Heat Vol.2 (The return of the teaser)

All the students gathered in the auditorium with their blue gowns and caps as widen smiles plastered on their faces. Families and friends gathered with wide smiles and teary eyes as they watched their daughters, sons, and best friends finished a special chapter in their life.

Katie and Roger sat at the very front as they cheered as loud as they can when Ashley's name was called. The grin plastered on her face widened as she stood in front of the chancellor before he handed over her certificate while shaking her hand. Katie and Roger stood up applauding for Ashley as she turned towards them before blowing them kisses.

She did it... She graduated college... But what now?

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Ashley passed around in her apartment located in New York, with her phone wedged between her ear and shoulder, "Anna, I'm telling you, I'm busy, I have to meet up with this photographer," she said as Anna scoffed at the other line, "Fine, but what about that idiot?" She asked as Ashley rolled her eyes, "That idiot, Anna, is my boyfriend, and Daniel's fine," she replied as Anna huffed, "What about Jake, you guys were head over heels for each other," she said as Ashley sighed, "Well, we went our separate ways, we are now strangers to one another," she said as Anna chuckled, "You know it's really funny," Anna said as Ashley furrowed, "What is?" She asked as Anna suddenly whispered, "I feel it coming," she said before breaking into a burst of uncontrollable laughter with the song 'I feel it comin' by the Weekend playing in the background.

"You're ridiculous, Anna," she said as Anna's endless laughter finally came to an end, "But in all seriousness, I have a feeling something is going to happen," she said as Ashley rolled her eyes for the second time, "You're being ridiculous, Anna," she said earning an airy giggle, "Whatever, Ash, don't make me tell you, I told you so," she said as Ashley scoffed, "Yeah, whatever, I gotta go, I'm late for work," she said before ending the call.

Ashley sighed deeply before glancing at her watch, "Gosh, I should get going to get this meeting over with.

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Ashley entered the company to be immediately greeted by David, her assistant, "Christ, Ashley, why are you so late, girl?" He asked in a high tone voice, "Sorry, honey, I lost track of time," Ashley said as they both entered the elevator.

David quickly turned towards Ashley, making sure her makeup, hair, and clothes were alright as Ashley stood still letting him do his job, "Is he already here?" She asked as David nodded, "Mhm, and he's fine too," he said as Ashley chuckled, "I'm glad you find so, David, but I'm in a relationship," she said as David rolled his eyes, "I hear you, mama," Ashley smiled at his muttering before being startled by his sudden outburst, "Ok! You look fine as hell, so get in there and kill it like the boss bitch, you are," he said just before the elevator doors open.

David gently shoved Ashley out of the elevator before waving at her with a big smile on his face as the door closed. Ashley chuckled while shaking her head before heading to her office. For some reason, the atmosphere around her felt off, but Ashley simply ignored the feeling as she came closer and closer to her office door.

She took a deep breath before turning the door handle letting herself in, immediately introducing herself, "Hello, I'm Ashley, and welcome to my company-

Her body instantly froze as the person turned around to face her. Her heart raced a mile a minute as the person in front of her smirked.

" It can't be," she thought as the person folded their arms.

"Miss me?"

TO BE CONTINUED...

Today was another day, another great and successful day in Ashely's life. Once upon a time, this woman was viewed as the vulnerable stepsister that miserably fell in love with her stepbrother, but now tables are turned.

Now, this woman was known for her great success, courage, mental strength, determination, and self-motivation.

Now, she was known as Ashely Miller, CEO of the most well-known magazine company in New York City.

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*ALARM* *ALARM*

Ashley opened her eyes as she straight at her white ceil with a blank expression. In her mind roams a million and one things at the same time that caused her to close her eyes and took a deep breath in before opening them once again.

"Today is a new day, new goals are being set there is no room for failure, you are beautiful, your mind is beautiful, you are intelligent, you are independent, you are grateful, I am grateful," Ashley mumbled to herself as she took another deep breath in before slowly sitting up.

She glances around her dim bedroom while gently massaging her messy hair before patting the bed in search of something. A firm object was felt as she removed it from under the covers, with the press of a button, the curtains that were covering the windows slowly opened revealing the breathtaking view of the city.

The sunlight light up her bedroom as her smile widened at the peaceful sight before she slowly crawled out of her bed. Her breath hitched as her bare feet touched the cold floor, causing her to retract her feet back as her skin grew goosebumps.

Taking a deep breath, she slowly laid her foot on the floor getting a custom to the temperate before placing her other foot on the floor as well. Reaching for her phone on the nightstand, she walked towards the bathroom while dialing the number of her secretary.

