Naomi sounded puzzled. ‘What is it? So mysterious that you can’t even let tell Ryan?’
‘I’ll explain everything over dinner. You’re the only one who can help with this.’
‘Okay, okay, don’t worry. I won’t say a word. Where shall we et?’ Naomi could tell I was serious and quickly agreed.
‘You choose. But are you sure it’s alright, in your condition?’ I knew how protective Ryan Fenty was about her and their unborn baby.
‘It’s fine, really. Let’s et at The Galleria. I’ll go there this afternoon to look at so baby things, and we can have dinner when you finish work.’
‘Alright, but please be careful. I wouldn’t bother you like this if I had anyone else to ask. I feel terrible asking you to co out while you’re pregnant. Ryan would probably bla if he found out.’
But I needed to know the truth. Even though a part of suspected Rhys was right, I still clung to a sliver of hope that Ashton was innocent, that he wouldn’t do this to .
‘Don’t be silly. I’m glad to help,’ Naomi reassured . ‘I’ve been so bored stuck at ho. Ryan’s probably going mad with around all the ti. He might be glad to see go out for a bit.’
‘Okay. Thank you, Naomi. See you tonight.’
‘Sure. I’ll have a nap and then head out. I’ll call you later.’
‘Sounds good.’
I ended the call and let out a long, weary sigh.
The afternoon dragged on, and I found it impossible to focus.
At one point, Ashton called.
I answered with a flat ‘Hello.’
‘I’ll take you out for dinner tonight. Where do you want to go?’ His voice was low and husky, like he was tired.
It reminded that he’d only just left hospital, that the gunshot wound he’d taken for was still healing.
The thought still filled with gratitude.
But then, if what Rhys said was true—if Genevieve was behind it all, and Ashton had gone to such lengths to set up Catherine and lie to —the feeling soured into sothing stuck and painful in my throat.
‘I can’t tonight, I’m afraid. Naomi Fenty just called and asked to join her for dinner and a bit of shopping. I’ve already said yes.’ I kept my voice light and cheerful.
‘Can you reschedule?’
‘I’ve already promised her. Next ti?’ I forced a laugh.
‘Fine. Alright. Just be careful,’ he relented.
‘Don’t worry. Right, I’d better go, I’ve got loads to do,’ I said brightly.
He sounded faintly annoyed that I was rushing him off the phone. ‘Are you that busy today?’
‘Unfortunately, yes. Client problems. Talk later.’ I hung up before he could ask more.
Once the call ended, I sighed heavily. ‘How does he act like nothing’s wrong?’
The rest of the afternoon was pure agony, each minute stretching longer than the last.
Finally, work finished. I quickly packed up and headed for The Galleria.
‘Mirabelle, over here!’ Naomi waved at from her booth. ‘Sit. Let’s order first. What do you want to eat? You look like you need the fuel.’ From my expression, she could tell sothing was seriously wrong.
‘Yeah, you’re right.’ Even if I had no appetite, I couldn’t let a pregnant woman go hungry.
After we’d ordered, I looked her over. ‘How have you been?’
‘Pretty good. I’m past the four-month mark now, so I’m eating and sleeping well. But look, I’ve already put on so much weight.’
‘You still look slim to . You should probably eat more. I’ve heard that if the mother is healthy, the baby will be too.’
‘That’s what Ryan says too. He’s constantly trying to feed more.’ A sweet, happy smile touched her lips.
I envied that sweetness and happiness. I envied their loving marriage, and the fact they would soon have their own child.
‘What about you and Ashton? Any plans for a baby?’ Naomi’s round, curious eyes fixed on .
I shook my head. ‘Let’s not talk about that.’
‘What’s wrong? Have you two had a fight?’
‘No. We don’t really fight; he always gives way to .’ I looked at her with a pained smile. ‘The reason I asked to see you... I need a favour. But you have to promise you won’t tell your husband.’
‘What is it? You’re making nervous. And I’d been aning to ask, why co to instead of the all-powerful Ashton? Go on, tell , what’s going on?’ She was practically buzzing with anticipation.
‘A little while ago, sothing happened at my studio. Soone sabotaged it. They hacked into my database and altered the job sheets, which ssed up all the custor orders...’ I explained the whole situation to her. ‘Look, here’s all the evidence.’
‘What? Ashton did that? He covered for Genevieve and lied to you?’ Naomi was incredulous.
I pressed my lips together, my smile bitter. ‘Look at all this proof. If soone hadn’t shown this to , I’d still believe Ashton’s version.’
Naomi studied the docunts carefully. ‘Hmm, it does seem... real. But wait, this transfer record... why is it from my husband? What the hell? Was Ryan involved in this too?’ Her brow furrowed.
‘Yes. That’s actually why I need your help.’
‘So... what do you need to do? Ask him about it?’ Naomi looked at seriously.
‘I know it’s a huge favour to ask, but...’
‘Say no more.’ Naomi patted my hand. ‘I’d do the sa thing in your position.’
I gave her a grateful smile. ‘I don’t want Ashton to find out about this.’
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