Chapter - [ 2 ]

[ Valeria ]

My heart was hammering against my ribcage as the priest proceeded with the ceremony. The handsome stranger, stood in front of me was very calm unlike me.

I felt a knot down my stomach thinking about the uncertainties which may come with this marriage. I stole a glance of my family. My parents had a mixed expressions of relief, happiness and gratitude while his family looked unaffected.

My mind was having an inner battle of merits and demerits of marrying a total stranger. I agreed to sacrifice myself for the sake of my family and to repent for my sin of loving Liam Rodriguez who never cared for me.

My heart sumnersaulted against my ribcage when I directly looked at my groom. Undoubtedly, he was the most handsome ever walked on the earth. His striking blue eyes bored into mine like he could see my soul.

I felt nervous again.

I had made up my mind that I'd refrain myself from entangling in any relationship again. I can't fall for this man because my frail heart won't survive another betrayal.

I could feel my emotions nipping at my heart when the priest looked at me. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply.

This is it.

"I do."

And then he held out his hand, they looked promising for a strange reason. Without further delay, I slipped my hand into his large palm. I shouldn't be feeling this burning sensation that tingled on my skin when our skin touched. He gave it a light squeeze of reassurance. Or a silent reminder that why I was doing it.

Ashton slipped a beautiful thin diamond band on my finger. It mocked at me. Liam supposed to make it offical.

I uttered two words and my whole world changed. I became Mrs. Rodriguez as the hall broke into applauds.

"You may kiss the bride now." The priest said to Ashton.

His eyes flickered on me. My body shivered anticipating what was coming next. Liam should be kissing me not this stranger who's my husband now.

He leaned closer, his hot, minty breath fell on my face. I lowered my gaze and clutched my dress as my palms became sweaty.

"Relax, I won't bite you, Mrs. Rodriguez. Everyone is watching us." He whispered only for me to hear and next moment, I felt his lips over mine.

Time seemed to stop in the moment. He gripped my waist firmly to hold me on my spot. I would have fainted if it wasn't him. His lips kissed me passionately while I just kept rooted.

He pulled away when hall again resonated with applauds.

He released me and stood on his spot, his face again contoured with same stone expression as he helped us to walk down as our families gathered around us to greet us.

I was trying to process everything.

I became Mrs. Rodriguez eventually but it wasn't Liam, my love but a total stranger.

"Take care of my daughter, Mr. Rodriguez. She's innocent and naive." My Dad looked up at my husband with gratitude.

I hated myself for putting my father in this situation.

"Don't worry, Mr. Miller. She's my wife now. No one will dare to say a word against her." Ashton said very politely to him.

How could a dominating man like him sounded humble?

My mother hugged me and sniffed on my shoulder,"You took a wise decision, Val. Mr. Ashton is a nice man. He saved us from our doom. Be a good wife to him." My Mom kissed my forehead and turned to Ashton who looked really uncomfortable.

"I am sure you and my daughter will fall in love very soon and make a successful marriage." She said to Ashton.

He only nodded his head firmly.

"Mom, please pack my stuffs. I'll be picking them at weekend." I said to my mother as I had no mood to be around our relatives. They’d scratch me with their never-ending questions.

I glanced at Vivienne and her daughters, they threw a disgusted glance at my direction. They must be celebrating, I was a thorn in their life and now, I was someone else's problem.  

I couldn't find Ashton's family. Liam once told me that he was the bastard son of his grandfather. Despite being a successful businessman at a very young age, he was despised by the Rodriguez family. Ashton's private life was a mystery for the world.

Jason moved to our direction. He looked relieved.

"We should leave now. I do not want us to face anyone and I have no time for drama." Ashton whispered in my ear and snaked his arm around my waist.

"Handle the media and our noisy guests." He said to Jason as we walked past him.

My breath hitched. However, I nodded my head in agreement. He led us out of the chapel through back door.

A black car was parked there. The chauffer bowed and opened the backseat door. Ashton helped me with the dress as I hopped inside first. I chipped him a small 'thank you' which he responded with a nod and slid beside me.

My eyes welled up again as the car moved on the road to an unknown destination. I never imagined my supposed best day to become a nightmare.

I would never forgive Liam Rodriguez for playing with my pure love. I hated the fact that I still love him. Deep rooted feelings can't disappear in a blink.

My phone vibrated with a text alert. My blood ran cold when I saw the name. It was from Liam.

With shaking fingers and sinking heart, I opened the text. My sorrow was replaced by anger when I read the content.

"I am sorry, Val. I know I did wrong with you. I should have told you a long time ago but the truth is, my feelings were never strong as yours. I call it infatuation more than love because when I met Rachel, I knew she's the one. I and Rachel are expecting a baby. Please forgive me but I can't abandon her and my child. I hope you'll find someone better than me."

That's it.

He ended two years long relationship with a few lines in a text message. The audacity of that coward bitch.

I cried silently. I didn't care if a stranger witnessed display of my weakness. Liam left deep scars on my soul.

Ashton forwarded his handkerchief in my direction. I looked at it and then at Ashton. He understood the reason of my breakdown but the popped up veins on his neck indicated there was more in the story.

I took the handkerchief from him and wiped my face. The rest of the car ride was silent.

The car stopped in front of a huge mansion which was built in the old style, surrounded by a beautiful garden. Guards rushed to open the car door for us.

It was my new house but I couldn't call it my home. I am not sure if we'd end for even an year.

Ashton again forwarded his palm for me to hold. I hesitantly placed my hand on his large palm and he led us inside the palace like mansion.

The house was quiet but when we stepped inside, curious eyes landed on us. They were probably his house staff as they wore uniform.

"She's my wife and the lady of the house. I expect you all to treat her in the same way you respect and obey me. Am I clear?" Ashton commanded like a king.

"Yes, Sir. Welcome to the house, Mrs. Rodriguez." They all said in unison.

I cringed at the address.

I was no longer Valeria Miller.

"Let me show you your new room." Ashton said to me. He didn't sound any different. I didn't mind though. I wanted us to remain strangers except when his family's around or we are in public.

I slowly followed behind him. The heels and heavy gown made it hard for me to walk on the smooth marble floor. Seeing my discomfort, he slowed down and walked with me.

I looked around with parted lips. The mansion was a replica of a palace from inside as well. My eyes wandered soaking the beauty of the house which was mine now.

He stopped in front of a wooden door. There were only two doors means it was an off reach area.

"This room is yours and the other one is mine. Feel free to adjust it according to your needs. Go inside and take some rest. I'll see you at dinner and tomorrow, we'll discuss the conditions of our marriage tomorrow." He said and shared at me for a second before turning to the opposite door while I inhaled deeply before stepping inside my new room but I paused thinking about something and stormed towards him before he could close the door.

"Wait!"

He gave me a confused look.

"Do you need anything?" He asked me.

"Yes." I said firmly.

He opened the door wide for me to step inside. The room was beautiful with dark grey and white walls and a king size bed in the centre. His portrait was hung above the bed on the wall.

"What do you need, Valeria?" He asked me in a frustrated tone forcing me to look back at him.

I stared directly into those sinfully beautiful eyes.

"I want us to consummate our marriage, Ashton."