Ashley
“No-no! It is okay!” I instructed the girl as she was applying some powder on my face. God, does he think I need so much makeup!?
I sighed as I looked at my reflection. She has been doing so much on my face, and it looks just slightly different. It has been two hours. Yeah, I had taken a bath, and then came again. She was strictly instructed to keep my hair open and not make me look like a ghost.
If you just know what I mean.
I closed my eyes and waited for this to end.
I woke after some time and I realized she was the one to wake me up. I looked at the mirror, and honestly, I looked... beautiful.
“Sir asked me to change the dress that I gave you earlier, he bought another one for you,” she told me as I got up from the seat.
“Okay...”
This dress had just no faults if you’re wondering. This is the perfect dress I could imagine wearing at my wedding.
She brought another dress kept on the couch and handed it to me. “Please go and change, mam,” she instructed and I nodded, slightly off by the fact that she called me mam. I remember she called me Ashley when we met.
I went to the changing room and changed into a new dress. This dress was... more beautiful. I mean, I thought that one was the most beautiful, but I guess I am changing words.
This dress is a white gown, with a frill all over. It is a decent one, which is more to my liking. I don’t like prying eyes on me.
I went back to my room and I saw Vincent standing there. He looked at me and then at my dress. He looked at me again.
“Leave,” he said silently. For a second I was confused if it was for me, but then the girl went out. Vincent came to me, taking slow steps.
As he was almost next to me, he smiled slightly.
“You’re beautiful”
I blushed silently as I didn’t know, but the way he said it, made me feel like I am the most beautiful girl.
I smiled. “T-Thank y—“
He took my face in his hands that stopped me dead in my tracks. He leaned down and came close, even more close. Is he gonna... no!
He stopped next to my lips.
“May I?” He asked me.
“I-I... I...” I stuttered. I couldn’t find a reason to deny it, but a yes wasn’t a good answer.
He went back. “It’s okay”
I looked at him and smiled. He is good, he is not like others.
“Alright, come with me”
I nodded and followed him.
———
Vincent
She is the rare beauty I have always known. I was gonna kiss her but I thought of asking her, although I knew she wouldn’t be ready. But I feel something for her. But I don’t wanna fall in love, it is nothing but a weakness.
I took her to the living hall. She was looking so beautiful, I can’t take my eyes off her.
“Vincent...” she said. God, she will be the death of me. The way she calls my name makes ME blush.
“Hm?”
“If I can’t meet Lara, can I please talk to her? The phone you gave me didn’t have a sim... and she doesn’t use any social media”
I stopped my thoughts and my steps. She stopped as she noticed me. How can she still expect me to let her talk to Lara? Does she want me to behave with her badly? Why is she like this? Is she this stupid?
“Stop it” I gave her a clear warning. “Last warning, Ashy, you will not even talk about her”
She looked hurt. “Please, Vincent...”
I sighed in frustration. “Go to your room. Now!” I almost yelled.
I didn’t wanna hurt her or be rude to her anymore. But I saw a tear in her eyes. Did I even say anything? Why is she so fragile? I didn’t even do anything. I just replied to something so stupid, so kindly.
She started sobbing and then ran to her room. I didn’t follow her even when I wanted to because she is something out of my understanding. If she is so hurt when I didn’t even say anything, I will maintain my distance from her. That is the only way I can maintain this wedding.
———
Ashley
I closed the door of my room and started crying. I can’t believe he yelled at me. I mean, I thought he was good and everything. But he was so rude. He was not like this till yesterday. He has definitely changed like they do in novels.
I sat down and thinking about this, tears rolled down my cheeks. How can this be happening? How can I marry someone like him? Why am I thinking, when I don’t even have a choice?
I took out my phone and searched for Lara on Instagram. She might still look into it. I didn’t try earlier because even though she has an account, she rarely opens and looks into it, but I will take my chances.
I found her and I messaged her. “It’s Ashley. I need your help. I am kidnapped by Vincent Smith and he wants to marry me. Please save me, Lara”
I know this might very well make her feel troubled and worried, but she is my last hope. And we have supported each other for years, so I know she’d do the same because she might have been hurt that I didn’t even tell her where I am.
I sat down as I waited for her reply. After some time, I received a message. I was happy, but as soon as I saw the sender, I almost cried again.
Vincent.
He said, “Your first mistake”.