat beside Aaron while Austin sat with Natalia. The awkwardness didn't go unnoticed by Ashton but he chose to ignore it for a few days until he settles this case and is free from this matter and chaos.

"So first we need a loyal lawyer for our case" Aaron started and gave a file to Ashton titled 'Nicholas murder case'

"which case?" Natalia asked confused with the events happened while she was away

"We are reopening Nicholas Wettigenstein murder case" Austin said, his head hung low. She was confused with Austin behaviour it was odd. He wasn't a bit playful today. Something was going on

"When did the case get closed" she turned towards Ashton and asked

"few days back" Ashton replied not looking at her. She is going to be mad at him he knew that way too well

"Why?"

"long story we'll explain that later" Allen cut in the conversation "I got a call from my friend who is also a lawyer Abigail Haydon few days back a woman tried to bribe her for not taking this case and she turned the offer down"

"Why did she call you?" Allison asked raising an eye brow. When Allen told him the culprit behind her brother's death she was shattered. Victor Reynolds was family.

"She is a friend of mine and Nicholas too she said she'll fight his case" said Allen

"can we trust her??" Aaron asked. His voice no longer had any humour the conversation was going on a serious death tone

"She is a hotshot lawyer don't take her that easy. She has a track record of never loosing any case" Allen giggled passing Aaron a file full of track records of Abigail Haydon

Aaron opened the first page it contain her picture "Woah!! Is she good in bed?" he said back agin with his notorious ways

"Ewww!! Aary could you please concentrate" March slapped his arm

"I am a man. Successful women's are a biggest turn on"

"Hehe" Ashton giggled while Natalia glared at him

"Stop giggling Ashton" she said in a deathly note which turn the atmosphere in the room from jolly to scary

"I wasn't" he defended himself

"I can see that" she narrowed her eyes at him

"alright no heated moments please" Allison tried to stop the argument while everyone just suppressed their laugh watching Ashton like this. He was wrapped around her little finger and that was hard to absorb

"She'll even fight for Natalia" Allen said and had an eye contact with Ashton it was obviously seen by Natalia

"Why me??" she asked not knowing any thing

"Let's say we have a long way to go and you need to be strong for whatever it takes and comes your way" Austin said entwining their fingers giving a sad smile

Natalia was confused moreover scared has something bad happen "Austin is something wrong?"

"I'll tell you everything later" Austin assured.

A/N: Hello Lovies!!! I just hope everyone likes the update do let me know your feedback through votes and comments. Please share the book if you liked reading it. Three more chapters and we'll be saying goodbye to #AsLia.

I have also posted excerpts of all the other books in the series. Do check out my profile they are right on my profile.