A tall elegant man with broad shoulders walked in.
All eyes were fixated on him and people started murmuring and whispering to each other."Wasn't mr Elrod supposed to be crippled, how come "" Seems she isn't marrying an older man "When remarks like this were going on.Reyes rolled his wheelchair in and the young man who had come in before gestured for him to come in by stretching out his hand to pave way for Reyes."Seems the young man is the head security of the Elrods, oops she is indeed marrying Mr Elrod, what a shame!Some noble families at the wedding continued to gossip among themselves.Some thought Ashley was marrying him for his money."It is a trend among young girls these days, they find a rich man and seduce him into marriage! The voice was a bit loud so Ashley must have heard it. But she never worried about it. She was just saving her Mom.Reyes came in, of course by the wheelchair.When people saw him, a lot of people stopped their gossip.Reyes had blonde hair colour, even his beard too, he was a man in his late fifties. He always has that grumpy-looking countenance. So most people were scared of him and Moreover, he was a powerful man who owned the biggest mall in Berlin city.Everywhere was so quiet as he rolled his wheelchair up to the stage.Ashley stared at him and sighed heavily, at this point, she had decided to accept her fate.As the priest was about to begin, the young man who opened the door before came and whispered to him as everyone skimmed at him muddled.The priest glanced at Reyes and shook his head, the moment he wanted to go against the instruction he was given. Reyes gave him a thunderous gaze and his mouth was dry and his heart was pounding as he tried to force the lump of fear down her throat.He bent his head and twirled his head, people were getting impatient so the audience started becoming noisy. Ashley was equally dazed.Then the priest brought his head up, "Ladies and gentlemen, we therefore present Mr. and Mrs. Elrod. The wedding is over " the priest said and made his way out of the hall in a flash.Everyone was puzzled with their mouths wide open and the hall became clangorous." Is the wedding a joke!? A voice came from the crowd.Tony, the young man from before, had already commenced to take Reyes out of the hall." she must be a joke to him! Our time was totally wasted! Angry birds began to March out of the hall.Ashley stood there baffled, a lot of thoughts were creeping into her mind.Wealthy people truly did whatever they liked. She had been standing there for 30 minutes and he came in and commanded the priest to declare them as a couple. She didn't even hear the name of her husband. Wow!There shouldn't have been any wedding in the first place.But Ashley composed herself, she has fulfilled her promise. She put it in her mind to confront her dad so that he could grant her the pledge he made.Before Ashley gained poise, a lot of people had escaped the hall. She managed to see her father and stepmom with Alexis of course." Dad! She scurried over to where they were.Jared was unconcerned about whatever the Elrods did; he had fulfilled his contract with them and he can now sleep calmly.Jared veered around when he heard her."I have married Mr. Elrod as you wished, when is Mom getting the surgery? Ashley inquired and glued her eyes on Jared."Ashley I have a lot of projects at hand, there are a lot of people that want to invest and buy the company shares, I suggest you give me more time to sort things out" Jared stated, he seemed unaffected after all she can't back out now."Dad! Ashley clenched her fists and bit her lips. What was she expecting from her vicious father?"Enough! Elena cut in "Things aren't going well in the company, he will give you the money when things become stable, he wouldn't let his first wife die" Elena said that in an attempt to mock Ashley and her mom.She caressed his hair and asked "Right honey?While Jared remained speechless and didn't utter a word. Ashley's eyes alone could be a mighty dagger to stab Jared.Just when Ashley was about to utter another word."Miss Alexis? " a voice came from behind as he tapped Ashley's shoulder.Ashley curled up to him, it was the driver who picked her up before, maybe he is here to take her to the Elrod's mansion." I'm not Al….." Ashley paused, she went further to whisper to Jared. " I'm going to tell Mr. Elrod that you deceived him if you don't pay the bills by next week" Ashley stepped back and winked at Jared."Let's go " she turned to Sam, the driver who came to pick her up.Sam took Ashley back to the mansion, All throughout the time she was in the vehicle. She didn't move her lips, she