Ivy’s POV“What do you know about the Sterlings?” my mother asked suddenly. We were sitting around the large dining table.I exhaled and glanced at the door nervously, checking my watch for the umpteenth time. I was a nervous wreck, and rightfully so. I hadn’t seen Asher in weeks, and I was about to introduce our families at our home.“Aside from the fact that they own a huge company? Nothing,” my dad answered. He turned to look at me. “Usually, this part of the introduction happens before my daughter gets married to their son.”My mother gripped his hand to stop him.I let out a huge sigh. “Dad, we’re already married.”“And I’m still pissed about it!” he blurted out.I tucked my hair behind my ears. I had sent Asher a long email describing my parents, hoping he had read it and prepared for this. I needed this evening to go well. So much between us already wasn’t, but this had to.You’d think I would have called off the wedding—it was a joke, after all—but no. For reasons I couldn’t f
Asher’s POVI called home three hours before it was time. My father picked up on the second ring, and it was a video call.“Asher.”“Dad,” I answered.“What is it?”“You remember we have that...”“Yes, of course, he does,” Marcus interjected, his annoying face covering the whole screen, “We all remember, we wouldn’t miss it for the world.”I couldn’t hide the surprise on my face. “You’re at home, Marcus?”“Yes, I am. Dad and I made a little bet. Do you want to know what it’s about?”I rolled my eyes. I didn’t, but I knew Marcus, and I knew he would tell me anyway.“I’ve bet that by the end of the night, I’ll unravel whatever scheme you’ve planned and how you managed to entrap your new wife. Dad, for some reason, thinks she might actually find you likable enough to want to be married to you...” He chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t know, though, it seems highly unlikely.”“Marcus, I don’t care. I hope Dad can at least get good money out of you. You’re unfortunately my brother, and m
Asher’s POV“We are so delighted to have you at our home,” Mr. Whitfield said cheerfully. “It’s our pleasure...”The waiters served the food. The main course was grilled filet mignon with roasted vegetables and truffle sauce.“It was a rather unlikely situation that brought us together,” my dad responded.“A beautiful one, nonetheless,” Mrs. Whitfield chimed in, smiling warmly at me.I leaned closer to Ivy, who was sitting beside me. “Why is your mom staring at me?” I asked quietly.She glanced at her mother for a moment before replying, “I think they’re starting to like you…”My eyes widened in alarm. “What? They hated me before?” My voice was louder than expected, and everyone’s eyes turned towards me at the table.Ivy’s mother reached for my hand. “Are you okay, son? Is the food to your liking? Do you need anything else?”Now everyone’s attention was on her. My mom gave her a quizzical look.Son? I was too shocked by the term of endearment to respond properly. It was so affectionat
Ivy’s POVHis request for Sterling Winery. Responsible... Choice to be married. The words hung in the air between us. My body grew rigid. Thankfully, my parents were too preoccupied with whatever they were whispering to themselves. In that moment, I was glad for their obsession.“Thank you, father,” Asher answered. His voice lacked all the excitement it had before.Maybe it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to me; it was clear as day. He had made it obvious in his words and actions that our marriage was just a joke. It meant nothing. Yet, there was some delusional part of me that kept holding on, hoping for something more. He didn’t make it any easier when he walked in and kissed me with so much passion, like we were actually lovers. It didn’t help that, in barely an hour, he had managed to convince my parents that we had somehow found love, which was absurd. I hadn’t spoken to him in weeks.I stole a glance at him, and when I did, he was looking right back at me with an apologetic ex
Ivy’s POVI sat upright, scrolling through the news feed. “What did it say, Marsha?” I asked, biting my fingernails anxiously.Marsha, my personal assistant for years, replied, “It’s been generally positive. I think fans are truly fascinated with the idea of you two being a couple…”I looked up from my phone to her. Marsha was a fiery redhead with striking green eyes.“I can’t tell if you’re serious right now or just pulling my leg…” I said skeptically.She smiled at me. “I am serious…”We had announced our marriage. Well, technically Asher had—without my input. I knew it was bound to happen at some point, but I was still unprepared. Not him, though. He showed up at an event wearing his ring, making sure to flash it for the cameras. It didn’t take long for the media to piece it all together, with pictures of us in public flying around.“You and Asher are loved by the fans. They think it’s beautiful that you’re married, though some also think it’s kind of crazy…”“Finally! You’ve spoke
