Chapter 4
Austen Ashworth

The nerve of that man! He filled me with so much rage. I could not believe I am to be married to him. Though he looks more handsome than ever, he was still, and always will be an arsehole.

I removed the tight amethyst dressed that I wore and showered first. The water pouring down on me felt cool on my hot skin and it somehow helped me composed myself. I used my jasmine scented wash since it was a nice way to freshen myself. It even smells like the spa; aromatic and fragrant. It managed to calm myself after that irksome encounter with Carson. Just thinking about him made me petulant.

After that, I dressed into my nighties and sat on my bed. Lighting a sweet-smelling candle, the aroma had managed to make me feel at ease for I was so stressed from the events that happened a while ago.

I then heard my phone beeped with a 'ting'. Someone must have messaged me. I grabbed my phone to check the inbox. The message was from an unknown number. It's odd because I rarely get texts from an unknown number.

'Good night, amore. –CM'

CM? Who is that? Is it my old friend, Christine?

Why would she even call me love though?

Unless it is-

My phone beeped again.

'It's me love, Carson.'

-Carson. I knew it. But how did he get my number? I never gave him my digits. Though, my cheeks heated when he used that endearment in a text message. I am sure he is doing this to mock me. It's strange he even calls me love when he despises me.

'Can you please explain how you got my number? I don't remember giving it to you.' I texted Carson back.

It would be okay for him to get my number but this time, it's a little different because he got my private number rather than my other business phone numbers. I just simply don't give anyone my private number so I'm curious to how he got it.

I instantly got a reply back from the said person. 'That is for me to know and for you to find out.' I could picture him smirking right now. That sneaky hound! Why is he always trying to provoke me? Stalking must be his forte.

'Whatever. Goodnight. Don't disturb me with your text messages.' I replied and set my phone aside. I had this weird sense that I would be seeing more of him tomorrow.

+ + +

Going through a few papers, I was working peacefully till someone barged into my office. Rudely, might I add.

"Sweetheart, let's go." He spoke so casually as if he did not realize that he interrupted something important.

I stood up, looking surprised at his unexpected visitation. What the hell is wrong with him?

"You are not supposed to be here! What if I was in a meeting? How could Cherry let you up?" I snarled.

Carson just shrugged nonchalantly.

"She said you did not have a meeting at this time so I went in."

I sighed. Being a womanizer, I was pretty sure he charmed or flirted with my secretary.

"Now we have to leave right now or I will have to drag you down, myself."

He didn't even give me a chance to reply when he turned his back on me and marched to the elevator again. He had a firm behind though.

Bloody hell! Why did I just think of that? Damn it, I am in need of yoga to clear my impure thoughts.

Maybe I just needed a good man to love me. Unlike that damned man, Carson.

Reluctantly, I fixed my belongings. Knowing that Carson was impatient, I quickly grabbed my black Chanel bag and followed him for I knew he was serious about dragging me out of my office. He always wants to get his way done. Nonetheless, I told my secretary to cancel all my business appointments for today.

If I am unavailable, might as well not disturb me.

As I went out of Ashworth Enterprises, I spot Carson's not so simple car. It was in fact, fancy and luxurious. He owned a nice, silver coloured Aston Martin one-77. Okay, so maybe he had great taste in cars too.

I opened the door and sat on the plush seat.

"Drive." I said not even looking at him.

He is seriously pissing me off right now. Barging into my office then forcing me to go somewhere, what the hell is wrong with him? Where is he taking me?

Driving down the road, I asked, "Where are we going now?"

"We are headed to a party." Carson stated, still not removing his eyes on the road. I turned to look at him with an incredulous look.

"Are you serious? I am not even properly dressed!" I scowled at him.

I was not prepared for this. How dare he drag me out of my office just to bring me to a party I never wished to attend?

He glanced at me. "You look perfectly fine. We are actually going to my friend's social gathering and maybe, we could announce our engagement. After all, the paparazzi will be there and we need the publicity."

I can't believe he wants everyone to know of our engagement! I do not comprehend why he needs the press to know. They will just hound us in the festivity if they do.

I grabbed my purse and checked its content. I have come to realize that I only had a lip tint, perfume, and my wallet. I can't believe I don't even have a brush! I just have to make the available things work.

I opened the lip tint and dabbed a small amount on my lips and around my cheeks. The application gave me natural bitten lips and a look of permanent blush on my cheeks. It's simple but it does the job and makes a difference of giving a lively look on my face. This is something every woman needs in my opinion.

"We are here." Carson said as he parked his car in front of the beautiful mansion. He looked at me and reached for something out of his pocket.

Rings.

"Put this on." He demanded.

"I came prepared in case someone asks where the ring is." He gave me the box and did not even bother to put the ring on me. So much for a dream wedding or a dream proposal. Note the sarcasm.

I can't believe women all over the world wants to be with him! He isn't even chivalrous or respectful to me. It's just unbelievable.

I grabbed it and put the ring on my fingers quickly.

The ring was striking and too extravagant. I would rather have a simple looking one though. It would not attract too much attention. Or I'll get less chances of being robbed.

He stepped out of his car and did not even open the door for me. What a gentleman, note the sarcasm. Again. I rolled my eyes then opened the car door to step outside. I noticed him there looking all irked and impatient.

"Could you move faster? We are already late for the party, thanks to your stubborn self."

I gasped. He did not just say that.

"Hey! It's not my fault. You could have informed me ahead of time. But now I conclude that not even your lazy self would make an effort to do something productive." I argued.

I had to explain myself. Why is he always blaming me for things? First, the wedding arrangement. Second, about us being late.

"Whatever. Let's do this." I said as I had freed my hair from the tight bun. It was now curly and wavy because the bun had a tight hold on my hair. I calmly removed my blazer and revealed my red dress. It's a good thing I wore a dress today. It was elegant and modest but it accentuated my curves.

I could feel Carson's gaze on me. His eyes held something. Is he actually looking at me appreciatively? I brushed that thought off my mind and walked ahead. He must think I look horrible. As usual, his opinion of me being a spoiled brat will never change.

I suddenly felt a hand on my arm.

Spinning me around, I could feel sparks to where he touched me. Odd but I just completely ignored it.

My breath hitched up my throat as Carson gazed at me with his piercing grey eyes. Does he feel it too?

"What?" I whispered, breathlessly.

We just stared in each other's eyes for a few more moments till he pulled away from me.

"Don't forget, we must act like a couple in this festivity so we could convince everyone that we really are together." He stated seriously.

I staggered back. What had just happened? Did we have a moment and now he's just brushing it off? Fine, be that way Carson. I do not care at all.

"Okay." I replied meekly.

He grabbed my hand, intertwining our fingers together, and opened the door to the mansion. A servant welcomed us and told us that the party was held in the mansion's ballroom.

Taking a deep breath, Carson and I walked into the huge Victorian doors of the ballroom.

Inside, I could see a lot of people dressed in their preppy clothes. It was a good thing I wore a dress to work today and not just some dull looking clothes that I normally wear. My instincts saved me today. If not, I would have definitely humiliated myself by being called a non-fashionable woman.

I hate being embarrassed. That feeling is just, horrifying for me. That will never happen to me ever again.

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

Hello! I'm sorry for the short chapter but hope it's okay for you. Thanks for taking time in reading this. If you like werewolf stories, I have some posted so I hope you check it out sometime.
xoxo
-Hannah 💞
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