just opened the window and leaned on it.Ashley came back to the mansion and a lady came to introduce herself as her personal maiden.They were other servants as well."I'm Natasha, I will see to all your needs from now on. Will be glad to attend to you " she bowed.Ashley just nodded and started moving upstairs."Would you like to have anything!? Natasha echoed watching her walk upstairs.Ashley never answered that, it seemed she didn't even hear.Natasha peeked at Sam" She must be very unhappy"Sam raised his shoulders, not knowing what to say to that and shifted outside.Ashley laid down in her bed all day after the wedding, " it was such a useless wedding! She kept remarking about it, she had no appetite to eat or whatsoever. She just picked up her phone and called her mom making sure she was alright.She did tell her that she wasn't going to be available for two days and Louisa would attend to her.She lay in her bed and slept till morning.When she woke up the next day, she saw a stunning man beside her, she clasped onto him tightly and kissed his forehead."I want to continue living in this dreamland, there is a handsome Man here! She murmured half asleep.She touched his chest "Oh my God, he has broad shoulders and chocolate abs, she thought and momentarily licked her lips."Holy heavens, don't let me wake up, I'm just going to stay married to him here in my dream! All those thoughts were going on in her head.Ashley opened her eyes slowly and saw a man beside her, he wasn't the man she married."Hey beautiful" his hoarse and deep voice came through.Ashley hastily shoved him and he stumbled to the floor." Ouch…. my waist" he moaned and allowed in pain.Ashley jumped up from the bed in her pyjamas."Help! There is an intruder here!The moment Ashley shouted, Everyone started gushing into the room both the securities and servants. They wanted to see the intruder who dared to enter the Elrod's mansion.But once they came in, they all stood still…Tony went forward to help the young man she pushed so hard to rise to his feet." Are you okay? Tony asked while lending his hands for him to stand up." What are you doing?! He is an intruder! Aren't you going to arrest him or something?! Ashley gasped, she didn't apprehend while they were not doing anything."Seems you got it wrong ma'am " Tony had already helped the young man to his feet but he still held his waist, the push earlier hit him hard."Who is he and what is he doing in my room and on the bed! Ashley folded her hands around her chest. " is he a pervert or something " The other servants who stood there started murmuring and turning their gazes at each other." Ma'am, you are…… Tony tried to explain."Enough! The young man raised his hand. " I will take it f
Ashley went upstairs, not believing her ears. Mr Reyes was already prompting them about a baby when she just became the wife yesterday. He seems to be in a hurry.She hasn't even gotten the time to know Jason more and he already began talking about an heir.She did have an intention to engage in a divorce once her mom regained stability. But things are getting complicated now.The older man isn't her husband and he wanted an heir. Suddenly she started burning again. The thought of having a baby with Jason made her hot."Are we going to be sleeping together? Ashley used her hand to fan herself as an indication that she felt hot.Jason grinned "You seem so nervous about it, relax" Jason pulled off his trousers after he stood up from the bed.Ashley shut her eyes without hesitation " Hey!! I was right about you being a pervert! She angrily said while using her left hand to cover her eyes.Jason busted out a laugh." What is so funny, haha " Ashley still held her hand on her eyes." Aren'
Even as Ashley saw Jason on TV, she was utterly confused. Had he been a celebrity? But he hasn't been in the city. When she saw that Louisa was also blushing and smiling from ear to ear she decided to go and wash up and later come back to satisfy her curiosity. It is already 2:00 p.m., the time for them to get off work. Ashley wished to see her mom so badly."Here… '' Louisa stretched out her hand and handed over the fancy bag that contained Ashley's clothes, she did that as soon as she came out of the restroom. Louisa lingered around for her in front of the restroom door to wash up." That b*itch, I will pull out all her hairs next time " Louisa gritted her teeth and this made Ashley giggle."She is just lucky she came to our workplace otherwise she won't have a single strand of her remaining!" Louisa exclaimed and her eyes filled with disdain for Alexis. Ashley grinned again " Thank you, Louisa, you have always stood by me. What am I going to do without you?"With this, she ente
