Asher’s POVI spotted Arabella waving at me, but I turned away, pretending not to see her, as I headed inside the elevator. I didn’t know why I ignored her. Maybe it was guilt over the document or maybe it was because she was pregnant, and I wasn’t ready for that, being a father? Me? I could barely manage my own life, let alone a child and I didn't want to be like my father. I pushed those thoughts out of my mind. I couldn’t think about Arabella right now. I had to focus on the meeting with Williams. He was already waiting in my office. I knew whatever was going to happen in my office wouldn't be pleasant at all, as I was so convinced that he was the one behind it, the photo all over the internet was snapped in his pub.I opened the door and saw Williams sitting in my chair as if he owned it. He looked up when I entered, smiling like nothing was wrong. “Hey, Asher,” he said casually, as he stood up from my chair.“ Your seat is quite comfortable, maybe one day I will be the one sitti
Arabella's POVI stood in the lobby, pacing, with my eyes never leaving the clock on the wall. Ten minutes had passed, but it felt more like ten hours. I tried to keep my mind busy, but I could feel the stares from the staff around me. I was uncomfortable. I had never been alone in my suite. Asher was always by my side. Now it felt like I was all alone.Then, I saw the door to Asher's office swing open, and Williams stormed out, as he slammed the door shut behind him. His face was red with anger, his movements quick and sharp. I froze, as he stared at me, I tried pretending that I was looking for something inside my spot, but he seemed to be walking towards my distractions. I wanted to turn and leave, find some excuse to walk away, but my legs wouldn’t move. He was in front of me in seconds.Before I could react, he grabbed my arm. His grip was firm, his fingers digging deep into my skin. I flinched, trying to pull away, but he wouldn’t let go. I avoided his eyes, staring at the floor
Asher's POVI stood there, unable to answer her question. Did I even want her in my life? I had been with her because of the benefit of being with her, and now that I had it, I still wanted her. I don't know why but I still wanted to be by her side. And to make things more complicated, she was pregnant with my child. I was going to be a father. It was a role I had never imagined for myself. I stared at her, struggling to find the right words. I cared about her, but was that enough? Enough to be a father to her child? I had already married her, wasn't that enough?I noticed her face pale, her eyes fluttering shut. Before I could fully grasp what was happening, she was falling to the ground. "Arabella!" I shouted, rushing forward just close enough to catch her just in time, my arms holding her body so tight, it was so fragile. I looked at her, she was unconscious, her body heavy in my arms, I tried feeling her heartbeat was faint, was she dead? That was the first thought that came to m
Arabella POV Two weeks later After the hospital incident, a lot of things had changed between me and Asher. I felt a sense of relief as I was being pampered in ways I never thought possible. Asher was attentive, always making sure I had everything I needed, but there was one thing he never really brought up, the baby. Whenever I mentioned it, he’d change the subject or give a quick nod, but he never actually talked about it. It was hard not to feel uncomfortable about his reaction, but I told myself it was fine. He just needed time. My belly hadn’t started showing yet, so I wasn’t in any rush to force him into conversations he wasn’t ready for.As I packed the last of my clothes into the suitcase, I heard the horn outside. Asher was waiting for me in the car, handling some business on his laptop while I finished getting ready. I zipped up the luggage and glanced at myself in the mirror, running a hand over my still-flat stomach. It was strange, knowing there was life growing inside
Ashers POVThe moment I saw Arlo standing there, I felt a surge of anger run through me. That bastard had the nerve to show up here, of all places and what the hell was he doing here, after what he had done company. I clenched my fists, trying to keep myself from losing control right there in front of everyone. The media was there staring at me as if they were expecting a scandal from the famous Asher who had never ceased to give them headlines and the last thing I wanted now was for my name to be in the news once again which would destroy the thin line Blackhood Suites was standing on.I excused myself from Arabella, muttering something about needing a moment, and walked past Arlo, locking eyes with him as I said beneath my breath, "Follow me." Without waiting for a response, I headed toward the men's restroom, hearing his footsteps trailing behind.Once we got inside, there were still a couple of men finishing up. As I waited I could see how tense I was and more angry as I stared at
Arabella's POVAs we headed to the room, the decoration of the room was superb, classic, and also elegant, it took me by surprise. Without saying a word, I made my way to the bed, my legs were already feeling weak and I could barely keep my eyes open. The car ride had been long and very exhausting, the whole trip made me car-sick. All I could think of now was how much I needed to rest.The moment my body touched the bed, I felt so relaxed, the bee was very soft, and the texture of the bed was exactly what my hair needed. I closed my eyes for a moment, just feeling the softness of the bed. Asher was still standing near the window, he seemed zoned out. Just staring at nothing in particular. “What’s wrong?” I asked.I waited for him to respond, but he didn’t turn around. He just stood there, his shoulders stiff. “Nothing,” he said, the word coming out in a low mumble.I knew that wasn’t true. Asher wasn’t one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, but I had learned to read him well enou
