IvyI glanced at the text I had just received moments ago. It was a simple, sweet message that read: “Meet me at Amore Hotel. I have a surprise for you.” Just like the first time I read it, it made me blush hard. I turned off the ignition and got out of the car. The hotel stood grand and familiar, a place Max and I had visited many times before. I twirled around and shut my eyes, savoring the gentle caress of the chilly night breeze against my skin.My thoughts ran wild, imagining what kind of surprise awaited me behind that door. Max was never one for grand gestures, so this was a first. Giddy and full of excitement, I walked towards the receptionist. “Hi…”She looked up at me with a wide smile. “Hello, Miss Whitfield.”Of course, she recognized me. This was Max’s and my getaway spot. He didn’t like his studio apartment, so we usually spent our time together here.My smile widened. “A reservation was made?”“Yes, Mr. Max Martin,” she confirmed, glancing at her computer. “Your usual s
Asher’s POV“Contract marriage,” she whispered.I could see right through her forced bravado. It was cute to watch her. She couldn’t even hold my gaze, looking as nervous as hell.I smiled at her. “Of course.” Heaven knows how long I’ve waited for her and how painful it was to watch her waste herself loving someone who didn’t deserve her. I had my eyes on Ivy Whitfield for as long as I could remember. We were always stuck at the same society functions, dictated by the families we were born into. The first time I saw her, I was star-struck. We were just teenagers then. She had walked up to me, hands on her hips, and told me, “I wasn’t shit.” Apparently, I was already infamous among the ladies.“Deal...” I extended my hand to her. She hesitated.I wasn’t sure if she remembered, but ever since that day, I teased her relentlessly. I had always wanted her attention. I had always wanted her, and today she had played right into my hands easily. Of course, I tweaked a few things here and ther
Ivy’s POVI stood before a delicate wooden arch decorated with white, lush blooms. My strapless lace white dress clung to my figure, stopping mid-thigh, paired with matching white platform heels. My hair was styled to perfection, and light makeup graced my face. Despite it all, I fidgeted with my hands, glancing nervously around.The officiating lady across from me offered a pitiful look.I forced a small smile. “He’s coming, he’s just running late…” I didn’t actually know that. In fact, there were so many things I didn’t know about my would-be husband. Yet here I was, dressed in white, waiting to be married to the one person who annoyed me the most in the world.You’d think the drive home would have cleared my head. Or the long sleep afterward, or even the early morning cry. But none of it helped—not the sumptuous breakfast I’d had earlier either. My brain screamed at me to stop, but my heart kept leading me on.“Wow! You look delicious, babe!” That deep, mesmerizing voice came from
Ivy’s POVI was already having a hard time holding Asher’s gaze before the kiss. Now it was even harder. I couldn’t glance in his direction. I could barely move around him. It was strange because I was never shy in his presence, but now I was.Thanks to him, the rest of the wedding ceremony went smoothly. I stood by the side, watching as he told the officiating minister an elaborate tale about how we met. I listened, intrigued to hear the story myself. His smooth talking had the minister laughing heartily. It was one of the first things I was learning about my new husband—though I didn’t think I’d ever get used to calling him that. I was actually married, in a small ceremony, and it felt surreal.I sat impossibly still, staring out of the car window as we drove. The drive was quiet, and I could hear my heart beating loudly in my chest.I bravely stole a few glances at him, studying the planes of his face under the soft glow of the sun. His firm hands gripping the steering wheel was so
Ivy’s POVAs the sleek, black sports car pulled up to the grand entrance, my eyes widened in awe. I had seen my fair share of beautiful mansions in the city. My parents artistically decorated all of our homes, but I hadn’t seen one as stunning as this.Asher smiled triumphantly, that boyish grin that always made my cheeks flush, as he stepped out of the driver’s seat and walked around to open the car door for me. He was ever the gentleman, and I knew better than to argue.“Welcome to our new home, my love,” he said with a bright smile, offering his hand to help me out of the car.‘My love.’ He was definitely one for terms of endearment.My gaze swept across the sprawling mansion, taking in the towering columns, crystal-clear windows, and meticulously manicured lawns. I felt like a fairytale princess entering a magical kingdom. “It’s beautiful...” I whispered.He came up behind me. “Not nearly as beautiful as you are...”I bit my lower lip, stifling a blush. As we stepped inside, I gas
Asher’s POVI meant every word I said. I wanted her, but I wanted her to want me as well. It felt better that way. I wanted the push and pull. Standing there, staring at the art hung on the walls—art that I had made solely with her in mind—her bum pressing against my crotch, I realized just how hard it was going to be. I was already struggling to hold it together, but now that she was in my house, living here, so close... I placed my nose at the crook of her neck and inhaled. Now that I knew her scent up close, now that I could feel her body against mine, it was going to be even harder.“Argh!” I groaned. “You make it so hard, Ivy…”She stilled. I smiled at the reaction on her face. I could see her reflection in the mirror. Her innocent face, her reddened cheeks. She had taken my words literally, and I was not going to explain.“You’re so naughty, aren’t you?” I teased.She wiggled out of my grasp, managing to slip free, and took a few steps backward, putting as much distance between
