“Life is the art of pretending
to be normal. ”
- Atticus.

•••

Oh boy... I'm in trouble.

Was the first thought in my mind as he glared at me with his icy blue eyes, shivers ran down my spine and my body tensed.

Be strong Sophie.

I reminded myself and nodded my head.

"Then I will leave you two alone" Scarlett clapped her hands together before collecting her things. I gulped nervously watching her.

She smiled at me and squeezed my shoulder as she passed me.

I wanted to bang my head on the expensive Italian marble of the table until I was dead.

She left me again!

"What is the deal between you and my mother Miss Callister?" the voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Excuse me?" I knew what he asked but I didn't have the answer for it, so I tried acting dumb.

"What is the deal between you and my mother?" he gazed at me expectantly.

"She wants me to marry you, what else it would be" I stated casually.

He studied my face for a moment, leaning backward "there's more to the story Callister I am not a fool, I can clearly see you are not doing this on your own will"

My breath hitched, it felt like I was caught red handed.

I really was.

I laughed awkwardly "it's nothing Asher"

Shit!

He raised an eyebrow at me when I said his first name. I clenched my fist and gave him a small smile. His name felt good against my tongue, stormy.

I cleared my throat ,snapping out of my stupid thoughts. "Uh -I mean your mother asked me to marry you, and I couldn't say no ,Mr Grayson"

"Is that it ?"

God.... he was such a jerk.

"Yes that's all " I let out through gritted teeth.

"So you agreed to marry me without knowing me or seeing me. You are still hiding something" He leaned forward and placed his arms on the table - he narrowed his eyes at me.

"I want to marry you that's it okay?" I was losing control. I was holding on so bad when all I wanted to do was yell like a maniac.

"Becoming my wife was not the best decision you made Callister,  taking my last name will not give you anything, I will not give you anything, wife is something I don't want, which means I don't want you"

I frowned.

"I know that, I realised it but I can't say no to your mother. She's a very kind and helpful lady, I don't want to break her heart" I had so much love and admiration for Scarlett, I would never dare say no to her ever.

"What about my heart Miss Callister"

My breath hitched as he leaned closer his menacing gaze fixed on me.

I was afraid That the next time he would probably climb the table and jump on me.

I chuckled bitterly "you are heartless Mr Grayson I think we have already established that" I ran a finger on the rim of my glass of water, his eyes caught the action immediately something flickered in his eyes which had me sinking in my seat. I removed my hand quickly and calmed myself.

He hummed shaking his head slightly and leaned back.

"Then why do you want this heartless man to be your husband?" he smirked triumphaptly

Because I want money.

"So that I can teach you how to respect others, how to be a little less asshole and how to be human" I raised an eyebrow at him.

His smirk faltered for a second.

"Very well then and I can teach you how to be a little more of an unpleasant person and less of a human being, we also have to work on your poor vocabulary"

To say I was shocked was an understatement.

"Are you saying you are going to marry me?" I held my breath and waited for his answer.

A little less human.

A little more of an asshole.

He will ruin me. I thought and waited patiently.

"I never say no to my mother" I noticed his fingers reached to run on the long deep scar on his other hand. From the look on his face I could tell he was in deep thoughts,  his eyebrows marred together in concentration as he bit his lower lip.

He was such a beautiful human being lacking behind in having a soft heart .

I wonder what happened with him. I wanted to know so bad. But he already had warned me to mind my own business. I wish I could help him.

Scarlett said that only I could help him, but I didn't know how. He was already so distant. I didn't know what would happen afterwards.

We didn't talk for a while ,he was thinking while my eyes were trained on the movement of his fingers on the scar. My skin tingled when I tried to feel his finger against my skin. I was acting stupid. But I couldn't help myself.

"Yes"

My eyes widen as I gasped. God he startled me.

"What! You will marry me?" I didn't whether to smile or cry or laugh at myself.

"Yes, right now"

"WHAT!" I yelled out loud my heart was jumping like a crazy kid in my chest.

He is crazy!

My soon to be husband is crazy!

He winced and looked around, I looked around too, to see people watching us, watching me ,with a scrunched up face.

I immediately sat down and rubbed my face to hide the red creeping up . " Now"! I hissed glaring at him.

"Yes" his lips curved up forming an almost unnoticeable smile.
Like I said before he was nothing but beautiful. My heart did somersaults inside my chest. I was watching him with wide eyes.

"Why?"

"Is this not what you wanted, you want to marry me, my mother wants me to marry you, so why waste time" he shot me a look.

"But how --"

"Court marriage, it doesn't matter where we get married" he cut me off and said.

Why was he talking to me so calmly ,without making any snarky comments .

Something was wrong but I couldn't figure out what.

How was I going to do it!

I suddenly was very scared I didn't want to marry him anymore my instincts were telling me to leave cause this man was nothing but trouble.

He picked up his phone which was kept on the table and after running his thumb on the screen he placed it against his ear.

