Chapter 8
Austen Ashworth

         I haven't heard anything about Carson, in like three days. I was confused if he was still trying to win my favour or not.

Had he given up on me?

Maybe he's with another woman. After all, he is a player.

My stomach churned at the thought. Trying to distract myself, I tried not to think about it that much. We weren't lovers and we will never be!

Though, we have a wedding to grace our presence within two days.

My uncle told me that they, including Carson's father, had already planned the wedding. The only thing that they needed was for Carson and I to just get on with the wedding ceremony. Well, marriage through papers that is.

~*~

Earlier this morning...

"Austen?" Uncle Parker called out as he came into my view; "I have big news to tell you." He looked very enthusiastic. What had gotten him so hyped today?

"Yes?" I was still confused.

"Christopher and I will plan your wedding with Carson. We decided that we will cover all your expenses. Just know that it will be in two days."

What the hell? Two days!

Way to be quick uncle.

I can't even finish my work in two days!

"What!" I exclaimed.

It can't be that early. I wasn't even ready to tie the knot with that brute!

"Yes. It's up to you both, if you want to get married in a church or just get married through papers."

I've got to ask Carson about this. He is in for a shock.

~*~

That time, I immediately called Rose and asked her to help me buy a nice, simple wedding dress. She agreed to be my 'matron of honour' since she's already married. Plus, I trust her.

Going to my office, I was greeted by my employees. It feels good to be back. I start off by working with some documents because I had a few proposals to refer to different organizations.

My secretary suddenly, went inside my workplace. "Yes Cherry? What can I do for you?" I said not taking my eyes off of the laptop.

"Miss Austen, you must to see this." She quickly said and gave me a magazine. What am I going to do with this? I grabbed it from her hands and examined it clearly.

Then, I saw what the magazine states.

To say, I was angry, would be an understatement. What I saw made me want to commit murder. Why is he always like this?

Carson was having dinner with another woman.

Reading the details further, there was a rumour that they are together now. We all know it's not true because, it was me he is with! Yet, they look like a couple dating. The headlines said, 'CEO of Mallory Co. with his new lady?' Oh, just that alone got me so damn livid.

Didn't I tell him to at least be discreet? My hands shook and gripped the magazine tightly that my knuckles turned white.

This was unacceptable! Especially, to our uncles!

Am I really turning to a jealous wife now?

Well, yes I was, I guess.

I curse myself for sounding so covetous. I stood up and exited my headquarters. Sauntering over to my car, I brought the magazine with me. I really needed to see Carson. I drove over to his place of work to confront him.

Pulling up in front of Mallory Corporations, I went inside the building. The style of the place was fine but I was not here to gaze at the designs.

The receptionist was there and I queried, "May I please see Carson?" She just rolled her eyes and looked uninterested. How dare she show disrespect at me? You can really see her eyes held a certain disdain for me. How rude!

"He is not available at the moment. What is your business with sir Mallory?" She questioned rudely and was examining me head to toe.

It didn't take two minutes for me to know that she's interested in Carson. I was pretty sure every lady staff of his does! She is no exception at all and maybe she was rude to me because she thinks I'm Carson's girlfriend. Well, I am actually his fiancée but she does not need to know that, right?

"I will be showing myself upstairs now." I stated and quickly speed walked to the elevator and pressed his floor, which by the way, was the highest floor in the building. As I recall, this is where my uncle told me to find Carson.

I then heard the impolite receptionist call, 'Security!' Oh gosh, I am in big trouble.

The elevator opened with a 'ting' and my eyes locked on the large doors ahead of me. It was probably Carson's office.

I opened it rudely like he always does with me. He was just there sitting on his office chair, fixing documents!

Not available my arse!

That receptionist would get a rude wakeup call when I get back down there!

"Carson! You arsehole!" I shouted, my eyes narrowing to a glare. "Didn't I tell you to be discreet?" I remember telling him to be inconspicuous and unnoticeable!

"Why are you doing this? No one's going to believe us now!" I am pissed. He ruins everything.

"What are you talking about?" His forehead wrinkled in confusion. As if he does not know what he's done!

What am I talking about huh? "This!" I seethe.