Asher’s POVI escorted Ivy to her room. I wasn’t joking about the contract clause that said we’d share a room, but I wanted to take things slow. As much as I longed for something different between us, I didn’t want to force her.“So here we are,” I said, pausing dramatically before pushing open the double doors.“A room befitting for my wife,” I said and bowed.I didn’t need to turn to know that she was in awe because I had taken great care to ensure this room would evoke such a reaction from any woman.She had an excited look in her eyes that I wanted to put permanently in my memory. Her lips curled into a cute smile. “This is lovely…”She turned to me with that smile, and my heart jumped at it. I wasn’t prepared, but I did my best to maintain composure. “That’s not even the best part,” I told her.“What are you talking about?”“Let’s go check the closet.”I led her to the door left adjacent to the bed, opened it, and turned on the lights, revealing another room.“So I wanted to have
Asher’s POVI opened the doors and walked out. Luca stepped out of his sports car, dressed in a flamboyant suit and shades.“What’s with the agent look?” I asked jokingly.He laughed and walked up to me, embracing me. Luca had been my friend for as long as I could remember. We were practically brothers at this point.“Hey man, what’s good?” I asked as soon as we pulled away.“I’m alright, bro.”“How was your flight?”“It was exhausting, but it was worth it because I scored this really hot girl’s number, and we’re meeting tomorrow night.”I shook my head. “And I see you never change, my friend.”“It was a business trip, so now I’m back for the pleasure. All work and no play, remember?”“I hear you, brother.” I chuckled as we walked towards the house.“So what are you doing here, anyway? Isn’t this supposed to be the house you live in when you eventually get a girl pregnant because you actually have to marry her?” Luca laughed at the top of his voice.“Well, my friend, I believe we have
Ivy’s POVThe wineglass hovered near my lips as I froze. Slowly, I turned to face him, my smirk faltering as my gaze locked onto the storm brewing in his eyes.“Can we talk?” His tone was calm, but the tension in his jaw betrayed him.I arched an eyebrow, letting a flicker of defiance cross my face. “What do you want?” I kept my voice even, but my heart clenched in frustration at his audacity.Marsha glanced between us, visibly uncomfortable. “I’ll… give you two a moment,” she murmured before turning to leave. Miles followed her out.But then Asher stepped closer. Too close. His presence loomed over me, the space between us shrinking until I could feel the weight of his gaze. I swallowed. “I don’t know where to start from, Ivy,” he said, his voice low and firm. “I’m really sorry, about...”I tilted my head, taking a deliberate sip of my wine, savoring the burn as it slid down my throat. Setting the glass down on the counter, I met his gaze head-on. “What part are you actually sorry fo
Author's POVA week later…The dining room was quiet except for the soft clinking of silverware. Asher sat at the head of the table, his dark brown eyes flickering toward Ivy, who was seated opposite him. She refused to meet his gaze, her posture stiff, her focus entirely on the untouched plate before her. Marsha and Miles, their assistants, sat between them, and the silence was deafening.Marsha dramatically cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "I'm glad you guys finally agreed to sit down and talk. We need to get ahead of this mess."Ivy scoffed softly, her arms crossing as she leaned back in her chair. Asher's gaze lingered on her for a moment too long, taking in the defiance etched into her features, those beautiful blue eyes that wouldn't meet his, the slight tremble of her lower lip.Was she holding back tears? His chest tightened at the thought. He had hurt her so much, and there was nothing he could do to take away the pain.Miles leaned forward, his hands clasped togethe
Marcus’s POVHe rolled his eyes and shook his head as soon as he opened the bedroom door. “What are you doing here, Marcus? Don’t tell me Luca put you up to this. I already told him I was fine and there was nothing to worry about.” He shook his head again. “I can’t believe he told you to come to my house...”I gave my brother a long look. He looked so downcast - a shadow of his former self. All that aura and charm he carried around like he was born with was gone. I couldn’t even bring myself to put him down. I dramatically cleared my throat. “No one put me up to this. I don’t even speak to your obnoxious friend. I stopped by the Winery...”“Don’t you have better things to do?” he interjected, still standing at the doorway, blocking the entrance. “Really, Marcus? Don’t you have better things to do?”“Aside from being the heir of the Sterling fortune and the CEO of Sterling Industries?” I asked, my tone mocking.He massaged his temples. “What do you want, Marcus? Really? What do you wan
