3
1618 Words
Ashely
My lips curled up in what seemed like a smile. I loved the dress too much. Lilly made me get it, and I was happy I did. It’s a black dress that hugged my figure. While staying in jail, I still made sure to keep myself fit. Nothing can stop me from staying healthy.
“You look magnificent,” she stated.
I smirked. “All thanks to you.”
She did my makeup, and my hair was left down. My brunette hair was shiny because Lilly did so many wonders to it. She was good with makeovers. Well, she has a beauty company, so I don’t blame her.
“Now look at you,” she said as she turned me to the mirror.
I grinned from ear to ear. I’ve never looked this good in a while. “I look so good.”
She grinned. “I’m glad you like it. We’re running out of time. We need to be at the venue now.”
I nodded, and we hurried up to finish what was left. Lilly also got dressed, and a few minutes later, we were both ready. I must say, this is the best I’ve looked in a while. I like that I’m feeling more confident than ever.
“Xavier will be taking us,” she said to me, and I nodded. “Okay.”
“There is one more thing, Ashely,” she said.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Make sure you play along with all I have to tell you,” she stated.
“What is it?” I asked, confused.
“Xavier will act as your new boyfriend. I hope you don’t mind that?”
She saw my confused face, so she added, “It’s only going to be for tonight, I promise. I need to see Aiden’s face when he sees you with Xavier. That’s all.”
I don’t know how to feel about this, but I know she is only after my own good, so I nodded. “Sure, I don’t mind at all. Let’s go.”
She was excited that I finally agreed to her plan.
***
There were lots of luxurious cars outside the venue. If I’m not mistaken, I think we are late. Lilly said it’s best to be late because this was what she wanted.
“Now it’s time to step out of the car. I can’t wait to see the look on their faces.”
I nodded. “Sure.”
“I really don’t know why you both bother about that man. He is nothing but a cheat. You don’t have to prove anything to him, Ashely. Don’t let Lilly force you to do things you don’t want to,” Xavier said.
Lilly looked so annoyed. “Stay out of this, Xavier. I didn’t ask for your opinion. Just stick to the plan, and that’s it.”
He rolled his eyes. “Fine.” Xavier’s eyes softened when he set them on me. “Just tell me when you need to leave after all this. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“You don’t need to worry about me. I’m doing this for myself too. My company needs this.”
He nodded. “How can I forget that you own the largest company and no one knows that yet?”
Lilly grinned. “Let’s continue to keep it a secret. When the time comes, they’ll all regret ever treating you badly.”
I shrugged. “Let’s go now.”
We got out of the car. Xavier held my hand, and Lilly was beside me on the right. Together, we went to the entrance. My heart was racing so fast, but I needed to do this. I needed to be brave for myself and for the people I care about.
The door was opened for us, and we walked inside. All eyes were set on us. They all looked shocked seeing me in the same room as them. Well, they had no choice but to bear with it.
“They all look shocked to see you,” Lilly whispered in my ear.
I could see their judging eyes, but who cares? The host welcomed us. Xavier and Lilly had a close relationship with the host.
“It’s finally nice to have you here,” he said. Lilly greeted him, same with Xavier.
“This is Ashley, my girlfriend,” Xavier said, and I felt a chill down my spine. I know it’s just for a show, but hearing him say that made me so uncomfortable.
I had to go with the plan.
“Your girlfriend?” he asked deadpan. Of course, he had seen the news. There were lots of write-ups about me. No one cared to hear my own side of the story; they all looked at me like the bad guy.
Aiden held my gaze, and I couldn’t look away. He sized me up and down. I could literally see the satisfied look on his face. Why is my face getting hot all over again? I can’t let this man ignite what I’ve buried. I looked away immediately.
Xavier, as if sensing I wasn’t in my right state, spoke up. “Do you need us to leave this place?”
I smiled up at him. “Let’s say hello to my parents.”
He nodded. Lilly excused us as she went over to greet some of her friends. Xavier guided me to my parents. Dad was a little bit happy to see me. I really don’t blame him. He is always doing whatever Mom tells him to do.
“Ashely,” he called.
Mom glared at me. “What are you doing here? Are you trying to make a fool of our family? What is wrong with you, Ashely?”
Xavier tried to defend me, but I stopped him before he could say anything. “Just let me handle them. You don’t need to worry about me,” I said to him.
“I’ll be over there watching. Make sure you call me over if you need me,” he said, and I nodded with a smile.
I turned, and Mom hit me hard on the face. “Mom!” I was shocked.
She gave me a disgusting look and said, “You caused this. Now everyone is staring at us. What kind of sister are you? Are you trying to spoil Hanna’s happy moment? Why do you have to be here?” She whispered-yelled at me.
I held the place she slapped me but didn’t show any ounce of pain. I won’t give her the satisfaction she wants. “I came here for business. I didn’t even know you’d be here.”
She refused to believe whatever I said. “I don’t want to hear it. Just don’t try anything silly. Remember, you can be sent to jail. After all, you were only pardoned; that’s why you got released.”
I can’t believe a woman who gave birth to me is trying her hardest to send me back to jail. “Mom, what have I ever done to you? Why do you want to see me suffer? You knew what happened that night. You knew I didn’t do it, so why are you trying to paint me as the bad guy?”
Someone was approaching from behind, so Mom faked a smile and said to me, “I don’t want to continue this conversation.”
Before I could say anything, I heard his voice.
“Is she causing any trouble again?” Aiden asked. Mom shook her head.
“I was just putting her in her place. You don’t have to worry, son. I’ve got this handled,” she said, offering him a smile.
I refused to look at him. His smell still reminded me of the moments we shared.
“Honey, you don’t have to waste your time scolding Ashley. She is always this way, so don’t stress it,” Hanna said.
Her voice irked me so much. I wished I could hit her hard in the face. She was so annoying.
I took the courage to confront them. “Well, you heard your bride. You don’t have to waste your time on me. If you can excuse me, I need to be with my boyfriend.”
His face twitched when I mentioned boyfriend. Is that supposed to mean something? I shouldn’t get my hopes up. Just before I could leave, he grabbed my hand and said, “Stop acting like you have a boyfriend.”
“You don’t need to lie. No one would want someone like you. You are nothing but trouble,” he said.
I glared at him and snapped my hand from his hold. “Of course, I am nothing but trouble, but remember, I helped you build your company.”
He frowned. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”
I scoffed. “Sure. You always act like this when you know all I said was the truth. Have you forgotten how you sent those files to me while I was in jail?”
He stared at me, confused. “I never sent any file to you. What are you talking about?”
Was he going crazy? Why was he lying? I helped him with his company, and now he wants to act confused.
“You don’t need to pretend, Aiden. All those documents sent to me by the warden while I was in jail—have you forgotten?”
He scoffed. “I can see you’ve lost your memory. The only one who should take credit for the success of my company is none other than Hanna.”
“WHAT?!”
- Writer