Placing her phone down on the sink counter, she looked at her reflection in the mirror before lightly massaging her face with her fingers before a voice was suddenly heard coming from her phone, "boss lady, I'm here, good morning, boo," her secretary greeted as she grinned, "Good morning, David, how is your morning going, love?" She asked as David scoffed, "Girl, I've been pissed since last night when I came home from work," he said as Ashley furrowed, "Oh, yeah, what got you so upset?" She asked as David scoffed again, "Terek's lazy ass," he said as Ashley smiled, "What did he do this time?" She asked as there shuffling in the background, "Girl, I came home last night in the mood to get some vitamin D, but when I came home, he's busy playing on that childish PlayStation, I was so pissed off," he said as Ashley grinned while shaking her head.

"And what did you do?" Ashley asked as David chuckled, "I told his ass to have fun alone in the guestroom," he said as Ashley laughed, "Well, I hope he learned his lesson," she said as David hummed, "Trust me, he sure did," he said as Ashley laughed once again before grabbing her phone to hold against her ear, "Anyway, David, I called you to ask if you can call my driver, I'm not in the mood to drive myself today," she said as David responded with an 'okay' before she ended the call.

After doing her morning routine, she hopped into the shower, letting the warm water wash away her endless worries and stress.

Approximately 10 mins after, she exited the bathroom before walking towards the entrance of her closet to get ready for a long day of work. Getting dressed in a casual dark blue pantsuit, with her hair laying neatly against her back, Ashley continued to gather her work items before the sound of a horn was heard.

"Just in time," she mumbled with a small smile on her face as she made her way out of her apartment before heading out to meet up with her driver. As she exited the building, she immediately came to face with her driver, who instantly opened the car door as her presence came into sight, "Good morning, Charles," she greeted the young male with a sweet smile on her face as he blushed, "Good morning, Miss Miller," he greeted back with a shy smile on his face as Ashley furrowed, "I thought I told you to call me Ashley, Charles," she said as Charles, her driver sighed, "But, Miss Miller, you're my boss, wouldn't it be disrespectful to address you by your first name?" He asked as Ashley giggled while shaking her head.

"No, Charles, it's not disrespectful especially when your boss is requesting you to do so," she said as Charles nodded as his smile widened, "Alright, Ashley it is," he said as Ashley nodded before getting on the backseat of the car.

Soon, Charles arrived in front of Ashley's company, as she smiled while looking out of the window, "Here's where the magic begins," she mumbled before the door was opened by Charles as she steps out of the vehicle with the help of Charles, who smiled sweetly at her, "Thank you for the ride, Charles, I'll see you after work," she said as Charles nodded before leaving.

Ashley walked towards the entrance of the building as the doors were opened by the two security guards, "Good morning, Miss Miller," they greeted, as Ashley smiled, "Good morning, gentlemen," she greeted back as she entered the building.

The receptionist at the front desk greeted Ashley with a bright smile as Ashley returned her greetings before heading to the elevators on her way to her office. As the elevator stopped at the top floor and the doors opened, Ashley exited the elevator and walked towards her office while greeting working employees.

As she entered her office, she placed her belongings down and got comfortable in her chair before the doors of her office opened revealing her one and only secretary, David.

"David, my love," she exclaimed in an excited tone as David chuckled, "Hey, boo, welcome back, here sip on this," he greeted back with a grin on his face before handing over a cup of coffee.

"How does my schedule look like today, babe?" She asked while sipping on her coffee, "Actually, it doesn't look that pack today, you have a company staff meeting today, company portal, and office work," he said as Ashley nodded before flagging him off, "Alright, get, work isn't going to start itself," she said as David playfully scoffed before heading towards the door, "I hate you, you're such a b*tch," he said as Ashley laughed, "I love you too, David," she said as David blew her a kiss before leaving.

Ashley stood up from her chair, gently brushing over her pantsuit before walking towards the door, exiting the office. She slowly walked door the hall of the top floor while examining her employees as they work extremely hard for their boss's praise.

Reaching at the very end of the hall, Ashley suddenly overhears a conversation between two familiar female voices, "I really hate working for that phony b**tch," one of her female employees said as another individual hummed in agreement, "Right, she's so irritating," she said as Ashley smirked before approaching their desk catching them off guard, "Good morning, ladies, are you getting my work done?" She asked as the two women gulped, "Yes, ma'am," they both answered in unison as Ashley nodded before turning around to leave, "Oh, and one more thing, you're fired, get my work done and get the hell out of my company, since y'all obviously don't like working here for an irritating b*tch like me," she said before walking away leaving the ladies dumbfounded.