Luca’s POVThe housekeeper was waiting for me at the door as soon as I stepped into the house. The worry in her eyes sent a wave of panic through me. “Where is he? Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”“He asked me to tell everyone who called that he was out of town,” she explained, her voice trembling.I followed closely as she led me toward Asher’s room.“I really thought it wasn’t anything serious. The lady of the house was away, and I assumed he just needed some time to himself. That’s why I left him alone.” She let out a heavy sigh. “But with each passing day, I grew more worried. He wouldn’t eat his meals...”We reached his bedroom door, and I grabbed the handle before she could stop me. It was locked.“He hasn’t come out of that room in days,” she said, fishing through the large keyring hooked on her waist. “And lately, it’s been suspiciously quiet. No sounds from inside…” she trailed off, shaking her head.The unspoken implication terrified me.I let out an exasperated sigh, m
Ivy’s POV“Hello, I’m Ivy,” I said nervously, tucking my hair behind my ear. My eyes searched those chocolate-brown eyes staring at me.He smiled - a beautiful smile, showing pearly white teeth. Clearing his throat, he lowered his gaze. “Hi, I’m Dexter. Nice to make your acquaintance.” He extended a hand toward me.I looked at him hesitantly before taking his hand. His handshake was firm. Glancing behind him at Janine, he said, “Your friend, well, she’s persuasive, isn’t she?”I nodded and chuckled.He burst into laughter, and I joined in. We laughed for a while. “Yes, she is.” Janine caught my eye and gave me a thumbs-up. I smiled at her, grateful for her. Grateful that I was far away from Asher - all because of her. I needed the break.Dexter gave me a long, curious stare. “You look really familiar. Trust me, this isn’t one of those corny lines guys always use with the ladies. You actually have a familiar face, and I think I may have seen you somewhere...”I let out an exasperated s
Ivy’s POVThe moment I saw the pictures, it felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me. There he was - Asher, my husband - his arms around Taylor, my ex-best friend.The woman I once trusted like a sister. The woman who had already betrayed me once before. And now, she had struck again.My chest tightened, and a cold, sharp pain stabbed through me. It felt like my heart had been ripped out, tossed to the ground, and stomped on repeatedly.My breath caught in my throat, and my vision blurred as tears welled up in my eyes. Betrayal crushed down on me, a weight so heavy I thought I might collapse. My hands trembled as I clutched my phone, my fingers turning white.Why wasn’t I enough? That thought screamed through my mind, louder than anything else. Anxiety crept up inside me, twisting into unbearable knots. Had I ever been enough for anyone?My ex didn’t love me. And now Asher didn’t either. The lie I had clung to— that Asher could change, that he was different— unraveled be
Asher’s POVMy heart leapt the moment Ivy sauntered into my room, wrapped in a pale pink robe. Though we were still officially sleeping apart - her decision, not mine - I had asked her countless times to move in.Something was holding her back, but that didn’t stop us from spending nearly every other night together. I always looked forward to those evenings. I rushed home early every day, eager for our routine: a movie before bed or simply talking until we fell asleep.Tonight was no different.She beamed as she entered; her smile lighting up the room. Slowly, she slipped off her robe, revealing the flimsy nightdress underneath.“I had quite the day…” she began, climbing into bed.My gaze locked onto hers. “Tell me all about it,” I encouraged, my voice low and eager.She tucked her hair behind her ear, leaning closer. “It was Taylor,” she said, her tone exasperated.I rolled my eyes and sighed deeply. “What did that bitch do this time?” I muttered under my breath.Ivy laid back, resti
Taylor’s POVI had a grin on my face as I walked into the dressing area. It had been there since the moment I woke up that morning. My mind danced back to the week’s events.It wasn’t every day that I pulled off something as spectacular as blackmailing Asher Sterling. Of course, it had taken a whole week of careful planning and luck.Luck had been on my side that evening at the formal dinner. Walking up to Marcus Sterling had been a gamble, but it paid off. Luck was what made him listen to me. Not that I had to say much.The dick fucker was sold the moment I told him I was a friend of Ivy’s. Odd, wasn’t it? Did he like his brother’s wife?I shook my head. None of that mattered now, though it had been my golden ticket to the Sterling event. Sure, it meant enduring Marcus’s endless chatter, but it was a small price to pay for the look on Asher’s face when he saw me on his brother’s arm.I could still see it - his pale expression, his eyes desperately trying to piece me together and figu
Asher’s POVI sat absentmindedly at the table, the faint sounds of silverware clicking and the low hum of conversation filling the grand dining room. I forced a polite smile, nodding at something one of the guests said, though I wasn’t paying attention.I wasn’t even sure if I was expected to respond. Thankfully, the man who had spoken to me turned back to his plate.Across the table, Taylor was smiling, her expression tinged with amusement. She was clearly enjoying this - watching me struggle to focus on anything.Then I felt it— a nudge against my foot. Subtle at first, then firmer.I stiffened, glancing up. Taylor was looking directly at me, her expression as innocent as ever. When no one else was watching, she winked, her lips curling into a smug grin.I pulled my foot back, forcing myself to focus as Marcus, seated next to me, leaned in.“Asher,” Marcus said, his tone light but probing, “what’s the progress on Sterling Winery? Any new wines in the works?”I blinked, realizing I h