‘Marry me.’Something is definitely wrong with Asher. Or was it my heart? Because it kept on thumping hard almost painfully against my chest I could barely breathe. I guess that what's happens if the man you like that’s your boss proposes to you out of the blue.‘don't stare at me as though I have horns. I just proposed to you.’‘I know but getting proposed to wasn't my thought when I came here. I ..’ I allowed my voice to trail off not knowing what else to say but my breathing was becoming steady.How was my getting married going to pay Elle's hospital bills?‘it's a contract marriage. I will pay your sister's medical bills and in exchange be my wife.’That was a good deal. I have nothing to lose. He would pay for Elle’s surgery and I would even gain more because I would finally be with him even though he might not have feelings for me.‘but why me sir? You can have any woman you like but why did you choose me?‘my mother threatened to kill herself.’I gasped. I didn't expect that. I
Asher parked in front of the house this time. This was the first time he had come to where I lived. I pressed the bell hoping Garrett wasn't home. Thankfully, I received no answer. I used my key to open the door and I walked in with Asher following closely behind me. He locked the door behind him.‘You can make yourself at home if you want.’ I said to him handing him a bottle of water.‘I don’t want to. Let’s go to where your things are. I know all these came impromptu but we need to be fast. Remember my dinner with my mother.’ He said walking past me to the hallway.I signed.‘That’s not the way.’ I called after him.I walked to my room and arranged my clothes carefully into bags. I left the ones Garrett gifted me with on the bed.When I was done I had just two luggages filled. I saw a familiar bag staring at me from the desk with a red color peeking out. I made a mad rush towards it and grabbed the bag. I tucked the red gown inside my handbag.Asher stared at me suspiciously. ‘what'
‘You know, we can stay in the same room since we are getting married. I don't see why you don’t want that.’ Asher was saying as he followed me to my room.We have been having this particular conversation ever since we arrived at Garrett's place. I wanted to stay in my room for now and when we were married, I would move into his room, but Asher was whining and he wouldn't let me sleep in a different room.‘let's keep to tradition. I will move into your room after our wedding.’ I opened my box and started arranging in the room I chose to be mine. Initially, I thought we would share a room but he mistakenly let it slip that I could have my room, I welcomed the idea and now he's against it. Deep down I was enjoying his whines.‘okay.’ He slumped on the bed.‘have it your way. Here's your room. I’m moving in too.’ He said.Where was the cold and collected Asher I once knew?‘no, you are not. You are going to stay in your room for the next three days until we are married.’ I said to him as
I almost ran out of the car when the car finally stopped in front of our office. The time was after nine already. I opened the door and immediately I got out, reporters swarmed around me.‘Are you the future Mrs Hardin?’‘why the sudden marriage announcement? Are you perhaps pregnant?’‘how long have you known each other?’‘what did he give you in exchange for a ring? Seeing that you are not from a nice family background.’I turned to face the reporter in shock. How did he know that fact?Asher was by my side immediately. He glared at the reporter who had asked that last question.‘what do you mean by that?’ Asher’s voice was cold and the man shifted back in fear.‘hem. I am saying that she's a normal girl who is not in your rank, it is almost obvious that something is not right.’ The man said thrusting his Mic on my face.What the hell am I supposed to say??‘You shouldn't say things that might put you in trouble.’ Asher warned as the moved a bit away from me.‘the thing is, we are i
‘What would you like to order?’ Asher asked handing me the menu.‘something light. Today's the Photoshoot right?’ I asked‘Yeah. I would recommend you take something light.’ He said waving at the waiter standing close by.‘what would you like to order sir?’ the waiter asked bowing slightly.‘I want something light. Give me your recommendations.’‘and you ma'am?’ the waiter turned to me.‘I want the same thing as him.’ I replied not knowing what to make out of the menu since almost everything was in Spanish.The waiter left only to return about ten minutes later with crispy potatoes And tomato sauce.We dug into the food. I could son my eat little because I wanted my dress to fit perfectly without my stomach prodding out.‘Are you done?’ Asher asked staring up at me from his food.‘yeah. I’m full.’ I replied.‘You barely ate.’ He glanced at my plate.‘I can’t eat too much or else my dress won't fit.’‘but you still need to eat. You haven’t eaten all day.’‘I only missed breakfast and I
Asher's pov‘open this door Asher!’ the knocking persisted and the ringing of the bell was continuous.‘if you don't, I will get the master key right now!’ her tiny voice was trying to make me feel timid.She can be very extreme at times and it makes me wonder how she's my mother. Thankfully Lorie was in the bathroom so she couldn't hear my mother's voice but she could hear the ringing.I reluctantly opened the door. She stormed in immediately panting.‘how dare You?’ she asked taking in huge breaths.‘before you blow off streams, have your seat.’ I said to her ignoring her very mugged angry face.‘what is this that I'm hearing about marriage?’ she asked ignoring my offer for her to sit. She stood in front of the closed door facing the house while I was facing the door with my back turned against the house.‘You wanted me to get a wife didn’t You?’‘I wanted someone worthy enough. You went and got yourself someone who's a little above the slum.’‘Mom!’‘don't you dare mom me?’ She was
