CHAPTER 118: DARE TO LOVE ME Summer 

Ashley 

“Goodbye, my darlings,” I kissed Alana’s cheek and then Noah’s. My goodness, I couldn’t 

understand how they could smell so sweet and lovely. I inhaled their scent as if I couldn’t get 

enough of them. 

“Bye, Auntie,” Noah said with a little hop. Oh, I could just eat them up! Those little voices were the sweetest thing I’d ever heard. I was deeply in love with them. 

I hugged them again and headed to Alaia’s office. 

“Are you going out?” my precious cousin, whom I adored so much, asked. 

“I have to meet with the little bud.” 

I sat comfortably in the office chair while I watched Alaia laugh. 

“I met with the engineers, everything is going perfectly. You’re a wonderful right–hand,” she 

praised happily. 

“But darling, we’re Russells, we’re magnificent at everything,” I said proudly, and we both 

laughed. “I’m preparing the engineers to take over what I’m handling, and in the near future, I’ll 

leave everything in their hands so they can report to you. I’ve been diving deep into the design 

of the collection.” 

Alaia nodded vehemently. “Of course, darling, I know how important what’s coming is for you,” 

she caressed my hand. “How are things going with William?” She crossed her arms and 

settled more comfortably in her manager’s chair, looking at me with amusement reflected in 

those beautiful brown eyes, the little troublemaker. 

“He’s not a bad guy. He’s completely bought the story that I’m a man. It makes me think that’s why my father hasn’t been able to find me.” 

I spoke quickly, not wanting to acknowledge the feelings William Garnett had been stirring in me lately. Maybe it was the summer that was making me see things that weren’t there. I 

refused to let it be anything related to emotions. I’d be crazy to see him in any other way, especially him, a f*ck boy who represented everything I didn’t want in a man. Not in a million 

years! 

“Perfect, one less thing to worry about,” Alaia sighed. 

“I have to go, I’m meeting with the annoying one,” who wasn’t so annoying anymore, I thought to myself. “See you at home,” I approached to hug her, and she showered me with affection. 

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CHAPTER 118: DARE TO LOVE M… 

Oh, how I loved her. 

“I love you,” she said as I walked away. 

I blew a few kisses to her and my kids and left the office. 

***** 

+15 Points 

I exhaled as I turned the handle of William’s office door. 

“Good afternoon,” I greeted him, seeing him standing by the window, talking on the phone. He was wearing a gray suit, no jacket, a light blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing his hands and the veins in his arms. His tie was royal blue. 

He gestured a greeting and pointed to the furniture. I nodded and walked over, opening my laptop. Though I tried to focus on the screen, his movements distracted me. I lifted my gaze 

and observed his strong back stretching the shirt, his well–formed rear in those dress pants. I 

tilted my head and put the pencil to my lips, feeling my mouth go dry. The display of 

masculinity continued, and when he turned slightly, I saw his arm where his bicep pressed 

against the shirt. I felt a small jolt of electricity in my core as I bit the pencil. 

It was starting to get hot in there. 

Will turned in my direction as he ended the call, and I composed myself. 

What are you doing, Ashley? Control yourself, woman! This summer is going to kill me one of 

these days, damn it. 

William’s secretary brought water and set it on the table in front of me. 

“Ready?” he asked, taking a seat on the couch next to mine. 

“All set,” I affirmed, drinking the water as my eyes drifted towards him, sitting so very 

masculinely with his arms resting on his legs. 

I looked away, hoping the water would refresh my thoughts and something else. 

I refocused on work, which was what I came here for. 

“I’ll ask the secretary to order something to eat,” he commented, heading to his desk after a 

couple of hours. 

“It’s about time,” I retorted, watching him laugh and shake his head. 

We heard someone knocking on the office door, and Will allowed whoever it was to enter. 

“William,” it was her small voice. Perfect, just who we were missing. I heard her steps and saw her approach him. 

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+15 Point: 

CHAPTER 118: DARE TO LOVE M… 

“Jessie,” William smiled at her, and I made a face but quickly fixed it. Damn my reactions. 

She approached to hug him and give him a couple of kisses, one very close to his lips. I noticed she looked as gorgeous as always. This girl had come looking stunning, slender, stylish. The light gray dress clung perfectly to her silhouette, her dark blonde hair almost brown, perfectly straight, flawless skin, fantastic nails. She was every guy’s dream. 

“I was passing by and wanted to say hello,” she looked at him and caressed his cheek. Come on, not even she believed that passing by story. 

“It’s always good to see you, Jess,” William smiled at her. “I was about to order something to 

eat. Do you want anything?” he asked. 

“No, that’s not necessary. I brought a few things,” she stepped out of the office and returned 

with a pink box and some drinks. William’s secretary helped her. 

“They’re from your favorite café. I hope it still is,” she smiled and wrinkled her little nose. 

“Wow, yes, I still go there from time to time,” William looked surprised. 

“Great!” she clapped delightedly. 

They brought the box with very aesthetic croissant snacks and the drinks in pink cups. I took 

a ham snack and started eating. It was delicious, but I was distracted by Jessie taking a 

snack and placing it in William’s hands. Couldn’t he grab it himself? 

“Thanks,” William accepted it, looking a bit puzzled. 

Jessie was acting strange today. 

I finished eating and decided to leave. I felt like a third wheel. 

“I’ll leave you two alone,” I stood up and straightened my suit pants. 

“No, Asher dear, please stay,” Jessie stood up and helped me sit down again. 

Was she crazy? I’d give her the space to flirt comfortably. 

“Yes, stay. We’re not done yet,” William pointed to the papers. 

Even though the situation felt a bit odd, I decided to stay and finish what was pending. 

William’s secretary came in at one point and asked him to go with her. I lifted my gaze slightly and returned my eyes to the papers in front of me. 

“Such a beautiful sunset, don’t you think, Asher?” Jessie spoke delicately and looked towards 

the window, I did the same. 

“It is,” I replied, seeing the lovely orange clouds covering the sky. I watched her move to sit 

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+15 Point 

CHAPTER 118: DARE TO LOVE M… 

next to me. 

“Asher, dear,” I turned to look at her, and she had her hands on her legs, smiling sweetly. 

“What are you up to, Jessie?” I dared to ask. 

“Well,” she sighed, “you know about my past relationship with William.” 

I nodded, and she looked thoughtful for a moment. 

“Do you know if there’s any girl in his life? I know we’ve only known each other for a short time, 

but you two are very close friends.” 

Well, friends, friends. 

“And I’d like to know if there’s someone special in his life,” she asked somewhat shyly. 

“I’m not sure,” I shrugged, not understanding where she was going with this, “but I think you 

should discuss that with him.” 

“Yes, yes, I know, dear,” she patted my hands. “I wanted to get a head start, Asher… I’ve 

decided to win William back and wanted to ask for your help.” 

Well, damn.