Chapter 6
Austen Ashworth

        What Carson said earlier filled me with rage. How dare he say that to me? I promised myself that I would never get belittled by him ever again.

I pushed past some people and accidentally bumped into someone. "Oh my, I apologize-"

"Why don't you watch where you are going?" A woman's voice sneered.

I looked up to see Carson's former mistress. Paola Pascale.

Crap! I bumped into his ex!

Noticing my expression, she gave me one of her own smirks. "Well, well, well, look who we have here. If you didn't know, Carson and I used to date."

How rude. Where the hell are her manners? She didn't even have to declare it to the world because I already know. Somehow I wanted to smack that smirk off of her face. Is she trying to provoke me?

I faked yawned.

"Keep talking. I always yawn when I am interested. Anyway, the past is in the past, sweetie. Why don't you move along?"

I didn't even try to be Polite with her. Women like her make me want to pull my hair out. She is seriously giving me a migraine.

Angered by my words, she warns, "You should stay away from Carson. He is mine. You hear me? He is just using you to bring us back together." She sounded so sure that it made me chuckle.

Girl, if he wanted you then he wouldn't be here with me even if it's a fake arrangement.

"I know it! You aren't even worth his time!" She glared at me.

"A peasant like you could not provide his needs like I can. I am much more fit for him not you."

Wow, she crossed the line.

And Carson wanted me to be nice to this bitch? Not in a million years. A few folks looked our way and I honestly didn't give a damn.

"You think you could give him what he wants, much less his needs? A gold digging whore like you couldn't do anything but jump from a rich man to another. Oh, and could you breathe the other way please, your mouth isn't the best smelling perfume." I said with a smirk.

I had to state what's on my mind. I couldn't let her talk to me that way. No one talks to me that way! Not any more at least.

I heard a few people laugh at my remark which boosted my confidence. Paola Pascale turned red from embarrassment. I think she isn't used to people standing up to her just because she's a 'world class' model.

Model my arse. She isn't even a role model. I don't even want to know how many young girls wanted to be her or in her position; they look up to her but she's just a bitch behind the spotlight.

I could not control my laughter; thus, making me chortle a laugh. I was overjoyed with her humiliation. Where is her dignity now?

Then I felt something wet splashed all over my face.

"Oops." She smirked.

My mouth fell wide open.

She did not! That bitch!

I wiped a hand over my drenched face and gave her a dirty look.

"Oh, looks like you've got a little red wine over there. It now matches your dress!" She said mockingly but continued, "I will remind you again. Stay away from what's mine." With one last glare, Paola walked to where Carson was at and gave me a huge smirk.

Oh it's on you stupid witch!

I felt so angry. If I had my way, the woman wouldn't have been here. I could have murdered her if I had the chance. People were just staring at me; expecting me to do something. I remember the humiliation I once felt before but I wouldn't let her get to me.

I had to get away from here.

"Are you okay? That was great! You stood up to one of the bitchiest person on earth!" Rose blurts. Her eyes awed. I felt pride in doing that but that doesn't mean it's over. I'm pretty sure Paola is set to ruin my life.

I half smiled. "Thank you. Hey, can you ask one of your drivers to bring me back to my place? I am drenched in wine and I do not want to disturb Carson and Paola." I said the last part bitterly.

I can't believe I sounded so vindictive. I turned my back to look at those two and Paola was at it again with her moves. Flirting with someone who's engaged was just unacceptable!

"What? No! You can't go home! You are the most fascinating thing that has happened tonight! Come, let us head upstairs and get you cleaned up." I silently followed her up the stairs because I really wanted to get the sticky, wine - covered dress off of my body.

We entered a huge master bedroom which I think is Rose and her husband's. It was so elegant that I almost choked. The design was magnificent!

"Nice quarters you've got here." I commented.

"Thank you. I designed everything myself." She smiles. I was just in awe. Maybe she can be my interior designer for my place. Her style was just amazing,

We proceeded to her walk-in-closet and she handed me a dress.

"Here Austen, just take a half bath because your hair is still fine. Just wash and change into this and if you're done, just go down okay?" Rose immediately left to give me privacy. I scanned the dress and was stunned to find an elegant midnight blue dress. It complimented my fair skin and brought out the blue in my eyes.

Rose had good taste in clothes. I am now thinking of changing my clothing styles back at home.

I immediately showered without getting my hair wet that much. After I was done, I went to put my undies on and changed into that blue dress; it was really figure-hugging. I didn't do anything to my face that much. I just did my routine earlier and used my lip tint from my clutch. Overall I'd say I appear fine yet the cleavage part was a little bit revealing.

I felt like I was naked to be honest. Seriously, I was not used to this. The dress that I'm wearing was so not my style.

Ugh. Well it's not my dress but I am grateful that Rose lent me one that was so elegant. As always, I will just have to make things work. I was not even prepared when I went to the party. This is all Carson's fault.

Anyway, my hair was still intact so I just brushed through my hair a few times using my fingers and put on my accessories from earlier, like my gold watch and diamond earrings. Rose even let me borrow her blue stilettos. It was just a perfect match.

