(Freya’s POV) "Are they asleep?" Ash asked as soon as I returned to the room. His voice, though low, carried that familiar hint of playfulness. He lay in bed, his left arm still in a sling, his eyes following my every move as I quietly shut the door behind me.I nodded, walking toward him. “Yes, finally. Hazel wouldn’t stop talking about your promise,” I said, sitting down on the edge of the bed beside him. “What exactly did you promise them, Ash? They were glowing with excitement.”A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he raised an eyebrow. “I told them I’d take them to the playground once I’m better. That’s all.” He shrugged, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.I sighed, shaking my head. “You’re spoiling them.”Ash’s smile softened, and he reached out with his good hand, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. His touch was tender, almost hesitant. “I’m not spoiling them, Freya. I’m their father. And I want to do the things I couldn’t before... the things I
(Freya’s POV)“Henry, why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” I immediately stood up from my seat when I saw Henry standing at the entrance to my office, a warm smile on his face as he stepped inside. My heart skipped a beat, a mixture of surprise and relief washing over me. Without thinking, I hurried toward him and threw my arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug.Henry returned the embrace, his strong arms wrapping around me, offering comfort in a way only he could. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the hug calm the turmoil that had been swirling inside me for days. After what had happened to Ash, I’d been on edge, worried, restless. Henry’s presence was like a breath of fresh air—a brief reprieve from everything.“I wanted to surprise you.” Henry’s deep voice rumbled in his chest, and I couldn’t help but smile as I pulled away slightly to look at him. His brown eyes were soft, filled with concern and something else I couldn’t quite place.“You succee
(Freya’s POV)One week later…"We have checked the condition of your husband's left hand and it has improved, so today we will remove the cast," said Dr. Allen as he inspected Ash's arm. His voice was calm, and professional, but the news hit me like a wave of relief.I let out a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding. It’s been a week since Ash was discharged from the hospital, and even though he had been coping well, the cast was a constant reminder of the danger he had been in. The sight of that heavy white plaster wrapping his arm had haunted me every day, a symbol of his pain — and my guilt."Thank you, Doctor," I managed to say, trying to keep my voice steady.Dr. Allen nodded with a warm smile. "However, even though the cast is off, Mr. Ash should still avoid heavy lifting or putting strain on the arm for a while. Full recovery could take a bit longer, so be careful. No intense physical activities," he added, his gaze shifting to Ash with a knowing glance. Ash gave him a mis
(Freya’s POV)"Ash, where do you actually want to take me?" I asked nervously, the blindfold over my eyes heightening my senses.My heart raced, both with curiosity and apprehension. My hands twitched in my lap, wishing for some semblance of control. He had insisted I wear this dress—a beautiful, fancy gown that shimmered with every step I took—and now, as we drove to an unknown location, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something extraordinary was about to happen."You'll like it," Ash's voice came from the driver’s seat, calm and collected as always. "We're almost there."I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, fingers gripping the smooth fabric of the dress. How could he be so nonchalant while I was over here, blindfolded and nervous? I tried to reason with myself. This is Ash, I reminded myself. But that didn’t stop my pulse from quickening.When the car finally stopped, I breathed out in relief, only to be startled again when Ash opened my door and took my hand."Careful," he said a
(Freya’s POV)“Wow! You look so beautiful in that wedding dress, Freya,” Henry's voice broke through my nervous thoughts as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the delicate lace on my off-white gown. His eyes gleamed with admiration, and I couldn’t help but blush under his gaze.I smiled softly, my fingers clutching the bouquet of flowers tightly. My heart pounded in my chest, but it wasn’t from nerves alone. There was joy, too—a joy I hadn’t felt in years, a happiness that made my stomach flutter and my throat tighten with emotion. Henry stepped closer, his gaze still appreciative. “Congratulations, Freya. You and Ash truly deserve this happiness. I wish you both a lifetime of love and peace.” “Thank you,” I replied, my voice barely a whisper. “It means a lot that you’re here.” I looked around the room, expecting to see his usual companion. “Where’s Reece?”A chuckle escaped Henry’s lips. “He’s with Ash, probably giving him some last-minute advice or, knowing Reece, a stern t
(Freya’s Pov)I sighed heavily. As I was declared the bride of Ash Knight. The man who was suddenly married to me because my younger sister refused and ran away from the marriage. Being an illegitimate daughter, I was always used as a replacement for my younger sister. I was called nothing but a bad blood, a pet of the house. I would be given orders that I have to follow just like a loyal dog does for his masters. Just like this replacement was an order from my step mom.“Today, you have to save our reputation by marrying Ash knight. I hope you understood my order, very well?” My step mom Mary spat her words with hatred. As much she hates me more than she loves her daughter Stella.With a nod, I agreed to take her place and follow her orders. But deep down the truth is that I had secretly loved him since college days. Back then, he was my sister's boyfriend, so I always hide my feelings. But today life played a trick on us, and here I am standing as his bride and Mrs.Knight. I wa
(FREYA'S POV)It's been 2 weeks since Ash and I had that hurtful argument. I threw myself into my work. It was my way of escaping the pain and the silence at home. He ignored me completely, always coming back late or drunk. He even moved his room to avoid seeing me. It felt like he didn't want anything to do with me.I kept wondering why he wouldn't give our marriage a chance. His actions made me feel rejected and alone. Our marriage seemed like it was just for show, not real at all. It hurt a lot.I sighed heavily, when my phone rang. It was Clara, my friend from college. I smiled as I answered, "Hey, Clara! What's up?"Clara's voice sounded annoyed."Freya, I just got an invitation to a welcome party.""Oh?" I replied, curious. "Whose party?""It's Stella's," Clara said cautiously.Stella. My half-younger sister, who had always seemed to resent me. "Stella's back?" I asked, trying to hide the unease in my voice."Yeah, she's back in town," Clara confirmed. "I thought you should know
(FREYA'S POV)"You really have no feelings, Ash," I whispered hoarsely. I could only stare at him with a face of disappointment. I bit my lower lip so hard that it hurt. Clenching my hands together, I held back the anger and sadness I was currently feeling."I don't care. I warned you not to get your hopes up with this marriage, but you seem very interested in becoming my wife. Are you in love with me?" he asked in a mocking tone that made my pride feel like it was being trampled on by him. And that made me even more angry and resentful towards him."Why would I love a heartless man like you?""In that case, good. We don't love each other. I was forced to marry you because of my grandmother and you were forced to marry me in place of your sister. Neither of us wants this marriage, so... sign the divorce papers right now!""Even after all the things you've done and said, you don't apologize or feel any guilt towards me? Are you really this evil?"I swallowed my saliva with difficulty.