Chapter 6

PRESENT

I slammed the door close of my office and slid down on the floor. Hot tears were running down my cheeks and I shook horribly. Somehow managing to get to the sofa,  I sat on it and pulled out my medicines from the bag. Lying down I began thinking.

What did I do. How could I let anger get the best of me ? I felt so ashamed and a panic attack right now was the last thing I wanted. I hadn't had one for few months now. I thought I was healing and that they would go finally.

Why does my life have to be so füćked up? I composed myself and thought deeply . No,  I can't let him get to me. I will fight him. Come what may. I have got to be strong. Truth be told,  I wanted revenge on him too. He had destroyed my last hopes on love. He was the reason for my sleepless nights. And now that he's here , I can finally have my fair share of revenge.

My phone buzzed and pulled me out of my thoughts. The ID showed it was dad and I quickly picked up. He never called me during the office time. Is something wrong?

" Hey Dad "

" Hey Ashley. How's my eldest daughter doing? "

" I'm fine dad " I said playing cool, " you can come to the point. " I eye rolled.

He cleared this throat and said,  " I swear Ash,  your mother just won't drop the topic. She's just going on and on. My ears are buzzing listening to the same thing  again and again. She made me call you sweetheart. You know I'd never call you while you're at work,  unless something's important. She... she wants you to come home early. You know , the dinner and all. It's already 4:30 . So... "

" I'll be there." I said with a sigh.

" Tell her to leave right now! " ,my mother screamed on  the other side.

" Yes yes sweetheart, she's coming " , my dad said and immediately hung up.

I shook my head and went out. I tried my best not to look around, in case I saw him and walked out of the building.

*******************

I opened the front door and was I'm greeted by my mother. She had a devil smile and I knew something was cooking.

" I knew you'd be a good girl and listen to your mama. "

" Mom. Stop that baby voice. I had a long day. "

" Okay my love. I've kept your dress for the dinner on your bed. Wear that dress. Wear only that dress ." , she repeated and gave a look which I liked to call 'the do or die look'.

I climbed upstairs sluggishly. I wanted to take my time as meeting the Devil twice a day wasn't something you would want,  would you?

After having a long shower I went to my bed where the dress was. It was an olive green knee length sleeveless dress. I was happy that she had chosen something sober. But it felt too girly for my taste.

While making my hair into a bun,  I heard the front door open, followed by some overly excited small laughs. I wasn't ready to face any of them. Yet.

I heard soft knocks on my door and my mom peeked inside.

" You look gorgeous, Ashley. "

"I look like a 16 year old mom. " I rolled my eyes.

" Oh come on Ashley. You look fine. Now come  down. They are already here. " , she said and went out.

I sighed and gave up on trying to make a bun. I decided to leave my hair open.

I chanted 'I can do this ' and opened the door.

I climbed down the stairs and breathed in and breathed out. Here goes nothing.

Laughter could be heard from the living room as I gradually approached. Then my eyes met the honey brown ones. I took in a sharp breath. He looked so beautiful even in his casual attire. And I silently sent profanities to my mother in my head, for making me wear such a shitty dress.

" Hey Ashley. Come sit here. " , my dad chirped.

I smiled towards everyone but tried not to look at the Devil.

" Hi. "

" My gosh Ashley,  you've really grown up to be a beautiful woman. " , Natasha,  Liam's mom, said.

" Absolutely.  Cause the last time I saw her she was still in middle school. " , Derek, Liam's father, said followed by a laugh.

" Thank you Mrs. Anderson. Yes indeed, Mr.Anderson . So how's business? " , I tried making a conversation.

" Good. In fact, we just allied with a fashion designing company. And Liam will be in charge of this one wholly. Cause I ain't getting any younger. Ain't that right, Harry?  Haha. " , Derek said.

" Indeed. " ,my dad said with a laugh.

My mother came in and sat down on the sofa opposite mine. They all began talking about different things. From politics to cooking to what not. I kept my gaze down all the time and just nodded occasionally.

Then my eyes fell on mother. She was trying to say something through actions. She tilted her head towards Liam and then motioned upstairs. My eyes widened when I understood what she meant. I quickly shook my head. She glared at me and suddenly, " Ashley,  why don't you take Liam  upstairs? You kids must be bored down here with this elderly conversations. "

" Sure Mrs. Payne. " ,he quickly added before I got a chance to protest.

I let out a sigh and led the way. The tension became unbearable while we were climbing upstairs. What was I supposed to say. ' Oh Hey Liam, did you see the air looks... invisible? '

I shook my head. And we entered my room.  He got himself comfortable on the bed while I took a seat next to my study table. None of us talked.

Some one should really start talking. Or probably a goat should bark. WTF is wrong with me?  A goat?  I'd name him Julian. I let out a giggle at my thoughts.

" What's so funny? "

His voice swooned me. But I quickly composed myself.

" A goat. "  He raised his eyebrows, " A goat? "

" Yep. Named Julian. "

He let out a small laugh and his sides crinkled a bit. I missed his laugh. They once meant the world to me. I shook my thoughts away.

" I've set the date. " , he said after sometime.

" For what? " , I asked.

" The engagement. "

" Hold the fudge up. When did I say yes to your propo-"

Life's a bītçh . I'm just gonna admit it.

He evilly smirked at me and got up from the bed.

" Forgot it already?  Let me remind you. The office. Me and you. Your hungriness for revenge. And how can I forget the, I quote,  " We will meet soon,  husband "  . You astonish me Ashley . "

My eyes widened when I realised that now he could let out his anger on me cause we were all alone. Well,  almost alone. If I shouted for help,  I'm sure they'll hear me, won't they? 

I stood up from my chair getting uncomfortable.  " So, when is it? "

" Next Week. "

" What?! Next week?! "

" The invitations are done, people from both parties are already called. Can't back out now,  my sweet wife. ", he said with a grin.

I hated this man from the core. Seriously?  Next week?

" It's too early. "

" But that's how much excited I am. You think you can talk big shits to me and I'll let you go that easily?  Aww, Ashley don't you know me at all ?" , he said faking baby voice.

Without  a word I left the room and went to the garden I needed to freshen up my mind. This day was probably the longest and worst one. I can't take it anymore. Please God,  stop this nonsense. Stop this drama.

My mother called us for dinner shortly thereafter.

" So,  the engagement's in a week.  Are you okay with it Ashley? "

I didn't say anything. I was too caught up in my thoughts on how to choke  the life out of Liam.

" Ashley?  " , my mom said again.

So the jerk thinks he can win arguments?  I'll give him a taste of his own medicine. He looked at me as if challenging me to protest against it.

" Yes mom. I'd love to get engaged as soon as possible. I've been waiting for this for two years. " ,I said with a smile.

The looks I got were mixed. My mom and the Andersons were all laughing and congratulating each other.  My dad had a confused look on this face. I gave him a small smile. And my future husband had the best look among all of us. I'd give him a ten on ten. He looked like a gaping fish. Closing and opening his mouth occasionally.

I smirked at him and quickly went back to eating. I don't know why but all this made me excited and nervous at the same time.

But whatever I'm gonna let it pass. Game is on.  That's what counts.