"No," Asher refused in a strict tone, daring her to disobey him. "You are no one to decide for me," she shot back, her voice tinged with resentment. Now that she knew the truth, his dominance, his possessiveness was only irking her. Earlier, she didn't mind his possessiveness because deep down in her heart she was hopeful that his jealousy, his possessiveness stemmed from his hidden love for her that he wasn't able to recognize yet. But now that she had uncovered the truth, it only made her feel like a plaything that he thinks he could control. Asher crossed the space between them and stood in front of her, all determined to stop her if she tried to leave this house, to leave him. "I am your husband," his gaze bore down on her. They were not in some superficial relationship that she can withdraw from any time she wanted, they were married- for better and for worse. He was her husband, her life partner. She was bound to him and she will stay with him. Her gaze sharpened at him
Serena picked up a photo from the nightstand. It was their wedding photo. A candid shot and her second favorite, after their kissing picture. In it, they were dancing, lost in each other's embrace. She was standing on his shoes to minimize their height difference as they danced. Her face was heavenward as she laughed with pure, unbridled joy whereas Asher was staring down at her with an adoring smile on his face. They looked so happy, so carefree.How did he fake so much affection? She wiped away her tears and put the picture back on the nightstand. It didn't belong with her any longer. After packing her bag, she made her way out of her room. Tonight she is going to stay in a hotel and tomorrow, she'll see what she has to do. As she was climbing down the stairs, she saw Asher perched- hunching over the couch like a defeated man- in the living area with his back on her.As soon as he heard her footsteps, Asher stood up and turned towards her. Her facade of indifference slipped slight
Before his lips could meet hers, Serena raised her hand between them. "I don't need your confession in charity, Asher," she criticized him, feeling more irritated. Does he think that she is so naive that she would believe his lie?Asher was wounded by her outright dismissal of his feelings. "It's not charity, Pumpkin. I mean it. I do love you," he beseeched her in earnest, close to getting down on his knees and begging her if she didn't believe him. Yes, he made mistakes in the past, he used her and he regretted that more than she can imagine but now things had changed. His constant lies were frustrating Serena to no end. His confession was only hurting her more and more. "We love only once and..and you've confessed your love to Shanice already. I saw the letter, Asher. Don't lie anymore," she retorted, losing her patience with this man and his lies.Asher was baffled. It was too many shocks to handle for him at once. Serena had overwhelmed him with her accusations. Just a few
Serena plumped down on her bed, incinerated with rage. How dare he? What does he think of himself? She had never even imagined one day Asher would blackmail her. Why does he always have to force his authority over her every damn time? Back in school too- he let his "beloved" do whatever she desired but whenever it came to her, he would dominate her as though she wasn't some living being but his possession that he needed to keep under his thumb. She was a fool to think it was his way of protecting her from evil. Her grudging thoughts were interrupted when her phone rang. She quickly wiped away her tears to glance at the screen. It was an unknown number. She accepted the call and pressed the phone to her ear. "Hello?" she said. "Ren. It's me, Shanice. You've been avoiding my messages and calls so I....""Shameless bitch. Stop with your act, you hypocrite. I know you give no fuck about me. You just wanna know if I am still alive or have died after the venom you spewed into my life. I
Serena woke up to his familiar scent. Smiling, she inhaled deeply and snuggled more into his warm, broad chest. His mouth trailed along her forehead, peppering soft kisses. She moaned in weak protest and reached up with her hand to cover his mouth. He kissed the center of her palm. She lifted her face and looked up at him groggily. "Good morning, sweetheart," he mumbled against her palm, returning her gaze with boundless affection. Her lips spread into a lazy smile. But the memories rushed back, causing her smile to freeze before vanishing altogether. Asher's smile dropped too and anxiety took over him.Serena recoiled from his hold as though he wasn't worthy of her touch before bolting up and leveling him with a glare. "I don't like it when you touch me. So do not lay your hand on me ever again," she scowled at him. Hurt flickered in Asher's eyes. She was being cruel. Throwing the comforter away, she got off the bed and went into the bathroom. Asher leaned against the bedpost and
Just when their lips were about to be touched, he paused. Overcome by nervousness, Serena inhaled a deep breath, his intoxicating scent tantalizing her nerves. His eyes moved between her eyes and mouth suggestively. "Not like my touch?" he questioned in a sensual whisper, drawing her attention to his very kissable lips. Her mouth unconsciously parted in subtle appreciation as she stared at the smooth curve of his lips. Primal desire surged within her. A part of her wanted him to eliminate all distance between them. With great effort, she tore her gaze away from his lips to his eyes. Her husband known for his cold demeanor had suddenly transformed into a determined seducer. The indecent glint in his eyes made it difficult for her to breathe. She was so charmed by his seduction that she didn't even realize when he removed her hands from her clothed breasts. It was lost on her as to when he reached behind her back and unhooked her bra all the while holding eye contact with her. It was
Asher had gone through a lot of trials and tribulations in his life but none compared to what he was facing right now. He was at his wit's end now. He didn't know how to make her see the truth. To make her see how much she meant to him. Two days had passed since their last interaction. She was avoiding him like a plague. He tried to reach out to her but she had ruthlessly shot down all his efforts. This much anger? Serena had never been this mad at him. They had never slept on different beds no matter how angry they were with each other. He hadn't slept a wink in the last two days and judging by the dark circles under her eyes, he could tell she was just as much in pain. She was being cruel to both of them. Does she even know how much her ignorance was affecting him? She might not need him but he needed her. He needed her like a heart needs a beat. But today he wasn't going to give up until he talked to her.After coming home from work, he made his way straight to the greenhouse whe
The staff watched him astounded as he staggered his way in through the door, gaze fixated on his wife. Serena assessed him with horror written all over her face. His shirt was stained with blood. His blood. His face was nearly unrecognizable with all the bruises and blood. He wasn't even able to walk properly. Who dared to do this to him? He had fought today. The answer clicked her instantly, causing a pang to grip he heart. He has no more regards for their promises too. He knows she hates it when he fights and still. Her concern hardened into anger as she met his hopeful gaze with her glare. If he thinks, he can manipulate her by pulling a cheap stunt like this then he had another thing coming. His face fell and hurt flashed in his eyes when she simply walked away as though his pain didn't affect her anymore. He stared after her retreating back, a searing ache clutching at his already suffering heart. Serena paced the length of her room, hands wringing together as she wondered