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Posted by admin, ? Views, Released on December 9, 2024

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CHAPTER 180: DARE TO LOVE ME If You Are Not By My Side Part 2

Ashley

My heart raced with excitement as the first model stepped onto the runway. I watched from backstage as the audience, studded with celebrities, delighted with each piece.

I returned to the frenzy, helping to change the models in a matter of seconds. Finally, the time

came for Tino and me to close out the show.

The beautiful evening gown I had designed and Tino’s glamorous tuxedo represented this collection perfectly: full of glamour and haute couture.

The audience applauded and smiled as we walked out onto the runway. I walked alongside Tino and spotted my family in one of the sections: Alaia, Nick, my grandfather, my Uncle Patrick, and Aunt Paula, and my mother Loli. The twins were with Sondra and her daughter, who were happy to look after them tonight. And finally, the love of my life, whose eyes shone as he smiled at me, making me melt. He winked at me, and I continued walking down the runway. As we entered the event building once again, the models were waiting for us along with our entire team. We applauded amidst hugs.

“It was a success!” I exclaimed.

After receiving congratulations from everyone, they began to disperse to change and go to the

party.

“You’re not ready?” Tino asked. “I’m ready to celebrate! Come on, the night is young.” He had already changed. I saw that the jacket of his suit was adorned with sparkling embellishments

in his signature colors.

“I’ll be there in a second,” I replied. He gave me two kisses and walked on ahead, looking happy, a bottle in his hand.

I looked at the brightly lit vanities and the empty room. I sighed, remembering everything that had led us here. I remembered the day I had gone to Los Angeles with Alaia and started dressing like a boy. It was fun, I wouldn’t deny it, and it helped inspire me for the collection. I saw the dresses hanging in order and touched them. I also never imagined that I would meet the man who would make me love him the way I did. I thought it wouldn’t happen, that no one would ever come along. But he was out there waiting for me, loving me as I loved him. I let out a breath, thinking about the people I loved, and thanked heaven for having them in my life. Tino had been with me for several years. Alaia had come into my life recently, but she was the sister I never had. My precious twins, whom I adored. And everyone else who made me feel

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CHAPTER 180: DARE TO LOVE M…

fortunate to have them. Except for my father. I wished he had been as good a father as my

Uncle Patrick. However, I had decided not to hold a grudge and to leave the whole matter with

him aside. I hoped that one day he could reflect on his actions. For now, I had to enjoy those I

loved and who loved me.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard a noise near where I was and became alert.

****

William

We looked for our seats in front of the runway, eager to be with the woman I loved on this

important night for her. There was much to be worked out regarding her crazy decisions, but

of course, I wasn’t going to stop her. On the contrary, she should include me in these

decisions.

I glanced to the side at the chairs not far from where we were and saw a familiar face.

“Go ahead, I’ll be there in a minute,” I told Nick and Alaia, who were with the whole family.

I walked over to the guy who was accompanied by another.

“Lyon Rossi,” I said, and he looked at me. “William Garnet. Ashley Russell is my girl,” I clarified

as soon as I introduced myself.

“I see. So, you’re the lucky one.” He held out his hand, and I eyed it before shaking it.

“I am,” I agreed.

“Listen, if you came to talk to me about what happened, I want to tell you that-” I raised my hand and stopped him.

“I know what I need to know,” I interrupted. “I’m just here to tell you that I don’t want your hands, or anything else of yours, near my woman. I know you need those hands, and I wouldn’t

want to break them tonight.”

“Hey, calm down,” he said, keeping his hands raised. “I just came to make an appearance. It would look bad if I didn’t come to her show. But don’t worry, I won’t be here long. She’s a good

girl, and I don’t want to cause her any more trouble.” He looked at his companion. “This is

Oliver Lacroix, my teammate and friend.”

I shook hands with the blond man he had just introduced.

“Nice to meet you. I think I’ve seen you somewhere,” I said to Oliver.

“That’s possible if you like motorcycle racing and speed. We’re professional racers,” he explained. I remembered him then.

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CHAPTER 180: DARE TO LOVE M…

“You’re good,” I said, recalling a race or two of his.

Oliver nodded proudly.

“As for you and your suggestion, I don’t think so, Rossi. Enjoy the night,” I said, and they both

nodded.

I walked to my seat and took a sip of my drink to wash away the unpleasantness of seeing Lyon. I received a message from Ivan informing me that everything was in order. I smiled, thinking of Ash’s face every time she saw him. I was sorry, darling, but she was going to have

to learn her lesson one way or another.

I watched the collection and felt proud to see what Ash and Tino had created. I marveled at each garment, each dress, and how everything fits together perfectly.

Finally, it was time for the woman I loved to walk the runway that belonged to her. I stood up and caught my breath as she appeared, more beautiful than ever, her eyes locked on mine

without missing a beat.

We were at the after–party. The Weeknd was singing on stage, and I waited for the right moment to go get Ash. I noticed that all the models and other team members were leaving. The last one out was Tino, who approached me.

“Go get her, handsome!” He gave me two kisses and ran off to join the family.

I had wanted the moment I went to her to be just ours, to let this night be hers alone. I walked with slow but sure steps until I reached the room where the vanities were. There were clothes everywhere. Ivan looked at me, and I asked him to leave quietly. He nodded and left.

I found Ashley at the back, leaning against one of the vanities. My shoe made a slight noise.

“You did it,” I said. She was startled for a second, but then she smiled.

“We did it,” she agreed as The Weeknd’s “I Feel It Coming” started playing outside.

“I thought a thousand times today about how to do this,” I said. Her eyebrows came together, and she straightened up as I approached her. “And I just remembered that there is no one who fits into my life like you do. I never thought I’d say this… but there is no one else I want a future with, a family with. My life won’t be the same unless you’re by my side, Ash.” I sighed. “You’re beautiful, fearless, intelligent, talented, fun. You know how to love me, and even though your craziness drives me crazy, I’ve decided to love you just the way you are.” Her eyes welled up as she laughed. “I know there’s a lot we need to work on, and we’ll have to learn it along the way because I’m not letting you go, Ashley Russell.” I got down on one knee. “Instead, I’m going to make you my wife and trap you so you can’t escape me again.” She laughed. “Will you marry me, my love?”