Chapter 9

PRESENT

(THE DAY OF ENGAGEMENT)

I was trying really hard not to panic but was failing miserably. Today was the day.

It's today.

Ashley Payne you're getting engaged.

To a monster.

To your ex.

To your enemy.

To a person you hate.

Do you want this?

OMG shut up shut up shut up, inner me!!!

This is already the worst day of my life, stop making it worse, if that's even possible.

I took in a deep breath. I've got this. It'll be okay. Once this drama gets over, I can finally work on my revenge. Take deep breaths. Take deep breaths.

My mother walked in wearing a purple dress.

" Ashley, you still haven't gotten ready?! We don't have the entire day. Come on hurry up. We have to reach their house by five. "

The engagement party was being held at Liam's house. They literally had a mansion. The invitees were just family and friends. Talking of friends, Miranda still hadn't arrived. I called her again and thats when the door burst open.

" Dammit woman , I only have two legs! "

" And I only have 30 minutes! Where were you? "

" Okay homie listen up. Firstly, out of no where you suddenly say that you're going to get married and also to a J. E. R. K. and you expect me to act all okay and dress you up for the engagement? Oh, and the fun part, you're now angry cause I arri-"

" Miranda, I'm so sorry about that. I really am. I'm panicking here. Please let's just get ready. I'll tell you everything at the party. I promise. Please? "

She shifted a bit and looked at her feet, "Well you're my best friend. I can't really stay mad at you. "

I rushed and hugged her tight, " Now let's get ready, shall we? "

I wore a simple yet elegant white dress that reached my knees. I wasn't too much show-off neither too simple.

I've always loved this dress

I've always loved this dress. Miranda herself got ready and then she made my hair into a an elegant bun, while I straightened hers. I always loved her natural brownish hair. Mine was plain black.

She hurried downstairs and I moved sluggishly.

" Ashley Payne, hurry up and get down right now! ", my mother shouted.

I let out a deep and noisy sigh. I saw my father and he gave me a small smile. I smiled back and locked my arms with his.

" Ready? "

" Never, Dad. "

We both laughed and made our way towards our black car. Mom and dad took the seats at the front while I and Ashley sat behind.

I've got this. It'll be over soon. Keep your shit together. I kept on chanting to myself in order to calm myself down. This decision better be good.

*

*

*

The entire hall was magnificent and was beautifully decorated. People had already started coming and there were fairy lights everywhere in the big garden. And the center of attention was the big and beautiful chandelier that hung at the center of the hall. I looked everywhere in awe.

Once I entered the hall, everyone's gaze directed towards me and my palms began sweating. I hate so much attention. My parents began greeting everyone while I and Miranda began giving small smiles.

" Jerk's rich and no wonder spoilt. " , Miranda whispered.

" You bet. " , I whispered back.

"Will Amanda be coming? ", I asked dad.

"I'm afraid not sweetie. She has her mid semester tests. "

I gave a slight nod. Amanda was my little sister whom I loved more than anything and anyone. She was way more matured for her age. She was in Columbus studying in Ohio State University. I really needed someone to talk to about this and she was the one I needed right now. I took Miranda's hand and made my way to a quiet region of the hall. The Andersons were no where to be seen. I'm sure they are planning some grand entrance. My parents too were busy talking with some friends of theirs.

" Did you take me here to explain the drama going in your life? Cause you better start or I'm gonnna run off to the bar. It's calling me. " , she made a stupid dragging action towards the bar that was behind us.

"Yes I did. Now act civil. "

" Look who's talking about acting civil. " , she made an amused face.

I rolled my eyes and let out a small laugh, " So, coming back to the topic..... this marriage is a sham. "

" A sham? "

" Yep. I'm doing all this to get revenge, my long- time -wanted revenge . Look, Liam is the worst possible person, no doubt. But that's the entire point of all this. I'm gonna deflate that bloody ego of his and make him pay for his past deeds. And if marrying him makes it happen then be it. I'm ready for the challenge. I mean, he bought our company just to piss me off again. And the worst part, I'm his PA!! He surely is thinking of some plan, Mira. I'm sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that, I've changed. I've changed for the better. He doesn't know this new me. I'll make him pay. I promise. "

She smiled widely, " My baby grew up. "

I playfully glared at her but ended up laughing, " Go. "

"Where ?"

