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 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
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
Arabella pov"You're getting married next week, so prepare," he said casually, as if discussing the weather and not the fate of my entire life.I stared at him, shocked, while finding it hard to process his words. "Married? How? Why? Next week?". I asked, trying to make sense to all that he had saidHe continued eating while ignoring my questions, and then he said"Pass the sauce, this meal is bland."I tried to play calm, as I passed him the sauce. This was what he always did, taking up decisions about my life, without bothering to let me have a say in it, i turned to my mom, hoping for an explanation from her, but her lips were set in a thin, disapproving line, which wasn't shocking as she was against me questioning my father's decisions.After a few minutes of silence and no explanation from anyone, I summoned courage and I asked again, trying to sound polite. "But why am I getting married so soon? I haven't even had a chance to—" Before I could say another word, my mother's sha
Arabella POVThe days seemed to roll over quickly, after much preparations, today was finally the day my parents have been waiting for, the day I had dreaded, the day I will be getting married, the marriage was kept in a lowkey, as it was a request from the groom's family. I looked in the mirror and saw that I looked very elegant, and the dress did look good on me. The thoughts of what my husband would look like came into my mind, as I haven't met with him physically, he had been busy lately according to my dad. The idea of my future husband filled me with a sense of dread, a heavy burden I couldn't ignore. I struggled to imagine what he would be like - kind or cruel, supportive or controlling? What kind of life would we build together? Despite the arranged marriage being a necessity, a glimmer of hope flickered within me, longing for it to succeed, if only to escape this suffocating house, where I felt trapped and caged.Just as these thoughts swirled in my mind, my mom's voice int
Asher’s POVI 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 interestsIf 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 SuiteThe thought of losing the suite, which was my legacy and lifeblood, was unbearableI reluctantly agreed to the contract, aware that it was a business arrangement rather than a love match The arrangement was clear: the Black Hood Su
Arabella POVJust ignore my brother, he's always been a bit of a firecracker," a smooth voice said from behind me, as he stretched his hand towards me, as he offered to help me up, which gave me the opportunity to get a better look at him, his piercing blue eyes, his blonde hair was perfectly messy, and his charming smile made my heart skip a beat. I tried to play it cool, but my gaze lingered on him a little longer than necessary. He was undeniably handsome."Thanks,” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper."Good luck with the marriage, I'm really rooting for you," he said with a nod before turning to leave. His parting words left me feeling a mix of emotions. A drop of tears rolled down my eyes. Today was awfully bad. I didn't expect that the man I was going to marry would hate so much to get irritated by my presence. I could hear footsteps. It was my mom that was coming, the sounds of heels made it obvious. I quickly cleaned my tears and rinse my face in water, in other no
Ashers POVIt was all over, everything seemed to have fallen away. The least I cared about right now was not my supposed wife whose presence just infuriated me. I just needed a drink, more drink to clear my head, and maybe Scarlett might be helpful. I just could not handle being at home with Arabella, she has been nothing more than a pain in the neck. I staggered to where my car keys were and I took my car keys.“ What is wrong Asher, you have been acting strangely ever since you came? She asked, I could hear from her voice that she was concerned but I wasn't ready to take any lectures, especially from a housekeeper.“ can you please stop all this questions and do what you fucking employed to do, stop acting like my mom, I don't even know who gave you the right to act like my mom, always concerned about my life more than what you are paid to do” I said angrily with my tone raised a little, as I smashed a vase, I could see her shock expression, she held her chest where her heart was