After doing the company portal, Ashley went back to her office and as she opened the door was greeted by a bunch of red roses. A smile grew on Ashley's lips as she closed the door behind her before walking up to the familiar person, whose face was blocked by the big bouquet of roses.

"Good morning, Daniel," she greeted as the rosed lowered revealing Daniel, Ashley's college playboy, and her current boyfriend, "Good morning, beautiful," he greeted back as he stepped forward to place a gentle kiss on her lips as she blushed, "So, what do I owe to this visit?" She asked making her way to her desk, "I thought, I'd come to visit you this morning, since I didn't see you last night, and I also came to tell you that I'm picking you up after work," he said as Ashley furrowed, "Oh, you are?" She asked as Daniel nodded, "Yes, I want to take you somewhere special, spend some time with you," he said as Ashley said before walking up to wrap her arms around his neck.

"That sounds lovely," she whispered against his lips as he smiled, "I'm glad you think so and these are for you," he said before handing over the bouquet of roses, "Their beautiful, Daniel, thank you," she said before kissing his lips. But it soon came to an end as the door to her office opened revealing David, who had a disgusted look on his face, "Y'all nasty," he said in a playful tone as both Ashley and Daniel chuckled before separating, "What's up, David?" Ashley asked as David furrowed, "What's up, girl, you got a meeting in 5 mins," he said as Ashley's eyes widened, "Oh God, I almost forgot," she said as David rolled his eyes.

Ashley immediately placed the roses in a vase before quickly thanking Daniel with a peck before rushing to the door, "Goodbye, Daniel, I'll see you after work," she said before rushing out with David close behind.

As they speed walk down the hall David took the chance to interrogate her, "Ash, why did you fire two workers?" He asked as Ashley scoffed, "Because I don't need the negative energy in my company, everyone in this building is considered family, we work as a family, we succeed as a family, and we fail as a family," she said as David remained silent with a smile on his face.

"What is this meeting even about Ashley, considering that we need the entire company here?" He asked with his brows furrowed, "You'll see and baby, you better be ready because it's big."

TO BE CONTINUED...

Ashley entered the meeting room with David not too far behind as they greeted staff of confused employees, "Good morning, everyone, thank you for coming due to our busy schedule," she said as both she and David took their seats at the very front of the table, "Good morning, Miss Miller," the staff greeted in unison earning a warm smile from Ashley, "Please sit down, guys," she ordered in a gentle tone as they took their seats before giving Ashley their undivided attention.

"I know you guys must be wondering why I stopped all work in the company for everyone to meet up when it's unlikely of me to do so," she said as the employees nodded their heads, "Well, I have some great, big news that I know for sure will boost our company's standard, and I know you guys are here for this," she said as she gestured to all of her employees as their eyes sparkled in curiosity.

Ashley crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair with one arm leaning on the arm of the chair as she smirked, "So a few days ago, I received a call from StarLink's CEO," she explained as gasps filled the room earning a 'yes' nod from Ashley, "As you guys know, we've been looking up to Starlink company, and with all our hard work, courage, and mindset, we hope and pray that our company would reach that level of success, which we are achieving very slowly " she said as the employees nodded in agreement, "The CEO and I were having this conversation, he was praising our company's hard work and discipline, and then he proposed an offer," she said before pausing earning a frustrated sigh from David.

"Girl would you just spit it out I'm growing gray over here," he said as everyone began to laugh as Ashley faced him with her jaw drop, "I'm trying to make it dramatic, David," she said as everyone continued to laugh while David rolled his eyes, "I already got enough drama in my life, I don't want anymore," he said as Ashley chuckled before turning back to her staff, "Alright guys, I'll get right to the point, Starlink's CEO wants to partner up with our company for their next big project," she said as everyone's face lit up, "I told him, I'll confirm my decision after I conversate with my team, so what do you guys think?" She asked as a bunch of "yes!", 'hell yes!", "Absolutely!" was heard from the employees as Ashley chuckled before nodding with a wide smile on her face, "I guess we'll be working with Starlink company," she said as cheers and applause filled the room.

"Now, I want everyone, and I mean everyone to bring their A games because we're in this together, we fail together," she said as all the employees stood up, "And we succeed together!" They chant in unison as Ashley nodded, "You are dismissed," she said as everyone nodded before leaving the room as they headed back to work.

