Beautiful Lion

Chapter 11

Arabella 🌹

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Asher and I have been subject to various board meetings beyond the strains of being forced to plan a wedding.

Of course naturally we have people for that but we are still required to show at least minimum interest in the process since to everyone else we are happy in love and can't wait to be hitched.

I was seated in our living room trying to go over some paperwork. It was already close to midnight but I was use to working this late. What surprised me was the fact that Asher hadn't come home as yet.

Home.... It still felt weird to say.

Sometimes I think about the dynamics of what would be required for us to make this work. Sometimes I feel like it's possible, especially when I see how much Asher has... matured? Other times I'm not sure if a part of me is ready to let go of the malice I've felt for him for so long.

Because the reality is... what are me and Asher if I wasn't hating him and him giving me reasons to?

That thought alone sent a chill down my back and I tried to push the thought to the back of my head.

I jump when I hear the front door open and close. Me and Asher still rarely interact, worse when we are at home because we never allow ourselves to be in the same room.

When he walks in he pauses when he sees me on the couch but there's something different about his emerald eyes.

They are much darker... and he's looking at me but not truly looking at me.

It sends another wave of chills down my spine and I hold my breathe. Why is he just staring?

"Asher?" I whisper, not sure why since we are the only ones here.

He doesn't respond right away. Still standing there looking distant.

I put my laptop down and stand. His eyes seems to shift and darken even more, as if it were even possible.

I follow his gaze and realize I'm only wearing a big T-shirt.

I blush and try to pull it down. That seems to snap him back because he looks away and his facial expression changed.

"You're still up." He simply says

"Yeah.... I had a few documents I still needed to work on for tomorrow." I say not fully meeting his eyes.

"You work too hard princess."

I almost catch a hint of concern but that couldn't be right. I take a chance and glance back up at him and he's already looking at me.

"You know why I work hard Asher."

"I know," he says breathing out a sigh. "That doesn't mean that you still don't overwork yourself"

I shift in my spot feeling oddly vulnerable and I can't stop myself for my next words.

"What's wrong... you seem... off"