“Yeah, that’s right, I was the one who ruined your life. She’s got nothing to do with this,” Finnick said, gesturing to Vivian. “Let her go, and I promise I’ll invest in Miller Group and restore their former glory. I’ll also send someone to bring your mother back. I’ll do anything you ask as long as you let her go!”
“Are you serious?” Ashley asked tentatively.
If she had her mother by her side, her life would take a huge step towards normalcy again. She began to wonder if Fabian would return to her side once that happened.
“Of course. I never make empty promises. Besides, everyone is watching us here. Can you come here for a moment?” Finnick said reassuringly.
“I want to meet Fabian! Now!” Ashley demanded.
“Alright, alright. I’ll call him right now,” Finnick said. “Don’t move.”
He took out his phone and dialed Fabian’s number. “Where are you? Get over here now!”
“Huh?” Fabian said, confused. “What’s wrong?”
He was not feeling well that day and decided to take a day off from work, so he had yet to hear of the kidnapping.
“Ashley kidnapped Vivian and threatened to jump off a building with her. She wants to see you, so you’d better come soon!” Finnick shouted into the phone.
Fabian jumped when Finnick raised his voice, but there was no time for questions. “Alright, I’ll be there soon,” he said, before hanging up the phone and dashing out of the house.
Twenty minutes later, Fabian arrived at the scene by car, and he shivered when he saw Vivian dangling from the railing dangerously.
He still loved her, and he had broken up with her because of certain misunderstandings. Now that he knew the truth, he regretted everything. Ashley must have kidnapped Vivian because of me…
He grimaced. Am I only capable of hurting you, Vivian?
“That’s enough, Ashley. Can you let her go? We can go home after this,” Fabian said gently.
“Can you promise me something, Fabian?” Ashley asked, her eyes brimming with tears. “Can you marry me and love me forever? Don’t you know how much I loved you from the moment I set my eyes on you? Vivian is nothing but an illegitimate child, so she’ll never compare to me or you. I will do whatever it takes to keep you by my side, Fabian. No one else loves you as much as I do, Fabian!”
Everything she had done was for his sake, but he somehow refused to acknowledge it.
Fabian hesitated as he glanced at Vivian, who was just minutes away from plunging to her death. “Alright, fine. Let’s get married.”
“Really, Fabian? Really?” Ashley chirped.
“Yes, I promise. I just need you to let Vivian go,” Fabian said.
Ashley’s face fell the moment he spoke those last few words. “You’re lying, Fabian. You’re lying to me! You just want to save Vivian, don’t you? You still love her, don’t you Fabian?”
Fabian fell silent, and to Ashley, silence meant consent.
She stared at him desperately as tears ran down her cheeks.
