Chapter 39"You look good", Ian said, walking into the studio in a coal three-piece suit with purple lapels that were the exact color as her gown. He had given the gown to her personally and she was absolutely obsessed with it. The way the back was slightly open was so elegant, and there was a mini-coat for when her back got too cold. Being rich truly had the best perks."...Thank you", Ashley bit the inside of her cheeks to contain her blush. "Do you ever wear color?", She asked, rolling her hair up as the video in front of her played."There's purple on my suit right now", he deadpanned and Ashley rolled her eyes and continued to focus on the video.The realization had come starkly to her that the professional makeup artists would know who she was, and now she was doing her own makeup.She knew Ian could have them sign an NDA, but the less people that knew generally, the better. She could barely field the thought that some people had most likely seen Ian and Yu Zhen walking into he
Chapter 40Yu Zhen walked into Ian’s studio expecting to see Ashley getting ready with Ian working in the background. He was initially meant to be in the house with them, but he had to ensure Ashley had taken a good enough bath before he could even think about being in her presence. He knew Ashley was weird and fearless in a good way, but reptiles? His job tonight was to make sure Ian, Ashley and Rita didn’t get hurt in any way, and he had suspicions that were hard to ignore, ever since the day of Xelsa’s anniversary party. He was so glad to tell Ashley they’d get to spend time gossiping again but then he got rudely shocked.He debunked everything he ever thought about Ashley being his friend; she didn’t even think to warn them that she would be receiving a tight hug from a reptile when they entered and although it was partially his fault for not informing her beforehand, he felt he could throw the blame at whoever he wanted to for the traumatic experience.Even Ian deserved the blam
Chapter 41"Hey! Wait for me!", Rita ran out of the house, her dress billowing behind her as she came to stop in front of them."Where's my suit?", Ian raised an eyebrow, pausing in his movement of opening the door for Ashley."You're wearing it", she rolled her eyes and walked up to the car."I seem to remember someone promising to buy a new one", Ashley said offhandedly, pretending to check her nails.Rita threw Ashley a glare and she chortled."C'mon Ian, I deserve to buy something new, from my brother's money", Rita pouted.Ian raised a corner of his lips in irritation. Rita raised a hand placatingly and moved to stand behind Yu Zhen."Where's your car?", Yu Zhen asked the woman cowering behind him."My car? We're going in Ian's Maybach", she grinned."No, we're going in the Maybach, you have your own car", Ian rolled his eyes and impatiently ushered Ashley in.Rita groaned. She had hoped that Ashley being his wife would give her extra access to some perks he blatantly denied her
Chapter 42"Remember, you love me, and so you have to smile around me, no matter how hard it is", Ashley instructed him seriously as she put on her mask and dusted off the crumbs from her dress.Ian was sure it wouldn’t be hard, she performed even better than his drugs, so much that he hadn’t had to use them. He was as prone to smile around her as a baby around their favorite person.Ian also dusted off crumbs from his shirt as she had deigned to feed him somewhere along the line when his stomach betrayed him with a growl."Do you not know how to eat? Or feed?", Ian rolled his eyes as the crumbs seemed to have gotten everywhere."Don't blame me, you nearly bit my hand like seven times", she bit back. Ian held back a mischievous grin as he had indeed tried to bite her hand. It was a thing of impulse, her hand was right there, he was overwhelmed with the urge to bite it, and so he tried.Later in his life, Ian would come to learn about a little something called cute aggression .“I don
“You must be the brand new Mrs Hills”, the lady flashed a grin that sent shivers down Ashley’s spine. Ashley had seen this before, this was how Amelia started out. “Our future matriarch right there”, Hillary smiled happily before going back to hold on to Ashley’s hand. “What a lovely woman, what may I call you?”, the lady asked with a smile.Ashley held back a sneer, she couldn’t possibly think she was that stupid.“Mrs. Hills of course”, Ashley grinned and held out a gloved hand – the one that wasn’t imprisoned by Hillary – to shake her.“There would be some confusion, since auntie is also Mrs. Hills”, the lady began and Ashley nearly gritted her teeth. The Hills matriarch might get offended that she was taking her spot.“Oh nonsense! I’m Hillary Hills, no one calls me Mrs Hills anymore, it’s all for my beautiful daughter-in-law”, Hillary countered smoothly. Ashley felt the most immense sense of gratefulness for her mother-in-law. “Oh, wonderful”, the lady forced out through her t
"She's a popular actress though", Ashley observed in confusion. She was so popular that she was supposed to marry Ian. She was clearly considered elite material too. She had been engaged to both of the youngest Hills men. She was by all means elegant enough to get in."This is a gathering of real elites, entertainers are silly clowns compared to the people allowed in here", Ian said imperiously.Ashley blinked, she wouldn't have even smelled the venue in her life if she wasn't married to Ian. Ian saw the wheels turning around in her head and felt the urge to laugh. His grandfather had invited her on the basis of her giving that one great lecture that he has been obsessed with. Her title as Ian's wife only helped the invite get to her quicker."You're a tiny elite too", he simply said.Ashley grinned. "Thanks to my husband.""No, there was a "Professor Toma" golden plaque somewhere in his living room", Ian conceded. He had done quite a bit of damage that he needed to reverse. The fi
