• T H I R T Y - E I G H T •

Discussing a topic with the group was difficult Ashton thought, he doesn't remember when was the last time they were gathered on an important topic or ever gathered to talk casually. Last it was with Nicholas they were all happy and gathering just to have a fun talk or tease each other but that were all old times. After his death, the boys haven't stop mourning over his death until the culprit is behind the bars. They all are waiting for that day and it's near it's very near just a few more hours and it will all end. An end to their mourning, an end to their pain, an end to their suffering.

Natalia and he can live a happy carefree life, Gracy can live without being under fear of being sold while the boys can still be family with Austin. It's not going to be easy for Natalia nor Austin to gather their broken pieces nor it's going to be easy to accept the truths but he believes time heal all wounds and their wounds will be healed too. After all, they are family and not just Natalia and Austin but everyone.

The smile on Natalia's face was priceless it was water to his burning heart, she was the painkiller to his aching heart and he always wanted her just her and she wanted him to was nothing but pure happiness but his friends were ruining his moment with her. They were consuming his time to be the woman of his dreams. He wanted to hear those magical words again.

"Ash..." Allison called him, he was checking his phone regarding updates from Xavier but there were none. Xavier was planning something with Gracy but he had no idea what was it. They were doing something in Seoul which the group wasn't aware of

He looked up from his phone meeting Allison's eyes "Yes" keeping the phone back in the pocket

"Anything wrong? you look lost" she asked being the caring sister always. Allison and Nicholas weren't close they were siblings but Ashton was the more preferred choice for Allison than Nicholas because Nicholas was always busy taking care of his friends, business but he never had time for his parents or sister or say his family. He had always meant the boys his family but always an outsider to Allison and their parents.

Nicholas wasn't a perfect man he had his own flaws for Natalia he might be the perfect lover but he was never a perfect brother or a perfect son he was far from perfect. He did love Natalia Allison was sure on that but deep down she knew once time passes Natalia was going to be the same as their parents and her always waiting for his time but he would be busy with his work. For him, work was everything he even left Aaron once drunk at the bar just because a new meeting suddenly occurred.

Ashton has always been a cover for Nicholas everywhere. Even in family Allison never really lost her brother because it was always Ashton she did love Nicholas and is still mourning over his death and will mourn until the culprit is caught but then she knows without Ashton she might be nothing just ash he is a strong pillar she holds on to when everything falls apart. Nicholas was never a part of her life nor their parents. He never remembered their anniversary or her birthday. It was always Ashton.

Ashton is also not a perfect guy he has his own flaws, his temper, his actions, his behavior but he has always been true towards his friends and family. They have always been his first priority while work was second, that what always made Ashton stand out from Nicholas. Nicholas was kind-hearted while Ashton was ruthless and egoistic still he was better to his family and friends, unlike Nicholas.

"Guys, you all need to fill that lawyer with information too and Aary isn't going to do that he'll end up in bed instead of the court" March giggled on the idea while Aaron caressed the photo of Abigail,

"She is pretty" he mumbled and gave the file back

"Abigail won't do that I bet. She despises such men" collecting back the file he teased Aaron

"She won't be able to resist my charms"

"do you have any by the way?" Allen teased while Natalia giggled

"Al your lucky you're a man or else you'll be kissing the floor I kept my feet on"

"Last I remember it was Austin who had the reputation of the biggest playboy" Ashton intertwine in the conversation

"I don't play" Aaron grumbled

"he doesn't play and leave like Austin he fucks and leave and that's better" March replied. March words were like a knife to Austin's heart, her voice held pain and fury it didn't go unnoticed by Austin and Allen and even Ashton but they kept at bay, for now, Nicholas case was more important. He needed justice now.

Natalia agreed with March saying "I agree. He isn't a heartbreaker at least" which was more heartbreaking for Austin. Natalia was his sister by blood but even before he knew this he always meant her his sister and even she thinks the same about him. He doesn't know what's worst?

"Look Al I still have a reputation of fuckboy," Aaron said wearing his imaginary glasses and pulling up the collar of his shirt in appreciation. As if somebody just boosted up his ego

"alright shut it. Is Mr. Paxton ready to corporate?" Allison cut their conversation and brought them back to the topic

"Yes. He says he'll conclude all the reports and he has given clear instructions to his staff that not reveal Ashton was admitted for a day"

Korea - South Seoul

"Xav..." Gracy mumbled on the phone trying to catch her breath. Running for almost an hour she didn't know where was she but one thing was sure her mother will kill her today. She is on the run and being chased by her mother's goons.

Upon hearing Garcy's trembling voice Xavier got alarmed on his actions "Gracy, what happened?" he asked terrified his last hope to solve everything can just disappear. He can't let that happen.

Never in a million years.

Gracy tried to catch her breath and hid behind the trees she eyed her surroundings trying to make sure she isn't being chased "save me. I'm near the Han river" Han river is a famous place in Seoul she was sure at such a pubic area and under CCTV surveillance her mother won't be able to make any move on her she just has to wait for Xavier to come and get her

"I'll be there. Stay" he hurried on the phone grabbing the car keys he rushed out of the house without letting the other know about it. They all were startled minutes back they were discussing a plan and now he's running without saying anything.

Everything was messed up and everybody was confused about the things happening around them. This case was getting dirty the more they looked into it there was another dirty part of it. The case holds the key to Victor Reynolds's dirty work while Veronica's dirty work too. Nicholas's death will open a lot of buried secrets and can of worms stuffed behind money and fame.

"I doubt I'll be able to" Gracy held her breath to compose herself. The knife her mother stabbed in her stomach cut deep through her body. She doubted after running for this long she'll be able to stay for a little more.

"Stay a little longer. I'm on my way" Xavier almost pleaded on the phone but the line on the other end was quite. Only her breathing was heard that too hoarse.

