Chapter 43: Chapter 43

Isn't falling in love a gift from God? Then why when I fell in love, it actually hurt me? All my butterflies were dead. I failed in love.

All night, after learning about facts, secrets, and who Adrian really was, I couldn't sleep. No, I wasn't crying, just shedding tears while dumbfounded. This really tore my feelings. My chest was so tight that even breathing became difficult. The man I really trusted all this time apparently became the first person to destroy me.

Of all the men, why did it have to be Adrian? Why should he do that? Why should I fall in love with him? Everything was difficult when my heart was still on him. The pain was hard to describe. Sadly, I didn't know how to free my heart from it. If I could turn back time, I would choose to cover my ears and not be curious about what Rainy wanted to tell me.

This pain of mine not only because of Adrian, but also Rainy. I never thought she was the one who ordered the assassins to kill me that day. Plus, Adrian knew about it all the way, but didn't do anything about it. He let her be near me even we vacationed in Bali together like she never tried to take my life. What's wrong with everyone? It was like they were conscious madmen.

I was absolutely devastated, thanks to them.

How could they play such a vicious game behind my back? Where else should I lean? I really felt lonely. It was like I had no one else, completely alone. Even now Ashton refused to talk to me. He used to be the first person I contacted in times of trouble, now look how my life had changed three hundred and sixty degrees. I mean, I had never tried to contact him after what happened, and I felt like we were better off keeping our distance first.

I should be feeling excited for my engagement day; prepared everything well, but instead now I was in the middle of nowhere. Just nice.

I didn't even have my phone with me to call anyone. I was the only one I could count on.

Walking under the hot sun, I wondered if people had noticed my absence. Do they care? Does HE care? Oh God, I still thought about him even after knowing what he did to me, my family, even Ashton. That was really annoying. I just couldn't believe I used to think of him as an angel. It was all my fault. I was the one who easily trusted a stranger, I was also the one who was reckless in falling for a man, and I was also the one who made my relationship with others complicated.

I sighed and finally couldn't bear to keep going. Just when I stopped, I came across an ice cream stand. Well, stopping by for ice cream wasn't a crime.

So I got my favorite chocolate flavored ice cream. But just when I wanted to feel the first lick, someone bumped into me and made it fall just like that. What an unlucky day.

I was running out of energy to just be angry, so I could only stare at my falling ice cream.

"I'm sorry, I was in a rush and didn't see you."

Hearing the man's voice, I casted my eyes towards him.

"Mabel?"

Ashton stood before me with an expression as shocked as I was. I didn't expect to bump into him in this middle of nowhere. The question arised in my head about what he was doing there. But I just stared at him, at a loss for what to say since that last incident. I felt really awkward dealing with him now. He looked just as confused as me. But if I didn't start the conversation, I would lose this great opportunity to talk to him.

"Long time no see, Ashton. You look amazing,"

Ashton was still frozen, making me think he was still not over it, but then he nodded. "You look amazing too, Mabel. I hope all is well,"

I nodded while swallowing hard. Why are we being this formal?

"About your ice cream, I'll buy you a new one."

I almost wanted to refuse Ashton's offer, but I remembered how I used to nag him to buy me ice cream. Then why should I act like a stranger towards him? After all, he was once a very, very important person in my life, in fact he was always there for me.

"Thanks," I replied as I followed Ashton to order ice cream for me.

Ashton was still the same. Nothing had changed in any way, only the way I looked at him was no longer the same; the feelings I had for him were no longer the same. I wasn't the girl who liked him for many years anymore. Several times I searched for that feeling, but all I found was just my affection for him as a best friend. That's why I felt awkward around him after knowing his feelings for me. How could he have liked me all those years when there are so many girls prettier than me around him?

"This is for you" Ashton handed me a chocolate ice cream then I realized he had bought one for him too; his usual favorite strawberry ice cream. "Look, there are two empty seats, want to sit together?"

My eyes followed where Ashton's forefinger pointed, then I just nodded.

We sat facing each other, just silent. It seemed neither of us had the initiative to strike up a conversation. I cleared my throat after my ice cream finished before him. Is it time for me to say goodbye? But the stupidest thing was that I didn't even know the way home. No, I didn't want to go home.

"Want some more?"

"What?" I was confused, before I realized Ashton was offering me ice cream. "Oh no, thank you very much. I've had enough of one ice cream,"

Ashton seemed not to hear what I said. He stared blankly before eating all of his ice cream and suddenly said. "Shouldn't you be at your engagement party?"

I was silenced for a moment.

