[ Valeria ]
My heart was hammering against my ribcage as the priest proceeded with the ceremony. The handsome stranger, stood in front of me was very calm unlike me.
I felt a knot down my stomach thinking about the uncertainties which may come with this marriage. I stole a glance of my family. My parents had a mixed expressions of relief, happiness and gratitude while his family looked unaffected.
My mind was having an inner battle of merits and demerits of marrying a total stranger. I agreed to sacrifice myself for the sake of my family and to repent for my sin of loving Liam Rodriguez who never cared for me.
My heart sumnersaulted against my ribcage when I directly looked at my groom. Undoubtedly, he was the most handsome ever walked on the earth. His striking blue eyes bored into mine like he could see my soul.
I felt nervous again.
I had made up my mind that I'd refrain myself from entangling in any relationship again. I can't fall for this man because my frail heart won't survive another betrayal.
I could feel my emotions nipping at my heart when the priest looked at me. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply.
This is it.
"I do."
And then he held out his hand, they looked promising for a strange reason. Without further delay, I slipped my hand into his large palm. I shouldn't be feeling this burning sensation that tingled on my skin when our skin touched. He gave it a light squeeze of reassurance. Or a silent reminder that why I was doing it.
Ashton slipped a beautiful thin diamond band on my finger. It mocked at me. Liam supposed to make it offical.
I uttered two words and my whole world changed. I became Mrs. Rodriguez as the hall broke into applauds.
"You may kiss the bride now." The priest said to Ashton.
His eyes flickered on me. My body shivered anticipating what was coming next. Liam should be kissing me not this stranger who's my husband now.
He leaned closer, his hot, minty breath fell on my face. I lowered my gaze and clutched my dress as my palms became sweaty.
"Relax, I won't bite you, Mrs. Rodriguez. Everyone is watching us." He whispered only for me to hear and next moment, I felt his lips over mine.
Time seemed to stop in the moment. He gripped my waist firmly to hold me on my spot. I would have fainted if it wasn't him. His lips kissed me passionately while I just kept rooted.
He pulled away when hall again resonated with applauds.
He released me and stood on his spot, his face again contoured with same stone expression as he helped us to walk down as our families gathered around us to greet us.
I was trying to process everything.
I became Mrs. Rodriguez eventually but it wasn't Liam, my love but a total stranger.
"Take care of my daughter, Mr. Rodriguez. She's innocent and naive." My Dad looked up at my husband with gratitude.
I hated myself for putting my father in this situation.
"Don't worry, Mr. Miller. She's my wife now. No one will dare to say a word against her." Ashton said very politely to him.
How could a dominating man like him sounded humble?
My mother hugged me and sniffed on my shoulder,"You took a wise decision, Val. Mr. Ashton is a nice man. He saved us from our doom. Be a good wife to him." My Mom kissed my forehead and turned to Ashton who looked really uncomfortable.
"I am sure you and my daughter will fall in love very soon and make a successful marriage." She said to Ashton.
He only nodded his head firmly.
"Mom, please pack my stuffs. I'll be picking them at weekend." I said to my mother as I had no mood to be around our relatives. They’d scratch me with their never-ending questions.
I glanced at Vivienne and her daughters, they threw a disgusted glance at my direction. They must be celebrating, I was a thorn in their life and now, I was someone else's problem.
I couldn't find Ashton's family. Liam once told me that he was the bastard son of his grandfather. Despite being a successful businessman at a very young age, he was despised by the Rodriguez family. Ashton's private life was a mystery for the world.
Jason moved to our direction. He looked relieved.
"We should leave now. I do not want us to face anyone and I have no time for drama." Ashton whispered in my ear and snaked his arm around my waist.
"Handle the media and our noisy guests." He said to Jason as we walked past him.
My breath hitched. However, I nodded my head in agreement. He led us out of the chapel through back door.
A black car was parked there. The chauffer bowed and opened the backseat door. Ashton helped me with the dress as I hopped inside first. I chipped him a small 'thank you' which he responded with a nod and slid beside me.
My eyes welled up again as the car moved on the road to an unknown destination. I never imagined my supposed best day to become a nightmare.
I would never forgive Liam Rodriguez for playing with my pure love. I hated the fact that I still love him. Deep rooted feelings can't disappear in a blink.
My phone vibrated with a text alert. My blood ran cold when I saw the name. It was from Liam.
With shaking fingers and sinking heart, I opened the text. My sorrow was replaced by anger when I read the content.
"I am sorry, Val. I know I did wrong with you. I should have told you a long time ago but the truth is, my feelings were never strong as yours. I call it infatuation more than love because when I met Rachel, I knew she's the one. I and Rachel are expecting a baby. Please forgive me but I can't abandon her and my child. I hope you'll find someone better than me."
