Chapter 3 MY NEW HOME

Ashlyn's point of view

"Did she really stand him up?" I murmured to myself, watching from a distance as the tall, striking man looked around, clearly waiting for someone. He had this dignified aura, yet his expression was cool, and he was acting embarrassed. Time passed, and still, no bride in sight. Was it like my case? Did his bride decide to leave him just like what Christopher did to me? Well, if that's the case, he was a little lucky she didn't have to come to say embarrassing things about him.

I watched them for a while, the man must really be a gentleman to have stayed this calm and collected. But the only person who seemed out of place was the man answering the calls and reporting.

I decided to approach him. By the time I got to where he was standing, he was glancing at his watch nervously.

"Excuse me," I said softly with a nervous smile on my face. "Is something wrong? You both look stressed."

The man turned to me, clearly surprised by my boldness I guess. "Oh, hello. I'm afraid my boss's fiancée... didn't show. Apparently, she heard some rumors about him, and now she's called it off. We only received her message an hour ago."

I glanced at the groom again, he was now sitted in a chair just a few walk from where I stood. He was roughly rubbing his hair, with his gaze fixed on the floor.

I felt so bad for him. I know how it hurts.

Without thinking, I asked the other man if I could talk to him. "Please, can I talk to him?" pointing to the supposed groom.

He hesitated for a while, thinking. "He is my boss and I'm his personal assistant. I don't know if it's the right time to talk to him."

I pleaded. "Please, I promise I won't take his time." he nodded and gave me the go-ahead. I took a deep breath and walked up to him.

"Hi," I said, trying to sound friendly. "I overheard... and I was wondering if maybe... we could help each other out. I'm Ashlyn Knight. And... I need to get married today too."

The man looked at me, slightly stunned by my words, but he quickly gathered himself and gave me a faint smile. "Ashlyn Knight, you say?" He extended his hand. "Richard Walker. And if you're serious, then I am as well. Shall we?"

I nodded, feeling so lucky and happy. "Finally," I mumbled.

I didn't know this man, yet something about his calm, confident attitude felt intriguing. Within the hour, we had completed the paperwork and exchanged our vows in a brief civil ceremony.

Richard's POV

I couldn't believe my luck. This beautiful woman, Ashlyn Knight, had just stepped into my life at the perfect moment, sparing me from what could have been a public scandal. We left the bureau as husband and wife, and though it felt surreal, it somehow felt right.

Once we reached my mansion, she turned to me and looked like she was about to say something but was uncertain.

Eventually, she began. "Richard, there's something you should know," she started, in a low but gentle voice that's barely a whisper. "I... I'm still a virgin. I don't want... I'm not ready for that part of marriage yet."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling shocked and angry, but I nodded. "I respect that, Ashlyn. This is all... new to both of us." I reached for my coat and handed it to her as a makeshift blanket. "You can sleep here tonight if you're comfortable. I'll make arrangements to sleep elsewhere."

She gave me a grateful smile, pulling the coat around her. "Thank you, Richard."

Later, as she dozed off, I walked into my study to sort through the day's events. I knew this marriage would require time and patience. But Ashlyn had shown to be kind, compassionate, and honest. Qualities I hadn't anticipated, given the stories I'd heard.

I picked up the phone and called my butler, Davis. "Davis, I want you to prepare a set of clothes for my new wife. Something stunning in blue. I want her to feel... at home."

"Yes, sir," Davis replied, sounding enthusiastic. Ashlyn did, after all, have a good reputation, even though it was almost ruined by the lies flying around. He seemed pleased to have her in the house, as though he believed the good in her without question.

As I hung up, my thoughts moved back to her innocent expression and her sincere words earlier. I couldn't quite understand it, but something about her was refreshing. Perhaps I had been too quick to judge.

I dialed my friend Jonathan. He answered after a few rings.

"Richard," he greeted, sounding surprised. "Calling me this late? What's the occasion? Do we have a problem?"

I rolled my eyes as if he was here to see me. Then, I relaxed my back, staring at the ceiling, trying to find the right words. I didn't want him to question me too much about what I was about to tell him. "Jonathan... I think I found a good woman. She's pretty and exactly what I want. You know, it's a good thing I was dished. I wouldn't have found her."

There was a pause in the line. I knew Jonathan, his mouth was probably wide open and his eyes popping out in surprise.

I kept smiling, waiting for him to respond. But it was taking forever and I had to call back his attention. "Joe? Jonathan! What is wrong with you? Man."

That was when he got himself and cleared his throat. But I tell he was still looking for what to say.

"Oh? Are you saying this arranged mess turned out in your favor after all? Is that what you actually want? I am happy for you man."

"You could say that," I replied with a small smile, though I kept Ashlyn's name to myself. But I know he would definitely ask.