"Mabel, are you all right?" Ashton brushed a strand of hair off my face, looking at me gently like he used to.

A tear rolled from my eye as I looked at Ashton.

"Yep, that's it. You're not okay. Come with me," Ashton rushed to get up and all I knew he was already holding my hand.

I knew I shouldn't be telling Ashton everything, but I was really at rock bottom and needed someone to hear me out. So on the way to where we were going, I told him everything. He seemed to control his emotions even though several times his eyes said different things.

"I knew it! That bastard had some bad intentions from the start," Ashton snorted.

"I'd love to say I should have listened to you, but I can't. I love him, Ash." I said as I turned my gaze to the window. I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. I cried while wiping away the falling tears.

I could hear Ashton's deep breath after my confession. "I understand, Mabel. Hearts can't be forced. Then why don't you go to him right now and get an explanation from him in person? It's not nice to suddenly disappear without a word. I'm sure he's not the only one looking for you right now, but your father and Sarah as well."

"I can't meet them in the chaos that I feel like right now," I replied, trying to muffle my tears. "Ummm, Ash? Can you take me somewhere?"

"Where to?" asked Ashton at once.

I asked Ashton to take me to the cemetery where Selena was buried. Somehow I felt like it was not only me who deserved to see her, but Ashton as well. I was sure if Adrian found out that I brought Ashton there, he would be mad. But I didn't care anymore. I would do what I felt I needed to do.

"So this is where Selena was buried?" asked Ashton after we got out of the car. He looked calm, in contrast to before. The quiet and calm atmosphere of the cemetery area made us both calmer.

The only response I gave was a nod and I quickly led the way.

"You haven't told me who told you the truth about Adrian," Ashton said, tailing me.

I stopped then turned around. "Rainy,"

"What?" Ashton was stunned to hear whose name I mentioned. "I mean how did she know?"

I hadn't told Ashton the part Rainy wanted to hurt me, thinking it would strain their relationship.

"Answer me, Mabel! How did Rainy know? Did Antonio tell her? Are they connected to hurt our families?" Ashton, as usual, was as good as a detective in solving problems. I hadn't even explained yet, but his mind was already racing in that direction.

"I think so," I nodded slowly.

"Goddamn, we've been being toyed with! They suddenly entered our family just to slowly destroy us," Ashton ruffled his hair as his voice turned hoarse. "And with a heavy heart I say they succeeded,"

I saw Ashton's face turn red afterwards. Crap, his anger was rising.

"You know we can't just sit around and let this happen,"

"Never mind, Ashton. I'm sure they've picked up the pace quicker than us. They probably already left city," I countered, not really paying much attention to Rainy and Anthonio. My heart still hurt so much for what Adrian did. "Besides, I'm not sure Anthonio will run away. He's done a lot of crime and he's living well. We'd better avoid getting involved with the Blake family,"

"I can't, Mabel. I can't do nothing at this point for your safety," Ashton looked to think for a moment before he finally looked back at me seriously. "I know who can beat that Blake family,"

My thoughts immediately went to one and only person. "Don't tell me-"

"Of course, Mabel. You know who's the strongest mobster in this city. Adrian,"

This wasn't the first time Ashton and I had exchanged ideas on something that would benefit us, but this time I just couldn't agree.

"For heaven's sake, Ashton. You should know that Adrian even knew about this and didn't do anything about it. Instead he made us vacation together in Bali. Remember?"

"He what? I'm really going to finish him off!" Ashton cursed which made me immediately grab his arm to stop him from going.

"I have a plan. Listen and don't act rashly at will,"

So I told Ashton my plan. My plan was very simple. I knew Adrian would come to Selena's grave sooner or later, and when that time came I would make him explain everything first from his perspective. I just needed to know before taking the next step and deciding what I wanted.

"You already know everything, why are you asking for more explanations, Mabel? I don't believe you,"

"Just this once, for the final decision that I will make later." I said with a weak look.

Ashton's gaze on me softened. "Okay, do it. I trust you,"

My smile shone instantly. "Thank you, now you better go home and meet my dad and Sarah. Pretend you're worried and don't know where I am, while you find out where Rainy is."

"I'm actually not willing to just leave you here," Ashton sighed. "I'll be back soon,"

"Thank you, Ash. For everything, for your kindness, and for being there for me. I don't understand how you can always be there, but here you are." I smiled one last time before turning to leave. I had mixed feelings with worry. I wasn't ready to face Adrian yet, but I had to; circumstances forced me.

"Good luck, Mabel!" Ashton shouted, making me glance back briefly to give him a smile.