Allegedly Yours

Tying the knot

Chapter 34

"Yes, Aston. How many times should I remind you? My affection for you ended the day you accused me," she spat back, her anger rising.

Aston's face contorted with raw fury. "I don't want to marry you. I've made my decision," she declared, daring to look him directly in the eyes.

To her surprise, Aston started laughing, a sudden, unsettling sound. She had expected anger, but this reaction was unexpected and confusing.

"So, don't tell me you didn't know anything," Aston said, a smirk playing on his lips.

Nyrah looked at him with a questioning gaze. "What are you talking about?"

Aston's expression turned smug. "Nobody told you?"

"Told me what, Aston?" she asked, her patience wearing thin.

"That your brother Zale is facing a technical crisis in his business. Only my company can help him, but he refused our assistance. And do you know why?" He leaned in closer, his voice dripping with malicious satisfaction. "Because of you."

Nyrah felt her stomach drop. "What are you saying?" she demanded, her voice shaking.

Aston's smirk widened. "Zale's company is teetering on the edge, Nyrah. They need a specific technology that only we can provide. But out of sheer stubbornness and pride—stemming from his love for you—he rejected our help. He'd rather watch his business crumble than see you forced into a marriage you don't want."

Nyrah's mind reeled. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You're lying," she whispered, though doubt was already creeping in.

"Am I?" Aston's eyes glittered with triumph. "Ask him yourself. See how much he's willing to sacrifice for you. Your brother's pride and your defiance are costing him everything."

"Let go of me," she demanded, pulling her hand free with a forceful tug.

Aston released her, his mocking smile never wavering. "Go ahead. But remember, Nyrah, every decision has consequences."

Nyrah turned and fled back to the house, her heart pounding in her chest.

Nyrah knew very well that Zale would not tell her anything himself, so she decided to ask Alessa. Standing in front of Alessa's room, Nyrah was about to knock when Alessa opened the door.

"Nyrah, come inside. What are you doing up so late?" Alessa asked gently.

"Alessa, I need to ask you something. Please don't lie," Nyrah said. Alessa looked at her, puzzled.

"Why would I lie to you? What's so urgent that you need to ask this late?" Alessa replied.

"Um, actually, I heard that our company is facing a huge loss because of a lack of certain technology. Is that true?" Nyrah asked.

Alessa had been working with Zale since resigning from Aston's company, so she knew what was bothering Zale. This issue was one of his main concerns at the moment. Alessa didn't ask how Nyrah found out about it, as it had been a long time since she visited the office.

"Yes, you're right, Nyrah. Zale has been very worried about it, and it's true that we're facing a significant loss because of it. But don't worry; Zale will definitely find a solution," she assured Nyrah. Then, suddenly, Alessa asked, "You still haven't answered me, Nyrah. Do you really want to marry Aston?"

Nyrah looked at the floor, avoiding Alessa's gaze. "I still haven't thought about it," she replied quietly.

Next day

The next morning, Nyrah entered her dad's study. He was working on his laptop, with numerous files scattered around him. When Nyrah entered, Elon looked up, closing the laptop as he addressed her.

"What brings you here, dear?"

Nyrah sat beside her father. "Dad, I've made my decision."

Elon looked at her solemnly and asked, "So, what is it?"

Nyrah had thought all night long and finally concluded that she had never truly supported her family's business, never helped Zale when he needed her. She had seen her brother working tirelessly to expand their business, while all she did was leave home, trapped in her own guilt. Despite that, her brother never once shared his problems with her. Now, it was her turn to do something for him.

"Dad, I want to marry Aston," she said, her voice steady and resolute.

Meanwhile, Aston was in his office, buried in work, when his assistant knocked and entered. "Sir, it's your father's call."

"Tell him I'm busy right now," Aston replied without looking up from his desk.

"But he's saying it's something important," the assistant insisted, a note of urgency in his voice.

Frustrated, Aston snatched the phone. "What is it, Dad? I'm in the middle of a meeting," he snapped.

"Congratulations, son! Nyrah said yes to the marriage!" James exclaimed joyfully on the other end.

Aston's irritation melted into surprise. "What? Are you sure?" he asked, disbelief coloring his tone.

"Absolutely! Elon just informed me. It looks like we'll be welcoming Nyrah into the family soon," James continued, his voice brimming with excitement.

Aston leaned back in his chair, the news sinking in. He hadn't expected Nyrah to agree, especially after their heated encounter.

Aston knew very well that behind his father's persistent pressure to marry Nyrah were the business benefits he would gain. His father could do anything for money and fame. It wasn't always like this; his behavior had changed drastically after his wife's death. Aston was only five years old when his mother left him. He cried and mourned her death for days, but no one came to comfort him. It was as if his father had abandoned him too.

As a child, Aston felt so broken that as he grew older, he never made any friends, fearing they would leave him too. It's true he's rich and powerful, but inside, he's a lonely man. Then one day, he met Elena. She helped him, and he was grateful. They studied at the same college, and from there, everything started. Elena had a caring and jolly nature. She used to help him out whenever he needed it, and they became friends. Unknowingly, he craved the care and warmth she offered, something he had missed so desperately after his mother's death.

He didn't realize when he started to like her. But then she left him too, just like his mother did, and never returned. It seemed like even the universe didn't want him to be happy. The pain of losing Elena reinforced his belief that everyone he cared about would eventually leave him.

Now, as he sat in his office, the news of Nyrah's acceptance of the marriage proposal felt hollow. He knew his father saw Nyrah as a strategic business move rather than a potential daughter-in-law. And though Aston had his own reasons for wanting Nyrah in his life, he couldn't ignore the emptiness inside him. The fear of losing someone else he might come to care about gnawed at him, but he couldn't show it. He had learned to hide his true feelings behind a facade of power and indifference.

With a sigh, he turned his attention back to his work, trying to push the turbulent thoughts away. But deep down, the memories of his mother and Elena lingered, casting a shadow over his heart.

____________________________________________________________________

Hey everyone!

Hope you liked the chapter. Keep on voting and don't forget to follow me on instagram. Also if you have any queries then please comment. I'll try my best to answer each one of you.

Thanks for reading ❤️