Chapter 0005

Arabella.

“Miss,” The lady glanced up at me with obvious worry in her eyes. “Is the dress too tight?”

I quickly removed my hand from my abdomen and offered an apologetic smile. The last thing I want to do is ruin this and whatever Ashton has planned for us.

I’m supposed to be happy and not killing myself with too many thoughts.

“I’m fine,” I told her.

“I just feel too excited,”

She smiled and nodded in understanding, “It’s normal for a lady to feel excited about her date, especially with that of the one you love,”

I smiled, yes I do love Ashton.

After getting that call from Ashton hours ago, I decided to go to the shop but the lady insisted on coming home with me. So here I am already dressed up and waiting for Ashton to come pick me up, I am a bit glad that none of his family was around.

I don’t know what they would do if they were.

“Are you okay?” Agnes asked beside me.

I had no choice but to invite her over, I feel like I’m going crazy with thinking so having her here helped me.

I smiled and nodded, “I’m fine,”

I’ve spent the past month waiting for this day and I can’t believe it’s here—the day Ashton would forgive me for what I’ve done and love me for me.

I can’t believe it’s happening.

“There, all done,” the lady behind me said and I looked at the mirror.

I looked beautiful, my makeup was flawless, subtle yet with a smoky effect that brought out my eyes. My hair has been curled and tied in a loose bun with tendrils of hair framing my face. The dress is gorgeous—a knee-length blue silhouette bodice covered entirely in lace with a sweetheart neckline that leads to off-the-shoulder short sleeves.

Agnes walked up behind me and our eyes locked in the mirror. Her smile was bigger than mine, I’m glad she wasn’t as stressed as she was this afternoon.

“You look really beautiful Ara,”

“Thank you, love,” I told her back.

I heard footsteps outside the room and for no reason my heart started beating wildly; not the scared type but the excited type.

The door opened revealing Ashton in all of his handsome glory, our eyes connected in the mirror and I smiled at him.

“Everyone out,” he told everyone, “I need a moment with my wife,”

All the women who had been fussing over me and my dress including Agnes quickly left the room. Agnes gave me one last squeeze before leaving as well.

She gave a small smile to Ashton on her way out. I let out a breath of relief knowing she didn’t show him any attitude, I wouldn’t say the same for Daniel though.

The door closed behind Agnes since she was the last person to leave and now it was just Ashton and I in the room.

His eyes refused to leave mine but he wasn’t saying anything.

He walked over to me with purposeful steps. He looks so good in a tux tailored to his body, his hair is nearly made and he looks perfect.

He’s my perfect handsome man.

“How do I look?” I asked when he wouldn’t say anything.

He placed his hand on my naked shoulders as he took in my full body, I shivered as I waited patiently for his reply.

He leaned closer to my ear and whispered in his ever-sexy voice. “You look like a fucking slut,”

My heart stopped beating after hearing that, I looked at the mirror only to get my eyes connected with his.

A slut?

That’s how I looked in his eyes? I dressed up, made myself look good for him and all he could call me is a slut.

“I would have asked you to change but we don’t have the time for that, let’s go,” he said and took his hands from my shoulders like they were burning him.

I watched Ashton in the mirror as he walked away without looking back, while I stayed glued to the ground. My legs couldn’t move, I still can’t get over the fact that my husband just called me a slut.

He stopped when he got to the door, he must have noticed that I was walking behind him.

“Do I need to drag your ass to the car Ara?” He asked glaring at me.

I stared at him in disbelief as a humorless laugh escaped my mouth. How? How does he expect me to follow him when he just downgraded me a minute ago?

“Arabella!” He snapped and rushed towards me when I didn’t make any attempt to move.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” I told him without looking at him.

All evening I had this hopeful feeling that things were working out, I had this feeling that this date would bring back what we had but guess I was wrong. Ashton can’t change.

“I don’t know why has suddenly gotten into you but I want you in the car right now,” he hissed and I shook my head.

“I said I’m not going with….” He held my hand dragging me forward with so much force and if I wasn’t quick to stabilize myself I would’ve found myself on the floor.

“I don’t have the time to have this meaningless argument with you. You are coming with me and that’s final,” he said, dragging me out of the room.

Gosh, what has become of Ashton? Why is he acting like this?

“At least let me change,” I whispered to him as I dutifully walked behind him.

He passed me a sharp glare. “That wouldn’t be necessary since you wish to show everyone what you are then there’s no need for you to do that,” he said angrily.

I gulped, wondering what he was angry about.

I looked down at my dress, it was okay, and apart from my cleavage that was showing a bit the dress was okay.

I remained calm and refused to let the tears fall as Ashton dragged me to the car. I was relieved to know Agnes and the ladies were gone. I would have died of embarrassment if they had seen this.

I entered the car while Ashton did the same, he took a seat far from me then brought his phone out and started typing on it.

The driver started the car and drove out of the driveway, I looked at Ashton and asked quietly.

“Where are we going?” He answered without glancing at me.

“None of your business!” He snapped.

I nodded and squeezed my hands tightly on my lap. I looked at the dark sky through the window and prayed this date would go well.