Ashers POVI held Arabella’s hand as we stepped into the introduction party, both of us smiling like we didn’t have a care in the world, even though our hands were shaking. I wanted everyone in that room to see us, to see how strong we were. I wanted them to think we were not just any other couple but we were the kind of couple that could win this competition.I noticed people taking glances at us, their eyes following as we made our way through the room, it felt as if we were overdressed for the occasion or something was wrong with my outfit. I could feel their curiosity, about what we were doing here, I tried not to give much attention to my worries. ‘Let them watch’ I thought to myself. I wanted all eyes on us tonight. I was already imagining the headlines tomorrow, as I saw that I didn't only get the people's attention but the reporters also, they were scrambling for the perfect shot of us.I pulled out her chair for her, trying to appear as the perfect gentleman. Then I leaned i
Arabella's POVThe day after the introduction party, I woke up with a sharp pain in my stomach. Yesterday was really a stressful day, I doubt if I have the energy to prepare l for today's challenge. Today's challenge is a team strategy exercise, and couples have to solve a business problem together. I don’t know how I’m going to get through this. Asher and I haven't worked together in this way. I don’t even know how much I can contribute. He’s the business genius, not me.When we arrive at the room where the challenge will take place, I scan the other couples. They didn't look out of place like me. My breath catches when I see one couple already discussing potential strategies before the challenge has even started. I wish I had that kind of confidence. But I don’t.Asher places a reassuring hand on the small of my back. "We’ve got this," he says softly, but his eyes were focused on something else, his jaw tightens and the way his fingers tighten as he sees Willams. He appears calm, bu
Ashers POVI took a deep breath as I opened the door of the study room door. I knew he was already inside, waiting for me. As soon as I opened the door, a bottle came flying in my direction. I barely managed to dodge the bottle. Typical. It would be a lie if I said I hadn't expected it.I dust my suit, as I walk closer to him, with my eyes on him as he stands by the desk, he actually couldn't wait to pounce on me but not this time. He took a step forward, his hand raised. He was going to slap me, but I caught his wrist before he could land on my cheeks.“Not this time,” I said firmly, as you stared at him squarely. “I’ve let you do this before, but not anymore,” I said as I pushed his hands away.For a moment, he just stood there, shocked that I had stopped him. I could see it in his eyes, he wasn't just shocked but he was terrified. He tried saying something but he didn't, he just glared at me, as he went back to the desk. I couldn't hide the smirk on my face, I love seeing this sid
Arabella's POVIt had been ten minutes since we entered the car and he hadn't said a word to me, it was clear that his mind wasn't there. He looked nervous, he was worried. I didn't know what to do or say and I did not want to sit down in silence. I adjusted my seat, as I moved my seat close to him and I placed his hands on my stomach.“Can you feel the baby kick?” I asked as I put my head on his shoulder “Our little one’s restless today.”For a moment, he paused, his brow furrowed in concentration. Then, I saw it—the moment when he felt the baby’s tiny movement. His eyes widened in surprise.“Wow,” he breathed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “The baby kicked.”I laughed, the way he reacted was funny. He looked at me and turned away then he looked again, and I knew he saw the tears in my eyes. I tried to brush them away quickly, but it was too late. He had noticed.“ Are you okay?” He asked I turned my face away, suddenly feeling exposed, I was trying to comfort him and not make
Asher's POVIt’s been over thirty minutes since Asher left without saying a word or even any phone call from him yet, I honestly was tired of all this. His unnecessary silent or frequent anger over little things was starting to annoy me, the worst was that he wouldn’t open up to me, he wouldn’t just simply talk about what was bothering him despite how I tried to make him talk and in the end, he caused enough trouble to get us disqualified from the competition and still wouldn't talk about what happened. And this was just so tiring and frustrating for me, I really didn't know what to do about it. The idea of just going home felt a relief to me, I just couldn’t wait to go home. Because everything had been going downhill since the competition began. Asher had changed, and I couldn’t quite figure out why. He was distant and unpredictable, and his mood swings were wearing me down. I needed a break, some space to clear my head, but that didn’t seem likely to happen here anytime soon.I lo