Earlier that day after Jason dropped Ashley off. He went over to the office to resume work. He called Tony, the head security to run a thorough background check on the Cooker family.Reyes had already announced him as the CEO that will continue the business.When Jason stayed in New York out of boredom he started sports and took training for soccer though he never really took it seriously he made a name with his gorgeous and handsome face. Girls could literally go crazy trying to get a picture with him or his autograph. But now he is back to take over his inheritance. Carlos, the assistant assigned to him, had listed out his schedule and meetings to him.He also made sure that his comeback was announced in the news and that he officially resigned from soccer. Carlos sent out tips, it didn't waste time for it to appear in the articles. Bloggers he tipped off were doing their work. Reporters swarmed JJ group, and Jason was asked a few questions. He officially made it clear to the c
Jason raged and rushed to Mr Thompson, he forcefully jerked his hands out of Ashley's body." Who the hell are you!" Mr Thompson fumed as he rose from the bed. He hasn't heard the news yet and has no clue about Jason." I'm her husband, you monster!" Jason hurried over to Ashley and hauled her into his arms as he made his way out.Mr Thompson scampered out, following him and his eyes met with almost ten guys in suits. There were all Jason's guards including Tony. Mr Thompson hastily recognized Tony and he knew they were from Elrod's family.All the guards queued out after Jason. Jared and Elena were still outside when Jason barged into the mansion. Mr Thompson's guards couldn't stop him because he came around with a whole lot of his.Jared and Elena's mouths went agape when the whole thing happened. They stood there like frozen chicken. They were not acquainted with social media and they were too busy plotting to get Ashley to Mr Thompson that they didn't go through their phone or li
Jason's voice was so loud that Ashley had to fall back and landed on the floor. The servants rushed in. Tony immediately hurried over to the gas cooker and switched it off since it was still on.Tony sent everyone out including Ashley. A few moments later, Jason came out and went upstairs without saying a word to anybody.Ashley was shocked, she still wasn't able to grasp the whole situation. But she knew she saw Jason in his worst state. She couldn't go upstairs she was still kind of scared. Jason was so scary earlier.She went to the maiden's quarters and asked for Natasha.Natasha didn't hesitate to run to her as she requested for her."Do you know what might be wrong with him? She asked." I'm sorry ma'am, I do not have any clue, we weren't even aware that Mr Reyes had a son, we just saw him for the first time on your wedding night and we were told that he is the only child Mr Reyes had, the only maiden who might have a clue had already retired" Natasha responded."Alright, I'm
Ashley went straight to the hospital, even though it was already getting late. Tony was with her and Sam drove them there.Ashley went in and met her mom. But she forgot to ask Tony to wait outside." Ashley, what is going on? Who are these people? Margaret asked with a weak voice.Ashley gave Tony a sign to leave the ward. But Tony went further and whispered words to her.Ashley gasped and nodded before Tony quietly left."Mom, you will be getting the surgery soon " Ashley beamed a smile and stretched out her hands to wrap her Mom's own." Really dear?, did your dad later comply to giving me the money?" Margaret asked and a smile left her face.Ashley frowned, but she didn't know how she was to explain everything to her mom so she wound up saying " Mom, God provided the money, the best thing is for you to get operated on " Ashley grinned while her gaze stayed glued on her mom.Margaret widely extended her arms for a hug and pulled Ashley into her chests and both of stayed in a mothe
Louisa laughed out heavily, following Ashley's narration." It is not funny you know, " Ashley placed her hand in front of her face and bowed her hand in shame." it is okay Ash, he is your husband by the way isn't he? " Louisa said, unable to control her giggle." jeezz, husband indeed," Ashley shrugged." Are you letting your dad off the hook? " he should be taught a lesson for messing with you, allow your husband to sue him, you are so kind-hearted " Louisa prodded her with a frown." He is still my father and I don't want trouble, since it no longer happens I would just let it slide" Ashley sagged in deep breath.They were already through with their work shift and now seated in a coffee shop where Ashley conveyed what she experienced in a few days with Louisa.But while they were at it, Ashley didn't realise that the people in the coffee shop had been gazing at her and murmuring words but it became obvious when two couples stepped in and whispered words to each other and she over