Ashley turned to David, who had a smirk on his face, "B*tch, you did it again," he said as Ashley cracked up before nodding, "You bet I did."

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Ashley was in her office on the phone with Anna, "Ash, I'm telling you, I think I'm pregnant," she said as Ashley massaged the bridge of her nose, "Did you take a test, Anna?" She asked as Anna remained silent for a few seconds before replying, "N-No, I didn't," she said as Ashley chuckled while shaking her head, "Then how do you know that you're pregnant?" She asked as Anna rolled her eyes, "Because, I have the symptoms," she replied as Ashley raised an eyebrow, "Which is?" She asked as Anna set the bag of barbecue chips aside, "Nausea, I threw up a few times, weight gain, and I didn't see my periods," she replied causing Ashley to stop what she was doing, "If you're having these symptoms, Anna, then take a pregnancy test," she said as Anna hummed, "Alright, I will," she said as Ashley smiled, "Does Tucker know about this?" Ashley asked as Anna shrugged her shoulders, "He does, but he just thinks that I'm sick," she replied as Ashley's brows furrowed.

"Is everything okay between you two?" She asked as Anna sighed, "I'm not sure, he's been a bit distant lately," Anna replied while fiddling with her fingers, "What do you mean?" Ashley asked as Anna shook her head, "He got this new job at this construction company, and I guess he's just trying to get to know his new co-workers," she explained as a furrow formed on her face, "Do you think he's cheating, Ash?" Anna asked as Ashley's eyes widened.

"What?" Ashley asked in disbelief as Anna fustratedly sighed, "I mean, do you think he is?" She asked as Ashley looked around her office trying to find an answer for her best friend's question, "I-I don't know, Anna, do you think he is?" She asked as tears welled up in Anna's eyes, "He doesn't spend time with me anymore, he often comes home late and goes straight to bed, I mean, I get that he's tired, but we don't have sex anymore, I feel rejected," she explained as Ashley sighed in disappointment, "You need a vacation, Anna, how about I fly out to spend some time with me," Ashley suggested as Anna wiped her face.

"I don't know Ashley, I mean you have work, and I don't want to be a distraction," she said as Ashley rolled her eyes, "Just pack a suitcase Anna, and I'll see on Friday," she said as Anna smiled, "Thank you, Ash, you're a lifesaver," she said as Ashley grinned, "Yeah, yeah, I love you too," she said as Anna giggled, "Love you, bye," she said as Ashley bidding her goodbyes before ending the call.

As Ashley put away her phone, she received another call that had her blowing air out of her mouth before she answered the call, "Yes, Stella?" She answered as she continued with her work, "I'm sorry for bothering you, Miss Miller, but Miss Gibbes from Starlink is here to see you," Stella said as Ashley nodded before placing her pen away, "Yes, please send her up, Stella, thank you," she said as before ending the call.

Ashley quickly organized her desk before walking towards the built-in door to David's office. Once she stood in front of it, she knocked, "It's open, boss lady," he said as Ashley opened the door to reveal David hard at work, "David can you organize some tea for me, we have a guest from Starlink company?" She asked as David stopped what he was doing before getting out of his chair, "I got you, boo," he said as Ashley smiled before going back to her office.

As she made sure that her office was clean and tidy, there was a sudden knock on the door. Smoothing over her elegant dress suit, Ashley walked towards the door before opening it to reveal a red-headed woman dressed in a black pantsuit with a binder in between her arm, "Please, come in," Ashley said as she stepped aside to let the woman inside as she smiled, "Megan Gibbes, it's nice to meet you, Miss Miller," she said as Ashley shook her hand, "Likewise, Miss Gibbes, I'm guessing that Mr.Leo sent you?" She asked as Megan nodded, "Yes, he certainly did, I'm here to deliver and explain the insight of the project," she replied gesturing to the binder in her hand.

"Oh, that's great, please have a seat on the couch, I asked my secretary to bring us some tea, I hope you don't mind?" She asked as Megan took a seat on the leather couch while shaking her head, "No, I don't mind, tea sounds lovely, thank you," she said as Ashley smiled before taking a seat beside her.

Ashley and Megan began discussing the insights of the project and the more Megan explained to Ashley the more excited she got. Suddenly, Megan's phone that was laying on the table in front of them began to ring, catching Ashley's attention as the screen lit up.

A picture of Megan and a guy cuddling had Ashley stunned before she covered it up with a small smile, "I'm so sorry, Miss Miller, it's my boss," she said as she picked up the phone, "It's fine, you go right ahead," Ashley reassured as Megan smiled before exiting the room to answer the call. A sigh left Ashley's lips as she leaned back against the couch before the sound of the door opening caught her attention.

