Eric's response was unwavering, his voice filled with conviction. "Forever. I've wanted to tell you for so long, but I was afraid. I didn't know if you felt the same way."
Ashley's heart skipped a beat as Eric's words hung in the air, suspended in a moment of tender vulnerability. Then, with a gentle smile, Eric asked the question that would change everything: "Will you marry me, Ashley? After we graduate, I mean."
The words themselves were simple, but the emotions they evoked were anything but. Ashley felt as though she was enveloped in a warm, comforting embrace, one that soothed her very soul. The world around her melted away, leaving only the gentle cadence of Eric's voice.
Ashley's response was instantaneous, her heart overflowing with emotion. "Yes, I'll marry you," she whispered, her voice trembling with joy.
Eric's recovery was a long and arduous one, spanning four grueling weeks. Yet, despite the brutality he endured, his love for Ashley remained unwavering. He suffered through three more Lincoln trials, each one more horrific than the last, but his devotion to Ashley never faltered.
As the school year drew to a close, a remarkable transformation took place. The boys, who had once tormented Eric, now accepted him as a worthy partner for their beloved Ashley. By the time graduation day arrived, Eric had earned their respect and admiration.
A year after graduation, Eric and Ashley tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by friends and family. Eric pursued his passions, becoming a renowned comic writer and spending his free time as a hunter and fisherman. Ashley, on the other hand, founded a successful fitness gym, catering to both men and women. While Eric's work often kept him busy, Ashley divided her time between her gym and their home.
Their marriage was a blissful one, filled with laughter, adventure, and a deepening love for each other. It seemed as though their happiness would last an eternity... but fate, it seemed, had other plans.
Ashley's morning routine was a well-oiled machine. After a business meeting the previous night, she woke up feeling a bit sluggish, but she pushed through the haze. As she exited the bathroom, fully dressed and prepared to tackle the day, she called out to Eric, urging him to wake up.
But as she approached the bed, her eyes widened in horror. The person lying beside her wasn't Eric – it was Matthew, her business partner and former classmate. A chill ran down Ashley's spine as she struggled to recall the events of the previous night.
Fragments of memories began to resurface. She had met Matthew at a nearby pub to discuss new terms for their partnership. He had already ordered drinks for them both, but unknown to her, he had laced hers with Tixie Dust, a notorious drug. Despite her suspicions and refusal to sign the papers, everything had gone black, and her memories ended there.
Now, as she gazed at Matthew's peaceful form, Ashley's mind reeled with the implications. She could only guess the worst, her heart racing with a mix of fear and anger.
Ashley's mind was a jumble of frantic thoughts. She knew Eric would be returning home soon, and the prospect of facing him filled her with dread. They had been married for almost three years, building a life together, and the thought of losing him was unbearable.
Matthew's presence in her bed was a ticking time bomb, threatening to destroy everything she held dear. If Eric discovered the truth, he would have no choice but to report her to the authorities. The penalty for infidelity was severe: exile to Battleground village for men, and a week in a male prison without supervision for women.
Ashley's heart racing, she knew she had to act quickly to avoid disaster. Hours passed, and the silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of Eric's return. He burst into the house, his hunting gear and freshly caught game in tow, calling out to Ashley with his usual affection.
But the house was quiet, the stillness a stark contrast to the usual chaos of their children's playful antics. Eric's brow furrowed in concern, wondering if Ashley had taken the kids to the park or on some other adventure. Little did he know, a storm was brewing, one that would test the very foundations of their marriage.
The knock on the door broke the silence, and Eric, curious about the visitor's identity, made his way to the entrance. He knew it wouldn't be Ashley, as she would have simply walked in. With a mixture of curiosity and caution, Eric opened the door to reveal a familiar face – Max, now an officer.
Eric's expression transformed into a warm smile as he greeted his old friend. However, Max's demeanor was more subdued than expected, his eyes clouded with concern. Eric brushed off the feeling, attributing it to Max's natural seriousness as an officer.
"Come on in, Max!" Eric said, welcoming his friend into the house. Max thanked him and stepped inside, accompanied by two other officers. Eric, oblivious to the true purpose of their visit, assumed they were simply passing by after an investigation.
Max, on the other hand, was struggling to maintain his composure. He had been tasked with investigating a murder, and the suspect's address had led him to Eric's doorstep. The possibility that his old friend might be involved in such a heinous crime was unthinkable. As Eric engaged him in conversation, Max found himself torn between his duty as an officer and his loyalty to their friendship.
The conversation flowed effortlessly, but Eric's curiosity eventually got the better of him. "So, Max, what brings you here after all these years?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Not many people have my address, and I'm sure you're not just in the neighborhood."
Max's expression turned solemn, and he stood up from the sofa, his movements deliberate. He reminded himself of his duty to protect the community, to create a safe haven for his friends and family. With renewed confidence, he met Eric's gaze. "Eric Cope, you're suspected of murder."
Eric's eyes widened in shock, his voice barely above a whisper. "Murder?" he repeated, the word hanging in the air like a challenge.
The two officers standing behind Max shifted slightly, their eyes fixed on Eric. Max's voice remained firm, his tone professional. "I need to ask your permission to search your house, Eric"