The bride’s waiting room was a hubbub of activity as people fled in and out with a blur of excitement. Congratulatory cheers filled the space. “ Congratulations, my best friend, so dreams do come through,” Ashley giggled, spreading her hands for a hug. A wide grin stretched across Louisa’s lips and she welcomed her embrace. They stayed for a while before Ashley pulled herself back. “ You are so pretty,” she exclaimed, maintaining a smile on her face. “ Thank you so much,” Louisa glanced around as if she was searching for something. “ Jay?? Where is he?” “Oh Jay,” Ashley said, wiggling her lips, “ I hired a nanny for him, he gives too much trouble” She answered plainly and Louisa smacked her lightly at the arm. “ Don't you think he is too little for a nanny yet?!” She fired back, abruptly raising her voice. “ Hey…. I can't come with him to the wedding” jerking her head around “ he would be such a nuisance” She concluded, taking a seat close to Louisa. “ Whatever, you shoul
“I would like to have dõnor kebab without sauce please “ A lady demanded while handing the menu back to Louisa. “ Sure, would you like any dessert? We have pretty something nice” With a grin plastered on her face, making sure to serve the customers nicely, she inquired. “ No, I think I will pass” The lady replied, waving her hands off to show she wasn't interested. “ Okay ma'am, I will be back in some minutes” Louisa stomped off to the counter. She dropped the menu and went into the kitchen to give the chef a heads-up. While talking to one of the advanced chefs,a light nudge came on her shoulders and she whipped around to catch a glimpse of who touched her.“ What's the matter?” Her voice is low and calm.The fellow waitress who touched her, passed a piece of paper and an envelope to her. “ Maybe a tip of something, a customer asked me to give this to you” She shrugged as Louisa stretched her hands to get hold of the envelope. “ Thanks” She answered, a gentle smile carved up on
73" Congratulations ma'am, you are two weeks pregnant!" The Doctor said as Ashley's lips carved into a wide, loving smile. " Thanks, doctor, I have been expecting it! " She exclaimed. " I can't see the gender right now, right?" She asked in a curious and anticipating tone. Not the gender mattered but the number. The curiosity was killing her. " I'm afraid, no, you can come back during the eight weeks for an ultrasound. " The doctor clarified firmly.Ashley frowned, she badly wanted to know if she had at least two or three babies in her tummy. "Okay, doctor. Thank you so much " She thanked the doctor as she heaved a sigh before leaving the hospital. Anticipation flowed through Ashley's soul and body as she marked her calendars till the day she could learn that they were twins or triplets. She felt days ticked slowly as the expectation was killing her. Jason noticed how tense she was, she would always stand in front of the calendar biting her fingers. " Sweetie, don't take i
*2 months later * Ashley had healed from the trauma of losing her twins, Jason took her out on so many dates and she eventually got over it. She resumed work too. And recently they have been working really hard for triplets! At least Jason promised her it would be triplets or quadruplets.Jason was making French toast for their breakfast that morning. His cooking skills had gotten better because he frequently enhanced his skills with Ashley. Jason had finished setting the tables with the French toast and whipped yoghurt as dessert. "You are done?" He asked Ashley who stepped out. " Yeah, this French toast looks yummy, you have gotten pretty much better. I pray it is the same with the taste" Ashley giggled as took a bite from one. "Hmmm, it tastes nice, " She nodded in approval to the taste. " Tastes like you, you mean? " Jason winked at her. Ashley rolled her eyes. " I'm not skipping work again today like the other day. You pervert, "she jokingly said. " I can make that possibl
