Chapter 137: Motto In Life

Ashton's POV

When Claire's family arrived, I wanted to take my wife and son out of the party since I knew my ex-fiancee's presence would do us no good, and I realized my dad was up to something.

When I looked at my wife, I could tell she was affected by Claire's presence, but she tried to hide her worries by smiling at me. And she gave me the encouragement that I needed.

"My love, I am your wife, and you are mine now; it would be okay if you will speak with her." She whispered, and I shook my head.

"There is nothing Claire and I should talk about, Meg; I will stay here by your side," I responded as I squeezed her hand.

"No, it would be harsh on her part; I knew she was one of your friends from the elite society, and I don't want her to think I am stopping you from greeting her." She said with a smile, but beneath her sweet smile, I could see uncertainties which is why I don't want to leave her.

Before I could reply to her, my father turned his attention to us; what I dreaded happened; my dad motioned me to come to their table. My wife was the one who pushed me to meet my ex.

I walked towards my dad's table with heavy steps and a heart. I was faking a smile the entire time, and I hated that Claire clung to me after she kissed my cheek. I could tell she wanted to kiss me on my lips, but I shifted my face so that she would kiss my cheek.

I know Claire and her mischievousness, and I knew she would do anything to wreck my relationship with Megan now that she knew I was married to her rival.

"How could you not tell me you are now a married man, Ashton?" She asked.

"I thought we were friends, and it was a slap on my face when one of my friends told me you tied the knot with that woman," Claire said as she looked at me; at how many times I removed her hand from my arms, but she could be a leech if she wanted too.

"Claire, you know I am going to marry Megan; I told you that she is the only woman who filled my heart with too much love and happiness that I could ask for," I replied, and she frowned.

"You don't need to remind me about it, Ashton," She replied.

"If you are really my friend, you should be happy for me, Claire. Can I introduce you to my beautiful wife and son?" I asked, and she shook her head.

"I think that is not a good idea, my dear; I don't want to be friends with your wife. I was your ex-fiancee, for heaven's sake. Don't cause additional damage to my heart." She responded, and I half laughed.

"Come on, Claire, I knew you didn't love me that way; you were only following your father's order just to have what you wanted, his inheritance," I responded, and her face blushed.

"You know that is not true, Ashton; I had always been in love with you." She said loud enough that my entire family turned their attention to us. I am glad Megan's family didn't hear any of it, or they will hate Claire more.

"Ashton, why don't you sit beside Claire? I am sure Megan will understand." My dad said, and the way he said it sounded more like an order.

"I should go back to them, dad," I replied as gently as possible, but he shook his head.

"The night is still young, son; you must join us; your wife could enjoy herself with her family." He said, I don't have a choice; I don't want my dad to be humiliated in front of his friend's family.

I glanced at Megan's table before I sat down beside Claire. I felt glad Alice was with Megan, and I could tell right now Megan's dad wanted to punch my dad by the way he looked at him.

I felt glad my father-in-law knew it wasn't my idea to have my ex's family attend the party. I hated my father for doing this to us. I thought he had changed, but I realized my father was hopeless. He only tried to be nice to Megan and her family to humiliate them in front of his friends.

I tried to join their conversation with excitement, but deep inside, I was trying to think of how to make my dad realize he could never tear us apart.

When sweet music came in the background, I excused myself right away; before my father and Claire could react, I was on my feet and went back to my wife, and I could see the surprised looked on Megan's face when I hauled her from her seat and kissed her on the lips in front of everyone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to officially introduce to you my lovely wife, Megan Corteza Pritzgold." I declared after sharing a beautiful kiss, and the guests cheered for us. I could see the smiles on their faces, except for my father and Claire.

"I wanted to give thanks to my parents, especially my dad, for throwing this wonderful party for my wife, son, and me. Words are not enough to express how happy I am right now for having you all. Thank you all for coming and for joining this wonderful event with us." I added.

I know I pissed my dad, but he was faking a smile, and Claire clapped her hands, but I could see the sinister look all over her facade, and I needed to be alert knowing she joined forces with my father, and I don't have regrets since I could see my dad's disappointment on me.

He looked triumphant when Claire stole the moment, and I was having a good time watching my father's defeat as I took my wife to the dance floor.

"What are you doing, Ashton?" She asked in more than a whisper.

"Dancing with my lovely wife," I responded as I pulled her closer to me.

"You don't need to fight back against your father, and I don't want his treatment towards Axel and me would change again," Megan replied, and I smiled at her.

"We both know the real purpose of why he acted differently on the previous days, Meg, and he only wanted to put you and your family into shame," I responded.

"The only way to get back at my father is by showing him how much we love and adore each other," I added as I put her hands around my neck.

"Don't try to make him look good, Megan; you don't have to do that; my old man will never change. He will always do things he thinks are best for me, and my father didn't realize he was doing the opposite." I continued.

"I am sorry that you go through this because of your love for me, but believe me, Megan, I will do everything I can to protect you. I love you, Meg." I whispered, and she smiled at me.

I beamed at Zachary and Alice for joining us right away on the dance floor; they gave us their full support as our closest friends, and I will be forever grateful to them for everything they had done for us.

I danced with my wife with happiness as I tried to set aside all my worries and anger until our son came towards us, and we let him join us. I could see the amusement of our guests as they looked at us as one happy family.

My father stood up and offered his hand to my mom, and they danced sweetly near us, and then he motioned Lennon to dance with Claire, and I knew right away what my father was doing. 

He switched partnered with Lennon, and after dancing with slow movements, Dad came to us and asked Axel to dance with her aunt Isabelle.

Then, he offered his hand to Megan, and I didn't want to let go of my wife's hand, but it would be inappropriate since I knew the rules for dancing slow music at social gatherings.

I could see the playful smile on Claire's face as she put her arms around my neck.

"Hey, handsome, do you think your father and I will stop?" She asked, and her question took me aback.

"Don't act so surprised, Ashton; I will have you in my life, whatever it takes; that is my new motto in life." She said, and I felt horrified, but I didn't show her I was affected by what she said.

"Claire, you are only wasting your time; you can never stop us from loving each other; you better look for someone else since I could never love you," I said, and her face darkened.

"I only want you, Ashton Pritzgold. I told you when you cool off our engagement, I will never stop until I have you." She answered angrily.

"You can never have me, Claire," I responded, trying my best to contain my irritation.

"Don't challenge me, Ashton; the night is long, and the party is not yet over; the truth is, your dad and I; are just started." She replied with a mocking smile.

It was a beautiful night indeed, but I didn't expect my dad will sabotage and ruin our night, and he had another plan aside from using Claire. My face fell when I saw Gael come up on stage.