Novels by Selene Ashford

Ariana povEthan’s presence filled the doorway like he owned the entire world, which, considering his wealth, he probably did. He looked impossibly composed in his black tuxedo, every line was perfectly tailored to his frame.“Everyone out,” he said quietly, but the way he said it left absolutely no room for argument.“But Ethan…” Mom started.“ Now.”The photographer packed his equipment with record speed. The makeup artist grabbed her brushes. Even Mom seemed to understand this wasn’t a request.“Come on, Emma,” Mom said, tugging my sister toward the door.Emma’s face had gone pale, her earlier tears were long forgotten as she stared at Ethan with something that looked like fear. “We were just trying to help…”“Out..and I won’t repeat myself” Ethan said.As the room cleared, I noticed the slight tremor in his hands as he loosened his tie. He coughed into a small tissue and for just a moment, his composed mask slipped off . He looked tired, almost fragile, though he was still the m

Ariana POVThe delivery truck was just leaving the building when Clara appeared in my doorway, practically bouncing with excitement.“It’s finally here, isn’t it?” she said, eyeing the white box on my bed.I nodded, suddenly feeling the weight of tomorrow settling on my shoulders. We carefully untied the silk ribbon and lifted the lid. The dress was perfectly folded in the box, every pearl and bead was exactly where it should be.“The alterations look perfect…they really know their stuff,” I said, lifting it gently to examine the hem of the dress. My throat felt tight for some reason. Tomorrow, I would put this on and walk down an aisle to marry a man I barely knew. For a year.“Hey.” Clara’s voice was softer now. “Are you okay?”“Yeah, just… it’s really happening, isn’t it?”Before Clara could answer, the doorbell chimed downstairs. Through my window, I watched a taxi pull away, and Emma l standing on the front steps with an overnight bag.“What the hell …What’s Emma doing here?” Cl

*Ariana POV*The next evening, I found myself fidgeting in the passenger seat of Ethan’s car as we pulled into my parents’ driveway. Both their cars were there, which meant I would have to get my books while avoiding questions about what exactly I was collecting, and also try to avoid my sister in the process…“Relax,” Ethan said, turning off the engine. “You look like you’re about to rob a bank.”“I’m fine,” I muttered, smoothing down my skirt.“Sure you are. That’s why you have been wringing your hands for the past ten minutes.”Before I could respond, the front door opened and my parents appeared, followed by my dear sister Emma who looked annoyingly pleased to see Ethan again.“What a lovely surprise!” Mom said with a smile, hurrying over to give me a hug before turning to Ethan. “Even though you mentioned you would be coming, it’s still nice to see you here.”Ethan gave a polite nod. “I figured it would be a good time to stop by again.”Emma’s eyes brightened. “Well, it’s thoug

Ariana povAfter the less-than-pleasant episode with my mom, we walked back into the dining room, pretending as if nothing had happened between us.Although, I wasn’t sure if I was doing a very good job at it.The dinner was still ongoing, the room filled with the rich, mouthwatering aroma of the feast laid out before us.Roast chicken glazed with lemon and herbs sat at the center of the table, surrounded by bowls of creamy garlic mashed potatoes, buttery asparagus, honey-glazed carrots, wild rice pilaf, and a platter of seared salmon drizzled with dill sauce.As we took our seats, Mrs. Vivian smiled and turned toward my mother.“Since the wedding is the day after tomorrow, would you be staying over?” she asked pleasantly.“No,” my mother replied, her voice cool. “I really have something important I need to do.”Mrs. Vivian nodded, then turned her attention to me.“Ariana has always been such a strong girl. I think she’ll manage just fine on her own.”I forced a small, polite smile, m

Ariana povThe moment passed, thankfully, when the cook announced that lunch was ready. I wasn’t used to having so much attention on me.From the second I sat down, Linda hadn’t stopped shooting glares my way. I responded with the only weapon I had—a smile. At the end of this one-year arrangement, I’d be done and out of their way. Ethan could return to whoever this Cassandra person was—the woman his sister clearly preferred. But that thought—it didn’t sit well. Why was he here with me if he promised marriage to someone else?I bit my lip, forcing the question down.Would asking him be overstepping? Or worse, would it make me sound like I cared so much about his business?I was still lost in thought when the butler appeared at the door and announced the arrival of my family.A strange smile bloomed on my face. I hadn’t wanted them to come initially—I was terrified that everything would be awkward ,but they were still my family. And I loved them. I sat up straighter as they entered th

Ariana’s POV It had been five days since I moved into Ethan’s house— And today? His mother was coming. Along with his sister. My stomach was practically doing backflips. The Olympics were happening there and I was losing. I pressed my phone between my ear and shoulder as I brushed my teeth,my voice muffled by the buzz of the toothbrush. “Clara!” I whined, “I’m losing my mind. What if they don’t like me? Or worse, what if they really don’t like me?” “Girl, calm down,” Clara said, absolutely unfazed. “You’re cute. You’re lovable. How could anyone hate you? Look at those chubby cheeks!” I paused to glance at the mirror. “…Well. I guess you’re right.” “Besides,” she added, “this isn’t even a real marriage. You’re doing their son a favor, remember?” I rinsed my mouth and leaned against the sink like the drama queen I was becoming. “I haven’t even told you the worst part.” “Oh God, what now?” “Ethan invited my parents too.” I groaned. “Since the wedding is next tomo