He Missed the Funeral... For Her - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Damon walked in just as I was heading out, dragging his suitcase behind him while chatting on the phone.
Seeing his face again didn't stir a single emotion in me.
"The project's already underway. Carrie and a few others are helping out. We'll officially launch the company soon."
He brushed past me to stash his suitcase, still rambling about work. I shot him a glance, my brows knitting together.
Carrie. He said her name so casually, so familiarly.
"It won't interfere with my hospital schedule. I'll just be swamped."
"Wait—you want in? Perfect! We could use an accountant." Damon nodded absently, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.
The moment he hung up, I turned to leave—but he called after me. "Ashy, heading to work? Hold on, I'll ride with you."
I froze, disoriented, like I'd stepped into some alternate reality.
It had only been a few days since we'd last seen each other, but—
"My car's dead. Damon, can I catch a ride? I already called a tow truck."
Damon agreed without missing a beat—didn't even glance my way for approval.
Carol's eyes flicked to me, her smile dripping with fake remorse. "Ashley, do you mind moving to the back? I get carsick, and I usually sit up front with Damon."
I arched a brow, my smile sharp.
Usually sit up front with Damon?
Her words reeked of manipulation—so transparent it was almost laughable.
Did she really think she could pull that crap with me?
For once, Damon surprised me. "Carol, can you tough it out in the back? It's a hassle to keep swapping seats."
But I cut in before she could respond. "Don't worry about it. Take the front—it's just a seat."
With a tight smile, I slid out of the passenger side and into the back.