Chapter 10 :

Ashley's POV:

A week after the party, the talks of my engagement were echoing around the mansion. And me? Well, I haven't even met my to-be groom. Not that anyone cared about that. I didn't pay any heed to any of this marriage thingy. I was following my usual routine; going to university and working my ass off on the new project.

Today was Friday and it would be followed by a weekend. Weekends have always been sad for me as it was mostly spent in the house or at some elite gatherings which, to be honest, were equivalent to suffocation.

I wondered what would happen to my studies after all this marriage fiasco. My degree was just another disappointment my parents managed to find in me. According to them, fashion designing was a worthless and useless degree. Two years ago when I was done with college, it was time to apply for university. One morning I was summoned to the breakfast table, Father told me that he has ordered his secretary to apply to the New York Business University. Of course. How could I be so foolish to think otherwise? Why did I think that he would allow me to study anything other than business? After all, I was the heir to his throne. In order to look after his dear empire and business, I must have my hands over the business degree.

I abruptly stood up, flinging my chair to the floor. It landed there with a loud thud and as usual, Father tossed his fork and knife on the table. I folded my hands in front of me and very calmly managed to say, "Father, I'm afraid that there's no need to disturb Mr. Noah. I have already applied to the New York Institute of Fashion & Designing. With my grades, I'm hoping to hear a positive response soon."

I heard the urgent cough of Mother and looked as Father's eyeballs literally popped out of his eyes. Mother flung out of her chair, "Are you even in your mind, Ashley?"

I turned towards her, "Very much, Mother."

She flung her napkin on the table and raised her voice, "Do you even have any idea how much your father and I had worked to make you worthy of the world's best business school?"

I blinked twice before answering, "Frankly, for you and Father I am worthy of nothing. All my life I have worked hard to make you people happy but you have always managed to find some disappointment in me." I cleared my throat and announced to both of them, "So, just add this to the list of your disappointments. I am quite okay with that."

I picked up my phone and walked upstairs to my room. Father was seated calmly in the chair but I knew he would not stop. Just as expected, two weeks later, I received a letter of acceptance from Business University. The very next day, Ms. Jane disposed of the new clothes, bags, and books in my closet. There was utter silence from my parents. According to them, I was just throwing a tantrum that would end soon and then I would be going to Business School.

Little did they know that it was not a tantrum. Never had I ever been stubborn about anything but now, it was the question of my passion.

So, on the first day of Business University, Mother made sure that I go there. I woke up, got ready, settled into the car, and went to the University. With calm steps, I entered the building and looked around for the right place to go. One of the seniors stopped in front of me and took my schedule from my hands. He muttered, "You must be confused about which way to go."

He scratched his jaw and inspected my schedule. After a moment, he pointed to the left, "Your classroom is that way. The second last classroom down the hallway."

When he was done, I asked him, "If you are so eager to guide the newcomers then it would be more helpful if you'll show me where the admission office is."

He rubbed the back of his neck, smiled apologetically, and pointed in the direction, "Go straight ahead and look for the signs of the Admission Office outside the doors."

I mumbled thanks and moved around him. He spoke to my back, "Wait, take your schedule with you."

Without looking back, I announced, "It's okay. You can keep it for showing the way to the newcomers. I won't even be needing that, anyway."

With a deep breath, I stepped inside the office and spotted a bald man sitting on a chair. I approached him and greeted him with Good Morning and shoved my Acceptance Letter toward him. He took it and opened the envelope. With utter calmness, I asked him, "Kindly tell me the procedure to cancel the admission."

Now his both eyebrows were touching his hairline and he placed the letter on the table, "First of all, we would be needing a solid reason for that."

I sat down in the chair, "It was my parents who applied for this university. I am not willing to study business so, I want to cancel my admission. And no, I won't be changing my decision. Also, I don't need any time to think about it. I want you to cancel my admission right here and now."

He said, "Now, young lady. Let me discuss the matter with Headmaster."

I nodded as he got up to make a phone call. Soon, I was summoned to the Headmaster's office and repeated the same words to him. As I was an adult and legally allowed to make such a decision for myself, after a question or two, he finally agreed. The man from earlier told me the procedure and asked me to bring the papers needed for that. He leaned back in his chair like I was dismissed. But I was two steps ahead of him. I opened my bag and took out the documents he asked for.

He was surprised, after all, not every day a student barged into his office and demanded to cancel admission to the most reputed Business University. He dug himself into the papers and computer screen. After a while, he asked me if it was my final decision. I replied with confidence that yes, it was my final decision. He clicked enter and told me that I was good to go.

I was not surprised when I was bashed by my parents for the decision I made. Father did not talk to me for straight two weeks and Mother never left any chance to berate me or taunt me. But I didn't let that get into my head. For once, I knew what I wanted and I was willing to do everything in my power to get that.

After another week, I finally got an acceptance letter from the Fashion & Designing University and told my parents that I am going to take that opportunity. Father showed his disappointment by shaking his head and muttering, "Only if I would have a son." Mother, on the other hand, glared at me and said shamelessly, "I'm waiting for the day you'll regret this foolish decision of yours."

=======

The bang of the door opening brought me back to the present. Mother stomped into my room with Ms. Jane behind her. She was carrying a purple dress and a pair of sandals. The trauma of the last party wasn't over yet and here we were having another one?

Mother gestured to Ms. Jane to go to my closet and set the dress there. And to me, she said, "You are going out on lunch."

I frowned in confusion, "Lunch? With whom?"

She blinked at me, "Your groom?"

I rolled my eyes, "First of all, stop calling him my groom. We aren't married yet. Secondly, I don't even know him, Mother."

She sighed in annoyance, "This generation." She paused and said, "About not knowing each other. Well, he wants to take you out for a lunch for the very same purpose."

I laughed bitterly, "Oh, so he does have some common sense."

Mother eyed me, "You'll be wearing that dress. And you need to be at Hotel Mariott by 1 pm." She narrowed her eyes, "Sharp."

I gestured down to my bag, "I have classes today."

She straightened her hair, "One day leave won't harm your studies."

I couldn't miss out on the classes. But Mother would never understand that. So, I said dejectedly, "All right, I'll come back early to get ready and go for this lunch."

She mumbled, "Better," and turned around to march out of the room.

=======