I kept on grasping for breath as the man kept on holding my neck tightly, the room was poorly lit. It was only illuminated by a candle the poor light caused a shadow to form and this made him more scared. He raised his hand and hit my face. I wanted to scream but I couldn't something was blocking my throat. My legs were writhing in pain. I kept trying to scream but I couldn't. I watched helplessly as the man left to get something. I was able to breathe a little. I closed my eyes to calm my heart down while struggling to keep the tears in and free my tied hands at the same time.The rope holding me wasn't too tight, but I was surprised it came loose when I tugged at it. I didn't let my surprise make me stupid I got up and ran towards the door. I pulled the handle but it didn’t open. It was locked. I kept on tugging and pulling at the door as tears poured out of my eyes.Where was everyone?Asher!He promised to always be here but where was He?I heard the laughter before seeing his sha
My first instinct was to bang the door against her but she brushed in leaving me no choice but to let her in or rather she let herself in. I left the door open in case the bodyguards Asher spoke of coming, they can easily rescue me when Sabrina gets hysterical and wants to get physical with me. I had no other choice but to pray that someone comes along, and most importantly, come quickly.Sabrina sat on the couch with her head bent slightly. I could hear her sniffles now and then. I sat opposite her waiting for her to talk. She didn't say anything she just kept her head down with occasional sniffles. It was strange. I was expecting her to get hysterical at least to pull my hair out or slap me or something. I waited for her to talk but she didn't say anything.This was getting tiring to listen to. I have a wedding to attend. Mine at that.How did she even know this place?How did she enter?It was a hotel after all she could come in whenever she wanted.‘umm Sabrina, as much as I would
Asher pov.Today being my wedding was almost like any other day, I got a call from one of our managers last night, he needed my finality concerning a deal that the company was about to sign and the other party could not wait because their flight was scheduled to leave today afternoon since they have other engagement. so that’s why I’m headed to the office on my wedding day. As much as I don’t want to admit it, a part of me dreaded today. I was happy I was going to be free from my mother's naggings about getting married and having a child but what if Lorie decided to leave me at the altar today just like a year ago? I know she's not Sabrina and it's not like she's getting married to me because she loves me, it’s just a marriage of convenience. She needed something from me as much as I needed something from her too. The whole country was talking about our wedding. Naturally, because they wanted to see if what happened last year would take place today again or if I was capable of making
Lorie’s povI woke up feeling light-headed. I could feel the breeze on my skin it was almost refreshing. I could feel something tied around my neck restricting my airflow. I opened my eyes trying to recall when I was and what I was doing. Glancing around, it was obvious that I was in a moving car still dressed in my wedding gown. My veil had wrapped itself around my neck, causing the restriction of my airflow. How I managed to hold my shoe in my hand I can't tell. I recalled opening the door to Sabrina, then running away from her, I remembered running down the stairs.That's right.Those men! The ones Sabrina brought. I sat upright immediately. They must have caught me. I glanced at the guys driving the car, it was them. They caught me.Why do I have to black out at that moment?I almost groaned out of my frustration but the guys hadn’t noticed that I was awake.‘do you think we will get in trouble for this?’ the other guy asked while the blond drove.‘we get in trouble all the time.
I took a deep breath as I stood at the back of the place we had chosen for our wedding, waiting to walk down the aisle. I felt a mix of fear and nervousness as I prepared to make the biggest commitment of my life. I could hear the music playing softly in the background, and I took a step forward, ready to start my journey down the aisle. As I walked down, I could see all the smiling faces of my friends at work and my mother, Eloise's frowning face, and the faces of curious paparazzi. I felt so nervous as I glanced around me quickly expecting someone to rush in and shout “Stop! It’s all a scam!” but nothing like that happened. As I reached the end of the aisle, I saw my soon-to-be husband bonded by a contract standing at the altar, and I couldn't help but smile as I approached him. He was looking devilishly handsome. He stretched out his hand which I took almost eagerly almost squeezing the life out of it. I stared into his eyes, trying to assure myself one more time that I made the
Lorie's povI stared out of the window of the plane taking us to the Maldives for our honeymoon quietly. A series of thoughts ran through my head. I'm now Mrs Hardin no longer Miss Amaris.‘what you would like to drink ma?’ I turned to the air hostess who had just spoken. Her smile was professional, and the corner of her lips was stretched reaching almost her ears.‘water please.’ She nodded but she didn't leave.‘what else ma'am?’ she asked again when I didn't say anything else.‘nothing else. Thank you.’ With that, I turned away facing the window again to be alone with my thoughts.Immediately after our reception, Tom drove us to the airport where Asher's private jet was waiting for us. I bid my mother farewell amidst her happy tears before climbing into the waiting jet.Asher hasn't said a word to me ever since we left the wedding grounds. I wondered if he felt the spark from earlier too. Or was I the only weird one here?He had sat opposite me before the plane took off then got up
Lorie's pov.I woke up tangled in Asher's arm. I was right. He was my comfy teddy. He was still sleeping. He must have carried me all the way here from the cab. I tried to remove his arm that wrapped around my waist so I could stand. I must have eaten too much my stomach was feeling bloated and I had to use the ladies. I pushed at the arm but Asher only tightened it.My stomach rumbled almost loudly. I needed to go and I need to do it right now. My eyes darted to Asher checking if he was awake. My chest heaved with relief.‘Asher?’ I tapped at his hand trying to wake him up.‘umm.’ He grumbled as he pulled me closer and his hand found its way under my top to my braless breast and gave it a squeeze.As much as I enjoy doing this with you, now is not the time Asher.My stomach protested again very loudly this time, even more than the first.I shouldn't have taken too much ice cream and popsicle knowing fully well that I had a weak stomach. I couldn't hold it in again I needed to go now
Asher’s pov.I stared helplessly at Lorie's departing figure. I had hurt her unknowingly. I hadn't meant the words the way it sounded. Just when I was getting to know her, just when she’s finally opening up to me, why do I have to mess everything up? By the way, she had stormed off, it was pretty obvious that she wanted to be left alone. I needed to apologize and make her understand that I hadn’t helped her because of the contract. But what difference those it make, I haven't told her how I felt about her so how will she believe me? She will think that everything I do to make her smile in the future is all because of the contract.I brought out my phone and typed into the Google search engine how to make a woman happy after making her angry.Okay, the first step is to acknowledge the fault and apologize. That would take a longer time. I decided to solve it the way that was familiar to me, it has always worked with other girls even with Sabrina. With a satisfied grin, I clicked send.
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