I went outside her room and made my way to the ballroom. Thankfully, I didn't get lost that much.

As I went back inside, I could feel eyes on me. How unusual. People used to make fun of my appearance and now, they're just blatantly staring at me. Did I look that bad?

Maybe they're looking for a reaction to what happened earlier? Gosh, coming to this party was a bad idea.

I spotted Carson in the room and saw Paola, still, clinging onto him. That reminds me, I need to get back at that woman. She had the nerve to spill her drink on me.

I grabbed a glass of red wine from the waiter's tray and made my way to Carson's group. There were a lot of businessmen in the group, and well, Paola of course. I am guessing she loves attention from wealthy men.

"Good evening, gentlemen." I said in a calm voice. Instantly, someone grasped my free hand. In shock, I looked up.

"Ciao, Bella." A handsome man with an Italian accent, greeted. He brought my hand up and kissed it. I had to admit that he was charming and well-mannered.

"There's a ring on your finger. You are married?"

Surprisingly, Carson looks rather irritated at the strange man.

"Hello, sir. To answer your question, I am engaged not married." I corrected him.

"To whom, may I ask? Maybe your fiancé is in my circle of friends." He looked at me intently. Well, we are in the same party so I'm sure he is.

"I am engaged to Carson over here." I pointed him out, smiling sheepishly. The man just fixated his disbelieving gaze at Carson.

"What a lucky man."

I laughed. Surely Carson does not think that way. Turning to my left, I came face to face with Paola. She yet again, glared at me.

Bitch, you are dead to me.

No way was I going to tolerate her actions. I am not that kind of person anymore. I learned how to defend myself.

"Thank you for the bloody drink Paola, it was definitely refreshing. You should try it out as well!" I sneered and spilled the wine all over her face. The same action she did to me. It drenched her blonde hair and her pale dress.

I smirked in triumph when she started to screeched. It had attracted a lot of attention, which made her more horrified.

Yeah that's right, I win!

"You stupid bitch! You ruined my dress! You damaged it! What should I do now?" She said frantically, and asked herself in her last words. Paola's skin turned an ugly shade of purple, from anger, I'm guessing.

I reply with a snide remark, "Well better things than just worry about a dress. By the way, that dreadful dress looks cheap. It is not even classy. Be glad I got rid of that dress for you." I said whilst rolling my eyes. Really, she should be thanking me! I am not fashion expert or whatsoever but I can see the difference from a nice dress to a trashy one. It just does not suit her. It's such a waste honestly.

Everybody in the room was now laughing at her.

"You know Paola, laughter is the best medicine, but apparently your face is curing the world." I spoke my mind out. The crowd started laughing harder. Well, that wasn't my intention. I just wanted to get back at her.

The paparazzi were even taking photos of her.

"My work here is done. Goodbye, gentlemen." I said to the group, pushing past Carson. Leering, as I passed him.

I went to the beverage counter, feeling the need to let go of myself. I asked the bartender for a dry martini and sat on the stool. Today had been a bizarre day. I wish I would not encounter anymore of Carson's ex-mistresses. They will just stress me out. Like Paola, she could even give aspirin a headache.

Someone tapped my shoulder when I was drinking my martini.

"Yes?" I spoke and turned to face a really good looking man.

Oh, he was the man who pecked the back of my palm earlier.

"Hello, my name is Damian Lorenzo."

Damian Lorenzo? As in, owner of one of the best hotels in Italy? I knew him because my father would always talk about other hotel empires before.

He introduced himself then added, "I saw what you did to Paola earlier." I saw mirth in his eyes as well. I guess he found the situation amusing.

I smirked and replied, "Thank you; I try my best to irritate people."

He chuckled.

"Looks like it. It was quite interesting if I must say." Damian returned the grin.

I continue, "I mean, there are so many people to detest without her putting effort, right?"

He nodded his head in agreement.

"That despicable woman sure does deserve it."

I guess I'm not the only one who saw the true colours of Paola.

Later on, we chatted a lot after the odd events; he was really funny and amazing. Damian would make a good friend.

Then the song changed into a slow jazz song.

He just chuckled and extended his hand to me. "I find you very fascinating; would you like to dance with me?" My eyes searched for Carson, to see that he was already dancing with another woman. Wow, he moved on pretty quickly if I must say.

I wonder, could we seriously go through this marriage without him being a rake?

I turned to look at Damian again and nodded. I am sure that Carson would not even ask me to dance. Well, Carson made it clear by dancing with other women. I might as well have fun. He grabbed my hand and led me to the dance floor.

I put one hand on his shoulder and one hand on his arm. He then placed his hands on my hips and we swayed to the slow beat of the song.

Being me, I warned him, "If you touch me inappropriately, you will have my knee, hit your crotch." He just chortled and nodded.

"What a fiery personality you've got." He pointed out. I just smiled. It was true. Anyway, we continued to sway to the slow Jazz music. Despite the whole Paola fiasco, he was really entertaining. He is honestly a fine man.

