The Ashtor’s & Me

Recognition

I sit in the hair dressers chair while she straightens my curly hair. Another woman is working on my nails. I relax as the warm air from the blow dryer caresses my scalp. The hairdresser skillfully glides the straightener through my locks, transforming them into sleek, shiny strands. Meanwhile, the nail technician delicately shapes and files my nails, creating a perfect canvas for the vibrant polish that awaits them. The salon buzzes with chatter and the soothing sounds of soft music, creating a tranquil atmosphere that allows me to escape the outside world for a little while longer.

After a while, I completely zone out, deep in thought. When both the hairdresser and nail technician are done, the hairdresser calls my name multiple times before I snap out of it. I apologize for my absent-mindedness and thank both of them for their wonderful work. Looking in the mirror, I am amazed by the transformation. My hair looks fabulous and my nails are a work of art. As I leave the salon, I feel a renewed sense of confidence and beauty.

As I walk down the busy street, my phone rings. I take my phone out and it's a text from my best friend Camila. She asks if I want to grab dinner tonight. Camila suggests a new restaurant that just opened in town and I immediately reply “Sadly i wont be able to because i have to go to my retired boss’s dinner tonight with both of his sons”. I inform Camila that it's a family obligation and I can't miss it. Camila understands and suggests that we plan for another night. I’m thankful for her understanding and promise to make it up to her.

After a 15-minute walk, I eventually reach the dress store recommended by Jaxon and Jasper. On entering, I am immediately amazed by the luxurious and costly clothing items. Glancing at the price tag of a black and white long dress with an open back, I murmur, "This dress costs a fortune." Before I can contemplate further, an elderly man's voice interrupts me, stating that he has been waiting for me and that the Ashtor brothers are his good friends. He promises to ensure that I become the center of attention at the party. I smile at the man and reply, "Hi, yes, I was informed that you've made a dress for me?" I observe the older man, who is dressed in a well-fitted business suit by Hermes.

"Come along, my dear," I obediently accompany the gentleman who proceeds to move towards the reception, revealing two curtains before guiding me to the dressing room located at the rear of the store. There, I disrobe discreetly, enveloped in seclusion, and emerge in only my undergarments to confront the tailor. Seizing a clothing pouch, he unfastens it, unveiling a breathtaking halter dress with a captivating black backless design, a twisted front, a split hem, and an abundance of Swarovski crystals encrusting its entirety.

I am filled with amazement as I gaze at the dress. This must be the most costly item of clothing I have ever worn. I am speechless and in awe. With my assistance, the tailor helps me put on the dress. After finishing with the dress, he presents me with a pair of exclusive red bottom heels to match. I seize the heels and put them on before making my way to the mirror to admire the magnificence before me. "It's incredible that the Ashtor brothers have gone to such lengths to ensure I appear good," a slight smile appears on my face as I reflect on the possibility that perhaps they are not so unpleasant after all.

The tailor interrupts my one-sided conversation, adding in, "and they told me that you can retain these items. They are amazing boys, I have deep affection for them."

I widen my eyes in shock while gazing at the tailor in the mirror. "They actually let me keep... all of this?"

The tailor chuckles at my reaction and affirms, "Indeed, they did. You see, they may have their moments, but they are not bad individuals. Give them an opportunity and you will realize. I have known their father for more than two decades, a wonderful family, although the mother is highly protective, so be cautious around her."

The words of the tailor are considered by me. “I appreciate the comforting words. It has been difficult for me to believe in them. The limited interactions we have had lacked in-depth discussions, so I am unsure of what to anticipate tonight.“ Nervously, I avert my gaze from the tailor via the reflection in the mirror and anxiously tinker with my fingers, clearly displaying my anxiety.

Approaching me from behind, the tailor places his hands gently on my shoulders while reminding me that I will be fine tonight and have no reason to be concerned. Catching my eye in the mirror, he exchanges a comforting smile that I can't help but reciprocate.

After finalizing my business with the tailor, I obtain his name before departing. Following Jasper's advice, I make my way to the makeup studio and take a seat in the chair, patiently enduring a three-hour process until my makeup is completed. Subsequently, as everything falls into place, the entire studio is amazed by my appearance. The dress, hairstyle, shoes, and makeup align perfectly, bringing forth immense satisfaction and joy.

”You look stunning!!!!“ The makeup artist excitedly talks about how stunning I look, and the Ashtor family will really be happy. However, I don't really pay much attention to her as I admire my beauty in the full body mirror. Eventually, I glance at her and smile, revealing my straight, white teeth. “I hope so.”

