Chapter 1 You have dreams

"Mom, I will not wear this dress!" She didn't even look at me when I mentioned it to her again, as usual.

The gown was stunning. The dress had a deep neckline and was off-the-shoulder and bodycon.

Although I'm not into these kinds of dresses, I don't dislike the dress. I typically dress in T-shirts and jeans.

Where my mother wants to take me is unknown to me. I graduated yesterday, but she wasn't there. It didn't affect me as much anymore, so I didn't complain too much.

I had no idea where we were heading.

Not only that, but she also makes the effort to dress me nicely, and this is the first time she has ever taken me anyplace.

This has never occurred before!

I felt uncomfortable in this clothing, but I said nothing because I had nowhere else to go.

Her voice was chirping, "Let's go, honey,"

Her conduct was pleasant, and I had no idea why she was so joyful today. This is strange!

I followed her after giving her a nod.

"I want you to act as well as you can there... "You will see my worst if I receive any complaints about your behavior," she warned, holding my wrist forcefully, which could result in a bruise later.

My eyes were watering and on the verge of spilling, but I forced myself to stop and gave her a nod.

We drove for a few minutes and finally reached an opulent restaurant.

I glanced at the enormous, towering skyscraper.

"Behave, Evelyn."

I looked down as soon as my mother gritted her teeth. My mother began to walk, and I went with her. We walked into the restaurant and a man came up to us.

He smiled as he looked at me and said, "Ma'am, how can I help you?"

The way he gazed at me made me uneasy, so I pulled a lock of hair behind my ear.

"We are here to meet Mr. Ashford," my mother remarked with a smile.

After saying, "Oh, follow me, ma'am," he began to move.

We went with him.

Which Mr. Ashford is he?

We came here to meet him, but why?

When I heard my mother's voice, I was still thinking about the encounter.

"Mr. Ashford, it's nice to see you."

Her voice was unusually lovely, and I noticed it. I noticed a man with his back to us when I looked forward. I could tell by his posture that he was standing as though he controlled the restaurant, even though we were facing his back.

He was standing quite erect, and his shoulders were wide. Most likely, he was taller than six feet. The sound of my mother's voice caused him to turn.

I had never seen such a beautiful dude. I couldn't take my eyes off his face as he gazed at my mom. He reached into his pocket and lifted his wide chest in our direction.

Oh God! Is he genuine?

I investigated him without shame, but as soon as our gazes locked, I looked down and swallowed. An embarrassed flush came over me. How could I, dear God?

I felt so embarrassed about myself. I had never acted like this before. He nodded, looking at my mom.

She continued, "Mr. Ashford, meet my daughter, Evelyn," while cradling my shoulders and showcasing me to him.

He regarded me as though he were examining every inch of me. I lowered my head, uneasy in his piercing stare.

After inhaling deeply, he glanced back at my mother and nodded. As though they were speaking directly into one other's eyes. I didn't comprehend anything at all.

"I hope you like her," she remarked with a broad smile.

Just like her!

What does that signify to her?

His phone rang before either he or I could ask any questions. I glanced at my mother, who appeared a little anxious after he excused himself.

"Mom, what do you mean by 'like her'?" She was asked. She smirked after glancing at me.

"You are going to marry him, honey," she added while embracing me by the wrists.

I stared at her in disbelief. My graduation was yesterday! Dreams! I wanted to satisfy them! I'm unable to get married! She couldn't have! Await! And with whom? "He"?

She exclaimed before I could inquire, "Stop letting your worthless head go wild! Yes, indeed! He's telling me, "It's him." Before I could question her further or refute this, he returned to us.

How could this man want to marry me? I asked him incredulously. Check him out! Look at me, too!

"Mr. Ashford, you like her...right?" Mom asked again.

How hopeless!

"I want to talk to her" His voice came to me for the first time. It was husky, muscular, and deep! Just listening to his voice would make anyone tremble. My mother gave a foolish smile and nodded.

My impulse was to yell at her. How could she have decided to marry me off? Moreover, it was to someone I had never met.

He gazed at me as though he were blazing a hole through my body as my mother left. I made an uncomfortable shift.

He was the first, then this dress.

I stared at him, then looked down again. I didn't want to look into those intense eyes, and I didn't want him to know how I felt on the inside.

Taking my name, he said, "Miss Benson..." None of the other people who had mentioned it sounded like it.

"Please have a seat," he said, pointing to the chair in front of him. I took a seat quietly.

Coldly, he asked me, "Do you have any questions regarding this marriage?"

I was conflicted about whether or not to ask, but I wanted to. Finally, though, I decided to inquire.

"Wh-Why do you want to marry me?" I asked him uneasily. I wanted to ask the most crucial question.

After letting out a deep breath, he spoke.

His statement, "I have a daughter," was shocking. I wanted to ask him a lot more things while I stared at him, but he resumed his conversation.

"I just want a mother for my daughter, and that's why I am marrying you," replied the man.

When he said those words, all of my hopes of being loved were dashed. I stared at him incredulously.

Observe, Miss Benson... You have dreams, and I am aware that you graduated yesterday. I'll provide you with all the financial help you need to fulfill them. However, you must be my daughter's mother in exchange. Nothing will change after the marriage is over. He clarified, "You will only be her mother, not my wife." He paused for a minute and gave the specific line more emphasis.

"A mother, but not a wife."

"Okay," I answered.

"Only a mother, but not a wife."