"We have a fucking wedding to announce and you and your playboy ways are affecting our agreement. I thought you were trying to win my favour but you were just lying you, arse!" He stood up from his seat but still I continued my rant, "I knew I shouldn't have accepted this! I can't believe we were pushed into this! I don't think I could tolerate marrying an evil swine and obnoxious-" My rant was cut off when he smashed his lips to mine.

What the hell?

I tried to pull back but he wouldn't let me. Instead, he just hauled me even closer. I eventually got tired resisting and gave in, kissing him back with the same fervour.

He was definitely a good kisser. His soft lips were to die for and were made for steamy, make out sessions.

Just before the kiss got more passionate, the door was unlocked. I pulled away from Carson the moment I heard the doors were opened.

"Halt!" A group of men bellowed as they lunge for me. Oh my, I forgot that the incompetent receptionist of his, called the damn security. The men went to grab me from Carson's arms and cuff my hands behind my back but Carson then exploded with fury.

"What the hell are you doing? Why are you holding my fiancée?" Carson was practically seething with authority. But his words caught my attention; hearing him say that I was his fiancée, pleases me to the core.

The security guards looked taken aback.

"Ff-fiancé? Oh no. S-sir, Linda called security and told us to look for a woman with brown hair and light eyes!" The man who spoke looked frightened now. If I was him, I would too with Carson's murderous look.

"Now why would she do that? What gave you the right to barge in to my office at a time like this? What if I was in a meeting with a client?" I grabbed Carson's arm. He needed to calm down so we can solve this issue.

"I practically gave Linda a picture of my fiancée and told her to let her up at any time!"

Whoa. What? That woman knew who I was before I even met her! It's not the securities fault. They were just doing their jobs. I blame the rude receptionist for she is accountable to all of the problems right now.

I whispered in his ear, "Just let them leave us alone, they were just doing their part as your employee." I heard him sigh but nodded his head. I guess he took my side.

"You are free to go, but next time, you will lose your jobs, if not for my fiancée convincing me to let you stay!" He exclaimed.

The security guards looked at me with apologetic faces, "We are sorry, ma'am. Thank you for understanding our part." One guard apologized. They all gave me a little grin and soon left after that.

I looked at Carson.

"Do not be too harsh on them." I blurt, trying to ease the tension.

"They manhandled you!" He looked annoyed again.

"Hey, it's okay. You know it's nothing I can't handle and besides, we have something else to talk about." I spoke calmly now.

"Who's the woman in that article, Carson? Like I've said, it is really okay if you don't want to get married, she looks to be your girlfriend anyway." I stated softly. Somehow, I felt a twinge in my heart when I said these words. He just heaved a sigh.

"She is not my girlfriend. The reason why I actually had dinner with her was because she had a business proposal to offer. Though, she kind of adores me."

No surprise there.

"-but it's not like I want her back."

Want her back? That alone answers my questions.

"So, she is your former mistress." I concluded. It didn't take a genius for me to come up with.

He answered, "To be honest, yes she was, but what we had was a long time ago."

Ah, I'm sure she wanted to propose to you something other than a business proposal. Everywhere he goes, women pin after him. Him being good-looking, irritated me a lot. If he wasn't so fine-looking then women wouldn't trip on their feet for him.

"Why the questions and accusations?" He questioned.

Suddenly, his mouth twitched into a smirk.

"Are you, perhaps, jealous?"

Am I?

Oh god, I am!

I wouldn't tell him that though. He will just torment me and tease me about it. I don't want his head to get bigger than it already is.

Try to play it cool, Austen.

"What? Where did you get that? No, no way." I stated. He just continued grinning as if he knows the real answer.

"Whatever you say, sweetheart." That boastful, ignorant, man! Ugh. Ignoring the endearment, that long, passionate kiss was now forgotten. Well, not completely in my opinion.

"Anyway, my uncle and your father will plan our wedding. They said that they will cover all the expenses." He looked confused.

"Yes, they will. First we need to get a marriage license so we could actually get married. You choose. Would you like a civil or religious wedding?" He looked like he was still processing it.

"Probably civil because we don't actually love each other right? This union is only temporary so I could save my position in the company. We have to respect the church anyway." He was right. We had to respect the religion. At least it is now settled.

Well we're not respecting the church laws already by marrying each other when we don't love each other. I bit my tongue so I would not blurt it out.

"Okay. That's good to know. Tomorrow, I would be shopping dresses with Rose. Just be ready with one of your many suits." At least we have sorted out a few things. It's time to contact my uncle.

