Chapter 3

Early in the morning Ivana was woken by the sound coming out of her door.

The pain she felt all over her body from last night's event made her pale. Her cheek stung from the slap Cassie gave her.

She stared at the ceiling in frustration. Today is the day of the engagement to a man she had never met.

She heard a loud knock on her door.

“Who is that again?”. She checked the time on her phone seeing it's still early.

The door swung open, revealing two maids, followed by an entire team of stylists following them with their equipment. They carried bags of beauty tools, and accessories.

"Ivana, my darling daughter," her stepmother, Clarissa, cooed as she stepped in, her fake smile as sharp as a blade.

"You have to get ready, today is your special day. The Jacksons have spared no expense for their sweet bride."

Ivana clenched her jaw. She wanted to scream, but she knew better not to do that.

The waxing was torture, it took a lot of time. The makeup artist tried different shades on her skin to make her look perfect, though the make up was natural as she looked beautiful .

The dress fitting was made in adjustments to her body size.

The gown looks so perfect on Ivana, enhancing her curvy hips and tiny waist. The gown has ivory silk with pearl designs, the kind of dress any girl would dream of wearing.

She glanced at the mirror, barely recognizing herself anymore.

"This looks so perfect on you Ivana," her stepsister, Anna, smirked.

"It is too bad all this effort is wasted on someone that is not worth it." Anna eyed her.

Ivana shot her a cold glare. “Whatever you think." Ivana scoffed at her not minding to respond to her again.

Ivana and her father were ushered into the limousine, while Cassie and Anna followed the SUV arranged for them as they followed.

It was eerily silent in the evening which was unusual, as the car drove through the city streets.

Her father sat across from her, his expression unreadable. He had not spoken much since making this arrangement, treating the whole thing like another business deal to him.

"I hope you understand, Ivana," he finally said, breaking the silence. "This marriage is for your good. It will secure our family’s greatness and fortune too."

Ivana turned to the window, watching the city light shining at night."

What about what I want?" a bitter taste filled her mouth.

"You will learn to adjust, the Jackson's are not going to harm you" he replied simply.

Her hand curled into a fist on her lap. "Do you just say adjust? she asked looking furious.

Like she was just only a pawn to get an investment for him, she kept thinking.

The limousine pulled up to a big five-star hotel, where the engagement was being held.

Reporters and high-profile figures were already gathered, eager to take pictures of the event.

Ivana stepped on the red carpet into the ballroom, as camera flashed on her from different corners. Her heart was beating widely as she tries to compose herself.

She took a deep breath in. The moment had come for her to face her fears.

Eyes turned toward her and people gasped to see the beauty getting married to the famous Asher Jackson.

Her father held her arms, as they walked side by side.

“Hello Andrew, this is my daughter” Philips said as he introduced Ivana.

Andrew Jackson welcomed them with his wife, Lily at his side.

Ivana have to keep a force smile on her face the entire time.

And then she saw him.

At the far end of the room, standing tall and handsome in a black suit and a white shirt, was Asher Jackson.

The air left her lungs. He was far more handsome than what she saw on the media.

He was much younger than she expected, he was in his twenties. Broad shoulders, strong jaws, captivating blue eyes.

He has a cold expression. The way he carried himself was effortless, exuding power without even trying as he leaned on the pole.

Their eyes met, and something flickered in his gaze.

Then, he smirked as he walked towards her looking at the fair beauty in front of him.

Ivana was tried to stop herself from blushing. He looks breathtaking, she thought. She tried to convince herself not to fall easily for him.

He extended a hand toward her. "Ivana Jackson?"

She hesitated, then placed her hand in his. His grip was firm, his touch lingered on her hand.

"You’re more beautiful than I expected." he said smoothly, but his tone held no warmth in them.

"Thank you Asher Jackson”. She replied avoiding his gaze.

People kept staring at them as they looked so perfect standing close to each other.

His lips curled at the edges. And he leaned and whispered in her ears.

“My little bride why are you frowning? You look more beautiful when smiling" he teased her.

Ivana already had the picture on her head he is a rich playboy as she made up her mind to stay away from him in the future.

"It is really nothing” she responded, giving a fake smile.

Asher chuckled at her response.

"I think I’ll enjoy figuring you out. very soon"

Before she could respond, an icy voice cut through the air.

"Well, well, isn’t this lovely Asher Jackson?"

Ivana turned just as a beautiful blonde in a blood-red gown sauntered toward them. The woman had sharp and elegant features.

The guests stared at the beauty who interrupted their view.

Her eyes concealing evil thought and contempt as she stood talk.

Asher gave her a cold stare his voice filled with contempt and disgust for her. "Hailey, what are you doing here?"

Ivana’s pulse quickened. Hailey. That name rang a bell.

She remembered seeing it on the news that Hailey was his ex-fiance.

The woman he was once engaged to before their mysterious breakup as it flew on the internet.

"I guess you are enjoying your little engagement party right?" Hailey asked, her gaze flickering to Ivana with clear disdain.

Ivana stared at her back. If Hailey thought she would intimidate her, she was mistaken.

Asher sighed, rubbing his temple. "Hailey who invited you here, this is not the time for this."

"Oh really, but it is." She replied back.

"I just came to see who’s replacing me. I must say, I expected more."

Ivana tried walking away to avoid drama.

Hailey tried to drag her back. “I'm not done with you.” her face was red as she kept shouting.

She took a glass of champagne from the waitress and broke it on the floor.

While attempting to stab Ivana with it.

There was gasp and the ball was scattered from the horrific scene.

She moved towards Ivana, but Asher was fast enough to block her away from the attack.

The security gathered there and held Hailey down.

The stab of the champagne bottle caused Asher to bleed on his arm.

Ivana was too shocked and held on to Asher.

“Why will you take the fall for her, don't tell me you have fallen in love with her.” Hailey laughed crazily acting insane.

“Asher I'm not done with you, I'm still coming for this little bitch” her voice hoarse from screaming her lungs as the security team dragged her out of the hotel.

“Come out with me."