Chapter 4 Silver ring

Evelyn's POV.

Your fiancée?

Maria's words sounded more like a query. I glanced at her response. Mine, however, was the same.

as I am not yet his fiancée!

Mr. Ashford's wide voice responded, "Yeah.." Isa remained in his arms, watching us curiously. She had no idea what we were discussing.

"Princess, did you have your breakfast?"

Isa, who was smiling and nodding her head, was asked by Mr. Ashford.

She answered, "Yes, mommy feeds me with her hands," as she turned to face me.

Mr. Ashford glanced at her and then back at me. After giving her a small smile, he released her. He replied as he turned to face me.

Feel free, Miss Benson. Could you show Miss Benson about the house? He said courteously, and Maria nodded. "Miss Benson, please come to my office when you're finished."

It sounded more like an order than a question. He went anywhere inside after I nodded and swallowed.

Isa chirped, "Let's go to my room, Mommy," and pulled me in the direction of I don't know. Maria was pursuing us. She went back and then returned with a glass of water as I walked into her room.

I accepted what she gave. I felt a little thirsty.

Isa was occupied with showing me her toys and narrating stories in her infantile voice, which was accompanied by a limited language. I sensed like someone was watching me at the moment. Yes, that is Maria. She averted her gaze after I gave her a couple glances.

I got up and signed. I said as I approached Maria.

"Is there anything you want to ask Maria?"

After a moment of hesitation, she asked.

"How old are you? She remarked quietly, "I mean, you look pretty young for Mr. Ashford." I laughed and answered her.

I told her, "I am 19 and yes, I am younger than him," but her next question really got me to consider.

Her voice was cautious but full of concern as she asked, "Are you happy with this...."

Am I?

Yes?

No?

While I was contemplating, I inadvertently Isa caught my attention. "Yes... I am" was my response, and she smiled when I told her.

She joined her in prayer, saying, "Thank God... I am so happy for Mr. Ashford deserves some happiness." I gave her a smile before turning back to face the vivacious Isa, who was now wearing a rather worn-out expression. She came to me looking exhausted as I approached her. She hugged me and rested her head on my shoulder.

"Are you sleepy baby?"

I ran my hand through her hair and asked her. She gave me a neck nod.

I went to her bed after picking her up. I covered her with a duvet and placed her there. I lingered there for a few minutes, stroking her hair. The angel then entered her dream world.

I got up and walked down the corridor, where I saw Maria coming from somewhere.

She questioned me about Isa after glancing at me, and I said that she was asleep.

"Ohh, and Evelyn, Mr. Ashford is in his office waiting for you." I gave her a wide-eyed stare. He told me already, of course, but I was ignoring it until now.

She smiled and ordered me to follow her after I nodded. While traveling, my sole thought was, "Why?"

He wants me there, but why?

She interrupted my train of thought when she stated, "Here we are....go inside he is waiting for you." I gave her a nod while forcing myself to bite my lip to stop my racing heart.

I heard a deep, male voice when I knocked on the door.

"Come in" I said as I walked into the room and peered into the office.

Was it real?

Everything in the office was chic and elegant. After hearing someone clear my throat, I stopped having my mouth open.I glanced at him as my head jerked in that direction.

With his calculating gaze, he seemed like a king sitting on his throne. His laptop and several files were in front of him.

I stood in the center of the room and mumbled my apology.

Without showing any emotion, he continued, "Miss Benson, please take a seat." I gave him a nod and took a seat on the couch close by.

He broke the tense stillness that had been there for a few seconds.

"I hope you didn't mind Bella calling you mommy"

I casually said to him, "No, it's alright.." That small doll doesn't bother me at all.

He opened his mouth once again and said, "Miss Benson, we're getting married in a week." He didn't ask or say anything; he simply gave the order.

CRAZY!

"Wh-what??"

I questioned incredulously. How can he simply set the date of our marriage without coming to me?

He said, "You hear me right," as he glanced at his laptop.

How is he able to be that casual?

"I-you how??"

I'm not sure what to inquire about. How can he make that decision, really?

"Any problems Miss Benson?"

His tone was bored as he asked. At least he should ask me once, even though I doubt we are close enough to talk about our wedding date!

Oh crap, I'm not prepared!

I want to cry.

"Why so soon?"

Because I am aware that you set our wedding date without consulting me. It will be a pointless inquiry. He can claim that your mother is aware of the date or that she complies with it. I'll be unable to speak.

He inquired as to "What's the problem with the date?" He looked quite intimate as he joined both and used that to hold his chin.

"Nothing I ju-just......"

I am at a loss for words! I say I'm not ready, but then I recall what my mother said: "Evelyn I tell you that if you do anything to undermine the union, you will witness my worst side beyond your wildest expectations.

She uttered these words in my ears just before I left for here, and they are still reverberating in my ears.

I was trying to keep myself from crying in front of him. He was observing me intently, which in some ways made me feel weak.

"There aren't any problems so... I believe the dates are good.... right Miss Benson?"

He said, shifting his stance. He now leaned like a merciless king on his chair. He looks fantastic!

In front of his eyes, I could feel my cheeks starting to heat. God! Why must he always do something that makes me unable to speak?

He was staring at me, and I knew that if I looked at him, I would look much more ashamed, so I glanced down.

He hummed back as I gave him a nod. He seemed to be looking for something as he gazed down. All I could do was reflect on how my life had transformed in just 48 hours!

He yelled out to me, "Miss Benson..." and when I looked up, I saw that he was carrying something.

A ring?

The ring was sent my way by him. And I gave him a perplexed expression. I examined the band; it was a diamond ring in the old style.

He said, "Wear it," and I gave him a look. He himself wore a silver ring.

In actuality, I am aware that he said, "You are my fiancee and we aren't engaged yet.... so now we are."

Isn't it our duty to trade rings?

He told me to leave and returned to his job. As I stood up, I asked myself, "Am I engaged?"