Once they got to the hospital, Ashley was rushed in for an emergency. Jason kept praying that his wife and babies would be okay. After much examination and treatment from the doctor. Jason, Margeret and Louisa went into the ward to see Ashley. She was lying peacefully on the patient's bed. Jason gripped her hands and kissed them. He kept it warm with his both arms as she was fast asleep. " Do you think the twins will be okay?" Louisa questioned with a worried look. They were yet to hear the results from the Doctor. " We have to wait for the Doctor to give us the news. Hopefully, I pray the twins will be okay " Jason remarked. His gaze on Ashley was mixed with Love and sorrow. Just that moment the Doctor stepped in with a sad expression. " Doctor, Are the babies okay?" Jason demanded immediately. The Doctor went mute for a while. " What happened? Please tell us " Louisa had imagined the worst scenario. The room was hushed and all eyes were on the doctor excluding Ashley wh
Everything began to make sense, why he couldn't find her all those while. He persuaded him to go on the business trip as well. So all these was just his schemes to get the company. He has been the one hiding Alexis! That sly fox How could he?! He has been targeting the company right under his nose. "Carlos, your assistant?" asked Louisa as her gaze was focused on him. " Yes, I put him in charge of finding Alexis but instead he had been hiding her. He is nowhere to be found now too. I have called him countless times. " " Then what are you going to do now? Are you going to sign away the company?" Her heart ached for Jason as she watched him in despair. Jason paused, his head was reverberating in confusion. Will he sign away the company and save his dear wife or leave her to die? This was the hardest decision Jason had ever encountered. "We will find her, " He mumbled and pressed his lips in agony. A notification came into his phone and it was a video of Ashley tied up and a gun b
Ashley gradually shot her eyes open and her vision was blurry. She could faintly see a Lady. She tried hard to force her eyes open for the second time, only to realize that she had been tied up! The moment her eyes opened wide, she looked around to see that the area seemed like an abandoned warehouse. Glancing up, her gaze met with Alexis! She struggled and tried to break free, but all her attempts went to zero because she was tied tightly. " Trying to escape now?" Alexis questioned with a smirk. She was all dressed in black and also a black face cap. She also had a mask around her neck region. "Untie me, this instant! Have you no shame? " Ashley's eyes flashed red in fury. " Why should I do that? You are yet to pay for your sins!" Alexis scoffed as she took out a cigarette and a lighter. Lightning it up as she began smoking, she blew some of the smoke right in Ashley's face. Ashley let out a cough from the smoke while Alexis let out a sneer of mockery. " My Mom is in prison b
"What is that?" Ashley glanced over at her. Louisa showed her the phone, Lyla had a picture together with Kevin and she posted it on her page! They wore matching outfits as if they had been a couple. " Ahhh,? this" Said Ashley after she looked up to see Louisa already boiling up with anger. " Calm down, I didn't want to tell you because of how you would react " Ashley muttered, dragging Louisa to sit down as she had already sparked up. " He is cheating on me, I should have known better! How could I trust him?" Louisa groaned, her eyes filled with rage. "He is not, he didn't want to tell you " Ashley defended." Don't tell me, she is his ex! Or future wife?! Or divorcee.?"Louisa thought of the best way to clarify the situation. What could he be doing with Lyla! Ashley's face squirmed into a wide grin. " You have a wild imagination!" She snickered, unable to control her mirth. "Why are you laughing? Then what's the best phrase for this situation?" Louisa wasn't finding it funny. S
"What! " Ashley sprang up from the sofa. Jason turned to her immediately. She quickly nodded to the rest of the words coming from her mother and took her purse to rush out."Wait, what happened? " Jason halted her after seeing her reaction. " My dad collapsed. " She broke out. "Wait I will go with you " He said, turning off the gas and taking off the apron. He washed his hands and both of them scurried out. *" He has a heart disease, arrhythmia, it has gotten worse and he needs to be operated on immediately" the doctor reported to Ashley who stared at her intently. " What type of surgery does he need?" She questioned."Here on the X-ray image. You can see his heart. " the doctor explained, pointing towards the monitor. " We have to carry out a procedure called catheter ablation. It involves threading a catheter through the blood vessels and into the heart to destroy abnormal vessels that are causing it. " "Can the surgery be scheduled today and is it safe?" Ashley asked with a