7 Millie

I give a small smile when a camera turns my way. The man behind it does something to the lens before snapping several photos of me.

This sets me on edge because I know for sure someone will find out that what Asher and I are doing is a sham and I’m sure the government will see my pictures and come searching for me.

‘’Are you ready for this?’’ Asher asks.

I shake my head. ‘’No, what if someone-’’

‘’Stop with the what ifs, everything will be just fine.’’

I let out a breath because I know things won’t be, and he doesn’t understand how I feel. I have to be looking over my shoulders ever since I came to this place, while he is basically the king here.

‘’Just let me do all the talking unless someone asks you a question,’’ Asher whispers.

When we make our way to the podium, that is where more pictures are snapped of us and people begin to fire question after question.

‘’Asher, can you tell us about this marriage? How did it come about?’’ one woman asks.

‘’Why did you get married?’’ someone else asks.

‘’Is this all a trick?’’ another ask.

And I begin to panic because I have a feeling they would ask that one question next.

‘’I’m going to have a seat.’’

Asher glances at me, and then slightly nodded.

‘’Please, one question at a time.’’ Asher holds up his hand and I wish then and there that I have as much confidence as he does. I’m not the one talking to the reporters, but at the same time, I can’t even look at them.

‘’I’m sure everyone wants to know this. Why did you get married, Asher Thomas? You are the city's billionaire playboy. You change women as often as you change your suits. Which is twice a day, so what makes you decide to tie the knot?’’

I lean my head to the side. ‘He changes his suits twice a day?’

But what stands out more is the man suggesting that Asher is a man whore.

I glance back at Asher to notice him gripping the side of the podium, which means he is offended by what the man had asked, or maybe he doesn’t know how to answer the question.

‘’I got married because I fell in love with the person my wife is. She is as beautiful inside as she is outside. A lot of you might be wondering who she is, when did we meet, and how. But I have to say, that was exactly why I placed a ring on her finger. She is humble. Out of the way and know how to stay out of the media.’’

I roll my eyes because I’m sure not even Asher believes his own words.

‘’But why keep this a secret? You are a man who loves the spotlight, but yet we only knew of your engagement the day before your wedding.’’

‘’That’s because I’m slowly learning from her how to move in silence, and how to let my actions do the talking.’’

Someone comes by and whispers something to Asher. I try to read his lips, but he leans in too close and is being blocked by his shoulder.

‘’Thank you all for coming and thank you for your questions,’’ Asher says before waving his hand.

He takes my hand and leads me inside to where the banquette is just getting started.

I look down at myself, glad that Asher called a stylist to help me pick out what to wear because all these women here are finely dressed in expensive clothing and jewelry.

A woman walks over. She has a smile on her face as she greets Asher and flat-out ignores me.

‘’Hey, Asher,’’ she says in a low, seductive tone.

A smile spread across his face as he runs his eyes up and down her body and right there is how I lost my confidence because of how his eyes skips her curves and then settle on her breasts. It makes me feel as if I’m now the ugly step-sister in my long flowing blue evening dress, that has one shoulder. While she has on a tight red dress that has a long slit in the side, it exposed most of her cleavage and is also backless.

‘’Alisha, how are you?’’ he asks, moving in to kiss both of her cheeks.

The two begin to talk, and I the intruder leave them to catch up because if I was of any importance, I’m sure Asher would have introduced us and I doubt she even wants to know who I am because she doesn’t look at me, not even once.

I find where they have a lovely set up of fruits and sandwiches, then help myself because what else to do? I don’t know anyone here.

I walk around, admiring the paintings and people while nibbling on a cheese sandwich.

‘’Mrs Thomas,’’ I hear someone saying and waving at me but I never stop, thinking that it must be for someone behind me.

I have had that happen to me plenty of times before and I’m not going to humiliate myself like that again before all these wealthy and important people.

‘’Mrs Thomas.’’ The person comes closer and offers me a smile.

‘’Huh?’’ I get confused as to why he is calling me that.

He raises a brow at me. ‘’Aren’t you Asher’s wife?’’

‘’Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. I just never thought you were talking to me since we don’t know each other.’’

‘’Sorry, let me introduce myself. I’m Aaron.’’ He extends his hand toward me.

‘’Millie.’’ I shake his hand.

‘’Do you mind if we go somewhere a little quieter? I have a slight hearing problem and I won’t be able to hear you properly over the music.’’

I nod. ‘’Sure.”’

He leads me over to the top of the stairs. There, I have a perfect view of all those in attendance.

My eyes zoom in on Asher and his female friend. They had moved closer together, and she is laughing at something he said.

Even though I am not feeling jealous, Asher could have at least a little more respect, but then again he did make it clear that he isn’t bound by any contract so I guess he can do whatever he wants.

‘’So, Mrs Thomas,’’ Aaron said, startling me.

‘’This is the first social gathering I have ever seen you attend.’’

‘’Because this is my first time attending something like this.’’

‘’Your first time?’’

‘’Yes, I… I’m always working and never get invited out much or have enough friends to even go to a bar with.’’

‘’Oh, well welcome. How are you finding it?’’

I make a face. ‘’Not my thing, the people here are total snobs.’’

He laughs. ‘’That is something I know for sure. They all have their heads so far up their asses.’’

The two of us laugh and make fun of those below us on the open floor.

‘’I love the accent you have. By the way, where are you from?’’

I hesitate to answer that. ‘’Queensbury,’’ I say softly

‘’That’s a lovely place. My aunt lives there and I still visit her every chance I get.’’

I guess Aaron senses my discomfort because he changes the subject and we begin to talk about random things.

He looks at his phone and makes a face.

‘’I swear time goes by when you are having fun,’’ he said.

‘’It’s odd how I have never seen you before, Millie. I would certainly remember a beautiful face like yours.’’

‘’As I said, all this is new to me.’’

“How did you and Asher meet? I can’t believe he got to a lovely lady like you before I did.’’

‘’We met a week before the wedding, he-’’ I stop after realizing what I just said.

“You only knew each other for a week before getting married?’’

‘’Why would you tell him that?’’ Asher’s voice comes from behind me.