Asher's povI stared at the departing figure of my fiancée she had looked at me with enquiring eyes checking if I would be okay alone. She left after I nodded at her. I glanced around the room’s surroundings it was spacious and the windows were opened letting in fresh air.I waited for Lorie’s mother to start talking or asking me questions about myself but she was quiet. I decided to look at her face. She wasn't looking at me, she was staring at the little girl who was covered with blankets, and different kinds of pipes were sticking out of her. I’m not an emotional person but my heart moved for the little girl. A young child like her ought to be in school playing and gossiping with friends but she lay here fighting for her life. From my view, she was a replica of Lorie. Her head was covered in a beanie so I couldn’t tell if they shared the same colour of hair.Lorie’s mother got up and beckoned me to follow her. She walked closer to the bed and sat on it. I followed her quietly stand
Lorie's pov.Splash!I woke up with my whole body shaking to the sound of receding footsteps. Was it raining? Or have that evil Sabrina doused water or coffee on me again? It took me a few seconds to open my eyes. I glanced at my surroundings. It was a warehouse. It was dusty, it must not be in use anymore. Why was I here? Then I remembered. I had been kidnapped. I would have screamed out the panic building up in my chest but thankfully, my mouth was covered with a cloth.I needed to think and I needed to do it fast before my captor came.I struggled to set my hands free but whoever tied me up did a good job.Who would do this to me?Who was I kidding?There are a lot of people who would do this to me to be in my shoes.I understand the fact that everyone hates me, especially ladies because I stole or rather took the prize; Asher. But I don't think doing that is enough to kidnap me a day to my wedding. It was night already, Asher must have noticed that I was missing. My poor mother.
TEN YEARS LATER.‘Dad, Jasper won’t let me kick the ball.’ Eliza my three-year-old girl said with her face stained in tears.‘Jasper, don’t be mean to your sister.’ Asher called out to the boys who were busy kicking the ball trying to score a goal against each other. We were seated on the lawn enjoying the evening view and the sunset.‘Eliza can’t even kick the ball, she’s always on the way.’ Jasper complained frowning his face.‘then teach her how to.’ Asher said sternly.‘come, Lizzy, I will teach you.’ James the older twin said holding out his hand for Eliza.James was the kinder twin, he was nice to a fault. Not just to his sister but to everyone. He took that trait from me while Jasper was more like his father. He may be mean at times but he loved his sister to death. One time when Eliza was ill, Jasper cried while holding the doctor’s coat to save his sister. He is the type likely to fight and bully people who mess with his sister. He’s the only one allowed to mess with her.Eli
Lorie's pov.Two weeks later.‘the stakeholders have concluded that the expansion of the enterprise to Japan should continue.’ One of the directors said.‘that was what I expected to hear.’ Asher said with his pen in his mouth. We were having a board meeting with the heads of departments, managers, and directors of the group.Last week, Asher had proposed that one of our departmental stores should open a branch in Japan. The board of directors asked for some time to think about it. They argued that the store might have a hard time prospering because of the difference in language. Asher insisted that wasn’t a problem since they could employ Japanese citizens who understand the English language to be in charge of the sales.‘the expansion of the stores to Japan will commence with immediate effect.’ He turned to the director of stores.‘Can you speak Japanese?’‘no sir but I will try my best to learn.’ Director Charles said.‘don’t bother, that will take too much time since you are old,
Lorie's pov.‘You’re ready?’ Asher called from downstairs.‘almost.’ I shouted back shoving my hair into a bun and reaching for a slipper to wear. We were on our way to the supermarket to get some groceries for ourselves and Asher had insisted on getting some provisions for Mom and Elle also, so we were on our way to get the items. I hurried downstairs with my purse under my arm. I sighted Asher sitting on the sofa dressed in a white V-neck polo and denim Jeans. His hair gleamed as the sunlight from the window reflected on it. He raised his head from his phone in my direction.‘mine.’ His eyes were filled with admiration as he stared at me. Butterflies as always found their way to my stomach when He stared at me in that manner and called me his. I walked to him and wrapped my arms around his waist in my embrace, snuggling into him.‘I love you, Asher.’ I murmured in his ear sincerely.‘I love you too Lorie.’ He smiled and kissed my lips.Leo suddenly leaped from the chair to Asher's a
