The wedding

" I will marry him, but I have a condition " Ashley was seated in the living room with Jared and Elena.

"Should you still be giving conditions? Elena clashed back, but Jared clutched her hands as a sign for her to stop talking.

He fixed his gaze on Ashley and asked

" which is?

" The surgery needs to be done in two weeks, My mom requires surgery immediately " Ashley uttered.

" Are you out of your senses! We aren't money-making machines." Elena enunciated with a grimace.

" Okay, deal " Jared didn't have a second thought about it, he had the money Anyways and many more. He had just been indifferent to Ashley and her mom.

" you have to keep your promise " Ashley had already become doubtful of him but either way she had no choice.

"I will. Get prepared, the wedding is in two days "

" what!

***********

Ashley placed her clothes in her luggage, she had been told she would be going to Elrod's mansion tomorrow. She took out her phone and called her best friend, Louisa.

Once she called her number, she picked it up

" Hello girllll, what's up, you didn't show up at work today?

" Yeah, I was calling you for that. I bet I might miss two more days. Can you get permission from the manager on my behalf? I have to take care of some things." Ashley relied on her best friend while biting her fingers, that was a habit she couldn't get rid of.

" Everything okay? Want me to visit?? Louisa was a bit amazed by her absence, she never missed work, except it was an issue with her mom.

"No no, I might be getting married you know"

"What?! , when?! Louisa was stunned, the Ashley she knew didn't have a boyfriend.

"Louisa, it's a long story, I might as well explain it in detail when we meet. I just wanted to ask you for a favour. Can you take care of my mom for two days in case she wants anything?

"Anything for you, Ashley.

True friends existed and Louisa was one of them.

"Thanks, honey! I will send over the address to you and will explain everything later.

"Okay, I trust you. You definitely don't make wrong decisions " Louisa assured her and they spoke for a little more time before hanging up.

She had transferred her mom to another hospital. She couldn't tell her mom about the difficult decision she took. Margaret would never put her daughter in an uneasy situation.

She is aware that no matter what, Margaret wouldn't subject her to such.

Ashley sat on the floor and leaned on the wall, she buried her face in between her knees and crossed her hands over them.

The next day, Ashley was taken to the Elrod's mansion.

When she got there, she saw a man in a wheelchair. He was around her father's age or even more.

She halted and curled up to him

" Are you my husband?" she gaped at him.

Mr Elrod busted out an Evil laughter and it made her look stupid.

" Take her to her room at once and get her prepared for tomorrow," Mr. Elrod instructed.

Ashley felt a lump in her throat, she furrowed her brows not understanding the cause of his laughter. She felt a little bit queasy.

She silently prayed for the heavens to help her.

At the wedding hall. There weren't many people, just a few members of both families and close friends. It is meant to be a discreet wedding. Mr.Elrod didn't like crowd.

Elena and Alexis were seated.

" Mom, what if Ashley runs away? Then I might be forced to marry the old hag," Alexis frowned.

"She dare not leave her mom and flee, she will die in my hands " Elena whispered and scoffed while maintaining her proud posture.

Alexis beamed a smile in victory. The door opened and Ashley walked in a simple wedding gown without much makeup.

She had pleaded with the make-up artists to keep it simple. She wore an off-shoulder lace gown though it was leg length, showing off her hourglass shape. She backed it up with an exquisite diamond necklace that indicated her beautiful neckline.

Her hair was knitted in a neat bun, curved up with a simple flowery hair band while she held her flowers.

Then her makeup was just a pink light lipstick on her full lips, an eyeliner that enhanced her beautiful cat eyes.

She was naturally gorgeous anyway.

Jared never bothered to walk her down the aisle, So she strolled down by herself.

When she got comments like

"The bride is extremely stunning!

"She is like an angel "

"Mr Elrod must be blessed to have her"

She grinned from ear to ear and brightened up, even though she felt depressed within.

When she smiled her eyes also followed making her look tremendous.

"We should poke out her eyes Mom! Alexis was overwhelmed with envy. No doubt, Ashley outstanded her in every aspect and it already made her look absurd.

"Don't worry my dear, her future is destroyed anyway. Elena snickered.

Ashley had reached the stage.

"May we receive the groom"? The priest said and peeked at the door while all concentration was shifted to the door.

But a minute passed and no one entered, almost 12 minutes, and no one still made it through the door. People became uneasy and then started murmuring.

Ashley stood there "Ugh, my legs are hurting" she muttered under her breath and her eyes went down to her heels, she barely wore them, it wasn't up to an hour yet it was hurting like crazy.

"She is a curse, even the crippled don't want her" Alexis sneered a bit loudly. Though just a few beside her heard it.

Jared heard it but never said anything.

Ashley was standing there like a lost puppy, she glanced at her dad but he coldly turned his gaze away.

Now, Almost thirty minutes had passed, Ashley turned to the priest.

" If the groom isn't available, I should take my leave " she mumbled to the priest.

" I can't keep standing here"

That minute, the door was unlocked, and their heads all turned in the door's direction.

A tall elegant man walked in.