"What a terrifying thing it is,
to be yourself. "
- anonymous.

•••

First thing first, he hates clumsiness.

I looked at myself in the long thin mirror on the door of my cupboard and sighed. I tugged on my yellow knee length dress which was the best thing in my closet and my worn out four inches high heels who were now three inches high.

He will test your limits Sophie so be careful.

Letting my hair tumble down my back freely I ran a hand through them. I loved my hair soft and brown just like my mother's.

He will not like you at first, so please be patient.

Why did I feel like I was landing myself into hell. I didn't regret the decision I made but I wasn't also proud of it. The deal was the only solution to my problems. I've had enough and now I wanted a life with less pain and insults.

I took a white scarf with pink flowers on it, it was nothing expensive but one couldn't make that out cause it was beautiful and not even used once. I wrapped it around my neck and tied a single knot. The only reason I had a scarf on was the black- blue marks on my shoulders those bitches caused yesterday.

The things that happened with me yesterday made me realise that you are nothing without money.

I'm so happy that you finally took the offer Sophie.

"Me too' wish I could say that.

One more thing Sophie my son will not be the best person you would come across, he's like his father and if you ask me his father is not good at dealing with people who are not up to his status,and so my son.

I'm not trying to insult you Sophie, you have to understand that my son will not bare with you for even a minute if you tell him where you are from or where you work.

As Scarlett's words rang in my mind my breath hitched.

Will I be able to do it I thought looking at myself again in the mirror. After putting on some nude lip gloss and a thin line of eyeliner on my eyelids. I walked out of the my small apartment-- which only had two room -a small living room , an even smaller kitchen and a cubicle size bathroom.

My living room was my room, study and dining room.

Overall my life sucks.

What is his name?

It's Asher. Asher Grayson.

Everytime I reminded myself of the name soft tingles Rang throught my body. I didn't know why but I was even more intrigued to meet this person.

You are going to meet him tomorrow.

Tomorrow!

Yes tomorrow don't worry I will be there.

It'll be the same place we met today.

That horrible place filled with rich people. Surely not made for me. But I have to be there in half an hour.

I locked my door and made my way down.

I quickly hailed a taxi. For the first time ever a taxi immediately stopped for me, most of the times before, I had run half way behind it, yell like a maniac at the driver to stop or sometimes just give up and walk to my destination.

I guess the clothes were doing good for me today.

I was a mess of nerves and excitement. I wanted to meet Asher really bad and tell him to Fuck off.

Because it hurts to hear that how some dumbheads treat people of low status.

If I was going to be his wife then I will make sure to get that stupid mindsets out of his head.

Bloody Asher Hitler Grayson.

.

.

I gulped nervously looking at the building in front of me.

I was going to be in there for the second time. I hope this time would be better than the last one.

I walked in the elegant restaurant and immediately my eyes started searching for Scarlett. When finally I did spot her. I internally did a happy dance and walked up to her smiling. Her son was no where in sight and for some odd reason I was happy about it.

"You look beautiful dear"
Red creeped up my face. It had been long since someone called me that. "Thank you" I mumbled and took a seat across her.

"Asher will be here anytime".

"Um Uh okay ?"

"Don't be nervous dear he's not that bad" she tried to cheer me up.

Was she the same woman who indirectly told me how horrible his son was!

I stared at her for a moment before nodding.

I looked down at my watch it was already over fifteen minutes

Where was her son?

My future husband.

Wait what! I really did consider him that!

God. ..what is wrong with me I thought groaning.

"Hello mother, sorry I'm late" that voice was enough for me to snap out my thoughts and sunk in my seat. I was suddenly alarmed of the presence. It was him!

Goosebumps spread across my body like wildfire and my heart skipped a beat. The voice was velvety but at the same time rough and masculine. I immediately looked up and regretted doing so oh my life. ........

Never in my entire life have I experienced such a beautiful sight. A beautiful being with eyes as blue as the deep oceans, with hair as black a stormy night sky and with an aura that radiated power but at the same time arrogance. He was breathtaking. His faces was like God himself took his precious time in sculpting it to the best, high cheek bones, perfect eyebrows, sharp jaw with light stubble, the raven black hair trimmed to perfection. He was the definition of perfect. I didn't realise I was ogling shamelessly until someone cleared their throat. My dazed vision immediately became clear and I saw the walking God himself clearing his throat.

My heart quickened and my face grew red and hot from embarrassment. I looked down at my interlaced fingers in my lap and mumbled a sorry.

"Son, this is Sophie " I looked up to see him looking at his mother with confusion.

"And Sophie this is my eldest son Asher grayson"

Don't be scared!

"Hello Mr Grayson nice to meet you" Soon to be husband I wanted to add. But I kept my mouth shut and pulled on a tight smile.

I saw his blue eyes roaming on my face as in drinking me up, my smile faltered when he narrowed his eyes at me. My fingers started to shake around the glass of water I had reached for.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and my eyes shot towards Scarlett for help. I gave her a
--help! -before-he-kills-me--look

He hates clumsiness!

I immediately put the glass back down without drinking cause I knew I would probably spill it over the table.

Scarlett rubbed her son's arm.

"I'm afraid that I can't say the same for you Miss --"

"Callister" arrogant bastard!

"Miss Callister" he nodded averting his eyes towards her mother.

"Why did you call me urgently mother"

"Ah! yes dear Sophie is my best friend Aleen's daughter"

What!

"Who" he frowned at her.

"Oh silly me, you don't her she's a fashion designer from France."

Oh yes! Sophie you are rich Sophie now, not poor Sophie. Remember that I reminded myself.

"Whatever"

"I-oh excuse me" she suddenly said out of nowhere and stood up. "I have to take this call it's urgent.
It won't take long"

Did her phone even buzz?