Asher’s POVI was standing at the airport just beside the jet when I saw her car come to a halt. She was accompanied by two other vehicles, one in front and one behind. Men in black suits and shades stepped out.One of them opened her door and helped her out, while the other man rushed to bring out her luggage.I sucked in a deep breath when she stepped out of the car. I’d always been captivated by her beauty. Her long blonde hair was tied up in a high ponytail. She was wearing a pretty white sundress that stopped mid-thigh, paired with heels that accentuated her long legs. Her blue eyes lit up when she saw me, and although she looked away, I had already caught a glimpse of it.I turned to see Miles, my assistant, blushing profusely beside me. “She’s gorgeous...” he muttered.I frowned, then turned to her and back at him in confusion. He seemed to notice and straightened up.As she approached where we were standing, I pulled her into a warm hug and whispered in her ear, “You’re gorgeo
Asher’s POVShe walked into the beach house, her eyes staring admiringly at the breathtaking view of the beach. She turned her gaze to me; I was standing by the doorway, watching her adoringly.“Wow, this is stunning,” she commented. As she spun around, I took out my camera and snapped a few pictures of her. She didn’t seem bothered by it and even posed for a few.I smiled at her and extended a hand. “Come on.” She slipped her hand into mine. The beach house was cozy and private, a one-bedroom apartment with a small living room and a kitchen. It was the only house within the large area of the beach, so aside from the workers on the property, we had it all to ourselves.As I led her into the room, her eyes widened in surprise. She turned around to peer at me. “There’s only one bed,” she noted. “No couch?”I shrugged nonchalantly. “Ivy, I didn’t come on vacation to sleep on a couch.”She sighed in defeat and walked past me. “You’re exhausting, Asher,” she said as she crashed on the bed.
Ivy’s POVMy eyelids fluttered open, and the first sight that greeted me was Asher’s sleeping face. A small smile crept onto my lips as I watched him. His hair fell over his face, and he looked peaceful in his sleep and handsome, too.I reached forward and gently pushed his hair away from his face. My mind wandered to the night before when I had to change in front of him. A blush crept onto my cheeks as I thought about it. I wanted to act unbothered, so I had changed in front of him, even though I could have easily walked away. I was acutely aware of his eyes on me as I did.I sighed in exasperation. It would be so easy to just let go. He already made it so hard to resist him. Every day, I felt my resolve weaken further. I could barely fight against his charm. If only it were that easy. If only it were easy to believe Asher was truly down for me.I shook the thought away. I couldn’t weigh myself down with thoughts like that. I rushed into the bathroom with a change of clothes, remembe
Taylor.I was sitting on the large couch in my bedroom, staring off into the distance. It was supposed to be my time of solitude, a time to sit with my thoughts, and it would have been if Max hadn’t been hunched over and pacing from one corner to the other.His frame was rigid, clenching his fists at his sides, thumping his foot against the floor. It was clear he wanted my attention.He hadn’t said anything yet, but that’s what he wanted, and I couldn’t be bothered. I was plagued by my own thoughts.I stretched out my legs and laid down, blocking out Max completely. I brought my fingers to my mouth and began to bite down on my nails.I had played my cards quite early, much earlier than I had planned to. Ivy had forced my hand when we got into that big fight, and she said all those horrible things to me.I didn’t see it coming; I didn’t expect her to react in that manner. I was so mad, I couldn’t think clearly. The moment I got off the phone with Max, I sent the pictures to her with a
MaxThe smell of fresh coffee hit me as I pushed open the door to the little café.Ivy was perched on a stool by the window, her shoulders hunched, eyes focused on her phone, scrolling, engrossed in whatever it was she was staring at.She didn’t see me walk in - at least, not at first. Well, she wasn’t supposed to. I had actually stalked her and followed her here.I crossed the room; there were only a few people in the café. The café was located on the top floor of a high-rise building, exclusive to top celebrities.I slipped into the chair across from her. She finally looked up, her gaze turning sharp, annoyed.“Ivy,” I said her name like it was the sweetest thing ever. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”She sighed, setting her phone down deliberately. She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right?” Her tone was flat, detached. “What a surprise!” she exclaimed sarcastically, picking up a book on the table and flipping the pages open.I knew where she was going with this, but I wouldn’t give her th
Asher’s POVJanine’s face looked like she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. She was in a crouching position, her hands unbuttoning the pants on...He turned to look at me with apologetic eyes. “Luca!”“Asher, I’m sorry...” he began.“Janine, will you get on your feet and fix your clothes!” I yelled in anger. I was filled with utter disgust, seeing my sister in that position and, of all people, with my own friend Luca.She sighed and proceeded to fix Luca’s pants.I raked my fingers through my hair. “His hands are working, Janine! I think he can fix his pants by himself.” I turned to look at Luca, my eyes narrowing at him. “Or can you not?” I barked. My heart was pounding in my chest, and my fists were clenched by my sides.Janine opened her mouth to protest, but he hushed her. “It’s okay, baby. Let it go...”Baby? I saw red in that instant, the muscles in my jaw tightening. Now, I was raving mad. “What the heck is going on here?” I barked.Janine’s eyes widened, her fac