Damian and I have danced a lot until Carson called me out.

Carson.

He didn't even tried to dance with me. Or feel the slightest bit of jealousy. It actually somewhat displeased me.

Well he has not acknowledged my existence since we went to this party. It bothers me a lot. Although we do not have feelings each other, he still is my fiancé; however, he flirts with every woman he sees in gatherings.

"Hey, I have to go. My fiancé is calling me." I smiled sheepishly to Damian.

"It's okay. Thank you for your time! It was lovely meeting you and I hope we could see each other again." Damian grinned.

"If you ever want to find me, just go to my office. I am the executive of Ashworth Enterprises." I said, proud of my company.

"The Ashworth? Wow. I didn't know women could be very successful. Carson is so damn lucky to have a woman like you. A woman who is smart, kind, and beautiful is a keeper." He winked. I blushed at his words.

I like Damian. He made me feel good about myself. That's saying something because a lot of men will bring you down just so they can boost their ego. One perfect example is my dearest fiancé.

"Flatterer. Anyway, I'm thankful I met you." I smiled and hugged him.

"Goodbye, Damian!" I bided farewell.

"Arriverderci." He called out. When we departed, I went to find Carson.

"Hey, I am ready to go." I told him. He was just in the bar waiting for me.

"Alright. Let's go now." He said. We exited the Victorian doors and went straight to his Aston Martin.

"I see that you have made friends from the social gathering." He spoke dryly. What does he think? That I'm incapable of interaction? Of course I had made friends! I met Rosalina.

"Yes, Rose is such a lovely person." I told him. She was supportive and hilarious. Plus, she lent me her beautiful dress!

He glanced at me with hard eyes. Eyes wit resentment. Why was he looking at me like that?

"What about Damian Lorenzo? I see you two had gotten cosy a while ago." He said bitterly through clenched teeth. His tone was somehow accusing.

Well, only because you didn't even acknowledge me enough. Plus, you didn't approach to warn me. I bit my tongue to avoid speaking the truth.

A small smile crept onto my face. Is he jealous or what?

"Oh, Damian? He is such a great guy." True to my word, he is. Damian is a respectable friend I have met. Carson glowered at me when I said that. His look gave me shivers and it was not the good kind. I winced at his harsh gaze. What did I do now?

"He desires you." He said sardonically and continued, "I know he does." I looked at him incredulously. What is he talking about?

"No he does not! I think he knows that I am engaged to you." I explained myself.

"He was close and was touching you! I am a man so I know how he looked at you!" He shouted, pointing at me. Damian does not look at me as a potential lover; he just looked at me as a friend.

Anyway, so what? Why is he angry?

"So what if he wants me? You've made it clear that you don't care so what are you on about?" He despises me right? A Then why is he so damn hostile? He looked to so flushed and heated.

"I am not envious! It's just not a good image for me to have a fiancée that is whoring her way around!" He fumed madly.

What?

In shock, I had stayed silent. I did not know hanging out with Damian would make him that hostile. In my defence, he should have warned me first!

"Who said anything about you being jealous? Why are you so defensive?" Then his words started to sink in. I'm was speechless and tears pooled my eyes.

"You really think so lowly of me?" I whispered. Carson is truly spiteful. He was still my cruel tormentor. After all these years, I thought that he had finally changed, that he'd finally grow up. But no, he did not improve. He still loathes my guts no matter what I do.

Carson did not say anything after that. Good, because I don't want him to. We drove silently on the way back to my place.

The quietness was killing me. Not because I wanted to hear his voice or anything but the silence was making me so uncomfortable; I was still upset. Even the tension was so damn suffocating.

Anyway, I recognize the gates of my home from a distance.

When we reached Ashworth Manor, Carson just parked his car on the driveway. He faced me, staring at the side of my eye. I felt my face flush from his burning gaze.

I guess it's time for me to go.

I didn't say anything as I unlocked the car door to step outside. I wasn't even acknowledging him when I did that.

He doesn't deserve to be with me.

I couldn't face him after what he said to me. He thinks I am just some whore who spreads her legs for wealthy men? Think again.

I almost forgot why I despise him.

I hate him because he is contemptible. I hate him because he is a rake. I hate him because he is egotistical. I hate how he is so good looking- oh there's that thought again. I am annoyed with myself as well.

We were both wealthy in status but we are just two different people; people who have different perspectives.

I want love -who does not? - And he wants the bachelor life.

I wouldn't deny that I felt something for him. Who am I to make him change for me, right?

Is this temporary lust? Is his body what I desire? Who knows, maybe it was because of his devilishly good looks or arsehole attitude that attracted me to him.

We are not allowed to make moves. Well, we shouldn't anyway. If we do, then I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing.

Things might go wrong in the end. All I know right now is that we are not on good terms. Though, I might forgive him if he apologized to me. That is all I wanted. As a powerful and proud male, I just want him to lower his goddamned pride for me.

I will not talk to him unless he apologizes. I promised myself that I would not fall easily for his tricks and charms. I will just have to prove to him who's boss.

I am.

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