Chapter 23 The Strange Sparks

• Ashley's POV:
• Tears welled up in my eyes as I sank onto the sofa, gazing out the window. Every inch of my body throbbed with pain as if my bones were shattered. It was unbearable to move as if I were being scorched by the flames of hell. I knew deep down that I had to reclaim the company for my father, but how could I possibly do it while trapped under the same roof with a monster?
• Lost in my thoughts, the door swung open, revealing Damien. He nonchalantly lit a cigarette, and as the smoke filled the room, I couldn't help but cough, feeling suffocated by the scent. But it seemed like my reaction only fueled his determination, as he continued to puff away, mocking my discomfort. Using my right hand, I suddenly covered my nose, desperately trying to escape the pungent smoke. Damien didn't even spare me a glance, his attention was fixated on that picture. Strangely, anger and pain coursed through my veins, growing stronger as I watched him, lost in thought as he attentively stared at the image of the woman on the wall.