The Billionaire's Offer

Chapter 33

Asher's expression tightens, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features before he sighs heavily. "Clare confessed something to me," he says, frustration and disbelief clear in his voice. "About your father and Henry."

As his words hang in the air like a heavy cloud on the verge of bursting, my heart sinks under the weight of it all, suffocating me with relentless pressure.

"Come sit down," I gesture towards the couch, my voice barely audible over the rushing in my ears. We both sink into the cushions, the silence between us laden with unspoken words and unresolved tension.

Asher leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he runs a hand through his hair. "Clare admitted that she was working with Henry and your father to take me down," he explains, his words laced with bitterness. "They were planning to discredit me, to ruin everything I've worked for."

"What?" I murmur, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over me.

"I found out where Clare is staying and confronted her," he says, his tone firm as he reaches for his phone. "She struck a deal with Henry and your father to obtain compromising pictures of me and her together."

"Oh..." I say, watching as he shows me something on his phone.

The sound of Clare's voice fills the room, each word of her confession striking like a hammer against the fragile shell of my composure.

When the video finally ends, Asher holds my gaze, his eyes probing mine with intensity. "Do you know anything about this?" he says, his voice a low rumble that reverberates in the stillness of the room.

Caught in the vice grip of his scrutiny, I struggle to find the words to untangle the web of deceit that has ensnared us both.

As silence hangs heavy between us, Asher reaches for his phone once more, his fingers moving with purpose to pull up another video file.

And this one shows a scene I'm, unfortunately, familiar with.

My father's calculated betrayal cuts deep, his actions a stark reminder of the lengths he's willing to go for power and control. Both his and Henry's voice fills the room, their words dripping with venom as he lays bare his plans to dismantle everything Asher has built.

And I'm there with them—silently looking like I'm part of that.

My mind races, a whirlwind of emotions crashing against the barricades I've built to protect myself. Betrayal, disbelief, anger—all vie for dominance within me, threatening to consume me whole.

As the recording comes to an end, I feel my face burning. "God..." A loud sob tears through me, uncontrollable and raw.

"Em..." Asher's voice breaks the silence, filled with concern as he moves to crouch before me. "Jesus..."

"I... Ash..." My words catch in my throat, the weight of it all pressing down on me.

Asher's presence is a lifeline in the chaos, his concern clear in every line of his face. I'm overwhelmed, unable to catch my breath as years of fear and anger crash over me like a tidal wave.

"Em, shhh..." he murmurs, his voice a gentle reassurance that only makes me cry harder. "I need you to take a couple of deep breaths, okay?"

His words cut through the fog of despair clouding my mind, and I nod, forcing myself to focus on the rhythm of my breath, each inhale a struggle against the darkness threatening to engulf me.

As the tears continue to flow nonstop, Asher remains by my side, his silent strength a comforting presence amid my turmoil.

With each sob that racks my body, he offers a word of encouragement, a touch of solace, a reminder that I'm not alone.

When the storm finally begins to subside, I find myself clinging to him as if he's the only thing keeping me tethered to reality. "Ash," I whisper, my voice hoarse with emotion, "my father... he's been blackmailing me."

The words hang heavy in the air between us, a damning indictment of the twisted web of lies and deceit that has ensnared us both.

Anger flashes in Asher's eyes, a fierce determination burning brightly in the depths of his gaze.

"I'll kill him," he growls, his fists clenched at his sides. "I swear I'll make James pay for what he's done to you."

As his rage threatens to consume him, I reach out to him, my touch a gentle plea for understanding. "Ash," I say, my voice steady despite the tremor in my hands, "do you trust me? Do you believe that I'd never do anything to hurt you?"

His eyes soften at my question, a flicker of something indefinable passing between us.

With a nod, he moves to my side on the couch, his presence a comforting reassurance in the aftermath of the storm.

"I trust you," he says, his voice unwavering.

For a woman who's endured what I have, his words hold more power than he'll ever possibly understand.

Taking a deep breath, I steel myself for what comes next.

Meeting his gaze with resolve, I know it's time. "I was in an abusive relationship for years," I say, expecting the weight of my past to fall heavily on my shoulders.

Instead, as the words leave my lips, I feel a sense of liberation wash over me. It's a newfound freedom, born from the courage to confront my demons head-on. "It was one of the hardest moments of my life." I keep my eyes on him. "But I'm tired of letting it define me."

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A/N: The moment you've been waiting for is here, guys! And I can't wait to hear your thoughts! 

Emma & Asher's journey is far from over and they'll need to fight with all they have to get their well-deserved happily ever after! Stay tuned for the next chapter!

Please remember to vote every time you hit a new chapter!

XOXO

Celeste