He tapped the fingers on the table and waited for whoever it was to pick up the call.

I had nobody to tell. I decided to keep this marriage a secret from my parents and every other person I knew. I didn't want to disappoint them, I didn't want to be called names by others for getting married to someone for money

"Hello mother. We're are getting married today by itself" his voice held uncertainty.

He hummed to whatever his mother was saying.

"In an hour" his eyes met mine they were glistening for some reason.

What was happening?

"Okay I will see you then"

He took the last sip of the luscious coffee he ordered a while ago and stood up. I quickly pushed my chair back and stood on my feet.

"I will see you in an hour Miss Callister my mother will take you to the court and I will reach there directly, my lawyer will take care of the paperworks. "

I nodded

This was really happening.

A waitress sauntered towards us. She placed the bill on the table and walked away after giving a quick nod.

"Pay"

"What ?" I frowned

"Pay" he pushed the bill towards me and my eyes widen.

"Why me you had the coffee not me" I stated

"We are going to be husband and wife and haven't you heard what is yours is mine and is mine is yours, so the bill is simply yours"

With that he walked away. I couldn't even blink properly ,what the hell did just happened. He left. I felt humiliated cause I didn't have money.

I gulped and looked down at the bill.

Freaking hundred dollars!

I slumped in my seat and just stared at the bill.

Hundred dollars.

Oh god...

"Ma'am"

"Yes" my head snapped up to see the waiteress hovering over me.

"The bill, would you like paying via card"

I don't have one!

"No! I'll pay in cash" I gave a tight smile.

"Gimme a minute ,would you?"

"Of course" she chirped walked out of my sight.

What do I do now!

I don't even have ten dollars!

I rubbed my hands together anxiously. I froze when my eyes dropped on the thin silver chain on my wrist ,my grandmas chain, the only thing I had from her, she was no more, I missed her. She gifted the chain to me on my fifteenth birthday.

I let out a sigh and shook my head chuckling bitterly.

I took my phone out and dialled Sammy's --my neighbor --number.

"Hey Sammy " I sighed

"Hey yourself " she smugly shot

"Okay let me come to the point, remember you told me that you loved the chain grandma gave me".

"Ah yes! "

"And you asked how much is it for"

"Yes! yes I remember "she sounded excited

"Its a hundred dollar are you still interested"

"Of course I am, that thing is just beautiful" I know.

"I want the money now can you meet up with me right now it's urgent " I blanked back tears.

I will not waste my tears for him.

"Sure"

"Tell me where you are"

I told my location and waited.

A few minutes later I saw Sammy at the entrance she was looking around in awe.

I walked up to her and tapped her shoulders. The redhead turned around and squealed pulling me into a hug.

"Oh god Sophie this place is amazing"

"I know" I sighed

"Here" I unhooked the chain and placed it on her palm with a heavy heart my eyes sting with tears that I immediately blinked back.

I promised myself to buy back the chain from her as soon as I would get some money.

She handed me the hundred dollar quickly .

I clenched my jaw as I saw her putting the silver chain around her wrist grinning the whole time.
I turned around and stalked to my table. I slammed the hundred dollar on the table ,fuming.

I will kill that man with my own bare hands!

.

.

"Sophie"

"Y-yes?"

"you are shaking" Scarlett squeezed my cold hands.

I blew out some air.
"I'm sorry ,I'm getting the wedding jitters I guess" I laughed awkwardly.

"I know dear ,let's go Asher must be waiting ,don't worry" she gave me a reassuring smile.

I slid off the car.

"Common! "Scarlett was excited while I was shaking with anxiety .

As we entered the magistrate office my eyes met his.

All I wanted was to know was what was going on in his mind, his sudden decision took me off guard.

He walked up to us. He was wearing the same clothes and so I was. The same perfectly fitted blue button up shirt and and blue stone's washed denims.

Did I expect him to wear a suit or something?

I think, yes.

"I'm so happy for you son"

"And am I happy for you mother" he stated bluntly.

I could see happy tears in Scarlett's. She completely ignored his comment.

He turned his head towards me, a smirk formed on his lips
"Shall we Miss Callister"
I nodded mutely.

He turned around and started walking I fell in pace with him.

"Can't we wait for one more day, it's too sudden I didn't even pack my clothes "

"No" came his curt reply

"Oh Sophie your clothes will be delivered tomorrow don't worry about it" came Scarlett's voice. I wanted to glare at her so bad but I couldn't ,she was just trying to help her son and me too. Not to forget.

It was finally happening.

"Sign here Ma'am" the man said politely holding out a pen for me.

My hands reached to take it, they were trembling, they felt numb. I felt like throwing up.

The pen fell off my hand, and I leaned on the table trying to control my breathing

I don't want to do this , not anymore.

No I don't.

"Stop with the drama and sign" his breath tickled my ears and the hair on my neck rised. He was so close. Damn he was killing me. I couldn't think of anything at that moment.