Asher's POVI stuffed my clothes into the suitcase, not bothering to even fold it. I just needed to get out of here. Every item I tossed felt like throwing away the last few weeks, all the hard work, the efforts, everything. Arabella was packing too, she didn't bother to say anything since all of this happened. I was glad she didn't ask questions. I couldn’t deal with her right now, couldn’t handle trying to explain what had happened. I glanced over at her. She was folding a dress, her hands were steady as she carefully folded the dress without any care of the word, as if we had not been thrown out. “Damnit!” I yelled as I couldn't hold it anymore. “ Damn that bloody Willams” I screamed as the sound echoed around the room. Arabella didn’t flinch, didn’t look up. Maybe she knew better than to try and calm me down right now. I needed to get away from this room, from the suitcase, from everything. I needed air. I stomped out, slamming the door behind me. I barely noticed where I was
Asher's POV I strolled down the garden heading to my room. I barely could contain my anger. I kicked at loose stones and scattered leaves, not caring where they landed. I hated losing. I hated looking like a fool, especially in front of everyone and worst still Willams was the cause of it all. He found a way to pull me down every single time, no matter how much effort I put into it, I get the fact I was the one who started this, but his actions are affecting the suite.I clenched my fists so tightly if only I could get my hands on him. I imagined the smirk on his face, his smirk irritated me the most. I wanted to wipe that smirk right off. I couldn't go back into the room. Not yet. Arabella would come there, I didn't want to face any more of her questions and curious stares. She would never understand me, Scarlet understood me better. At that moment I missed having Scarlet around.I decided to walk around the garden, just to clear my anger and then I saw him. Williams. He was standin
Arabella POVAs soon as I walked out of the room trying to keep up with Asher's pace. The cool breeze outside should feel refreshing, but it doesn’t. My mind is stuck replaying the last half hour, Williams’ questions, the exchange between him and Asher, and also the bad energy they have, ever since the competition began. Asher hasn't said anything but him and Williams, but I knew something might have happened between them. I glance at him, but his face is set in that calm mask he wears when he’s trying not to let anything show. But I can see through it—his clenched jaw, the way his hands curl into fists when he thinks I’m not looking. Something’s bothering him.“Asher,” I start, my voice soft, testing the waters. “What’s going on with you and Williams? I know there’s more to it than just him being a judge and doing his duty.”He keeps walking, his eyes fixed straight ahead. For a second, I think he was ignoring me, but then he let out a long sigh and slowed his pace.“It’s nothing fo
Asher's POVThe room is buzzing with energy, but all I can feel is the weight of Williams’ eyes on me. He hasn’t let up since this competition started. Every look, every word, it’s like he’s daring me to crack. I won’t give him that satisfaction. Not today.I glance at Arabella. She’s sitting beside me, her hands resting in her lap, looking more relaxed than she has been, I know the competition has taken a toll on her. Today’s challenge is different—a relationship-based task. It’s meant to test how well we know each other. Simple enough. But with Williams lurking in the background, I know it won’t stay that way.The first few questions come easily. What’s Arabella’s favorite color? Easy, blue. How does she like her coffee? Black with a dash of sugar, just like she always orders when we’re out. I can feel her starting to relax even more as we move through the questions. She’s smiling now, at least this challenge was nothing too serious compared to the last ones. And for a moment, I let
Arabella's POVI want to believe him, but something in his tone makes me doubt it. He’s not fully here. His mind is somewhere else, probably on Williams. I can see it in the way his fists keep clenching and unclenching at his sides. He’s angry, though he’s trying to hide it from me. But it was too obvious. “ I am still scared Asher” I admitted.He stops walking, turning to face me, and for a moment, I see the frustration flash in his eyes. Not at me, but at everything else. “You don't have to be.”His words should have reassured me, but he didn't, maybe it was because of how he said it.“ You look angry,” I said, finally mustering the courage to ask. “ Is it because of…Williams.”He doesn’t answer immediately, but he mutters a curse under his breath. “Maybe a bit, I just can't get my mind off what he did, after long hours of prepping for this, he just has to show off and act petty.”“Asher,” I say gently, stepping closer to him. “We’ll get through this. Don't let him get to you. Yo
Arabella's POVThe day after the introduction party, I woke up with a sharp pain in my stomach. Yesterday was really a stressful day, I doubt if I have the energy to prepare l for today's challenge. Today's challenge is a team strategy exercise, and couples have to solve a business problem together. I don’t know how I’m going to get through this. Asher and I haven't worked together in this way. I don’t even know how much I can contribute. He’s the business genius, not me.When we arrive at the room where the challenge will take place, I scan the other couples. They didn't look out of place like me. My breath catches when I see one couple already discussing potential strategies before the challenge has even started. I wish I had that kind of confidence. But I don’t.Asher places a reassuring hand on the small of my back. "We’ve got this," he says softly, but his eyes were focused on something else, his jaw tightens and the way his fingers tighten as he sees Willams. He appears calm, bu