Mark took a deep breath and calmed himself down. It wouldn't do to ridicule himself amongst those that found him in high esteem.He took out his phone and called up his mother. The woman would somehow find a way to let Mava get into the event.He could feel the displeasure radiating off the actress in waves and nearly sneered. She was acting like she could get into the event on her own power. Mark had met a lot of deluded people, but she was a special kind. She believed everyone was at her mercy because she was loved by her fans, people that meant next to nothing in this kind of gathering.She was a measly tool for him to get back at Ian. He wouldn't let one night take away all his progress.He brought her there so people would see the difference between him and his stupid half-brother. The fact that Ian was born legitimately was the only edge the man would ever have over him.A woman in a white and red dress came up behind the announcer with a wine glass in her hands."You dare disr
Eventually, Ian, Ashley and Yu Zhen eventually had to come down from the gallery to their designated seat, but only because the host of the event would be coming upn to the stage-like platform any minute.Gentle classical music played from the live band at the right side of the hall.Like an annoying joke, their table was adjacent to Mark and his family. Ian, Ashley, Rita, Hillary and Yu Zhen all sat down on their round table. Brand new plaques showed the seating arrangement."Give that child to me", Hillary said the moment she saw them. Ian raised an eyebrow. What child? Was she talking about Ashley? He wasn't delivering Ashley to anyone."You see the names mother, we're not disobeying grandfather", he said simply, sitting down at the round table on the seat beside his mother."But I haven't even spent any time with her", Hillary complained softly."I'll steal her for you mom, Ian can't gatekeep, she was mine first", Rita assured her mother as she sat next to Ashley – who obviously
The morning sun painted a golden hue over the Hills estate as the mansion's staff prepared for another day in the bustling household. In the heart of the mansion, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sizzle of bacon wafted through the air, signaling the start of a new day.In their private quarters, Laurent and Miniscera, the energetic twins of the De Luca family, were already stirring with the anticipation of breakfast. The rhythmic beats of lively tunes filled the room as they gleefully danced to their individual songs, each lost in their own world of melody.Laurent, with a contagious enthusiasm, moved to the beat of an upbeat pop song that echoed through his headphones. His small feet shuffled across the carpet in a display of youthful exuberance. Miniscera, on the other hand, twirled gracefully to a more melodic tune, her headphones delivering the sweet strains of a classical composition.As the twins descended the grand staircase, their impromptu dance continued. The staff
In the quiet cocoon of the Hills mansion, where grandeur met intimacy, a private library stood as a haven for the family. The scent of aged leather and the hushed rustle of pages greeted anyone who entered, creating an atmosphere of serenity and wisdom.One lazy afternoon, as sunlight filtered through the tall windows, Ashley descended the spiral staircase, her steps muffled by the plush carpeting. A gentle hum of lullabies reached her ears, drawing her towards the library.Upon entering, she was met with a scene that painted a portrait of domestic bliss. Ian, surrounded by towering bookshelves, sat in a hammock that gently swayed between two ornate columns. Cradled against his chest were the twins, their tiny forms cocooned in a shared blanket.Ian, engrossed in a storybook, read aloud in a soft, rhythmic cadence that matched the gentle rocking of the hammock. The twins, their eyes wide with innocent curiosity, listened intently, occasionally reaching out to touch the pages as if try
On an ordinary day that decided it was anything but, Ashley felt the first inklings of labor. Panicking, she called out to Ian, who was busy juggling paperwork in another room."Ian! It's go time!"Ian, startled, sent papers flying in all directions. "What? Now?! They're supposed to come next week!"Ashley, with a mix of urgency and humor, nodded. "Yes, now! The babies are on their way, and they clearly have no regard for our schedule!"Ian, caught in the whirlwind, fumbled to gather the hospital bags. Yu Zhen, who miraculously appeared as if summoned by impending chaos, rushed in."What's happening?""Babies decided to make an early debut," Ashley said with a grin.Yu Zhen, trying to suppress joyous laughter, patted Ian on the back. "Congratulations, Papa Ian. Let's get you all to the hospital."Ian, now in a state of controlled chaos, ushered Ashley to the car with a mix of urgency and care. "Watch your step, Ashley! We've got precious cargo onboard, and it's not just me driving.""
