CHAPTER 25The library was filled with serious students who were reading for the upcoming examination which was scheduled to start a week later. Ashley wasn't excluded. She was also in the library reading for her final examinations, she was determined to pass all of her courses in flying colors and would not hesitate to disengage with anyone that would cause a distraction to her studies, well except a certain someone.Married life with Michael has been so exciting, there wasn't a day she didn't smile while being with him. She could feel that her love for him was growing day by day and all she could think about was Michael all day long.She had told him that she would go back to her dormitory for the time-being until after their exams so they could both focus, cause she knew that they wouldn't achieve anything if they were together while preparing for their examinations. They would just be fooling themselves, and to save them that stress, they had to separate. A decision that was so ha
CHAPTER 26 The exam was a success and Ashley was so happy to be going back home. She had finally written her final paper in school and was ready to be back home to her dearest husband. She packed her little belongings in the dormitory and was ready to depart after waving off her friends when her phone rang. She checked who the caller was and saw that it was Michael. She hastily picked up the call; "I'm outside," was the first word he said immediately she picked up his call. She ran outside and when she saw Michael, she ran to hug him. "I miss you!" She screamed while hugging him tightly that it seemed hard for him to breathe. "I miss you too," He finally replied after she has released him from her bone-crushing hug, "let's go home to drop your luggages, we're going out this night." "For what?" Michael laughs, "It's a surprise." "What's the surprise?" She inquired. * "Home sweet home!" Ashley exclaimed as she landed on the bed. "I'm glad you're finally home. I've missed you,"
CHAPTER 27Mr. Walter stood from his seat, glancing around at the board members who were already seated. He took another look at Ashton Williams and pretended as if he wasn't surprised to see the lady he had rejected for his son years ago, which had left his son heartbroken.Mitchelle and Ryan’s hearts dropped when they saw Ashton also. They took a glance at Michael and saw how uneasy he was."You may sit.""Thank you." The room was silent as Ashton Williams took her seat, which was opposite Michael.Ashley watched everything unfold and figured that this Ashton Williams was a familiar person to Michael and his family."Ash..." She heard Michael whisper a name softly as he stared at the lady, his hand fidgeting."Michael?" Ashley whispered his name."Huh?""Anything the matter?" she asked."Uh? Nothing." He replied, still looking uneasy."Alright. Since everyone is seated, I guess I can share the important information I called you all for." He paused, "Michael, stand up."Michael stood
CHAPTER ONE The living room was filled with tension. The words that were spoken by Mr. Walter, her dad's creditor, gave hope to their hearts.It was as if Manna was thrown from above and Mr. Walter was an angel sent from God. As he kept on talking, Ashley moved closer to the last stairs, which were nearer to the living room, hid from their sight, and continued eavesdropping."I'm going to forget about the 10 million dollars you are owing me, and I'm even going to help your company get back on its feet." Mr. Walter said, and she could see her dad smiling."If..." He summoned his lawyer to bring out a file. "Read it out," he commanded the lawyer."Mr. Walter is going to forget about the 10 million dollars you're owing him, and he's even going to help your company get back on its feet and offer you another five million dollars if you allow your daughter to get married to Mr. Walter."Her smile grew broader and broader until it turned into a quick frown when she heard the word after the '
CHAPTER TWO "How dare you talk to me like that? Who the heck are you?" Her father's voice barked through the air as venom spat out of his mouth."Honey, you're being too harsh on her." Her mom inputted, but her father glared hard at her."Will you shut up?" Her father interrupted her mother, "You're the reason she's to this extent; just to do one simple thing that will free us from this debt, she's refusing, all because of you, you!""But honey." Her mom pleaded."Shut up! Shut the heck up before I do something I would regret." He directed his attention to Ashley: "You'll marry him, and that's final, idiot!" With that said, he left the sitting room for his room."Mom! I can't! I can't! I have other things to do with my life.""Honey, just obey your father; he's always right." Her mother said, trying to persuade her."Mom, you know he's the one that made us like this, so he should be the one to pay for his mistakes, not me. Mom, I can't; I don't think I can. Can't you try to persuade h
CHAPTER THREE By 2:35 a.m. in the morning, Ashley woke up to proceed with her plan. She stood up from her bed and walked towards her wardrobe to bring out her luggage from where she kept it. She took it and opened it to remove all the unnecessary dust. Then she began throwing in clothes that she would need for her little escape.She packed little clothes, so carrying them wouldn't be a problem. By the time she was done packing, she picked up her phone to check the time. Good, it was 3:01 a.m. She quickly changed her clothes, and soon she was ready to depart. She was ready to run away, to escape.She tiptoed out of her room towards the sitting room. She looked around to be sure that no one was awake. She was sure that no one would be awake by this time. She didn't say anything to her mother, so her mother wasn't aware of her running away; she had already made up her mind, and that was what she would do. She couldn't get married to that old man; now she preferred getting married to any
CHAPTER FOURMichael stared blankly at his room door, not realizing when tears dropped from his eyes. He cleaned his eyes and sniffed."He collapsed? When?" The next words that were spoken by his elder sister, Michelle, made his phone fall from his hands.He couldn't believe it; he really couldn't believe it. His dad was in a coma. As if just realizing the words that kept ringing in his head, he picked up his car keys from his table, left his room with a bang from the door, and ran out of his house, forgetting to lock the door.He sighted his car, which was neatly parked in his parking lot, entered, and drove out hurriedly towards the hospital with a speed that he'd never driven before.The smell that came from the hospital reminded him of memories he wished not to remember—the smell of drugs, injections, and mostly blood. It reminded him of how and where his mom died. He hated it.On reaching the room that was assigned to his dad, he sighted his sister, his only sister, seated outside
CHAPTER FIVE The agreement had been made. The contract had been signed. The wedding was over. The young couple made their way to their matrimonial home after the reception. The drive to the house was peaceful and quiet, except for the noise created as Michael rapidly typed on his iPad. He didn't utter a word, and neither did she. The drive lasted for about thirty-three minutes—the longest thirty-three minutes that Ashley could ever imagine. The couple arrived at the mansion, and the golden gate was opened by the gatekeeper. As the driver pulled in, she could see the mansion and how magnificent it looked. Then, she stepped out of the car. She made her way to the front door, amazed at the sight before her. She noticed the intricate gold molding on the pillars flanking the front door. The glittering color was the perfect accent against the beige building, adding an imperial flair to the neo-classical-style mansion. "This is... beautiful!" she gawked, utterly and shamelessly amaze