CHAPTER 2

Ashley felt as if her body were on fire. She entered her room and slammed the door, a scream of despair echoing in her throat. This could only be a nightmare, she thought. Just as Ashley was getting ready to go to college, to get a good job and be happy, her father gambled on her and her happiness with a man like Oliver.

Ashley knew Oliver well. He was her father's partner when Ethan still had a company, but she despised him because he was arrogant and felt like he owned the world. If Ashley could choose someone to marry someday, it certainly wouldn't be Oliver White.

She thought about running away and even rehearsed an escape, hiding her clothes in a suitcase, but she gave up minutes later when she thought about her father. As irresponsible as Ethan was, he didn't deserve to live on the streets. It took a while for her to fall asleep, but when she woke up, the sun hadn't even risen yet. A knock on the door made Ashley jump out of bed, her heart pounding uncontrollably in her chest. It wasn't even seven in the morning, and Oliver was already there to pick her up.

She heard Ethan's voice, filled with desperation, mixing with her own despair, but there was nothing they could do about it. Ashley was thrown onto the sidewalk with brutality, and when she looked up, she saw those well-polished black shoes. Ashley found herself in a humiliating position, kneeling in front of Oliver. She raised her head, still lying on the ground, looking directly into the eyes of her future husband.

"We're off to a good start," Oliver said, "you're already at my feet."

A smile of pleasure formed on his lips, but Oliver didn't try to help Ashley up. She placed her hands on the ground and lifted herself, coming face to face with him.

"If you think I'm going to marry you, you're sorely mistaken," she was resolute, and Oliver delighted in her defiance.

"You have no choice," he said, shifting his gaze away from Ethan.

Ashley also looked at her father, who had tears in his eyes and desperation written all over his face.

"I will give your father a decent life," he continued, "I promised him that. And I'll give it to you too. Otherwise, you'll be living on the streets starting today."

Desperation began to gain strength within Ashley. Ethan was already old and wouldn't survive for long living on the streets.

Ashley looked at Oliver and said, "I want him to come live with us."

Oliver laughed. "You're not in a position to demand anything from me," he said, looking at his watch, "I can offer one of my houses for him to live out his days in peace, as long as you do as I say."

"I will," she said without thinking.

"Great," Oliver grabbed her by the arm, opened the car door, and threw her inside. Ashley groaned at his brutality. She looked out the window, asking the man to at least say goodbye to her father, but Oliver didn't allow it. Soon the car drove off, leaving Ethan behind, and Ashley's dreams as well.

The journey was silent. At one point, she wanted to give up, open the door of the car, and jump out, trying to convince herself that it wouldn't be so bad to marry a man she detested.

They soon arrived at a registry office. Oliver grabbed Ashley's arm again, pulling her out of the vehicle.

"You're going in there, you're going to wear the dress I bought for you, and we're going to get married."

Ashley felt her legs trembling.

Oliver ordered one of his guards to accompany her to the bathroom, and when Ashley was dressed, the man directed her to the registry office. She could see a glimmer of satisfaction in Oliver's eyes as he watched Ashley enter the office. He took the woman's hand, her head still lowered, and the ceremony began. Ashley would never remember what the judge said, except for the part where she agreed to marry this man. Her body was there, but her mind was elsewhere. She also remembers holding the pen between her fingers and leaning over to sign the papers, reluctant to commit to this madness. But when she finally realized it, she was already married to Oliver.

There was no celebration, no happiness, just a frustrated woman heading to her new home with a man who was now her husband.

Of course, Ashley's eyes filled with tears when she saw the mansion where Oliver lived. There was a nice table with delicious food to eat. Ashley was hungry. Oliver directed her to the table, and they had the most delicious breakfast Ashley had ever tasted.

"Imagine that you almost rejected having this queen's life," Oliver said, taking a sip of his juice.

Ashley didn't say anything.

But just as ceremoniously as Oliver arrived, he also left. The man, who was looking at the time on his wristwatch, stood up, straightened his tie, and prepared to leave.

"Be ready for my return," he directed his gaze at Ashley, "we'll have our honeymoon today."

Ashley's eyes widened. She hadn't thought about that part, the obligations that marriage brought. She stood up impatiently.

"Oliver, I..."

"I don't have time right now, Ashley," he said, already leaving the mansion.

For the second time that day, Ashley cried. Out of despair, regret. What would she do to convince Oliver not to touch her?

The day passed quickly, and Ashley's eyes were fixed on the main entrance of the house. She waited in terror for Oliver's return. When it was already dark and the stars shone in the sky, Oliver arrived, walked toward her, and took her hand, dragging her upstairs.

Did this man only treat people this way, with brutality? she wondered. Then he opened the bedroom door and threw Ashley onto the bed. He began undressing, and she screamed.

"I can't do this," her body trembled.

"You can't?" Oliver looked her straight in the eyes, unable to believe what the woman was saying, "Why did you think I would marry you?"

He seemed insatiable.

"I'm a virgin," she said between tears.

At first, Oliver was speechless, then he smiled. He could hardly believe how good life was to him. He had married a beautiful, virgin woman.

"That's great!" He undressed again. "I promise I won't hurt you."

And Ashley only saw the man enveloping her in his arms, kissing her passionately.

What did you think of this chapter?

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***