On the day of the vow renewal, the air buzzed with anticipation as Ian and Ashley prepared to reaffirm their commitment to each other. The venue, adorned with elegant flowers and soft lighting, provided the perfect backdrop for the occasion. This event had garnered significant attention, not only because of Ian's stature as a billionaire but also because it marked the first time the public would see Ian's wife without her enigmatic mask.As the ceremony began, close witnesses gathered—Yu Zhen, Rita, Mark, Christopher, Chloe, Hillary, Ashley's mom, Ian's grandfather, and others who had played integral roles in their journey.Ian, dressed in a tailored suit, stood at the altar with a mixture of nerves and genuine emotion. Ashley, radiant in an elegant gown, approached him with a smile that conveyed both joy and a hint of the unexpected journey they had shared.The officiant, capturing the essence of their story, began with a reflection on the unconventional path that led them to this mo
Ian and Ashley, having left the memories of their contract marriage behind, embarked on a new adventure to Las Vegas for pure enjoyment. This time, the atmosphere was light and carefree as they strolled down the vibrant streets. Ian, ever the gentleman, happily carried Ashley's bags filled with newfound treasures from the shops.As they explored the dazzling city, Ashley's eyes widened with awe at the glittering lights and lively energy that surrounded them. The iconic landmarks and famous attractions seemed to come alive with a renewed sense of joy. Ian, noticing Ashley's excitement, couldn't help but smile as he shared in her delight.They visited famous casinos, catching glimpses of extravagant shows and indulging in the lively spirit of the city. The air was filled with laughter, music, and the occasional cheers from those striking it lucky at the slot machines. Ian and Ashley, hand in hand, embraced the thrill of the moment.One of their evenings in Las Vegas, the neon lights of
A week later,In the opulent embrace of his living room, Ian reclined on a plush sofa, his head finding a comfortable haven in Ashley's lap. The soft glow of ambient lighting cast a warm ambiance, and the room itself seemed to exhale luxury. Ashley's gentle fingers traced soothing patterns through Ian's hair, creating an intimate cocoon within the grandeur of their surroundings.Seated nearby, Yu Zhen held a tablet in his hands. His eyes, framed by an air of quiet determination and pure gloating, scanned the digital pages of a news article. The hushed murmurs of his voice began to narrate the unfolding drama—the arrest of Reid Hills, the shameless father that tried to be Ian's new rival, a pretend tycoon whose empire had crumbled under the weight of illegal activities.As Yu Zhen delved into the details, the living room became a theater of intrigue. Ian, nestled in the comforting warmth of Ashley's lap, listened attentively. It was his plot after all, even though he was more attentive
Ian sat at the head of the large round table, cross legged as he looked at the figures on the projector.The employees were the calmest they had ever been, no matter how harsh Ian was outside the room, he was kinder with nice figures.The first time Ian had commandeered a meeting was a time to remember.In a spacious boardroom adorned with polished mahogany furniture and muted hues, a group of employees gathered, their collective unease tangible in the air. At the heart of their apprehension was Ian, a figure revered and feared for his unforgiving scrutiny during meetings.As the employees settled into their seats, the low hum of anxious whispers reverberated around the room. The subdued lighting seemed to intensify the gravity of the impending assessment. Each individual nervously shuffled papers, stole glances at one another, and exchanged fleeting expressions of concern.Ian, a seasoned executive with a penchant for precision, entered the room with an air of authority that seemed t
Ashley reclined on the bed, her legs gently throbbing. She was covered only by a white blanket, Ian had most likely covered her up so she wouldn’t get cold after. Ian had stood up before her and she had no idea where he was, so she decided to check out the bunker. The room, much like Ian’s general tastes, was monochrome and it spoke volumes through its grayscale symphony. Every detail seemed meticulously curated to embody a sense of sleek simplicity.The bedframe boasted clean lines and stark contrasts. Its black frame stood out against crisp white sheets, inviting a sense of tranquility. As Ashley traced her fingers along the smooth surface, she marveled at the precision that went into crafting this seemingly unassuming piece of furniture.The walls were an expanse of unyielding concrete. Splashes of black and white danced in harmony, offering a visual feast that resonated with Ian's avant-garde taste.It felt to her like Ian had dedicated all his energy in making sure the room was a
As Ian stepped into the lit up gallery, he realized that his irritation was unfounded and unnecessary. It wasn’t his gallery anymore at this point, he should rename it to the hall of worshiping his wife.He kept Ashley’s eyes closed and backtracked to the stairs. He had thought the photos on his phone were too much. This was something that archaeologists would discover in five hundred years and declare Ashley as a former queen. She would never let him live this down.He turned around, remembering that the library was still dark and he went to the other part filled with paintings of violence and bloodshed. Great!He looked as though he could only paint three types of things. One, his grandfather’s kind of paintings, two, violence and bloodshed – things he wanted to do to some people that irritated him severely – and three, Ashley.The fact that Ashley was the most popular in terms of amount and quality was something he needed to think about later.“I’m tired of closing my eyes”, Ashley