Anastasia stood at the entrance of Ashton's villa, her heart pounding. She wasn't sure what to expect from him. The last time they saw each other, things were far from friendly. But Bella needed help, and Ashton had begrudgingly called her.
The door creaked open, and Ashton appeared, his expression unreadable. "You're here." His voice was flat, more out of necessity than any sense of welcome.
Anastasia swallowed, her nerves on edge. "Yeah. You called."
For a moment, neither of them moved, the tension thick between them. Ashton shifted slightly, as if the weight of asking for her help was still uncomfortable. "Bella's in the kitchen. She hasn't eaten… I don't know what else to do."
Anastasia nodded, stepping inside. "Right."
Ashton followed behind her, his gaze sharp, though he kept his distance. "Look, I didn't call you for a reunion. This is about Bella. Just… do whatever you came to do and leave."
