Chapter 2

“Do you, Ashley Tanner, take Colton Daniels as your lawfully wedded husband until death do you part?” My eyes flutter open, standing opposite me was Colton, his eyes fixed on my veil. I cleared my throat.

“I do.”

“Do you, Colton Daniels Takes Ashely as your lawfully wedded wife until death do you part?”

I watched Colton straighten his back, standing even firmer and more confident.

“I do”

"With the power vested in me by the law, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Colton steps closer to me, lifting the veil off my face, our eyes meeting for a brief second before he dips his head and kisses me by the corner of my lips.

He steps back just as the guest we invited began to clap for us. I heaved out deeply, trying to wrap my head around the fact that I am no longer just Ashely but now the wife of Colton Daniels. We both turn to face the guest and soon we were surrounded by the little people Colton had invited which consisted of his friend and two other people I haven’t been introduced to yet.

“Your marriage certificate will be sent to you in a weeks time, do have a lovely marriage.” The officiating officer tells us. Colton nods, opening his mouth and allowing words fall through.

“Ashley!” Rave’s voice had name turning around, eye lit up at the fact that she’s around. My eyes fall on the blonde who looked like she’s been through hell and beyond.

I had called Rave over from her hometown in Greece, telling her of my upcoming wedding to Colton. I had asked her to come be my witness but the distance of course proved an hassle. Eventually I had to seek Auntie out to be my witness which she responded and I quote "Who else do you have? It’s just me.”

Rave rushes towards me, her bag carefully trapped on her shoulders, her hair bouncing lightly with the brightest of smile on her face.

“You look beautiful Ash. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it sooner but I’m here.” She holds me by the shoulder, eyes crinkling with happiness.

“Thank you for coming Rave. I honestly didn’t think you could still come but having you here is everything to me. Thank you.” I hugged her as tight as I could. Knowing I needed the hug now more than ever.

“Ashley, I would love to speak to you for a second.” Auntie’s voice had us breaking out of our hug. I look to my side to see the woman standing, giving Rave the eyes. She’s always not liked her ever since she got married to my father. We all don’t know what Rave did to her but she’s harbored this ginormous hatred towards Rave.

“It’s lovely to see you, Margret.” Rave says, her arms dropping to her side as she took a step backwards, allowing space between us.

“I wish I could same the same, Rave.” Auntie shoots back, grabbing my arm, already pulling me away to the side.

“What is it?”

“What is it? You had a deal with the man, didn’t you? So where is it? The money? I have to go get your father everything he needs.” She says with a weird urgency attached to her tone. I quirked an eyebrow up, slowly prying her hands off my arm.

“The money isn’t meant for you so you have no business asking for it. I have settled the hospital bills and even paid upfront for everything he will need. I have cleared all of the debts we have so you don’t have to bother about anything.” I tell her, kissing the way she gaped openly at me.

“You what?” She screeched. My eyes widen dramatically at the scene. Her voice attracting the attention of unwanted eyes.

“Yes and what is the matter? Isn’t that what the money was supposed to be used for?” I shot back.

“No! What you should’ve done is give the money to me and allow me fix everything. You had no right to carry out any decisions without my permission.”

“Don’t be ridiculous Auntie. This is about my father’s health. I did what I thought was right and I’m sorry if you feel offended but I did what was my top priority.”

Auntie rolls her eyes, she grabs my arm again, this time digging her nails into my flesh, eyes twinkling just a bit. “You shouldn’t have done that, Ashley. I am not just your-"

“What’s going on?” Colton’s voice had me freezing for a bit. Auntie’s hand on my arm dropped almost immediately. Awkwardness stiff in the air as Colton’s eyes flickers from home to her.

“Nothing, I just had to speak to Ashley urgently.” Auntie replied, smiling too bright for my liking after everything that’s happened.

Colton nods, he looks at the time on his wristwatch and back at us. “Well, we have to leave now.” He tells Auntie which is also indirectly telling me.

