Chapter - [ 6 ]

[ Valeria ]

"Mr. Miller, I hope you have no issues with these clauses. I have the best attorney who made this contract very strict, whoever breaches it, they would be destroyed." Ashton said to my father who read the stack of papers in front of him, looking confused and in deep dilemma.

I stole glance of Ashton, he had a straight expression on his face which made it difficult for me read what was going inside his head.

"So, you're asking me to sell my daughter's pride in order to save my drowning business?" My father looked displeased.

I wanted to interject but he was right.

Ashton sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "You weren't hesitant to let her marry Liam and my brother was ready to help you in return, wouldn't it be the same thing?" Ashton reasoned.

He was right as well. My father's face turned red.

"Still, I do not think I'll be able to live peacefully if I accept your generous offer, Mr. Rodriguez." Said Dad.

I placed my hand on his shoulder, "Dad, I decided to marry him on my own will. I made the worst mistake of my life. You warned me but I chose to believe that bastard. Please, let me do this for you and Ashton isn't buying me. We're legally and religiously married even if it's a last minute compromise. I must live with this truth." I tried my best to convince him.

His eyes were glossy. He was sad and helpless. I hurt my father deeply.

"The news will spread like fire that I'm taking my son-in-law's charity and they'll spread rumours about you as well. I can't let them judge my princess." He stroked my hairs.

I leaned on his touch.

"They're already talking about me, Dad. We can't shut people's mouth. We have to think about ourselves. Let be selfish because they won't feed us if we come on the streets." I reasoned.

"Don't worry, Mr. Miller. Your daughter isn't an object for me. She's my legal wife and she'll enjoy all the privileges as any other women of Rodriguez family. No one will dare to hurt her dignity, not my family nor the media. I will make sure of it." Ashton said and I could feel honesty in his words.

"I believe you, Mr. Rodriguez." Dad nodded his head and with a heavy sigh, he signed the agreement papers.

"I'll send a copy of the original documents by evening. Next week, we'll announce our collaboration on the green park project." Ashton forwarded his hand to my father.

He looked professional.

Well, our marriage itself was a business except the mind blowing sex we shared in last few hours.

I shook my head to erase those erotic images. How could I become so needy and desperate from a shy and naive girl.

"Take care of my princess, Mr. Rodriguez. She's my everything." Dad said in a hoarse voice. He was getting emotional.

"You have my words, Mr. Miller. Valeria will live a queen's life as long as we're married. Believe me, I won't be the one to ever ask for a divorce." Ashton said to my father but his eyes were fixed on me as if the words were meant for me to hear.

"I trust you." Dad shook his hand.

I sighed in relief. A huge weight was lifted from my heart.

"I insist you to stay for lunch." Ashton offered him generously.

"No, it's okay, Mr. Rodriguez. I'm heading to my office but I am inviting you and Valeria to have dinner with us in the evening if you can spare some time from your busy schedule. I want to welcome you in the family properly." Dad said with hope.

"We'll be there on time but make sure there won't be any dairy products, I'm allergic to them." Ashton said with a pressed smile.

"No problem. We'll be waiting for you." Dad said and turned to me.

Ashton glanced at us for a brief second and left to give us much needed privacy.

"I am proud of you, Val. Your mother calls you childish and immature but I know you, Val. You're smart and make your own decisions. Don't let Liam ruin your future with Ashton. You might be married to him in odd circumstances but he is an honest man for sure. If he won't love you, he won't hurt you either. Please make it work from your side and forget about Liam." Dad said.

It was more like an advise.

Forget about Liam? Was it as easy as he said. But I would never forgive him.

"I will try, Dad. Please take care of yourself and Mom. I love you, Dad. Please tell Mom that I'm good here." I hugged him tightly.

"Tell her yourself, Val. You're coming for the dinner. I should be leaving now. Our employees are waiting for the good news." He patted my cheeks and kissed my crown.

My heart sank when he left. I felt all alone.

"Ma'am, Mr. Rodriguez is waiting for you in his home office." A maid informed me.

I nodded but again I remembered something.

"Wait! Can you show me the way? I don't know where it is." I said with embarrassment.

"Sure, Ma'am. I'll give you the tour of the house because his office is located in the farthest corner." She smiled and I followed her.

She gave me tour of the rooms and corridors. I made mental note because the house was very huge.

We stepped in front of a wooden door. It was located on the second floor and I realised, it was next to our bedrooms.

"We're not allowed to step inside his office." She said and left.

My heartbeats accelerated and legs trembled before I knocked on the door. A faint response came from the other side.

I gently pushed the door and stepped inside a well organized office. I was in awe. The interior had a vintage touch. His huge wooden table was set in the center and the front wall had a French window. Large wooden shelves covered other wall. Files and books were neatly organized and many trophies displayed in the middle shelf.

"If you're done inspecting my office, can we discuss our agreement, sweetheart?" His deep voice floated in the silent air and I was drawn to him.

He was standing behind me. His breath was falling on my neck as his hands snaked around my waist from behind.

Air stuck in my lungs.

"But first, I need you bending over the desk." He whispered in my ear and slipped his hand inside my jeans.