The Awakening
“Demitri, stop it!” Ashley’s laughter rang out as they splashed around in the crystal-clear water.
He grinned, his heart light as he pulled her closer. “Admit it, you’re having fun.”
She shook her head, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “You’re impossible.”
Before he could respond, her expression changed. The sparkle dimmed, replaced by something steely and defiant. Without a word, she turned away, moving toward the edge of the pool.
“Where are you going?” he called after her, his voice tinged with worry.
Ashley didn’t answer. She climbed out of the water, droplets glistening on her skin as she walked away.
“No, don’t go.” Demitri followed, grabbing her wrist gently. “Ashley, talk to me.”
She yanked her hand free, her gaze unwavering. “You don’t own me, Demitri.”
Before he could react, she shoved him hard. He lost his balance and tumbled backward into the pool.
When he resurfaced, sputtering and wiping water from his face, she was gone.
“Ashley!”
Demitri bolted upright in bed, his chest heaving and sweat trickling down his face. The name echoed in the room, cutting through the silence.
“Demitri!” His mother’s voice was a mix of shock and relief as she rushed to his side. “You’re awake! Oh, thank God!”
He blinked, disoriented, his heart still pounding. “Ashley…”
His mother froze, her smile faltering. “Let me get the doctor.”
Before he could argue, she was gone. Moments later, a team of doctors surrounded him, poking and prodding, asking questions he barely registered.
“How are you feeling, Mr. Demitri?” one of them asked.
“Fine,” he replied curtly, his voice hoarse. “Where is Ashley?”
The doctors exchanged glances before nodding at his mother and leaving the room. She sat by his bedside, her hands fidgeting nervously.
“Mom,” he said firmly, his voice gaining strength. “Where is Ashley?”
His mother avoided his gaze. “You just woke up. Let’s talk about this later. Are you hungry? I can have something made for you.”
“Mom,” he repeated, his tone sharper now. “What happened? Where is Ashley? Where is she?”
Her eyes welled up with tears, and she looked away.
Demitri’s stomach twisted. “Why are you crying? What happened to her?”
When she didn’t answer, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, his body protesting the sudden movement. “Where’s my phone?”
His mother’s head snapped up. “You’re in no condition to—”
“Where’s my phone?” he demanded, ignoring the ache in his muscles.
“I... I don’t know,” she stammered.
Frustrated, he grabbed her phone from the bedside table. His fingers trembled as he dialed Ashley’s number.
The line rang and rang before going to voicemail. He tried again. Still nothing.
“Why isn’t she answering?” he muttered, his anxiety mounting as he dropped her phone.
His mother’s silence was deafening. He looked up to find her staring at something on her phone. Her face was pale, her eyes wide.
“What is it?” he asked, his voice tight.
She didn’t respond, but her trembling hands gave her away. Demitri snatched the phone from her, his gaze falling on the screen.
It was a picture. A wedding photo.
Ashley stood in the center, radiant in a white dress he didn’t recognize. Beside her, grinning smugly, was Ethan.
Demitri’s heart stopped. His vision blurred as he stared at the image, willing it to be a mistake, a cruel joke.
“This… this isn’t real,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.
“I tried to tell you,” his mother said, her voice thick with emotion. “She… she got married.”
“No,” he said, shaking his head. “Not her. Not to him.”
His fingers flew over the phone as he searched for answers. The name Emerald Donalson filled the screen, and with it came articles and photos of the wedding.
The images confirmed his worst fears. Ashley, his Ashley, standing beside Ethan, her expression unreadable.
Demitri’s breathing hitched. His chest tightened, a storm of emotions threatening to consume him.
“Demitri, please, calm down,” his mother pleaded, reaching for him.
He shoved her hand away, his movements frantic. He swung his legs off the bed, ignoring the dizziness that washed over him.
“You’re not well enough to leave!” she cried, trying to block his path.
“I’m fine,” he snapped, brushing past her.
“Demitri, stop!”
But he was already out the door, his determination propelling him forward. The world outside was a blur as he raced toward the exit, his mind consumed by one thought.
He had to find her.