Keeping her eyes on him, she watched him as he seemed to go back in time. He looked lost in his thoughts and she; for a moment, wondered what he was thinking about.

Was he feeling regret for the way he had taken advantage of her memory lapse?

Was he feeling sorry for abusing her and trying to turn her into someone he wanted?

Paul suddenly smiled remorsefully. “I thought you could be her. Take her place and fill the hole in my heart.”

“Ease your guilt you mean.” Ashley said plainly. Her words, unkind and cruel.

Paul peeled his melancholic eyes to her. “You hate me, don't you?”

“Not...