BLUSH

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

And then it clicked me.

I knew what I needed to do.

I ran back home.

Blake was in her room, sleeping probably.

I left a note for her in the kitchen saying that I will be gone for a day or two due to some work and she could stay at the mansion.

I went back at the mansion, straight to Nicole's room.

"Raymond," she greeted me, opening the door.

First things first.

I hugged her.

"Thank you. Thank you so much Nicole."

"For what?" She asked me, surprised.

"For being there with Ashley when no one was. For not judging her. For believing her. And for listening to her when she needed to be heard. Thank you Nicole."

She smiled, ruffled my hair and said, "I am glad she has you now."

"I am glad I have her."

I turned to leave when I realised I forgot something.

"And could you look after Blake for a day or two? I will be out of town."

"Sure Raymond."

I started my bike and rode to the airport. I bought my tickets for a flight to New York and boarded the plane.

I hardly had had any sleep that night so I slept through the entire journey.

The whirring of the tyres woke me up as the plane landed.

A cab took me to my destination.

I stood there, in from if the huge twelve storey building.

Stratford Corporations.

I took in a deep breath and walked into the building through the glass doors. I went to the reception.

This is for Snow.

You can do it.

For Snow.

Snow.

I kept on telling myself.

"I am here for Mr. Summers." I said to the blonde reception.

"It can't be." She gaped at me with wide eyes.

"Raymond Stratford. I'll send word for Mr. Stratford." And she went on to dial a number.

"No! Wait!" I grabbed the receiver from her hand and slammed it down.

"I am here for Mr. Summers." I repeated, firmly this time, eyeing her.

She gulped and nodded at me, getting up from her seat.

"Follow me, sir." She said and started walking in the direction of the elevator, which took us to the Eighth floor.

"Second office to the right." The blonde said and waited for me to go.

"Make sure you don't mention a word to Mr. Stratford." I warned her.

She nodded.

"Good. Thank you." And I went off.

Ashley's Dad was busy with some files when I entered his cabin.

"Do you have an appointment?" He asked me, looking up from his files.