Chapter 695 To Be True To Yourself

Chapter 695 To Be True To Yourself

Asher strode through the quiet hall of a WHA branch building, his steps purposeful as he approached her office. The soft light filtering through the windows lit up the walls, but nothing could dim the tension that crackled in the air. He knew the effect he had on her. He relished it.

When he reached the door, he knocked lightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Inside, Cecilia sat at her desk, her mind scattered as she reviewed documents, trying—failing—to ignore the ever-present weight of his earlier visit. The memory of his words, his touch, still clung to her, making her heart pound.

At the sound of his knock, she froze, her breath catching in her throat. She already knew who it was, "Come in," she called, though her voice trembled just slightly.

The door creaked open, and Asher stepped in, his tall frame filling the doorway. His presence seemed to command the room, his gaze locking onto her with a knowing intensity.

"Cecilia," he said softly, his voice warm but with a playful edge. "You seem tense." n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

She swallowed hard, quickly standing from her desk, flustered at his sudden appearance. "Ash," she began, her words coming out rushed and breathless, "I—I wasn't expecting you this early." She straightened her posture, but her body betrayed her, the anxiety tightening her chest. "Is there something you need?"

Asher's smile deepened as he stepped closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "Oh, I think you know what I'm here for."

Cecilia's heart raced. She knew exactly what he meant, and she could already feel the heat rising in her cheeks. "Ash," she murmured, her voice almost pleading, "Do we really have to—"

"Of course we do," he cut her off, his voice smooth and teasing, "You promised me a wish, remember?" He moved even closer, his fingers brushing against her arm as he leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. "And my wish was that I could kiss you whenever I wanted."

Cecilia's heart stuttered in her chest, her pulse quickening at his nearness. She could hardly breathe, the weight of her promise hanging over her. She knew she had to let him kiss her.

But before she could respond, Asher's hand gently cupped her chin, tilting her face up toward him. His lips brushed against hers in a soft, lingering kiss, slow and deliberate, as if he were savoring every moment of her resistance melting away.

She closed her eyes, feeling the familiar warmth flood through her. But as soon as the kiss ended, Cecilia pulled back slightly, her breath coming in shallow gasps, "Ash..." she whispered, her voice shaky. "I want one more chance."

He raised an eyebrow, his expression smug, "Another chance?"

She nodded, trying to steady her voice, "I will suceed this time."

Asher chuckled softly, clearly amused by her persistence, "You're already ready to put yourself through that again?" he teased. But the gleam in his eyes said he was more than willing to oblige, "Alright. I am happy to let you try as many times as you want."

Cecilia took a deep breath, determined to keep her composure this time. Just stay calm, she told herself. 'You can do this.'

Cecilia felt her heart waver upon feeling his gaze and could see he must really care about that student. She wanted to believe him, but something felt off. "That's not something I can just tell you, Ash. This... this could put me in a difficult position, especially with Derek."

He sighed, his voice laced with disappointment, as he stepped even closer, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "Cecilia, don't you see? I'm not asking you to go behind anyone's back. I'm asking you to do the right thing. These young minds, they're about to embark on something incredibly dangerous. We can start by at least saving that kid."

Cecilia's hands trembled slightly as she clenched them at her sides, "But... if Derek found out—"

"Forget Derek for a moment," Asher interrupted gently, his voice soft but firm. "This isn't about him. This is about that kid, about justice, about saving lives. You've always stood for what's right, Cecilia. I know you care deeply about the future, about doing what's morally right. That's why you have to tell me. Wouldn't you do the same for your daughter?"

Her heart pounded as she looked at him, conflicted. Every part of her wanted to hold on to her loyalty to her husband, to the mission she had sworn to protect.

But Ash's words wormed their way into her mind, making her question everything. Wasn't he right? If she had the chance to save lives, shouldn't she take it? Could she let those young geniuses compromise their life?

But what she knew was that she would have stopped Rachel from going if she was in that situation.

Asher took her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he leaned in, his voice a whisper, "My wish, Cecilia, is for you to stay true to yourself. You've always cared about justice, about protecting those who can't protect themselves. Don't let your husband or fear stop you from doing what's right. I don't want to see you regret anything later... going down a path you can't turn back from."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. They struck a chord deep within her, tapping into the very values she had always held close. She bit her lip, her mind spinning. The room seemed to close in around her, and for a moment, all she could hear was the pounding of her pulse in her ears.

"What do you want to know? I promise I will keep this between us," she asked softly, her voice trembling with the weight of her decision.

Asher's smile widened, but this time it was softer, more sincere, "You might know him. A student named Remy Eleanor. I need to know when he will be fully prepared for their journey to Mars... and when exactly he'll be leaving."

Cecilia hesitated, her throat tightening. This was exactly the kind of information that could put her in jeopardy if it got out.

But she had already made up her mind. She had to believe Ash's intentions were pure, that he truly wanted to save that kid.

If it was Rachel, she wouldn't have sat still, even if it meant going against Derek. Then why can't she do it for someone else's child?

And so she took a deep breath and nodded, "I will find out for you. But...how are you going to help him? You can't do anything dangerous that could put you in trouble."

Asher smiled as he stepped closer and cupped her face with an endearing look, "You think I will barge in and take him away? Of course not. But I know some good people who would be willing to take the risk and help me. Whether they succeed or not...only the angels can know, but I have to try for his sake."

Cecilia pressed her lips together as she nodded, wondering if everything would be alright now that she took a leap of faith. But who were these good people he knew who were willing to take up such a dangerous task?