That's it.
He ended two years long relationship with a few lines in a text message. The audacity of that coward bitch.
I cried silently. I didn't care if a stranger witnessed display of my weakness. Liam left deep scars on my soul.
Ashton forwarded his handkerchief in my direction. I looked at it and then at Ashton. He understood the reason of my breakdown but the popped up veins on his neck indicated there was more in the story.
I took the handkerchief from him and wiped my face. The rest of the car ride was silent.
The car stopped in front of a huge mansion which was built in the old style, surrounded by a beautiful garden. Guards rushed to open the car door for us.
It was my new house but I couldn't call it my home. I am not sure if we'd end for even an year.
Ashton again forwarded his palm for me to hold. I hesitantly placed my hand on his large palm and he led us inside the palace like mansion.
The house was quiet but when we stepped inside, curious eyes landed on us. They were probably his house staff as they wore uniform.
"She's my wife and the lady of the house. I expect you all to treat her in the same way you respect and obey me. Am I clear?" Ashton commanded like a king.
"Yes, Sir. Welcome to the house, Mrs. Rodriguez." They all said in unison.
I cringed at the address.
I was no longer Valeria Miller.
"Let me show you your new room." Ashton said to me. He didn't sound any different. I didn't mind though. I wanted us to remain strangers except when his family's around or we are in public.
I slowly followed behind him. The heels and heavy gown made it hard for me to walk on the smooth marble floor. Seeing my discomfort, he slowed down and walked with me.
I looked around with parted lips. The mansion was a replica of a palace from inside as well. My eyes wandered soaking the beauty of the house which was mine now.
He stopped in front of a wooden door. There were only two doors means it was an off reach area.
"This room is yours and the other one is mine. Feel free to adjust it according to your needs. Go inside and take some rest. I'll see you at dinner and tomorrow, we'll discuss the conditions of our marriage tomorrow." He said and shared at me for a second before turning to the opposite door while I inhaled deeply before stepping inside my new room but I paused thinking about something and stormed towards him before he could close the door.
"Wait!"
He gave me a confused look.
"Do you need anything?" He asked me.
"Yes." I said firmly.
He opened the door wide for me to step inside. The room was beautiful with dark grey and white walls and a king size bed in the centre. His portrait was hung above the bed on the wall.
"What do you need, Valeria?" He asked me in a frustrated tone forcing me to look back at him.
I stared directly into those sinfully beautiful eyes.
"I want us to consummate our marriage, Ashton."
[ Valeria ]"I want us to consummate our marriage, Ashton."I don't know what made me say those words to him but I knew, I couldn't take them back.His cold eyes flashed shock but he didn't let it show on his face."It's quite late, Valeria. You must rest. Tomorrow, we'll discuss the conditions that we're going to follow in our arrangement." He said in a deep voice.I felt humiliated. What was I thinking when I asked a stranger to fuck me because my ex-fiance cheated on me and I had to prove a pointless point.I pursed my lips and turned to leave. How was I going to even face him?"Wait!"His intimidating voice echoed in the deadly silence room and I halted in my tracks. My heartbeats picked up their rates as I felt him near me."What made you say this?" He asked me."Forget it, I don't want to discuss anything. You're right, we should focus on our business." I snapped coldly and tried to walk but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back.As a result, my back collided with his hard ches
[ Valeria ]The kiss was hungry and raw as his lips glided over mine. He was controlling me and I felt like I was pulled to a magnet, not able to move or reciprocate his moves.Our clothes were discarded on the floor but he carefully placed my wedding gown on the couch. The dress seemed to mock on me."Don't think about the past, a beautiful future is waiting for you." He turned my face to look at him."I'm going to worship you in every way possible, mi esposa." He called me wife in Spanish. I learnt the basics while dating Liam.I wasn't supposed to feel this way but his words worked like lightening as he kissed me again. His fingers knotted in my hairs as he laid me down on the soft mattress of his bed.I pulled my arms around his neck, both of us eager to deepen the kiss. I didn't know about him but my anger and resentment was surfacing with the increasing passion.If Liam could cheat on me, I'd do the same.Everything around me fogged as his other hand cupped my most intimate area
[ Ashton ]"Hands on the wall, carino." I whispered in her ear as my hands roamed on the soft skin of her flat stomach.Her body stiffened."Wha..what are you doing here?" She stammered in shock and tried to cover her breasts but I stopped her from doing so and swiftly turned her around."What I said to you last night? Once you allow me to claim you, I will mark you mine every time I feel the urge and you can't stop me from having my wife, Valeria. Trust me, I'm going to make you feel good in every way." I licked her earlobe and massaged her bosoms.Our naked bodies drenching under the cold water. My desire for her increased on a crazing level when I saw her bruised body glowing. It took every single ounce of self control for me to not fuck her again but I lost to it.I gave up for the first time in my life but I don't regret it at all.I roamed my hands in between her thighs and rubbed her clit, she was dripping as I felt her stickiness on my fingers."Oh God!" She cried as I plunged
