Ashley's POV

"Is it because of the roses? It is because of the roses" Jenny asked as she entered my cabin.

Jennifer Sandler has been there when I needed her the most. In a way, I owe her my life. We've been through everything together and surprisingly she still stuck around. I don't trust a lot of people I trust very little people but I trust her with my life but it still doesn't excuse the roses.

"They look beautiful. I picked those for you. They bring out the color in the room" she explained as she adjusted the flowers.

"No. I don't like them. I don't want them in my cabin and I don't care about the color." I said in a stern voice.

"But look-"

"Jennifer. NOW"

She snorted but removed the flowers from the vase.

I know her intentions were right but I don't want a reminder of the things I liked in the past anywhere near my present. I'm a new person and I want to be free of the past.

I sat on my chair and studied the file in front of me. To my surprise it was exactly what I wanted, they appealed to me in a way no one else's did. They weren't perfect but natural, the designs had a little roughness to them which made them more fascinating to me. This was what I was searching for.

"This is from the architect your dad has found. He'll be meeting you anytime" Jenny said looking at her watch.

I nodded and kept watching the blueprints. I was satisfied with them.

Dad knocked on my door before entering. He gave me a quick hug knowing I don't like being held for too long or for that matter I don't like to be touched. I love my dad and I know he loves me to the moon and back but I've my issues and I'm glad he understands that.

"You saw the blueprints? That is a rough sketch." My dad inquired since he took the responsibility to find me an architect.

"Yes, I saw them and I like them. They fit in my vision."

He gave me his big smile "I'm glad. You know, you're going to love this guy too. He has this great personality and is so funny with sly sense-"

"Dad? Can he and you both be professional? Because I need someone professional, not funny."

"Oh honey, of course." He took out his cellphone "Let me call him in."

A few minutes I heard a knock and the door opening. I got up to greet the man but as soon as my eyes landed on the man in front of me, I froze. The same intense grey eyes staring at me. He was smiling, the same cheeky carefree smile that I saw five years ago and was envious from.

I stood there without saying anything, I didn't even know if he remembered me. My eyes traveled and I realized he has grown out of his boyish boy band look and is now more mature. He had a hint of a smirk and the remembrance in his eyes that I had in mind as well.

He walked up to me and without any warning wrapped his arms around me. I was stunned, shocked, surprised, and very uncomfortable. I don't like physical contact. I avoid physical contact in any way possible but this was all of a sudden and felt out of my control somehow.

I pushed him and took a step back. I straightened my dress and took another step back to put more distance between us.

"You don't recognize me? I'm pretty sure I remember you. I met you somewhat five years ago?"

"I remember you. Why did you hug me?"

"Oh yeah, I got excited. I never thought I would see you again. How have you been?"

I turned to my dad who was looking at us confusingly. I know he wanted answers but one thing at a time. "Dad, could you give us a moment?" I asked and he nodded.

After my dad left, he turned and asked the question I never knew how to answer "how's married life?"

I stood quietly without answering his question. His eyes inevitably traveled to my ring finger and with no ring, he realized the answer to his question. It wasn't a question anymore.

"David Vince" he put forward his hand to introduce himself. I didn't shake it, I just gave him a slight nod.

"Ashley Walker." He smiled and nodded "Can you work in a professional capacity?"

"Of course I can. Look, Ashley-"

"Ms. Walker, we're not friends. This is a professional relationship and you'll refer to me as Ms. Walker."

He smirked but nodded. He gave me the other blueprints he had and they were impressive as well.

"So, please have a seat and we can discuss further your qualification and what I expect from my architect."

"Oh, I scheduled a meeting for that tomorrow morning. I just came by today to get a feel of the place and meet the boss and all."

"Where are you going?" I frowned

"Isn't that unprofessional?"

I didn't say anything but stared at him trying to figure out what he was up to.

"I've other commitments I gotta go. See ya"

"Wait. What? You can't have other commitment-"

He came near me and put his hands on either side of my chair, caging me "I'll see you first thing in the morning."

"Mr. Vince I think it would be best to keep it professional. Also, you can't have other commitments if I'm going to hire you." I said and stood up releasing myself from the uncomfortable position.

"Call me David and don't worry, I'm all yours" he just winked and left without saying anything concrete.