Lorie's pov.We walked along the beach with large goofy smiles on our faces but mostly mine.‘how did you do that?’ I asked linking my arm with Asher's.‘do what?’ He asked in return.‘The sky writing thing.’ I replied.‘Oh that, you like it?’‘yeah, I do. They freaking spelled my name in the sky.’He laughed.‘that's the work of a skywriter. I can do more for you if you’d like.’ He said pulling us to a stop and pressing a kiss to my lips.‘aww.’ I blushed.‘umm, can I ask you a question?’ his free hand went involuntarily to his head again. I am starting to think he does that only when he's nervous about something.‘yeah go ahead.’ I replied.‘I sounded so cheesy earlier right?’ His smile was nervous too.‘You want me to be sincere right?’ I turned over so that I faced him.‘yeah, I guess.’‘yes you did, but I absolutely loved it. I love every part of you.’ I pressed a kiss on the tip of his nose.‘You looked so cute and adorable.’ He pouted.‘I’m not cute.’‘aww look at that pout.’ I
Asher's pov.I woke up feeling energized and having a good feeling about today. I stared at the sleeping figure of my wife. She looked so pretty even while she was asleep. Her chest heaved slightly as she breathed while she slept. It’s no joke that Lorie is a pretty woman. We may have met in a very compromising situation, but I still don’t regret spending that night with her. If I’m being completely honest, ever since then, a part of me yearns for her. At first, it started with wanting her body, then it became wanting to see her, followed by craving her attention, and then I began wanting to be with her. Lorie came to me just when I concluded that I was done with love and women, just when I decided to close my heart to anything affection. Lorie brings peace to my wounded soul. Her determination to do something and go the extra mile for people was just top-notch.The truth is that even while I had proposed a contract marriage to Lorie, to avoid getting married to Sabrina, a part of me
Lorie's pov.‘I told you that no one who touches what’s mine go unscathed didn’t I?’ Asher's voice dripping with honey whispered in my ears making me feel hot. He had said so and today he proved it.Flashback to yesterday when I got back from the hospital and dinner with my mom, I waited in the garden patiently for Asher while occasionally tossing something in my mouth to chew and watching John pick out the disturbing weeds from his cabbages.‘do you like gardening?’ I asked my eyes following his every move as he bent down, grabbing a handful of weed and pulling it out from the soil.‘yes, I do.’ He answered wiping the beads of sweat that formed on his forehead.‘that’s so nice.’ I replied stuffing my mouth with popcorn.‘Yeah, when I first started working here, I was always bored and I felt useless. I never once liked sitting Idle. So I asked the master if he would like to own a garden, he didn’t live here then so he just gave his go-ahead.’ He looked around before using his hands to
Lorie's pov.I spent all day watching movies and eating my ice cream with Asher occasionally calling me to check up on me. Feeling tired and jobless, I decided to visit Elle. She was still unconscious and in the post-operative care unit. I Searched for my mom’s contact on my phone to call my mother. She had been visiting Elle every single day. She picked on the second ring.‘hey, mom.’ I said immediately she accepted the call.‘hi Lorie, how are you doing?’ she asked in return.‘I’m fine. What about you?’‘I’m doing great. How's your husband?’ she asked.A smile involuntarily crept to my lips.‘he's fine. He went to the office.’ I answered.‘I’m on my way to see Elle, wanna come?’ she asked.Bless her.It was as though she read my mind.‘yeah let me go get ready, I will call you back in less than twenty.’‘right, dear.’ With that, she hung up.I rushed to the bathroom, took a quick bath, did my business, and hurried out. I selected a black jumpsuit, sprayed a little amount of perfume,
Lorie's povI lay on the bed with tears running down my eyes and snot down my nose. I tried holding my sniffles to prevent my cries from being heard. Who said love can’t hurt? Love hurts really bad. My eyes were swollen from crying for so long but I couldn’t stop the tears from gathering and dropping from my eyes. I stared at the running figure of the man in search of the girl who was hell-bent on ruining his life but for the sake of the love he had for her, he kept on forgiving her unforgivable acts.‘Lorie, are you seriously still crying?’ Asher asked turning to me.That only increased my tears and I began sobbing like a baby.‘but it’s just a movie, it's acting.’ Asher said almost whining.‘I know. But it perfectly depicts the painful reality of love.’ I whimpered.‘You know it's not real, it’s just-'‘hush.’ I placed my finger on his lips to shut him up as the man held the lady’s hand and pulled her in for a kiss.‘aww, that’s so sweet.’ I was smiling with tears smeared on my face
Lorie's pov.I climbed down from the car feeling apprehensive and nervous. I dreaded seeing Garrett. He was like a nightmare I would do anything to avoid. Speaking of nightmares, mine stopped ever since Asher and I started sleeping together in the same room. Something about his arms made it easier to sleep and dream about only him.I cleaned my hand against my trousers for the umpteenth time. My palms were sweaty and shaky.‘babe? Are you Okay?’ Asher asked walking up to me.‘Oh yes, I’m fine, just a little nervous.’ I tried controlling my breathing as I felt it accelerating.‘don't worry, he won’t see you. I won’t let him come close to you if he mistakenly sees you.’ He took my sweaty palms in his. ‘I’m here for you babe, you don’t have to be strong, I’m strong enough for us, all you have to do is to lean on me.’ I felt so grateful to Asher so I squeezed his hand in gratitude. He didn't know what those words meant to me. His words told me that I am not alone anymore, and that I now h