Asher’s POVI hated the way her face fell in disappointment when she saw me. I hated the frown on her face that caused her forehead to crease.I wanted to scoop her up in my arms and kiss the frown away.“Flower, I—”“My name is Ivy,” she cut in, her voice stern. “And I’m asking, what is this about?”I sighed, closing the distance between us. “If I hadn’t told the lie that Janine was calling for you, would you have come?”“You very well know I wouldn’t!” she spat in disgust and made to storm off, but I grabbed her hand and pulled her back to me. “Don’t walk away from me,” I said through clenched teeth.Shock flashed across her face; she hadn’t expected me to react this way. But it was done—I was done playing the cool guy.She tried to wriggle free from my grasp, but I held firm. “Let go of me or—”“Or what?” I cut in.“What?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.I pulled her closer, pressing her against me. “If I don’t let go of you, what will happen?” I challenged her. “Seriously, t
Asher’s POVI kept my hand wrapped around the glass, red wine bubbling inside. My fingers were cold against the slick surface.My eyes darted across the room; there was a sea of guests chatting loudly, but my gaze found just one person. Another drink slid down my throat, sharp and burning.I had lost count of how many drinks I had; it should have helped dull my senses, but it didn’t. It didn’t dull the irritation simmering inside me.Derrick.The dumbass photographer. The smug, audacious prick. Oh, the nerve of him! It was already bad enough that he was hanging around Ivy throughout her trip. It was maddening that he touched her, even in the slightest.Just thinking about it made me seethe. But he also had the audacity to follow her here and attend my event! Who gave him an invitation in the first place? Ivy? I loved her so much, but damn, she was making my blood boil.I gritted my teeth, my fists clenching tightly as I downed the contents of my glass. Grabbing a fresh glass of wine f
Asher's POVThe moment Ivy's hand shot up in a wave, my stomach twisted. I followed her gaze, and there he was - Dexter. The man who had appeared in her stories countless times, the one draped all over her during that damn vacation.My jaw tightened, fists clenching as she raised her glass to me with a smug smile and sashayed away. It took every ounce of restraint not to lose it right there.She’d brought him here, fully aware of what it would do to me. I wasn’t sure what angered me more - her audacity or his willingness to show up.The sea of cameras and curious onlookers forced me to keep my composure. This wasn’t just about me; if a scandal broke, Ivy would suffer too. Despite everything, I didn’t want that for her.Yet, the thought of her entertaining another man set my blood boiling. I hated how powerless I felt— torn between fury and guilt.I knew what I’d done to her. I had no right to demand loyalty when I hadn’t proven my innocence. But those damning pictures with Taylor were
Ivy’s POVThe limo rolled to a stop, the glow of the red carpet lights pouring through the tinted windows. I kept my gaze forward, my jaw clenched tight.This wasn’t the place for tears or anger - at least not the kind anyone could see.“Ivy, are you okay?” he asked, his voice soft enough to almost make me forget why I hated him right now. Almost.“You know why I’m here,” I replied curtly, my tone sharp and biting.He looked down, his face shadowed with shame. “Ivy, I’d do anything to make you forgive me.”I whipped my head toward him, glaring. “You should have thought about that before you took her to bed.”He exhaled heavily, rubbing his temples as if trying to erase his mistakes. “I have no memory of that night. Ivy, I’d never do anything to hurt you.”Silence fell between us, broken only by the frenzy of voices outside and the flashing lights from the cameras. Security had formed a barricade around the car. My heart ached, but my anger was louder.“And yet you did,” I muttered, my
Asher’s POVI stepped into the family mansion. The air inside was warm, with the scent of freshly prepared food wafting from the dining room.There, sprawled at the table like she owned the world, was Janine - her legs propped up on the polished surface, as if she had no idea what decorum meant.Servants bustled around her, setting plates and dishes on the wide table, their expressions carefully neutral.“If it isn’t my evil little sister,” I stated, arching a brow at her casual insolence.She turned to me with a giggle, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Hello, my favorite big brother!” she chirped in a sweet tone of voice.I rolled my eyes all the way to the back of my head.Before I could reply, Marcus strolled in, a bottle of wine dangling from his hand. “I heard that, Janine,” he said in his usual unbothered manner.Janine rolled her eyes dramatically. “It’s no secret that Asher is my favorite. You never really had my time, Marcus,” she retorted with a teasing grin.Marcus slid i
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