"To your lover. " ,I said tilting my head towards the bar. She smiled and made her way to the bar.

I tried searching for my parents but couldn't.

"Ashley Payne? That you? "

"Oh my god! Lucas?! "

I sped up towards him and hugged him tightly. Lucas was one of the closest friends of Liam. When me and Liam were together, all of us were kinda buddies.

"How have you been? ", I asked.

" Good. In fact, my restaurant is in among the top five in US right now."

"Oh really?! That's really great. I'm so very happy for you."

"Look at you. All grown up and marrying Liam. We all kinda put our bets into this. "

" What bets? "

"Well you know, when we were at the university, we boys kinda put our bets into this, you marrying Liam and all. Guess he's winning ." , he said with a playful grin.

My eyes widened. He wanted to marry me since college? But then, why would he...

"Ashley dear!"

I turned around and saw Natasha and Derek approach me. I smiled as much as I could. But jokes and wealth apart, both of them were really nice person. It was rare to find people who were so kind and not haughty. I sometimes felt sorry for them cause they have Liam as their son. That jerk.

"We met your parents. I think it's time we get the show started. Liam will be coming shortly. Why don't you go to the second floor? I think Linda was calling for you. ", she said.

I nodded and looked at Lucas. I gave a small nod towards him and made my way to the staircase.

She was probably calling me to change into some girly outfit. But this time I'm not going to fall for it. The music from the ground floor had faded away and it was kind of peaceful here. I made my way to the corridor but instantly halted. So fùčkîng many doors?! What the heck?

Should I do ' Eenie meeny miny moe? '

I took a deep breath and walked towards the left side of the aisle and then suddenly a sound caught my ears. It was coming from behind a door. Maybe my mom was inside this room.

I knocked twice on the door and waited for her to open.

The door flung open and what I saw next wasn't something I expected.

Liam was standing with just a towel around his torso and it looked like he just came out of a shower. My eyes widened and I could feel the redness creep on my face.

"I - I'm sorry , I c-came to... I, "

But before I could say anything else, he pulled me inside and locked the door with me trapped between him and the door. And the stupid smirk of his makes an appearance.

"I thought you had better sex tolerance. "

" Excuse me?" , I glared at him.

" Seriously Ashley stop playing the I'm so innocent card. We all know what you are. "

My eyes shot up to meet his.

"We all know what's behind that mask. How you act all innocent but there's a gold digger behind it. How you break hearts like glass, not caring once. How you-"

SLAP!

Tears were stinging my eye and I was trying hard not to ruin my make up.

"I can't believe they chose you!", I screamed .

"Oh, so you think I knew about all this? Marrying you was the last thought in my mind . But this comes with a revenge I've always wanted, I've always dreamt of. ", he spoke coldly.

I tried of calm myself. I had to keep my shit together. He can tell me whatever he wants right now. But after the marriage, the ball will be in my court. I had to act cool.

"Look, if we are marrying each other, we have to find a way to stand each other. I can't take any more troubles in my life. So after this whole marriage thing, let's just travel our own paths, not shoving our noses into each others business. Deal? ", I asked hoping he'd say yes.

"Deal", he said with a smirk "as long as you truly keep yourself to only yourself. "

I narrowed my eyes and said "As if. " and stormed away.

*

*

*

Derek was giving a speech and everyone had gathered around him. In less than two minutes, I'll be engaged to my enemy.

Deep breaths.

Deep breaths.

Deep breaths.

" I shall now call Liam and his beautiful fiance and my to be daughter-in-law , Ashley Payne. "

Everyone cheered and in the crowd I saw Miranda cheering as well.

I made my way to the center and smiled nervously. Liam came too and locked arms with me. He leaned towards me and I pulled away.

"Just act. " , he whispered.

I fake smiled and let him kiss my cheek. It was a quick peck. And then the rings came. He held my small hands in his large ones and my body shivered at his touch. So long, I've longed for his touch. But the past memories always overcame that desire.

He slipped the ring on my finger and it felt cold in my finger .

One down, another to go.