Humiliation burned in my cheeks as I stood there, ignored by everyone. My hand brushed against a decorative ivy garland wrapped around a column, and a sharp pain shot through my palm. I looked down to see angry welts forming where the plant's oil had touched my skin—poison ivy. Someone must have thought it was a clever addition to the decorations.
By the time I got home, my hand was swollen, the itching and burning unbearable.
In Asher's study—a room he always kept locked—I found my answer. On his desk, a framed photo of him and Celeste sat like a trophy. Her radiant smile and his adoring gaze told me everything I needed to know.
I picked up the phone and called my brother, Adam, who was overseas.
"Adam," I said, my voice calm despite the storm raging inside me. "I’ve decided to agree to the arranged marriage."
There was a pause on the other end before Adam spoke, his voice filled with surprise. "Lois, are you sure? Did something happen?"
"No," I lied, forcing a smile that he couldn’t see. "I’ve just realized it’s the right thing to do. Mom and Dad chose someone they trust, and I trust them too."
Adam hesitated. "If you’re sure... when are you coming back? Do you want to meet him before we finalize anything?"
"No need. Just set the date. The sooner, the better."
He sighed, though his tone softened. "Alright. By the way, I heard Asher’s ex is back. Celeste, right? It’s funny how everyone thought they were destined. Maybe he’ll bring her to your wedding—it’ll be good to have old friends there."
My chest tightened at his words, but I kept my voice steady. "I don’t think Asher and I are that close anymore. Don’t bother inviting him."
Just as I hung up, the door unlocked, and Asher walked in. He was smiling, but something about it felt fake now.
"Not close to whom?" he teased, his eyes narrowing playfully.
I looked him straight in the eye. "Not close to you."
He raised an eyebrow, then smirked as he wrapped an arm around my waist. "Really? Not close to me? Haven’t we spent enough nights proving otherwise?"
His breath was warm against my ear, but it only made me feel cold. I struggled against him, my gaze catching the faint lipstick stain on his collar.
The burns from the poison ivy on my arm throbbed painfully. The hurt in my chest rose like a wave, spilling over as tears filled my eyes.