A Shocking Revelation
“Ashley,” Demitri whispered, staring at her retreating figure. His heart ached at the coldness in her tone, the emptiness in her eyes. But before he could process her reaction further, she suddenly stopped.
Ashley turned, her gaze landing on his bloodied face. For a fleeting moment, her mask slipped. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and her lips trembled as if she were about to speak.
“Demitri...” she almost whispered, her voice soft and wavering. But before he could respond, she quickly looked away, her hands trembling at her sides.
It was then that Irene stepped forward. “Ashley, what’s wrong? Why are you acting like this?”
Ashley’s walls broke at the sound of Irene’s voice. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she ran into the woman’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
“I’m so sorry,” Ashley cried, clutching Irene tightly.
Irene stroked her hair, her voice soothing. “Ashley, sweetheart, what’s going on? Talk to us.”
Demitri stood frozen, watching the scene unfold. “Why, Ashley?” he asked quietly, his voice filled with hurt. “Why are you pretending not to know me?”
Ashley pulled back from Irene, wiping her tears hastily. “We need to leave,” she said suddenly, her voice shaky. “Now.”
Irene frowned. “What are you talking about? Leave where?”
Ashley didn’t answer. She turned to the cab driver who had been idling by and waved him over. “Get in,” she urged Demitri and Irene.
“What?” Demitri asked, bewildered. “Ashley, what’s going on?”
“No questions. Just get in,” she snapped, her tone desperate.
Sensing the urgency, Demitri and Irene climbed into the cab. Ashley followed, slamming the door shut. “Drive!” she told the driver. “As fast as you can.”
The cab sped off, but before anyone could question her further, the sharp sound of gunfire shattered the air.
“Get down!” Demitri shouted, pulling Irene down with him.
Ashley screamed as bullets hit the back of the cab. The driver cursed, swerving wildly. “What the hell is going on?” he yelled, panicking.
Demitri peeked out of the window, his eyes narrowing at a black car speeding after them. Several men leaned out of its windows, aiming guns in their direction.
“Who are they?” Irene asked, her voice trembling.
“I don’t know!” Ashley cried, clutching her stomach protectively.
Demitri pulled out his phone, his fingers shaking as he dialed a number. “James,” he barked as soon as the call connected. “We’re being chased. I need backup now!”
“Send me your location,” James replied.
Demitri quickly shared his location and hung up. “Stay down!” he ordered, glancing back at Ashley and Irene.
The sound of screeching tires filled the air as the cab weaved through traffic. Ashley clung to Irene, her heart pounding in her chest.
Minutes later, the wailing of sirens broke through the chaos. A police car sped up behind them, lights flashing.
The black car immediately retreated, vanishing into the labyrinth of streets.
“They’re gone,” the cab driver muttered, his voice shaky.
Demitri leaned back in his seat, exhaling sharply. “Thank God,” he murmured.
But relief was short-lived. “We can’t go home,” he said firmly. “It’s not safe.”
Ashley nodded, her face pale. “Take us to a hotel. Somewhere quiet and out of the way.”
The cab driver nodded and navigated through the city. After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at a small, inconspicuous hotel on the outskirts of town.
Demitri stepped out first, scanning the area for any sign of danger. Once satisfied, he helped Irene and Ashley out of the cab and ushered them inside.
The receptionist looked up, startled by their disheveled appearances, but Demitri quickly handled the check-in. Within minutes, they were in a room, the door securely locked behind them.
Ashley collapsed onto the bed, her hands covering her face.
Demitri knelt in front of her, his voice soft but firm. “Ashley, tell me what’s going on. Who were those men?”
She shook her head, avoiding his gaze.
“Ashley,” Irene coaxed gently, sitting beside her. “We can’t help you if you don’t tell us the truth.”
Ashley looked up, her eyes red and swollen. She took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m pregnant, Demitri.”
Silence fell over the room.
Demitri’s heart stopped, his mind reeling. “What... what did you just say?”
“I’m pregnant,” she repeated, her voice steadier this time. “With your child.”