[ Valeria ]"Mr. Miller, I hope you have no issues with these clauses. I have the best attorney who made this contract very strict, whoever breaches it, they would be destroyed." Ashton said to my father who read the stack of papers in front of him, looking confused and in deep dilemma.I stole glance of Ashton, he had a straight expression on his face which made it difficult for me read what was going inside his head."So, you're asking me to sell my daughter's pride in order to save my drowning business?" My father looked displeased.I wanted to interject but he was right.Ashton sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "You weren't hesitant to let her marry Liam and my brother was ready to help you in return, wouldn't it be the same thing?" Ashton reasoned.He was right as well. My father's face turned red."Still, I do not think I'll be able to live peacefully if I accept your generous offer, Mr. Rodriguez." Said Dad.I placed my hand on his shoulder, "Dad, I decided to marry hi
[ Ashton ]The beauty in front of me is making me her slave with every passing moment. The way she bites her lips, I feel a strong urge to kiss the life out of her.Her perfectly molded figure and the way her his sways when she walks, she drives me insane. My mind has been embedded with her image and her thoughts. And after claiming her, my desire for her intensified.I lost the last ounce of self control when she walked into my office and how her eyes admired everything. I forgot about the business we had to discuss.I'd first have a taste of her. She became a drug to my soul and desire. I bloomed into a woman by taking her virginity, a gift she preserved for a prick like Liam.I'd worship her till my last breath.I circled my finger in her wet clit. She was wet. I felt proud of my effect on her. I pumped my finger in a faster pace inside her tight folds.My hands rubbed her perked nipples above her top. They wanted my attention but I wanted a release before I explode in my pants."A
[ Valeria ]My mind couldn't process what my ears heard.Did he just say he had a son?"Wha..what do you mean?" I asked blinking my eyes. I must misheard him.He sat straight on his chair like a majestic king and folded his hands. His straight face didn't give any idea that he joked."You heard me right, Valeria. I have a son from my ex-girlfriend. I had no intentions to get her pregnant. We were very clear in our relationship. She wanted money and a lavish lifestyle while I wanted her body to satisfy my needs. She proposed to abort the baby but I forbade her. It was my baby, my heir." He paused.I processed this new information. My head begun to spin."Why didn't you tell me about your child before, Ashton? You know this is also a betrayal. You also played with my feelings and made joke of my misery." I lost my patience.The tears of betrayal stung in my eyes."Would you marry me if I told you that I have an illegitimate child and you just have to fill the place of his mother on the
[ Ashton ]It pained to see how desperately Valeria wanted to run from me. She only agreed to marry me that I proposed to help her father and she wanted to prove a point to Liam and his family.She looked at me like I was a decease. Marrying a man with a child was a taboo for her. She couldn't fathom the fact that I was a father and she was way younger than me."Answer me, Valeria." I said each word quitely not showing her the hurt her words caused me.She distanced herself from me."You know the answer, Ashton. You and I are two opposite personalities. I want to live my life like it was with Liam. I was my own person. I hate him for ruining my happiness but I enjoyed my liberty and he promised me that nothing would change for us even after the marriage." She said with longing in those sad eyes."How can you assume that I will keep you in a cage and force you to be my perfect wife?" I questioned her.She looked away.I pinched the bridge of my nose. This young woman was pressing my ne
[ Valeria ]My eyes blurred with fresh tears, the sharp ache in my heart was unbearable as I stared at the audacity of my love. His secretary posted their picture on a private beach. It was very intimate.He had his hand resting on her flat tummy on a beach. They looked happy in each other's arms. This heartless man kept toying with my feelings when he was with her."Why are you crying, Miss?" A quiet voice caused me to flinch and immediately wiped my tears. I closed the social media account and looked at the source of the voice.There was a small boy standing at a distance from me. He was cute with big blue eyes and raven black hairs. I didn't had to guess who he was.Ashton's child. He had striking resemblance with Ashton except his black hairs."I am sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you." I forced a smile.He nodded his head and turned to leave. He seemed very reserve and quiet boy unlike other kids."May I know your name?" I asked him. We were going to live in the same house. The l