The Assistant || Ashton Irwin

0.7

Anne and I talked all afternoon, she told me all about her home in Sydney and what Ashton was like as a child and how much it upset her to have him turn out the way he had. I felt for her, I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be in her position, I hoped I'd never have to be.

I sat curled up on the couch flicking through a magazine while Anne flicked through the tv channels. Our quiet, peaceful afternoon was soon interrupted by Ashton's arrival.

"We have company" he stated and stepped aside to let Emma in.

"Hello darling" Emma said engulfing me in a hug before she turned to Anne to do the same. I turned to look at Ashton. He wore the same cold expression he always wore, his shirt was old with many holes across the chest and back, his black skinny jeans ripped across one knee. He shrugged off his leather jacket to reveal his biceps. As much as I hated him I was only human and couldn't help but stare at his muscles. I snapped out of my trance and went to put the kettle on. I made teas and coffee for everyone and sat back down on the couch.

"So the press is just buzzing about you two. Can't get enough of you, it's A Squared all the way" Emma said, flicking through the notepad she always carried.

"A Squared?" Ashton asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes dear, your ship name or whatever the fans call it, it's all about that" Emma explained. She was right of course, every social media site was filled with 'A Squared', it had been trending for days after we first went public.

All of the press surrounding the relationship seemed to be good. I saw very few of the stories, but most centred on how happy we were. Of course there were the few of the die hard fans who sent death threats and nasty comments, but again I didn't see many of these as I tweeted maybe once a week and logged out as quickly as I logged in.

Ashton on the other hand, was always on his phone. I never saw him go without it for more than three minutes. As Emma talked now he was on his phone, not paying attention to anything that was going on around him.

This is how meetings always went, Ashton ignored everything until he was forced to pay attention. I, on the other hand, paid attention to what was being said and only took information in that was really of value to me, example, if a photo op was being planned, or if I had to be anywhere and what time.

It's how my days went, I was sent a text about where to be and I would get ready. Sometimes I was told what to wear, but most times I was left to do what I pleased with my clothes and makeup.

I was never one to care much about looks. I cared more about getting a good eduction and a good job. Yet here I am, being paid to marry someone who couldn't give a damn about anyone, not exactly putting my English degree to good use.

"So Ali do you know your ring size?" Emma asked, dragging me back to earth.

"I'm sorry what?" I said, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"Your ring size. What is it?" She asked again.

"I don't know" I said honestly. I'd never been given a ring, I'd only buy them from shops like New Look if I wanted rings. I had one on me now, sitting on my forth finger on my right hand.

"Just give me that one and I'll get it sized" Emma said pointing to my hand. I slipped it off and gave it to her. I was still unsure where this was all going.

"Why do you need her ring?" Ashton asked, looking as confused as I felt.

"So her ring will fit properly" Emma said, like it was obvious.

"But that one does" Ashton said.

"Not this ring, Ali's engagement ring" Emma said.

"Wait? What? Already?" I chocked out and Emma nodded.

" Oh of course. Things are so good, let's keep the ball rolling" she said, clapping her hands together. I sighed deeply, and sunk further into the couch cushions. At least things were moving along but it still made me nervous.

"So this is really happening?" Ashton said standing up, taking the full attention of the room.

"You're gonna make me marry her?" he spat. His voice was coated in hatred and his eyes darken as he stared us all down.

"Yes Ashton. This is all happening unless you want to be kicked off your record label" Emma warned. I hadn't realised how serious this job was, and how serious the consequences were for Ashton. I gulped loudly and avoided all eye contact. I'll be honest, Emma's statement freaked me out.

"Fine" Ashton snapped. He stormed out of the room, his boots echoed throughout the halls as he stomped upstairs. The sound of his bedroom door slamming sent a shiver through my spine.

"We need him back down here to discuss the engagement details" Emma said. She began to fuss and I tuned it all out. I saw Anne stand up and head out of the room. I sat stunned, could I really manage to do this? Live with and marry someone who hates everyone?

I don't know how long I sat in silence for but when I moved my legs they felt like jelly. I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, suddenly feeling sick. I sipped it slowly and saw Ashton slowly walk down the stairs followed by Anne.

Ashton sat on the couch like a bold child who had thrown a tantrum and I slowly made my way back to them.

"What do we need to do?" Ashton said as I sat down.

A smile spread across Emma's face as she took out her notebook.

"It's going to be public, a huge event. The plan is for it to be aired on television, you're next interview next week. Ali will be front row in the audience, you'll start talking about your relationship and bring her up to sit with you and then pop the question. Super romantic and prefect for publicity" Emma told us.

An hour and a half was spent going over every detail and angle for the latest part of the plan. I was exhausted by the time Emma left. Anne had gone to her room an hour ago, leaving me and Ashton alone.

I tided up in the kitchen just for something to do. I heard a shuffling noise behind me and I turned to find Ashton. He stared me down before turning and walking away. I let out a sigh before turning off the lights and heading to bed.

I sank into the cushioned mattress, thinking about what had happened. This time next week I'd be engaged. Was I really ready for this? There's no backing out now.