Chapter 2 ANOTHER CHOICE

Ashlyn point of view

I bent my face closer to the mirror, wiping away the heavy coatings of makeup that hid my face. I wanted to see the girl, Ashlyn very well.

After a thorough cleaning, I could now see her bold eyes, staring back at me. She was indeed a very pretty lady even without makeup.

This Ashlyn... her appearance was different, yet the fire in her eyes was the same one that burned in Hannah, the commander who was betrayed on the battlefield.

"I'll avenge you, Ashlyn, I'll make everyone that caused you pain to pay, you'll mock them just as they have mocked you," I whispered, staring at my reflection with a cold stare. "They'll regret ever underestimating us."

So, I began to think of a way to build up myself and achieve this revenge. I mean, I couldn't do it without money.

Knowing that Ashlyn's mother had left her 20% of the Knight family's shares. Made me smile. That was the tool we needed. But then, the cruel condition. I can only get those shares if I am to be married. My jaw dropped. "Who am I going to marry now, since my wedding with Chris didn't work out? How would I get the money I needed? I was stuck and didn't know what else to think about.

Just as I was lost in thought, my phone beeped, and I almost jumped. I didn't even realize it was still with me. I thought I had lost it at the church or whoever that brought me here took it. I picked it up immediately, and the caller ID showed it was Christopher's father.

Hmmm..why is he calling me? I believed he and his son would be happy embarrassing me the way they did. I thought.

I answered, "Mr. White?"

"Ashlyn," his voice was calm, and almost pleading. "How are you doing? Please, I want you to come to the house. Let's talk this through. I know there's been... some misunderstandings."

My grip on the phone tightened. "Misunderstandings? You mean the way your son humiliated me?"

He sighed, his tone softened. "I understand your anger, Ashlyn. But please, come and talk. You deserve some answers and maybe we could resolve things and you can have your wedding, Please."

I hesitated, but something in his voice, maybe desperation or honesty made me change my mind. He sounded genuine. "Fine. I'll come over."

After a quick change, I left the hospital, hailed a taxi, and instructed the driver to take me to the White family mansion. I stayed silent during the drive, my thoughts were churning as I thought about how Christopher had accused me without waiting to hear from my own side of the story. How dare he shame me like that? And now, his father wanted to talk? Oh! They better have a good explanation.

We pulled up to the White mansion, and I paid the driver. As he drove off, I took a long calming breath before making my way to the mansion entrance. I looked around, but I couldn't find anyone even the maids.

As I got to the door, I pushed it open and stepped inside.

"Hello? Is anyone here?" My voice echoed in the silence.

No answer. It felt Strange. I wandered through the empty hallways, the silence was uncomfortable. Did they invite me here to be all by myself? Like I want to be here?

"Hello?" I called again, and was a bit louder. Yet, there was no answer.

As I passed by a closed door, I heard the faint voices of a man and a woman. I guess they were too deep in their discussion to even hear my voice.

I was halfway opening the door handle when I recognized the voice. It was the voice of Christopher and his mother.

I got curious, what could they be discussing? I pressed my ears on the door to get the details of what they were saying.

Then, I froze. They were talking about me.

"...just marry her for the shares," she said, in a gentle, convincing tone. "Once you're married, you can divorce her. You'll get what you need, and also take your own cut."

My heart dropped as I strained to hear Christopher's response.

"Mother, I don't know," he said, sounding hesitant.

"Think about it, Christopher," she urged. "This is a business decision. You don't have to love her. Just... marry her, get those shares, and then you're free to do as you please. It's what's best for the family."

There was a pause, and then I heard him sigh. "Fine. I'll do it. For business."

I clutched the doorframe, my heart was beating too fast. They only wanted me for the shares, nothing more. Christopher... jezz! Is that why they called me back?

So that was why Mr Whites was so eager to make peace between us so he could bind me to Christopher. Because they wanted to take control of my inheritance? and discard me like trash? Who has no feeling?

I shook my head, the thought made my stomach turn. What was I even thinking coming back here after the humiliation?

Tears pricked at my eyes, but I bit down the pain. I wouldn't stand here and just cry. Without a word, I turned and fled out of the mansion.

As soon as I got outside, I fought to catch my breath, my chest was heaving as I tried to process what I'd just heard.

If they thought they could manipulate me, they were wrong. If they wanted to play games, I would show them how ruthless I could be.

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

By the time I got home, I already had a new plan, clear and sharp as a blade. I would get married, yes, but not to Christopher. I would find someone, anyone, and take back what was mine. Then with my shares in my custody, I would show the White family what it meant to cross Ashlyn Knight.

The next day, I arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau, looking around the room for a potential groom. I tried not to look desperate, but with each passing minute, I began to grow impatient.

Men came and went, but none seemed right, or they were already there with other women.

Just when I was starting to lose hope, thinking that it was all a bad idea, my eyes caught someone.

"Wow!" I exclaimed.