I turned my head and glared at him ,my green eyes blazing into his blue, before smirking "eager are we Mr Grayson? "

He smiled like a sly Fox "tell me about it"

I rolled my eyes

I can do this

Can't!

I grabbed the pen and signed the documents with closed eyes, yes with closed eyes.

It was finally done.

I dropped the pen, Asher took the pen from him and signed across his name on the sheet.

I wanted to tear up. But somebody else already did that for me, happy tears flowed down Scarlett's wrinkled face as she stared at us in awe.

"You may now exchange the rings"

Oh shoot!

I forgot.

My eyes went wide I looked up to see him staring blankly at me while he reached for something in his pocket.

He took out a black box.

Tiffany.

I gasped as he opened it, the light reflected from the big stone and shone brightly on my eyes. I was awestruck. My throat suddenly felt like a sandpaper. Wow, just wow.

My hands reached to touch the ring on its own. My eyes filled with unshed tears.

"It's beautiful" I breathed "and big"  I immediatedy frowned "but w-why? " I choked. I did not expect this at all.

I couldn't keep my eyes of it. A flower with tiny diamonds embedded in every petal and a big beautiful diamond encrusted in the centre.

"Aren't I supposed to provide my wife with the best"my breath hitched . He called me wife.
He reached for my hand and I wanted to yank it back soft tingles spread up my hand ,better than the way I imagined. Way better.
I closed my eyes as he slipped the ring in my shaking ring finger.

The cold metal of the ring against my ring finger indicated I was married. My eyes were burning with tears I wanted to cry so bad, they were sad and somewhat happy tears. I never wanted to get married like this ,in the court.

his warm hands held mine for a moment, I opened my eyes to see him inspecting the ring in my hand. He immediately let go of my hand when I cleared my throat.

He reached again in his pocket and took out a simple platinum band. I reached for it but he slipped it in his ring finger and my heart dropped.

I will not cry!

The man cleared his throat "congratulations! You are now Mr and Mrs Asher Grayson"

"She would like to keep her surname" Asher said before he could go any further.

I was hurt.

"Yes I would like that " I mumbled and gave him a smile.

The man nodded.

Suddenly I was yanked back and pulled into a body. Scarlett's soft cries filled the room.

Damn she was stronger than hulk and sweeter than the sweetest candy.

Deadly combination!

"I'm so happy for you two, now you are my daughter Sophie"

"I was and will always be your daughter" I rubbed her back trying to comfort her.

"But now it's official. Ah! I'm so happy ,thank you Asher "

He did nothing except giving a slight nod.

Congratulations Mrs Sophie Winter Grayson! We warmly welcome you to hell. Hope you enjoy your life ahead with Asher Hitler Dumbness Grayson.

Oh wait I'm still a Callister .

"I think it's time for us to leave mother." oh god I was going to live with him from now. I never knew my life would change so fast.

Scarlett nodded "I will visit you two on Sunday ,take care of her Asher,and Sophie your things will be dropped at yours and Asher's place" I didn't know why I looked at Asher, but when I did his jaw was clenched as he gazed coldly at his mother.

There was only one question in my mind.

Why did Asher Grayson agreed on suddenly getting married to me.

I nodded.

"Come on" I followed him out and towards his car. I suppressed a gasp a Jaguar XJ, damn.

Get in he said motioning his hands towards the car as he unlocked it by pressing a button on the key.

I nodded nervously before sliding in, I inhaled deeply.

Imma gonna die

Three days. Only three days it took my life to completely turn upside down. Unbelievable.

The ride to 'our' place was silent, there was tension between us  the air was filled with awkwardness.

Everytime he sighed my stomach formed knots and my heart flipped. I felt like a kid watching a horror movie.

I could tell we were close to our destination. The rich part of the town. Tall buildings, beautiful bungalows.

I soon realised that the car had stopped in front of a huge house.

He got out of the car without a word and I did the same.

I frowned at the sight of the lawn, the plants had died they were brown and dried. The thing that caught my attention if the Maple tree, its leaves were red and looked healthy. I smiled before following him.

He opened the door, a prominent smirk plastered on his face while his eyes dark and filled unknown emotions which had me shivering.

Now he's being a gentleman.

I thought looking at the door he held open for me.

I entered in. And to my surprise it was tidy and luxurious. The smell of Sandal wood mixed with the smell of smoke and a tint of alcohol hit my nose. My face scrunched up, it wasn't that bad, but I had to get rid of it soon.

I could sense him gazing at me, his eyes were burning hole on my back.

I turned around cautiously and my heart dropped in my stomach.

There he stood leaning against close door his hands folded across his chest his legs locked at the ankles. His eyes slightly narrowed.

His face expressionless as he gazed at me but eyes told another story, they were dangerously dark, dark as the deep ocean beds.

"Now strip."

Hey there lovely readers I hope you enjoyed reading !

Welp! 3K+ words

So I have a problem with this and that .

So if you see this written instead of that vice versa please leave a comment so that I can correct it.

See you soon

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Love ya

-Garima🌸