The Rise of Ashton

Chapter Two

A Scorned Man 

Ashton’s heart pounded as his eyes locked onto the scene before him and in that moment, the reality of what he was witnessing shattered his entire world. 

Zoe, his girlfriend, the woman he had adored for the past three years, was entwined in the arms of another man. She wasn’t just in bed with him, she was naked, fully engaged, laughing and moaning in a way that felt like a slap in Ashton’s face.

“When will your loser boyfriend be back?" The man asked, still not aware of his presence. 

Zoe moaned loudly, “Let's not talk about him." 

Ashton hissed. He'd seen enough. He'd heard enough. 

Zoe gasped at the sound of his voice, she looked over, and her eyes widened in shock when she saw Ashton standing there, frozen in the doorway with cake plastered on the floor. 

For a brief moment, everything seemed to pause and then, the panic set in. 

Zoe scrambled to cover herself with the sheets, her face pale as she threw the pillow on the naked man beside her. 

“Ashton… I can explain—” her voice was desperate. 

“Explain?” Ashton’s voice broke as he stepped into the room, his fists clenching at his sides. 

“It's not what you think, Ashton." 

But he couldn't hear her words or pleas. His eyes were fixed on her glistening flesh. 

Her skin was covered in sweat. The way her body was wrapped over the strange man. 

Ashton couldn't believe the sight. Zoe was perfect. Their love was perfect. Or so he'd believed. “That you’re sleeping with another man?”   

Zoe’s eyes were filled with fear now, but Ashton couldn’t bring himself to care. Every word she said felt like a betrayal, every look she gave was only a reminder of the lies she’d been telling him. 

How could she justify what had happened. The hurt was too raw, too fresh.  

Despite Zoe's brief fear and panic at being caught, the man beside her was very calm. 

He still had his hands on her breasts, holding her. He was so casual about it, so comfortable, it made Ashton’s blood boil.  

“Is this how it is?” Ashton spat, his voice filled with disdain. “You really thought I wouldn’t find out?”  

Zoe’s mouth trembled as she tried to gather her thoughts, but the words came out bitter. “You were always too busy, Ashton. Too focused on your failed interviews, too focused on everything else but me.” 

Ashton's eyes widened at her switch. She didn't look remorseful. In fact, she looked ready to confront him. 

She stood up, grabbing the sheet to cover herself as she glared at him. “I expected you to treat me right and you gave me nothing. Don’t you get it? You’re not the man I thought you were.”  

Ashton was stunned. She was blaming him for this? For her infidelity? For everything that had gone wrong in their relationship?  

“Zoe, I do everything for you. I pay for your hair, your nails, your clothes. Everything I can!" 

But Zoe waved her hands. “All cheap! That's not what I signed up for." 

“You’re telling me you’re doing this because I’m not successful enough for you?” Ashton’s voice was hoarse now, full of disbelief.

Zoe shrugged, “Do I have to spell it out?" She scoffed, “You attended a great college, I thought you'd be done and get a great job but no, you're a loser now!" 

Ashton couldn't believe what she said to him. She was humiliating him in the presence of her lover. “You’re the one who has nothing going for her, Zoe! I've been taking care of you since we got together. Always asking for money, always demanding things. I work hard to give you everything.” 

The man in the bed suddenly laughed, an arrogant, mocking sound that made Ashton furious.  

“You think you’ve got the world figured out, but you don’t even understand the power of money,” he smirked and wrapped his arms around Zoe who didn't push away. Even in his presence, she was very willing. 

“How dare you touch my girl?" Ashton sneered furiously. Glaring at the man. 

“Your girl?" He chuckled, “You think you’re entitled to her just because you’re some college graduate?”  

Ashton’s heart slammed in his chest, every word the man spoke enraged him. It felt like his entire life had been a joke, and this man, this stranger, was mocking him for it.  

“You don’t know what it’s like to actually have something, do you?” the man smirked. 

Ashton’s pulse raced. He wanted to punch this man, to feel his fists connect with the smug look on his face, to wipe away the arrogance he wore. 

“Shut your mouth,” Ashton growled, his voice barely controlled. He took a step forward, his hands shaking with rage. But as he did, Zoe stood between him and the man, her hands trembling as she pushed against his chest.  

“No, Ashton!” Zoe’s voice was panicked now. “Don’t touch him!”  

Zoe was defending her lover. She was openly picking the man over him. 

Zoe’s expression was cold. She didn't seem sorry. In fact, she looked upset at Ashton. 

“Yeah, well, maybe I got tired of waiting around for you to finally get your shit together. You were always too busy with your fancy degree and your job hunts. I thought you’d be my ticket out, but guess what? You’re just a disappointment.”  

Ashton’s heart shattered. She was blaming him for everything. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks, she had never truly cared. 

She had been using him from the start, always looking for something better. And now, she had found it.  

“Just leave, Ashton!” Zoe waved her hands dismissively. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”  

Ashton couldn't breathe. He couldn't believe she was protecting the man who had taken everything from him, the man who had stolen his girlfriend, his trust, his life.  

Zoe turned to him mockingly. “You’re pathetic, Ashton,” she sneered. “You never had a chance. Now get out. I’m done with you.”  

Ashton didn't wait for her to say it again. He turned away mechanically. 

The man’s laughter followed him, echoing in his

ears as he walked out of the room. 

Zoe had done the unimaginable. She'd broken his heart.