Moving on from Fading Love

The first time I met Ashton Robertson was when I was sent by the head office for an inspection. I happened to see a photo shoot in progress, and he was the model.

"He is really good-looking." Ninety-nine percent of women were suckers for good looks, and I was no exception.

"How about having a meal later and inviting Ashton?" The manager, noticing my interest, suggested a way for me to meet him. "This kid is not only good-looking but also a top student."

"Oh no, that's not how we roll." I quickly declined. I couldn't bear to corrupt such a promising young talent. Better not to expose him to the darker sides of society too soon.

I chuckled and excused myself to the restroom.

I was only a few minutes late, but when I returned to the lounge, someone else was already changing inside.

I accidentally caught a glimpse of the young man's physique, but it wasn't really my fault. After all, the lounge wasn't marked as anyone's private space.

"Sorry." The boy's voice was cool and clear; it was Ashton, whom the manager had just introduced.

I hadn't even said anything, yet he was the one apologizing. In any case, I was the one who had gained advantage.

My gaze wandered a few times before finally settling back on his face. He was truly handsome, with that youthful face and figure.

Such a fair-skinned, innocent, and poor college student. If I weren't so busy lately, I'd really want to spend some time on him.

"Ashton?" I stared at him, joking with a smile, "Nice abs."

My life rule was that if you couldn't have the handsome guy, at least teased him a little.

Seeing him like this, he must be off work. "Want a ride, handsome?"

Hearing this, he gave me a curious look. Maybe this kind of thing happened to him a lot?

I couldn't help but imagine. With his looks, he should be making good money in entertainment industry. After all, wealthy women had a soft spot for guys like him.

"I've seen you before." He suddenly said, staring at me.

"Oh, really?" It was possible. Maybe at some film set or studio. But I wasn't that curious. After all, we might just be passing acquaintances.

"I heard from manager that you're a top student. Which university do you attend?" I walked out with him, just making small talk to avoid any awkwardness.

"Why do you ask?" Ashton was dressed simply in a white shirt and jeans, looking pure and easy to deceive.

"So I can treat you to a meal sometime?" When I said this, most people would know it was unlikely to happen, but this kid actually went along with the conversation.

"Doesn't your boyfriend mind?" His bright eyes stared at me, making me feel a bit pressured.

But hearing this, I chuckled, "If you're really willing, then let him stew in jealousy. It would serve him right."

I saw him raise an eyebrow, as if asking what I meant.

"There's nothing much to say, just that..." Before I could finish, I saw my ex-boyfriend, Justin Marshall, whom I had cursed to be reborn as a beast in his next life, standing at the bottom of the steps.

2

"Sweetheart." Justin held a bouquet of roses, calling me affectionately. The term made me take a deep breath in disgust.

I maintained a polite smile as I turned back, "Today is really unfortunate. The curse itself has found me. Let's reschedule, okay, darling?"

I leaned in to hug Ashton, not caring about his reaction at this point. Once emotions took over, there was no room for rational thought.

After sending him off, I knew a tough battle was ahead. Justin, in his blue suit, did look quite presentable at first glance.

"Sweetheart, there's no need for this, is there?" Seeing the scene just now, his face had already darkened.

"You still have the nerve to come find me? Haven't we already made things clear?" I didn't want to see his deceitful face for even a minute longer. I just wanted to end it quickly.

"Why don't you believe me? Lily and I are really just friends. I can explain everything."

His words made me feel sick.

"Just friends?" I nodded, speechless with anger, "Making out in the mall is just friends? And staying up all night in a hotel with her under the covers is just chatting?

Besides, that girl looks quite young. You sure know how to pick your friends."

Maybe I hit a sore spot because he didn't speak for a while.

"And what about you? Aren't you the same? Was that guy just now your new victim?" At this point, Justin stopped trying to sweet-talk me. "A poor student? Would your parents agree?"

"Mind your business." Mentioning this really hit a nerve. He had met my parents and knew what they were like.

My parents hoping to marry off their daughter to a rich man for a comfortable retirement. If they knew about Justin's cheating, they might even advise me to let it go.

I had barely walked a few steps when I got a call from my mom. I figured that scoundrel, seeing that he couldn't get through to me, went to bother my family.

"Daughter, Justin is such a good choice. He's even come to me. Don't be stubborn, listen to your mother. Settling down early is the sensible choice." It was the same old story.

She didn't know the details, and I was too tired to explain.

I quickened my pace in frustration, turning a corner only to see someone leaning against the wall.

"What are you doing here?" It was Ashton. He was still there.

"Afraid you'd get hit by that guy." I wasn't sure if he was joking or not, but seeing his serious expression made me laugh.

"Come on, get in the car. Even though it's not good to lead a kid astray, I'm in a bad mood today. Let's make an exception." I opened the car door, inviting him to join me.

That day, I took this college student I had just met out for a drink. At first, I remembered what we did, mainly just teasing him a bit and chatting about everything under the sun.

I even made a bold declaration that I would never date another rich kid.

"Hehe, from now on, I'll keep dating down-to-earth guys like you who listen to me." I even pinched his cheek, which was smooth and nice to touch.

Later, as we drank, I completely blacked out. The next day, waking up intact in my bed, I figured Ashton must have been kind enough to help me.

3

This little episode in my life was quickly swept away by the busyness of work. Occasionally, I thought about looking for his contact information, but then I reckoned it wasn't meant to be, so I just let it go.

But life had a funny way of springing surprises on you. I seldom had time to attend my alma mater's anniversary celebration, and when I looked up, there was Ashton on stage delivering a speech.

No wonder he was a top student and also a star at school.