Ashton's Lie

chapter eleven

"Taylor, sweetheart, please hurry the fuck up." I hear Ashton call out from the other side of the fitting room's door.

I zip up my dress and walk out with my hands on my hip. "You should've known what it was like when guys shop with their girlfriends."

"You should've warned me," he says. "How was I supposed to know what it's like when I've never had a girlfriend?"

"Well, I've never had a boyfriend, how would I know?" I retort. "Besides, it's only been four hours."

"Four hours and we haven't bought shit," he corrects. "You say it like its no big deal."

"Because it's not!" I argue. "What do you think of this dress?"

He looks me up and down, his emotion blank. "You look perfect, can we go now?"

I ignore him and change back into my clothes quickly. I check the time on my phone and see it's almost nine.

"What time is dinner with your parents?" I ask as we walk out after buying the dress.

"An hour ago," he says flatly.

I stop in my tracks. "An hour ago and we're still here?" I ask. "We're late!"

"Well, we would've made it on time if you hurried up," he shoots back.

"You could've said something!" I protest.

He shrugs. "I'm always late. I don't want my parents to think I'm changing into a better person because I'm dating someone. It's all part of the plan."

I slap him. "You couldn't have said that before I wasted my lungs and oxygen on my mini outburst?" I grab the shopping bag and storm to the car.

Ashton gets into the driver's seat and buckles himself. "Don't be mad at me, sweetheart."

I scoff. "I'm already mad."

He starts the engine and drive out the parking lot. He takes my hand. I try to yank my hand from his grasp but he held on tight before I could yank it away.

He caresses my knuckles with his thumb as if to calm me down.

It worked a little but I wouldn't tell him that. He's probably done this to other girls before he broke their hearts and left them dumb, single, and heartbroken.

"Don't be mad at me," he says.

That barely sounded like begging. He didn't even sound sorry. I wanted him to beg. To bow down to me. Go down on his knees and ask for forgiveness.

Maybe I'm asking for too much ...

"Whatever," I mutter instead and look out the window.

We arrive at his mansion in no time and get ready quickly. I hardly doubt his parents are still waiting for us after an hour. I'm not sure if they even called or texted, Ashton never said anything.

I put on my dress and leave my curly hair as it is. I put on mascara, concealer, and eyeliner to go with my black dress that went down to my knees and covered my upper body. It showed off my curves and had a white collar on it. I wore black stilettos to finish it and wait downstairs.

I take the time to roam around while Ashton's taking his sweet time as always. I walk into the living room to see antique and expensive furniture. The furniture matched each other's colors, making the room stand out and look classy.

I look at the photos on the wall. They were the same as the ones on the staircase. Family photos, special occasions, baby pictures.

I see the one baby picture again.

I'm really curious as to who that person is and who she is to Ashton. Why is she kept as a secret?

And why did she look so damn familiar?

I hear footsteps coming down the stairs. I waited anxiously for Ashton to hurry up. Not even I take that long. I see Ashton's silhouette coming downstairs quickly.

I could've stopped breathing at the sight. He wore an all black tuxedo, with no tie. He unbuttoned the first couple of buttons, revealing some chest hair and his muscled chest and smooth skin. He fixes his cufflinks on the way down. His black hair way messy but on him, he made it work.

"Shall we?" He holds out his elbow.

I smirk. "We shall." I link my arm with his and we walk out the front door together.

He opens the door for me as usual and closes it behind me. After getting in his seat, he begins lecturing me.

"Remember, just act your usual self." he says. "My parents don't like your parents. I don't know how they feel about you, but just sit there and wait until they say something directly to you."

"My friend, Jonah, will be there, he's currently distracting them as we speak. Jonah's the kind of best friend you're embarrassed to be seen with, but need anyways."

I nod my head at everything he says. It's a lot to take in but I manage.

We both arrive at the fancy restaurant. The valet takes Ashton's keys and a waitress leads us to our table.

I can see Ashton's parents from here and another guy around our age. Ashton and I walk over to the table and I shake hands firmly with Ashton's parents.

"Taylor Ramirez, pleasure to meet you," Robert Marshall says. "I have to admit, I never expected my son to settle down, especially not with my enemies' daughter."

I muster a fake smile. "Well, I hope I can change your son, sir."

Robert nods, impressed and seemingly pleased. "I hope so too," he looks at Ashton in slight disapproval. "We've been waiting for quite a while ... Appetizers, anyone?"

I had to blow out a breath when Robert noticed our late appearance. "I'll have some," Jonah speaks up.

He has a similar build as Ashton. Muscles, tattoos, bad boy aura that screamed dark and dangerous. He also had that YOLO vibe with him.

Jonah smirks my way. Ashton wraps an arm around my shoulder and glares at him.

"I hope you don't mind me bringing this up, especially since you both just sat down ..." Robert says. "But how do you feel about my son?"

I look taken back as I glance at Ashton. He had his chin resting on his hands as he smirks at me. Jonah seems to like my predicament as well because he gets comfortable in his chair.

Time to lie, I guess.

Is there even anything nice to say about Ashton?