The door wasn’t gated. She rang the bell twice.
The door opened.
“Ashton—” Relief flooded her. She rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him, sobbing. “I’ve been trying to call you. I thought you were busy. You never answered—”
He didn’t move.
Didn’t hold her.
Didn’t even flinch.
“I received every call, Bailey.”
His voice was cold. Measured.
She pulled back slowly. “Oh… then why—”
“Why didn’t I answer?” he cut in. “Because I didn’t want to hear more lies.”
Her breath hitched. “Can we talk inside? Please. I need to tell you something important before you hear it from someone else.”
“There’s nothing left to say,” he replied. “I already know what you did while I was away.”
Her chest tightened. “What do you think you know?”
“I’ve seen the photos,” he said. “I’ve heard the stories. You didn’t even try to hide it—going into a room alone with him at his own party.”
“That’s not what happened,” she said, shaking. “And you know me better than that.”
He laughed softly. Bitter. “I thought I did. Turns out I never knew you at all.”
She stepped back, staring at him. This wasn’t the boy who once promised to always listen. Who once swore she was the only one he trusted.
“And you believe them?” she asked. “After everything?”
“I believe what I can see,” he replied. “And I see a girl who crossed the line. You slept with him.”
“That’s a heavy accusation,” she said, her voice breaking. “Take it back. I came here to tell you the truth, hoping you’d let me.”
“Are you pregnant?”
The question struck like a blade.
She froze. “How… how do you know?”
His eyes darkened. “So it’s true.”
He leaned closer, his voice low and vicious. “You really are a whore.”
The word shattered her.
“What were you planning?” he continued, looking down at her like something filthy. “Passing the child off as mine?”
Her heart broke so violently she thought she might collapse.
“Take it back,” she whispered. “Please. Just take it back.”
“We’re done, Bailey,” he said coldly. “Thank you for ruining the best years of my life. Don’t ever show your face in front of me again.”
