Present
Sun rays hit my face and I scrunched up my face as I turned to the other side. However, the sin on humanity started blaring. My alarm clock. I groaned and got up. My head immediately spun a little but I got my balance soon after. Yesterday's happenings rushed into my mind and I jerk-opened my eyes.
Putting off the alarm clock, I stepped down on the floor and made my way to the bathroom.
After having a refreshing shower along with other to-dos, I got out. What day is today? Unlike most people, I tend to forget what day it is and the date.
It's Monday. Oh shit.
" What's the time?! ", I whisper yelled at no one. It's 7: 30 now.
So I have 30 more mins to get to the office before Liam gets to the office first. Well, that or being fired.
Hmm, so if I have just one glass of milk and travel at the speed of light, I'll probably be able to reach.
God dammit Ashley, stop calculating, and effing move your arse. You can't be late.
Opening my closet, I rummaged through my clothes to find my pencil skirt and light pink shirt. I quickly got dressed and put my hair in a pony tail. I climbed down the stairs trying not to make any sound.
" Hey Abigail. Has Liam come down yet?", I asked.
" Yes ma'a- I mean, Ashley. He came and had his breakfast. ", she answered.
" So he left? ", I asked horrified and a little disappointed.
" Erm, yes. ", she said.
" Okay. Can you just give me a glass of milk real quick? "
" Sure. Here. ", she poured a glass and put it in front of me, " anything else? "
" No Abigail. But thanks. ", I smiled.
I gulped down the milk and hurried outside.
" Thank you Abigail for the breakfast. ", I shouted.
But wait. I don't have my car. How am I supp-
" Good morning ma'am. Are you ready for office?"
" Oh thank the lords, you're here George. Yes, yes I'm ready let's go. And please call me Ashley. Ma'am makes me sound like a grandma. ", I chuckled.
******
After what felt like eternity, I reached office. I probably had looked at the clock twenty times on the ride.
"Bye George, have a good day. ", I shouted as I made my way to the front door.
I got inside the elevator and pressed 23 and waited for the 'ting'. The doors opened and I barged inside my office and then went to the kitchen. It's already 8:02 and I am in no mood to get fired.
I opened the door to the office of Liam quietly and tried regularizing my breathing.
" Good morning, Sir. Here's you-"
" You're late. ", he snapped looking up from his files.
" By two minutes! ", I said.
" Still, it's late. Go bring the transportation files from the ground floor. "
"Okay. ", I said keeping the coffee on the table. So, he's not mad at me for being late? I'm sure it's the wedding vibes. I opened the door again to go out.
" And Ashley? "
" Yes? "
" Use the stairs. "
" T-the stairs? "
" Yep. "
" So you want me to climb up the entire 23 flight of stairs? "
" Did I stutter? "
I made my lips into a thin line, " Of course, Sir. "
God dammit! That devil for a husband! It's the first day after our wedding, can't he be a little cons- OH wait, he's Liam fucking Anderson . He can't be a good soul.
I travelled down, got the transportation files and climbed up the stairs. Damn, I really need to hit the gym now.
"He- herree! ", I panted as I entered the office.
" Be ready by six today in the evening. "
" Okay. Why? "
" We have a family dinner to attend. First one after marriage and blah blah blah. So be ready. "
"Do we have to? I mean, can't we just skip it or something? ", I sighed.
"You think if I could I wouldn't have done that already? Just be ready so that we can go early and leave early and be over with it. ", he said clearly irritated.
" Okay. ", I sighed and shook my head.
Returning to my room, I plopped down on my seat and gave a long sigh. This is going to be a long day.
*******
I cracked my knuckles as I looked at the clock. Shit it's five already?! I don't want to anger the already angry Liam. He was shouting all day over phone , seems like that stolen transaction case still isn't solved. Part of me is worried as well.
I immediately shut down the computer and hurried home. As I went past the office of Liam's, I could still hear some mumbling. Does he not have to get ready? Why is he always dictating on me when he isn't even punctual?!
I shook my head and got inside the car. My stomach was rumbling with hunger. I called Abigail and asked her to keep a glass of warm milk ready along with Oreos. Tell me I'm a kid, but c'mon, it's too good.
Within twenty minutes we reached home and I rushed inside.
" Here's your milk Ashley. ", Abigail came stirring the sugar in the glass .
" Thanks Abigail. ", I smiled and dipped an Oreo inside the glass and chewed it down.
As I finished, I climbed up and checked the clock on my way up. It's already 5:30 now. I need to hurry up.
I already had in mind what I would wear, so I went inside my walk in closet and took out the beige colored dress.
Making an updo , I put out some careless curls around my face and put on my red lipstick and eyeliner. I'm not really a big fan of make up. I applied a night moisturizer for face and called Liam.
" I'm already ready. But where the hell are you? ", I said irritated.
" Right behind you. ", he said.
" Wha-", I frowned and looked behind.
There he stood against the wall, in a suit with a bow tie, looking ravishing as always.
" What? How? I mean, When? ", I fumbled with words.
He chuckled, " I have a closet in my office. Sometimes I need to work late. So I made a closet in there. Now if you're done checking me out, let's go. "
I rolled my eyes, " Yes please. "
We got inside the car as I greeted George.
Soon an awkward silence fell upon us.
"So, any news on the stolen transactions? ", I asked.
" Why do you ask?", he snapped.
Okay, what the hell?
"Fine, whatever. Just wanted to help. Jeez. "
" Haven't you done already? ", he looked at me sideways.
" Wha- why are you acting like this Liam? I mean, I was just as-"
" Just stop Ashley. I don't want to ruin my mood and make our parents think that we had a fight. We need to act as lovers, remember? So, just stop. "
Tears strung my eyes but I quickly blinked them away. This is what my life is going to be. Difficult.
We soon reached an Italian restaurant. Liam and I interlocked our hands and put on fake smiles. We reached a round table.
" Welcome Ashley. You look gorgeous. ", Natasha chirped. I blushed and complimented her as well. It's awkward to meet everyone after that one particular Saturday.
Nevertheless, we ordered and began having small talks.
" So, Liam, when are we going to be grandparents? ", my mom asked.
I choked on my soup. Seriously mother? We got married ONE DAY AGO.
" Umm, we still haven't decided yet Mrs. Payne. ", he said.
" Something tells me it's going to be very soon. ", Natasha said, " Oh, honey, I'm just teasing. "
They just kept on and on about grandchildren and our soon honeymoon. Although I loved Maldives, but going anywhere, especially a vacation, with Liam, will be a double pain in the arse. So, I think I'll have a large glass of 'no thank you '. However I just smiled and nodded here and there.
The night ended and we all headed back home. I was tired and sleepy. So I put my head on the car window and sighed deeply. This was a long night.
Thankfully, the roads were void of traffic and we reached faster than when we arrived.
I opened the door and Liam followed me behind. My eyes fell upon a brunette who was sitting on the sofa of the living room. Her head whipped towards us and she stood up, which revealed her uncomfortably tight and obscene dress. My eyes went wide with realisation as she smirked.
"Isabella? ", I whispered.