“Oh really, can I have a minute to say goodbye to her?” Auntie says again, eyelashes fluttering in what is supposed to be cute but it comes out wrong. Just wrong.

“A minute and we’re done. “ His voice held a warning in it. He turns and walks away to his friend. I look around for Rave only to see her already talking to a worker at the registry.

“We are not done with this conversation. We will discuss this thing that you did without consulting me.” She smiles, looking around as though trying to convince people we were having a cordial and loving conversation.

“Be good to him and try to redeem yourself. Between your father’s illness and trying to survive this shitty life we are living. We don’t have money to spare so make sure you are good to him.” I roll my eyes at her, eyes always about this but never about actually caring for me.

I have long forgotten that something like that existed.

“Excuse me Auntie.” I gave her a tight lipped smile and walked away.

~

The air conditioning in the car had me shivering internally. I looked out the windshield, trying to ignore the man beside me. My husband.

His perfume slowly crept into my nostrils and just like dejavu, I’m immediately thrown into the past. His sandalwood scent bringing back memories I would rather not remember.

“Ashley. Did you hear a word of what I said?” Colton’s voice had me breaking out of my thoughts. I snapped my head at him, eyes wide with confusion. He brings his hand up to the bridge of his nose and sighed.

“I’ll be dropping you off at home so you can get settled. There’s someone there to show you around and what to do.” He tells me and I nod, running his words through my head again.

“and you? Aren’t you coming with me?”

“No.” His voice comes out sharp.

I opted to shut up, the air around us was still very tense and it’s better to lay low. I plan to use the rest of the days laying low.

Ten minutes later we arrived at the house. I stepped out of the car gracefully, wondering if Colton would step out too even if it were for a second but I guess he had something else in mind as his car speeds off.

I watched the car drive off till it was out of my sight and just then did I turn to look at the house he had dropped me at.

My jaw falls open at the sight I took in. I should’ve known his place would be as magnificent but I didn’t think it would be like this. I should’ve known though seeing he stays in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city. The beautiful mansion stands tall and proud, encased by white grand gates that gleam in the sun. The white walls of the mansion are pristine and spotless, giving it a regal and elegant look. The mansion is surrounded by lush green and colorful flowers.

I took in the beauty and walked towards the front door, I remember he told me someone is here to see me around. I lift my hand to press the door bell but the door is pulled open. A woman of about forty years stood in front of me in a black skirt and long sleeve top, she smiled at me immediately and steps aside.

“Mr Daniels has informed me of your arrival. Welcome and please come in.” She says, smiling at me.

“Ah, I see, good afternoon.” I greeted as I stepped into the house. If I said the house was beautiful from the outside then the inside is simply breathtaking. I’m greeted by a stunning interior, both elegant and inviting. The walls are adorned with exquisite artworks. The marble tiled floor beneath my feet exudes a polished shine.

“My name is Hannah. I work with Mr Daniels and will be her everyday except Thursdays. You’re free to ask me whatever you want.” She tells me.

I had so many questions running through my head but the only one sticking out is..

“Has my bags been delivered here yet?” I ask.

Hannah nods “Yes, would you like to have a look around or would you prefer being shown to your room? I can have some snacks ready for you if you’d like.” She tells me.

“Can you please show me to my room, don’t bother with the snacks.” I replied, not wasting anymore time. I was dying to check out everything I brought over. I had spent the last two days trying to perfect everything I had left including resigning from my job as I would now be starting with Colton. It was part of the contract rules that I can’t back down from.

I followed Hannah as she took me up the stairs and through the grandiose hallway, finally stopping at a brown coated door. She steps aside, her hand on the door knob.

“This is your shared room with Mr Daniels. I hope everything is to your liking. Please let me know if you need me.” She opens the door and just then did it occur to me what she said.

My shared room with Mr Daniels.

Will I be sharing a room with Colton?