Arriving in an all white lexus provided by Jaxon and Jasper, I come to a stop at the event. Stepping out from the car, one of the drivers emerges from the driver's side and walks towards the back, opening the door for me. Revealing my long recently shaved leg, I extend one foot out of the car, showcased for everyone to see. As I exit the vehicle completely, numerous paparazzi capture my photos with their camera lights flashing. Squinting my eyes slightly, I attempt to ignore the overpowering flashes burning into my eyeballs.

After successfully maneuvering beyond the paparazzi, I lift my gaze and beheld the massive mansion standing before me. In sheer admiration, I let out a gasp at the breathtaking scenery, enhanced by the soft tones of the sunset cascading upon the mansion. Inhaling a deep breath of the fresh air, I momentarily shut my eyes.

Heading towards the entrance of the mansion, I lift my eyelids and climb up the short steps. On reaching the top of the steps, I notice two colossal doors and two doormen situated on either side, eagerly awaiting to open the doors for me. With simultaneous efforts, they push both doors, and I extend my gratitude before stepping inside. Once inside, I am greeted by a diverse group of affluent individuals engaging in enjoyable conversations while indulging in drinks. Unexpectedly, it seems as though every person has halted their activities to gaze at me. My cheeks flush crimson and hot, thus prompting me to avert eye contact and proceed through the crowd in pursuit of Mason, Jasper, and Jaxon.

I stop at the bar in the middle of the party hall, located within a big mansion, to ask for a drink while I am moving through the lively crowd. I receive my vodka on the rocks and take a sip using a straw, taking the time to observe the environment around me. Suddenly, unexpectedly, I make eye contact with Jasper and the intensity surprises me to the point where I almost choke on my drink. Jasper then makes his way towards me, weaving through the crowd in the spacious mansion. He examines my appearance closely, which makes me angry and also gives me a glimpse of desire mixed with an unquenchable hunger in his eyes, but he quickly composes himself again.

Commenting on my supposed beauty, Jasper takes a step back and exclaims, "Emilia, you look absolutely stunning." A faint smile appears on the edge of his lips, leaving me surprised at how at ease he appears to be when referring to me by my first name, which is something he has never done before.

“Thank you. And you look...” I proceed to visually inspect Jasper's clothing, examining every detail from top to bottom. He is wearing a tailor-made navy blue suit from Emporio Armani that accentuates his muscles flawlessly, along with black loafers from Sebastian Cruz. To emphasize the luxurious nature of his attire, I conclude “expensive. Your outfit can pay my rent for three months.” I joke with Jasper and it feels good. This is the first interaction we’ve had that isn’t about work.

Jasper chuckles affectionately. "I appreciate it." Both Jasper and I remain standing while uncomfortably gazing into each other's eyes.

"Well... My father and my brother Jaxon are expecting you to join the rest of the family. Come with me." Out of the blue, Jasper grabs my arm and intertwines it with his own, guiding me towards his family's location.

Alongside Jasper, I proceed on foot until we reach the location where his relatives are. Mason, Jasper, and Jaxon's father enthusiastically greets me, exclaiming "Emilia, my dear!" while his face becomes radiant and he embraces me tightly. The aroma of Paco Rabanne's 1 Million fragrance fills my nose. He expresses his pleasure in seeing me and how glad he is that I could attend, whilst pulling away from our embrace.

Approaching Jaxon, I notice him sipping from his cup and gazing intensely at me. After taking a sip, he licks his lips and the movement of his Adam's apple matches his swallowing. Finally, I decide to go up to him.

“Mr. Ashtor. Nice to see you.” I extend my arm politely, ready to shake hands with Mr. Ashtor, but he simply gazes at my hand before returning his eyes to mine. "Please, use my first name, Jaxon," he says before pulling me into a hug. His tailored suit perfectly matches Jasper's, and the aroma of his luxurious cologne fills my nostrils, causing a comforting sensation within me. The warmth and hospitality in his embrace make me feel at home.

Having conversations, smiling, laughing, and enjoying drinks are keeping us engaged as time passes. Due to the filled room of wealthy individuals, I'm reminded that I am the odd one out; however, the atmosphere makes me feel as if I am among family members.

With a serious demeanor, Mason directs his attention towards jasper and jaxon, expressing his expectation for them to treat Emilia as if she were a part of the family. “Emilia has been employed by the company for a significant duration, and I desire for her to receive nothing less than the utmost care.”

Instantly, the gaze of Jaxon and Jasper meets mine, leading to a growing tension. This causes butterflies to emerge in my stomach, prompting me to avert my gaze and quench my thirst with a sip of my beverage while avoiding any eye contact.

"We swear, father, we will treat her as if she were royalty," Jasper affirms, taking a sip from his drink and fixing his gaze on Emilia. It is only now that Jasper is fully understanding his profound desire for Emilia. Jaxon was correct from the very beginning; they both harbor a strong longing for Emilia.