I grabbed my phone and speed dialled him. I mouthed, 'Give me a moment.' to Carson.

My uncle instantly picked up the phone. "Parker Ashworth here, to whom am I speaking to?" I heard the gruff voice of my father's brother. It's time to tell him.

"Hello uncle. It's me, Austen. I have to inform you the choice of the wedding. Carson and I want a civil one." I muttered nonchalantly.

"What? I mean, sure."

He doesn't sound so sure though. Does he not approve of our choices?

"Really? Then why do you sound like that?" I asked him.

"Like what?"

Ugh. I was pretty sure he knows the actual reason.

"Like a man who just ate a sour lemon." I heard him exhale.

"It's nothing. By tomorrow, you will have everything set for the wedding. Christopher and I will cover everything because we are the ones who pushed you through this."

Good, because I do not want to spend a single dime here. Yeah, call me cheap or anything but I am just saving my money. It doesn't grow on trees you know.

"Thank you, uncle. Have a great day!" I bided him goodbye, which he returned as well and ended the call.

I looked up to Carson.

"It is settled. Our wedding would be the day after tomorrow. I hope you're ready because you are marrying the Alpha female." I said smirking. I would not make his life easy. That's for sure.

I went near him and patted his back, "Make plans tomorrow, okay? Just no women or anything that would cause trouble, understand? Or else I will castrate you." I rasped menacingly.

I knew we were moving too quickly. But we can't help it. We were both controlled by our family's wishes. If only I had the chance to choose, I would not even go through the wedding.

Just remember, Austen, sacrifice is one of the most important aspects of life, especially, for the family. I told myself.

"There she is! My lovely fiancée. The violent and cold-hearted woman I came to know. Hearing you say those words amuse me." He just grinned. His eyes had been twinkling with mirth.

"Whatever. See you in two days, Carson." I spoke and spun around to walk away. "Don't stress too much okay? And remember what I said."

I almost closed the door but then I remembered something. I poked my head inside his office and said, "By the way, can you dismiss your receptionist? Frankly, we don't seem to get along. That woman is discourteous." His mouth twitched into a half smile and nodded. I chuckled and thanked him. I really don't like that woman if I must say.

Going downstairs, I passed the rude receptionist.

I slyly grinned at her.

"Hello, I just want you to know, that you will be dismissed today. This means, that this is your last day to work in Mallory Corporations." I said, still smiling sweetly just to piss her off. For added effect, I even batted my lashes. You could practically see her face turning red from anger.

"And who gave you the authority to do that? Bitch, I do not know who you are but I don't take orders from you. Who do you think you are?" The receptionist, named Linda, hissed.

"Well, you do take orders from my fiancé. I do not appreciate you thinking of your boss, and my fiancé that way. Besides, I am still quite angry that you called the security on me." I stated.

How do I know she likes him now? Well, Linda has a shirtless picture of him on top of her books. Yes, Carson is that famous where even ladies have pictures of him in the office or bedroom.

"F-fiancé?" She stuttered.

"Yes, didn't he give you a picture of me? Now like I said, pack your things and bid your goodbyes to people you know here."

She looked like she wanted to throttle me.

"Oh, while your at it, learn some manners, sweetie." I winked at her. Exiting the building, I walked back to my car.

I didn't bother going to my office anymore for I was too exhausted. The planning alone would have given anyone a headache and I just needed a time-out. I have decided to go home because I needed the rest myself.

Carson, himself, is enough to make my head throb in pain.

Plus, I have a big day ahead of me. A wedding, whether civil or not, is a once in a lifetime opportunity that needs a lot of preparations. I am not sure about hiring male strippers before I get married but who knows? Rose might actually do it for me.

I just needed a dress pronto. I will make sure that everything is according to plan.

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A U T H O R' S N O T E

Hello my lovely readers! How are you guys? Again, I apologize for the rare updates. It's hard for me to update, when I am balancing my academics as well. Anyway, Chapter 8 is done and ready for you to read. Don't be afraid to comment your opinions and if you have suggestions, comment it please! I'm now excited to update the next chapters. I promise it will be more exciting! Stay tuned, loves!

P.S.
If you like supernatural, werewolf, poems, and something different, you can check out my works! Just stay tuned my lovelies!
xoxo
-Hannah❤️

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