oing in her throat. This could only be a nightmare, she thought. Just as Ashley was getting ready to go to

, but she despised him because he was arrogant and felt like he owned the world. If

ponsible as Ethan was, he didn't deserve to live on the streets. It took a while for her to fall asleep, but when she woke up, the sun hadn't even risen yet. A knock on

wn onto the sidewalk with brutality, and when she looked up, she saw those well-polished black shoes. Ashley found herself in a humiliating

art," Oliver said, "you

't try to help Ashley up. She placed her hands on the g

ou're sorely mistaken," she was resolut

he said, shifting hi

who had tears in his eyes and desp

"I promised him that. And I'll give it to you too. Othe

Ashley. Ethan was already old and wouldn

r and said, "I want hi

me," he said, looking at his watch, "I can offer one of my houses

e said witho

t his brutality. She looked out the window, asking the man to at least say goodbye to her father, b

open the door of the car, and jump out, trying to convince he

ice. Oliver grabbed Ashley's arm ag

g to wear the dress I bought for yo

t her legs

nter the office. He took the woman's hand, her head still lowered, and the ceremony began. Ashley would never remember what the judge said, except for the part where she agreed to marry this man. Her body was there, but

ust a frustrated woman heading to her new

d. There was a nice table with delicious food to eat. Ashley was hungry. Oliver direc

having this queen's life," Olive

dn't say

t. The man, who was looking at the time on his wristwatc

irected his gaze at Ashley, "w

about that part, the obligations that ma

ver,

now, Ashley," he said, al

ed. Out of despair, regret. What would s

She waited in terror for Oliver's return. When it was already dark and the stars shone

she wondered. Then he opened the bedroom door and threw A

this," her b

e eyes, unable to believe what the woman was

ed insa

," she said b

d. He could hardly believe how good life was t

dressed again. "I pro

enveloping her in his arms