David walked through the door holding a tray with two cups of tea on them, "Hey, boo, you look like you just saw your ex," he commented as Ashley dryly chuckle causing David to raise an eyebrow, "What, you di-

The sound of the door opening cut David off, "Miss Miller, I'm so sorry, but I'm afraid we have to cut this meeting short, there's an emergency at Starklink company, and I have to leave," she explained as Ashley stood up to shake her hand, "Not a problem, Miss Gibbes, it was nice meeting you," Ashley said while shaking her hand as Megan smiled, "Likewise, Miss Miller, my boss said he will contact you to finish explain the insights of the project, have a good day," she said as Ashley nodded before walking her to the door as she left.

A heavy sigh left Ashley's lips as she walked towards her table and sat down. David placed Ashley's cup of tea in front of her before sitting down with the cup of tea that was originally for Megan, "You wanna tell me why you're so moody all of a sudden?" He asked as he sipped on the tea while Ashley played with her own, "It's nothing, I'm just worried about my best friend," she replied as David raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure because before that when I asked if you had seen your ex, you turned into a dried out coochie," he said as Ashley burst into laughter with her head thrown back.

After a while of laughing, Ashley's laughter boiled down to a few giggles before she stopped while dabbing her eyes, "I swear I love you so much, David, but I'm fine love," she said as David grinned, "Just checking, but what's up with your homegirl?" He asked as Ashley sighed, "Her boyfriend isn't giving her any kind of attention, and she thinks that he is cheating on her," she replied as David placed his teacup down, "Oh yeah, his ass is cheating, are they f**king?" He asked as Ashley chuckled, "No, he just comes home late and goes to sleep," she replied as David nodded his head, "Oh yes honey, his ass is cheating, what is she finna do about it?" He asked as Ashley shrugged her shoulders, "I told her that I'll fly her out here, she needs some time for herself, and I don't want her stressing because she thinks she's pregnant," Ashley said as David dramatically placed his hand on his chest while leaning backward.

"Pregnant! Oh, hell naw, and she thinks he's cheating?" He asked as Ashley nodded causing him to stand up, "Uh, uh, I'm out," he said as Ashley laughed, "Where are you going, David?" She asked as David walked towards his office door, "Back to work, you're not paying me for this," he said as Ashley laughed before getting back to her own work.

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Work was over and all Ashley's employees were heading home including David, who was exiting his office, "Bosslady, I'm heading out, I'll see you tomorrow," he said as Ashley looked up from her laptop with a smile, "Have a good evening, David," she said as David smirked, "You know I will, hopefully, Justin gives me, my vitamins because I'm lacking in vitamin D," he said as Ashley giggled before turning her attention back to the laptop, "Goodluck, babe," she said as David opened the door, "I wouldn't need it when I put this ass on him," he said before closing the door.

Ashley shook her head before her phone rang, "Hello?" She answered, "Hey, babe, I'm downstairs," Daniel said as Ashely stood up from her chair, "Alright, I'll be right down," she said before ending the call. After packing her belongings, Ashley exited her office before walking towards the elevator as it opened. Once she was in, her mind immediately wanders back to Megan and her phone, "Could it be him? No, it can't be, how would I know, we haven't seen each other in forever." Ashley thought before the sound of the elevator door opening caught her attention.

Walking out to the front desk, Ashley saw Daniel talking to the lady at the front desk, Stella. She walked towards them catching their attention as Stella stepped away from Daniel, who was leaning up against the table, "Hey, babe, are you ready?" Daniel asked as Ashley looked between him and Stella, who turned slightly pink, "Yes, but what's going on here?" She asked as Daniel cleared his throat, "While I was waiting, I thought why not spark a friendly conversation," he replied as Ashley nodded, "Alright, well I'm ready, Stella, why are you still here?" She asked as Stella forcefully swallowed, "I was getting ready to leave, ma'am, when your boyfriend began talking to me," she replied as Ashley nodded again before handing Daniel one of her bags, "Well, hurry up and leave, it's closing time." she said before turning around and leaving.

"How was work?" Daniel asked as Ashley folded her lips before answering, "Eventful," she replied as Daniel smirked, "Good because when we get home I have something that will calm your eventful day down," he said as Ashley smirked, "Then let's hurry and get home."

TO BE CONTINUED...

*I'll see you guys tomorrow with another chapter, hope you guys enjoy it and don't forgive to comment down below. :)