Whup-whup-whup-whup-whup-whup
The sound of rotor blades echoed over the terrace of Blue Grove. It came from an Augusta Westland AW119Ke Koala, CEO Jake Grayson’s VIP helicopter.
The Koala was in a charcoal black color with premium leather upholstery inside. It could reach a top speed of 167 miles per hour and a range of 650 miles. The seating could accommodate up to six passengers with two operators. Along with the customizations, it had cost $5.4 million. Jake had two of them.
Grayson industries had a daily renewable permit to fly throughout the city 24x7. It was not a luxury awarded to the owner of every chopper. The Graysons generously made significant donations to the Mayor, the City Hall, and the Norwich Police Department.
The helicopter descended on the terrace of the forty-story Blue Grove building. Jake sat facing the open hatch, his legs dangling. He did not wait for the Koala to land flat on the helipad but jumped off while it was still settling.
The young billionaire stooped as he ran under the windy rotor blades towards Ashley, who waited on the east corner of the terrace.
“Hey, babes. Are you all right?” he said, smoothening his hair, which was messed up by the chopper downwash. “You know, people have been looking for you. Where have you been?”
Jake’s handsome face was a welcome sight to Ashley. She had forgotten how much she missed him. He was in a white Gucci tracksuit. His hair was still moist from a shower he took just before leaving Malory Towers.
Jake proceeded to embrace Ashley, and she allowed it, letting herself be swaddled in his muscular arms. She rested her face on his warm chest and closed her eyes for a few seconds.
Their happy moments flashed before her eyes- the parties, the long holiday in Paris, the boat ride in Venice, the mountain-climbing in the Himalayas, the safari through Tanzania, the fairy-tale trip to Turkey, the refreshing trip to Mt. Fuji, Japan, the horseback rides in the ranches of Nevada. The kaleidoscope was colorful; it animated her heart.
‘But-’
Were the times spent together so memorable and gratifying because they were a billionaire’s retreat? An escape from reality by brandishing wealth? Did she really have a connection with Jake? Or was it a fiction she weaved to obscure behind the truth? The truth being-
“Jake-” she said, thrusting a palm on his chest to push him away, even though she wanted to jump his bones right then.
“What is it, babes?” he asked, masculine charm overflowing in his voice. “Just tell me what’s wrong, and I will make it right.”
“I-”
Jake eyed her under the overhead terrace light.
“You look pale. And why do you have scratches on your skin? Did you get hurt while leaving Hotel Marigold?”
“No. This isn’t about that. Don’t mind my injuries. Sorry for calling you over and disrupting your bachelor party. But, I must tell you something-”
“You can tell me everything once we get engaged tomorrow, babes. What’s the hurry?”
“It can’t wait-”
Jake nodded and lifted her chin.
“Tell me-”
“This isn’t working-”
Jake registered the words with mild surprise. A mask of uncertainty dawned on his face. Perhaps he could tell what was coming.
“What isn’t working, babes?”
“Us. You and Me.” Ashley’s voice was almost a whisper. She looked into his eyes to communicate that she meant what she said. There was no point half-assing the confrontation. She had already decided to go forward with it before Jake had arrived.
When they hugged, she smelled another woman on him. The fresh clothes and the shower had not shaken off the slutty fragrance. Of course, it made sense since he was supposed to be at an engagement bachelor’s party.
But then, Ashley could tell from the pallor of his skin that he had recently had an orgasm. These were subtle things that she had picked up over the years. She chuckled to herself. ‘I’ve been so blind.’
“What are you talking about, babes?” Jake’s voice was compelling then. “We have our engagement scheduled tomorrow. I am sure what you are going through is just nervousness talking. It’ll pass. Have a drink if you must.”
Ashley smiled weakly. “No, my love, we are done,” she said with resolve. A tear escaped an eye and rolled down her cheek.
Jake stepped away from her, taken aback by the sudden revelation of his to-be-fiancée.
“Why all of a sudden?” he voiced gruffly. “Is it because of what happened at Hotel Marigold? I don’t know. Perhaps you have PTSD?”
Ashley sniggered with sarcasm. “Let me say it directly so that there’s absolutely no doubt left- I AM BREAKING UP WITH YOU.”
Jake’s lips quivered, and a palette of anger flashed across his face for a moment. He said nothing in reply and stared at her, transfixed.
“It is difficult to explain, but I will try. I have seen your dark side, Jake,” Ashley continued. “Faces that you don’t show to anybody. And probably have not seen yourself. Yet.”
“You’re not making any sense-”
“We’re done, Jake!”
“Are you sure? If this is a prank, it isn’t funny.”
“I’ve never been more serious about anything else in my life.”
“Fine!” Jake fired. “Are you seeing someone else? If that’s what is happening, you can come out with it. No need to make up silly excuses.”
“You’ve always been the one, Jake. But no longer. I don’t love you anymore.”
“Okay,” the billionaire surrendered, throwing up his arms. “We have spent over $50 million on this engagement and invited very influential people. Do you realize the backlash that both Grayson and Palmer companies will receive because of calling off our engagement? Not to mention, the merger will dissolve!”
Ashley nodded, sniffling.
There he was, Jake Grayson, the alpha CEO, talking about power and money and influence. Because that’s what was important to him, that’s what was important to him all along.
“I will pay you back every penny.”
“It’s not about the money, Ashley.” It was the first time since forever he had used her full name. “Do you have any idea what it will do to my image in Norwich? It will show me as weak to my competitors! You would not understand. All you have known are your fancy clothes and parties. You’ve never had to run a business or grind under the pressure of work, right? You know what, Scarlet would have been a better choice as a girlfriend and a fiancee. She understands these things better than you ever will.”
Ashley bit her lip hard until she drew blood. “Yes, you are right, Jake. Scarlet is better, and she loves wealth and power as you do. And would do anything for more.”
Jake was furious. His jaw clenched, and his eyes flared with revulsion. He raised an arm as if to strike her, but held himself back.
There were cameras on the terrace and his helicopter operators watched from a distance.
‘There he is,’ Ashley thought. ‘The beast who abused me for years. It needed just a nudge to come out.’
A chilly breeze blew from the seaside. Ashley wrapped her shawl around herself to weather the cold.
Jake’s composure returned, and he slipped his hands into the track pants. He half turned around to leave. “I’m going to ruin your life, Ashley Palmer. You’re going to wish you were dead, but I won’t let you die. You will be down in the streets selling your pussy for food. Mark my words.”
Ashley dipped her head, holding back tears. She was moments away from exploding into sobs.
“By the way-” Jake announced, “I fucked Miss Norwich, Claire Fox, before coming here. She was bent over in the same gallery where I first fucked you. And for the record, I never loved you. But you fuck really well. That I will remember, Ashley Palmer. Now I am gonna go back and fuck Claire in the other hole.” He turned around with a jerk, spat on the floor, and walked away.
Ashley stood on the terrace alone as the helicopter took off, crying her lungs out.