I stared at her with wide eyes. I wanted cry and beg her not to leave me with him alone. Before I could say anything she disappeared. I had the urge to put on my non existing marathon shoes and run to the hills for my dear life.

She can't do this to me!

Asher grumbled something under his breath. I nodded helplessly.

.
.

Ten minutes later we were still sitting there like dumb and deaf. None of us dared to make a conversation or even speak a word. He sat there in front of me running a hand through his hair once in a while. He was no less than a model.

He seemed to be the tallest man I've ever seen with his 6'4-6'5 tall lean muscular frame. His sky blue shirt complimented his eyes. My eyes travelled down from his eyes to his nose, his lips ,never have I ever had a strong urge to kiss anyone but right now I wanted to kiss those lips so bad. Really bad.

Think straight!

I blinked and tore my eyes from his lips ,my eyes travelled to his long muscular hands covered in the blue material--

"Stop staring Miss Callister ,I'm not some damn science project" his voice curled around my throat tightly strangling me to embarrassment rather than sweet death which I wanted at that very moment .

"I- I'm really sorry". My eyes met his and I looked away with fear of drowning in them.

"Your mother is a fashion designer ?"

"Yes "

Liar! Your mother is a maid I reminded myself.

"Then what should I say about your lack of knowledge in that field" he immediately threw back smugly.

"Excuse me" I frowned

"I don't like to repeat myself Miss Callister" he said studying my face.

"Please call me Sophie, and I think I have a good fashion sense" I said clearing my throat when his eyes narrowed at me accusingly. "You being ---"

I suddenly stopped my words dissolved in my throat and my eyes went wide with shock.
I saw something I shouldn't have seen. My heart sunk in my stomach with sudden pain. I was scared but at the same time hurt.

I saw a long red scratch running down from his index finger, it looked raw like it had been made a few hours or a day ago it disappeared under the sleeves of the shirt that made me think of how long it was. Or how many were there hiding under the material.

My mouth was ajar in utter disbelief. I looked up to meet his eyes. I wanted an explanation.

To my surprise he was brooding. His eyes held rage and his breathing was heavy.

"Miss callister I hope you are not the type of person who likes to intrude in others business. Because if you are Miss ,then I think you are in trouble" His voice held a warning. Warning for me to back off. My eyes were wide with shock I stared at him dumbfounded.

Don't be scared!

"Where is Scarlett?" I asked completely ignoring his threat.

"She left--"

"She what!" my eyes probably bulged out at his confrontation.

"You--"

"Excuse me sir, madam may I please take your order" a waitress
Stopped at our table and asked.

"No " he snapped at that poor waitress who took a step back quickly.

She nodded meekly, the hurt in her face didn't go unnoticed. I could feel her pain cause I've been through it.

"Anything to dri---"

"I said no! Leave before I get you fired" tears filled her eyes as she apologized one last time and quickly walked off.

I clenched my jaw feeling my chest hurt .

"You can't talk to her like that" I tried my best to be calm when all I wanted to do was to slap him hard across his face.

"Why the pity for her, she's meant to be treated like that" he said acting as cool as possible.

"What do you mean?"

"This is how they are meant to be treated, they work for us Miss Callister they don't deserve pity ,it is their duty to keep us satisfied, the day you start being nice to them is the day they will sit on your head like a burden, we are the high class Callister I guess you understand what I'm trying to say we belong to the high class and you should not forget that"

Disgusting!

"You are stupid Mr Grayson you are a heartless being". I spat and rubbed my temples.

"You seem like a rebel Miss Callister" his lips tugged up in a smirk. "And I would love to put you straight "

I was loosing it.

"You Asher Gray-son of a bitch! don't know how to respect
others! " I spat with anger rising inside with me.

"You finally decided to show what you are Callister, calling my mother a bitch, not a very good idea " he smirked raising an eyebrow at me.

Oh lord save me.

Scarlett told me that he will test my limits! She told me to be patient ! But I couldn't help myself.

"Sorry for making you both wait" came Scarlett's voice. I sighed in relief. She was finally here. I didn't know how long I would have been able to tolerate him without bursting.

"So did you two talk I hope you like Sophie by now son".

Asher gave me a mocking look.

" I do"

I rolled my eyes "we were enjoying each others company Scarlett I think we are going be bestfriends "I said with pure sarcasm dripping from my voice.

Scarlett's face lit up with immense joy that my false confession caused "There's something I want to tell you Asher"

He gave her mother a curious look.

"I want you and Sophie to be together"

His forehead shrunk to form a frown. I held my breath and listened to her.

Here it comes.

"I want you to marry Sophie. I know you will never say no to your mother"

Silence.

His body was suddenly tense. His shoulder stiff and his face void of any emotion. His eyes were now cold as ice.

He propped his elbow on the table and and interlaced his fingers. My eyes met his hard ones. "You want to marry me" I gulped nervously at his question.

That very moment I wished I was born mute.

"And you want me to marry her?" he turned to Scarlett.

"Yes of course dear, it's good for both of you. You need to come out of your tough shell Asher" She gazed at him sadly. "I know what is good for you and she is the best. She will help you Asher"

"I don't need help! I'm not a kindergarten kid I'm already having a hard time tolerating
that stupid doctor not her now. Not anyone !" He hissed and I wanted the earth to open up and swallow me.

"Please Asher listen to me, I promise you won't ever regret it. Listen to you mother" she pleaded I felt sorry for her and for myself too, I was seriously going to marry this sick man.

He sighed his shoulders slumped as he dumped his head in his hands.

"I would like to talk to her first, just her "

Oh boy I'm in trouble.

Hey lovely readers I hope you liked it.

I'm so excited to write the next chapter!

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Love ya

-Garima