"Please" he pleaded again but no answer he screamed her name countless times but there was no answer. He was driving like a mad man breaking all the traffic laws, right now Gracy was important not the laws. He screamed on the phone but no answer

"Grace?"

"You there?"

"Gracy?"

Three hours later when the doctor was able to finally stitch up her wounds and her condition was stable Xavier was at relief. Three hours ago when he found her at Han river unconscious her clothes soaked in blood lying on the ground he was horrified would be an understatement. Terror ran through his nerves he wanted nothing but her safety. Calling an ambulance in heavy traffic was another task but after going through a series of task he finally was able to get her to the hospital.

"I was lucky I was able to run away" it was the first thing she said when she woke up in a hospital room. She was glad she was out of that cage that life she never wanted. Being alive was never a satisfaction to her but right now there was nothing she wanted more than being alive. She wanted to cherish her life as well as live like other girls carefree and away from any restrictions, away from being under fear of pleasing yet another man.

"Don't worry I'll take care of everything. Wook will be here with you" Xavier squeed her palm in assurance while she gave a weak smile. Life was giving another chance to her, a chance to live regardless of all the mishaps

"She got to know everything. Do something before she does anything" Gracy filled in the information and Xavier nodded his head in agreement. He was sure this is the end.

He smiled at her "I'll talk to Ashton and figure everything out"

Wook was at the hospital in no time taking in charge of her safety. Xavier instructed him about the security and her transfer to New York as soon as she is able to move. Xavier was about to leave when Gracy remembered something she thought it'll help Xavier's search

She weakly called out his name which made him stop in his tracks "Xavier"

He walked towards her in comforting silence "Yes" replied he asked, "you need anything?"

She shook her head in denial but said something important "there's this man she's gone to meet him. I don't know whom though"

At first, it confused Xavier but then she might have an alliance as well "You sure she left Seoul"

"Yea. After stabbing me that was her plan but now that I ran away I don't know"

"Okay. Well if she isn't in Korea. Help me get in the house" Wook and Xavier nodded their head in affirmative another plan buzzing in Xavier's head

***

Natalia laid her head on his chest while her arms wrapped around his chest after a long time she was happy and at peace as if the mere place was enough for her peace. She realized it too late but now that she did know he was her peace. Ashton smiled at the situation right now life has been unfair to him a lot of times but right now he feels finally it's fair. The woman he loves is right in his arms but he is afraid life loves to play twist and turns with him he wishes there isn't any other twist left

"Ashton, you were admitted why?" Natalia's sudden question broke his chain of thoughts he rubbed her arms and snuggled closer to her

"Nothing baby. It's just stress that's all" he whispered in her hair and kissed them

"Are you sure. Let's get a body checkup"

"there's no need for that now"

"Ashton stop playing with your health. I feel guilty" she pushed him away and sat beside him

Ashton took the opportunity and shifted his head to her lap and mumbled "Baby it's a matter of few more hours everything will be alright" she combed his hair and prayed everything will be alright like he said

The next morning waking up with her in his arms was pure bliss and he wanted it every fucking day no matter what. He'll go to hell and back just to have her in his life. She shifted in his arms snuggling close to him while he happily laid there inhalng her fragrance. Her hair were the heaven he craved.

Life was going in slow motion for Ashton and Natalia waking up in each others arms, preparing the breakfast, removing clothes for him to wear, making his tie, happy in his arms, he being naughty teasing her kissing her whenever he wishes. Was all this an illusion? he thought but Natalia's question made him realize no everything is a reality.

"Is Mr. Paxton to a doctor?" Natalia asked she remembered the last night conversation regarding March's father

"No!" He barked a laugh and Natalia felt her heart skipped a few beats if it was possible. His laugh was contagious and addictive his dimples were the highlight of his laugh and she lost her heart on those two deep dimples. She never knew dimples were this facinating until they were his "He owns that hospital. He's also a businessman but he's into medicines. He runs that hospital and a large amount of that hospital earning is gone to charity"

"Ohh," Natalia whispered her eyes not leaving his smile

"Natalia baby I want you to go back to my parents home" suddenly Ashton's demand brought her back from the trance she looked up to his eyes in confusion

"but..." she tried to argue but he was in no mood to listen

"No ifs and no buts. I can't risk your life it's in danger" he was clear on his command and he wanted for once her to follow his orders just this once

"As long as I'm with you I'm safe" she tried to persuade him but he didn't want to listen nor argue with her

"No. You ain't" he was abundant his tone said it all

Natalia sensed something fishy this wasn't like the usual Ashton he was serious and his voice said he was scared. Scared to lose her "Ashton are you hiding something"

"No" in an instant he replied and she understood something is fishy he is hiding it from her

"Yes, you are. Look at me" he demanded and a complete authoritative tone as if she owned Ashton David Cross

"There's nothing that sort of " he tried to deny it but she didn't buy that truth. He liked the way she was behaving all wife mode on but this situation was different not like other couples it was a matter of her life

"What's bothering you?" she asked

"It's not the right time. Do you trust me?"

"I do" she assured the sincerity in his voice gave her assurance

"I'll tell you everything but not now" he kissed her forehead and hugged her

"I'll wait," she replied against his chest and kissed his chest resting her head on his chest

"Trust me. It's best for you. I just want your safety" he rubbed her back and hugged her more tightly holding onto her as if she would run away

"I know it's for me I'll wait"

"I love you"

"I love you too"

"Natalia remember sometimes life gives you apologies have them and move ahead don't held grudges against life for some it's fair and for some it's unfair but it's life and we have to deal with it"

A/N: Hello Lovies!! I took ages to write this chapter I'm so sorry. We are at the end. Please Vote Comment and Share.