Chapter 4

LENNOX

“You don’t have to do this, Ashford. I can just make up a lie for my Mom.” I turn to Ashford, whose eyes are fixed on the road, his forearms flexing like a gym instructor.

“We are already here, Nox. I’m sorry for putting you in this mess.” He sounds apologetic as he pulls into the garage.

We both get out of the car, and just like two days ago, Joshua’s Aston Martin is in the garage. It seems Liana brought it again.

“Liana is here.” I blurt out and Ashford’s gaze falls on the car.

“Is that the bastard’s car?” His jaw tightens as he glares at the car, willing it to disappear. “Ugly-ass car.”

A chuckle spills out of my mouth at the distaste in his words. “Calm down, Ashford. If anything happens to the car, you’d be my number one suspect.”

“I don’t mind destroying it.” He reaches my side and snakes his huge hand around my waist.

I freeze for a second before adjusting to his hand around my waist. “Taking your job as my fake Fiancé seriously, aren’t you?” I smirk playfully.

Ashford stares at me for a second too long, making me shift from one foot to the other. My feet are killing me, but his stare is doing more.

“You’re staring, Ashford.” A breath whoosh out of me as I remind him. “One would mistake this charade for a real deal.”

“I’m just wondering how that douchebag ex of yours could cheat on you and even go ahead to marry your sister.” He whispers in a low voice, one that has shivers slithering down my spine.

“Like Liana said, maybe we weren’t meant to be.” I shrug. “Let’s go in. Everyone is waiting.”

   As soon as we walk into the dining room where everyone is gathered, Mom gasps, staring at Ashford like he is a demigod. A hot demigod.

“Mom, Dad, Grandma Danny, this is Ashford Winslow, my….” The word ‘best friend’ almost slips out, but one look from Ashford has my sense returning. “My fiancé.”

“Hi, everyone. It’s nice to meet you.” Ashford offers a smile, but Mom brings out her phone and fires a text to the family group shamelessly.

‘Geez. He is hot.’ 

‘How did you bag a hot man like this, Lennox?’ Grandma Danny joins the conversation.

My phone keeps dinging with multiple messages. When I raise my gaze up at Ashford, he stands beside me, confused as to why multiple messages keep popping in. “I’m sorry.” I flash him a smile.

‘Have you fucked him yet?’ Mom shamelessly asks and heat floods my cheeks.

‘Mom!’ 

Dad, who is sitting besides Mom clears his throat and all typing in the group comes to an end instantly.

“You can have your seat, Mr. Ashford.” Dad offers.

Ashford sits beside me as the chef brings in dinner.

“Mom, how did you know I was the one in the photo? I did well to hide my face.” I ask and Mom smirks.

“Even with a blindfold, I can tell it was you.” She brags as her eyes fall on the engagement ring around my finger. “This ring is beautiful.”

“Ashford specifically made it for me. There’s only one in this world.” My face goes hot as I brag.

“I wish your Dad loves me to this extent.” Mom clears her throat as she glares at Dad.

 Silence settles among us when Liana walks in. She doesn’t come alone, but with her fiancé, Joshua.

Tension fills the air as they both settle in their seats. “Mom, Dad, Grandma Danny, this is Joshua Rufus, my fiancé and the father of my child.”

Mom forces a polite smile. “Welcome, Joshua.”

“Thank you, Ma.” He replies as his gaze shifts to me and a frown settles in between his brows.

I bet he never expected to see me here with another man. 

My throat tightens and my stomach twists painfully. 

Why is it so hard to get rid of this sick, disgusting feeling gnarling at me?

“Are you okay?” Ashford leans in and whispers into my ear, his huge hand covering mine.

I nod and force a smile. “Yes, I am fine.” 

Liana’s gaze falls on the huge diamond ring around my finger and for a split second, her expression shifts to what I suppose is anger.

“We will leave for the Seravelle Island in two weeks for my wedding.” She announces, as she reaches for Joshua’s hand and interlocks it with hers.

“Isn’t two weeks a bit early?” Mom asks, but Liana jumps in before she can speak any further.

“A wedding is no small preparation. The two weeks aren't even enough, but we can manage.” Liana looks my way and asks. “Will you be attending with your fiancé?” 

“Of course. Right babe?” I turn to Ashford, flashing him a smile. I don’t want anyone to see past the charade we put together.

“Yes,” Ashford leans closer, pushing a strand of hair from my face. He is so gentle with it that for a second, my heart skips a beat. “I’ll clear up my schedule and accompany you. Anything for you, sunshine.”

He doesn’t mind the fact that my parents, Grandma, older sister and even my ex-boyfriend are sitting around us. He makes it seem like I am the only one he can see. The only one in his world.

Ashford makes the charade feel too real and I can’t be more grateful for him.

“I need to use the restroom, I will be back.” I need a break from everything. The act, the tension, the heartbreak. I want out on everything.

I make my way to the restroom upstairs, resting my back against the wall as I take in slow breaths. Once I am able to breathe again, I push the door open to leave, only to meet Liana outside the restroom. Face flush with anger.

“What was that back there?” She steps closer, her voice filled with so much anger it radiates off her in waves.

“I don’t understand.” My brows furrow as I wipe my hands clean. 

“Are you trying to ruin my wedding?” She grits.

“Why would I think of doing that?” I am genuinely confused at her sudden outburst.

“You think faking it with your best friend will help?” She inches closer. “Are you trying to make Joshua jealous?”

I bark out a crazy laugh, throwing my head back. “Make Joshua jealous? I won't go back to my trash, dear sister.”

“What? My fiancé is trash?” Liana reaches for my hair in an attempt to rip it off my scalp, but… “Argh!! Leave me!”

Ashford steps forward, holding both her hands away from my hair. “Don’t you dare lay your hands on my woman.”

Raw, undiluted shiver slithers down my spine at the fury blazing in Ashford’s eyes. I have never seen him this angry before. He seems like an entirely different person.

“Let go of my wife.” Joshua steps in, holding Liana by the waist as he glares at me.

“If she knows what’s good for her, she should never lay a hand on Lennox. Or else, she won’t like what comes next.” Ashford turns to me afterwards, his hands on my chin, checking for any sign of injury. “Sunshine, are you okay?”

Still in shock, I nod slowly, watching as he engulfs me in his arms, so tight I can barely breathe. “I’m glad you’re okay.”