Chapter 3

Asher’s POV

I felt irritated at my first glance at her, her overly made-up face and vacant expression which seemed more like a lifeless barbie doll than a living person who is capable of making her own decisions. She barely said a word to me.

Scarlett, on the other hand, had a strong personality that drew me in, her independence and had a mind of her own always left me in shock , these were the qualities I admired and longed for in a partner. She didn't take crap from anyone and always looked out for her own interests

If I had a choice, I would have chosen Scarlett over the girl my father had arranged for me to marry. But my father had other plans, forcing me to marry his friend's daughter in exchange for control over the prestigious Black Hood Suite

The thought of losing the suite, which was my legacy and lifeblood, was unbearable

I reluctantly agreed to the contract, aware that it was a business arrangement rather than a love match

The arrangement was clear: the Black Hood Suite would provide financial compensation to her family in exchange for their daughter's hand in marriage

And getting married will help me quash the rumors of my alleged sexuality that had spread quickly.Since I had never been caught with any girl.

Her family arrived, along with my dad and my younger brother.

“ I see you enjoyed your first meeting with her” my dad giggled from ear to ear, finally happy that I was settling down more still with his childhood friend's daughter.

I nodded in agreement, understanding why he was over the moon - he had finally succeeded in arranging a marriage for one of his Blackwood sons. My younger brother, on the other hand, was a different story. He was constantly in the news, seen with a different girl every night, and my dad had long given up on him. As long as he fulfilled his responsibilities in the family business, my dad was content, not expecting much more from him.

"Can we please skip the formalities and get down to business?" Mr. Jackson, Arabella's father, asked impatiently, eager to finalize the arrangement. He seemed more interested in the financial gain than the wedding itself, almost as if he was selling his daughter to the highest bidder. I couldn't help but scoff at how people could so easily compromise their values and loved ones for the sake of money.

"Sure thing, just sign here and here," my dad said, signing the documents before handing them to me. I signed without even bothering to read them, my mind elsewhere, as I didn't care much about the marriage or its implications. "You are officially married, you may now kiss the bride," my father said with a chuckle, his attempt at humor falling flat.

"Can we finally have dinner?" my brother Arlo asked, rolling his eyes tired of the drama already, he never really wanted to be part of it but my dad insisted that he must be present for my wedding.

“ Sure thing please, but first of all, we would like to give a toast to the latest couple in town, Mr and Mrs Blackwood,” my father said, his glass held high.

"Arabella, dear, come closer to your husband, as we make the toast." my dad said

Arabella walked towards me, her eyes barely meeting mine. As she drew near, I grasped her waist, pulling her close. She was being paid to play the part, after all.

"Let me make the toast, since I'm the man of the day," I said with a smirk.

"Sure thing, Asher," my father replied.

With my glass raised, I began, "May our love be as strong as the contract that binds us... and as enduring as the rumors about my sexuality." My smirk grew wider as I saw my father's smile falter.

"Cheers!" my brother Arlo exclaimed, seemingly entertained by the drama unfolding.

My father clinked his glass against mine, his pat on my back a little too hearty. "You're now a fully-fledged man, Asher, with a family to provide for. And finally, those pesky rumors about your... preferences will cease."

His whispered plea in my ear sent a shiver down my spine: "Please, make this work." It was as if he had an ulterior motive, a secret reason for this marriage to succeed, and I was just a pawn in his game.

I excused myself, my phone buzzing incessantly in my pocket. Six missed calls from my Personal Assistant, Ray? I had explicitly warned him to only call in case of an emergency. This better be one.

"Ray, what's wrong with you? Why are you calling me?" I snapped, my irritation evident.

The next words made my heart sink: "Asher, I.A.S is being shut down by the police. Alleged illegal funds... it's all crumbling down." Those were the only words I heard from my personal assistant before I dropped my phone.

I tried to process all that he has said, my investment, my father's slush fund, all gone. The thought of telling my father made my stomach twist into knots. I needed to act fast.

Just then, a voice from behind interrupted me

"It's that way, the bathroom" She pointed to the restroom, her voice annoying me.

I turned to her, my anger rising. "Who told you I needed to use the bathroom? Don't speak to me unless I ask you to!" I shoved her hard, and she fell to the ground. I walked away, feeling anxious about my dad finding out about my failed investment. I needed to act fast, before the monthly report.

The thought of his anger was unthinkable for he had greatly warned me of my reckless investments . I couldn't think straight in this damn house, where every move I made was watched by her mother. I needed to get out, clear my head, and come up with a plan and maybe confirm the news by myself.

I leaned in to whisper a hasty excuse to my father, citing an urgent meeting, before making a swift exit. They looked at me, trying to process why I wasn't leaving and didn't bother explaining anything to them on why I was leaving without my wife. I believe my dad can figure out an excuse for me.