THE STOIC CEO'S WIFE

CHAPTER 11 : SHE WANTS TO STAY

****************************************

     Lauren had just finished packing her important possessions with the help of Gloria and they were waiting for Ashton. Throughout the week, she and Ashton bickered several times until her friends finally succeeded in persuading her. She was afraid that his family would not like a marriage they didn't consent to, though she concealed her fear from her friends. Just as she was about to start thinking again, the doorbell chimed and Gloria opened the door. It was him and some of his men.

"Hello Mr Johnson", she greeted before letting him in.

He didn't even look at her, he just muttered a 'hi' and went into Lauren's bedroom.

Lauren looked at him coldly. "What kind of guest are you? Can't you stay in the living room or at least knock the door?

"I'm not just any guest, I'm your husband now and I can come in whenever you wish.

"Well, it seems you've forgotten that this isn't your house but mine, and the husband you're calling yourself is a fake one."

He called his men and asked them to take the luggages to the car before turning to look at her. "I won't fight with you now, Mom is waiting and you better watch what you say and do when you're there."

"You don't need to tell me what to do."

He pulled her very close to him and twisted her arm a bit. "Young lady, you better behave yourself."

"You're hurting me, let go", she winced.

"It's not meant to give pleasure", he sneered.

"You're such a fouter", she said and ran out immediately he released her from his grip.

He came out as if nothing happened and led the way. Lauren tried to enter the same car with Gloria but a man was already seating by her side. She had no choice but to enter another car, a bodyguard opened a car and politely asked her to enter it. She obliged but regretted her action immediately the door closed, she was seating beside him. She ignored him and started to play a game on her phone.

     She was looking at the fascinating buildings on the way like a Bedouin who came to a city for the first time. He couldn't help but snap her with his phone. She looked funny.

"Ashton Johnson! Delete my picture", she barked at him.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you threatening me?"

"Yes, and I want you to delete it now."

"I want to keep it to remind me of your ugliness", he snickered at her.

"You won't do that", she retorted and started fighting with him to collect his phone.

He looked at the driver and bodyguard and shouted. "Stop the car and get out, Mrs Johnson will drive the car."
The car came to a halt and the two men hurried out of it.

She looked at him surprisingly, "what do you mean?"

It's a punishment for trying to snatch my phone. Either you drive or we sleep here, else we'll be on the headlines tomorrow."

The other cars stopped and he waved them to go on. She looked at him, "what if I can't drive?"

He smirked again. "A person who graduated from a driving school a few years ago shouldn't have forgotten how to drive."

She was shocked, "how did you know that?"

"I am Ashton Cavelli Johnson. I can know anything I want."

She folded her hands and said, "I'm not driving."

Before he could answer her, his phone rang and he picked it up. She heard him saying, "Mom, my wife is so romantic that she asked to display love for a while before coming."

He placed the phone on her ear and she heard her saying. "My daughter, don't worry. He's all yours now and you can show love to each other when you're here. I'm just so eager to meet you, can you come now?"

Her face turned rubescent. "We'll come back right away."

She looked at him angrily. "Ashton Johnson! You're not only a cheat and an oppressor, you're also a shameless liar. What do you want from me?"

"Obedience, my lady", he said leering at her.
*********************************

     She received a grand welcome from the staff and he led her in. She kept looking around her like a wanderer. The house was like an Alhambra with many interesting things. She was wowed!

     As soon as she entered the large living room, she saw a familiar face - someone she had always looked for. She lose her composure and quickly ran to her embrace. "Mother!" she exclaimed happily.

"Angel!" the woman replied with the same force. I had looked for you everywhere but I couldn't find you.

     Everyone was dumbfounded. Pinkie looked at her inquisitively, "Mother, that's Lauren, your daughter-in-law. Have you met her before?"

She looked at them excitedly. "Do you all remember when I once went out and had an asthma attack? The time I forgot to carry my inhaler and a girl helped me with some herbs?
She was that lady, my angel. I'd looked for her but I never saw her again. Luckily, she's now my daughter-in-law. Oh God! I'm so happy."

Pinkie hurriedly hugged her friend. "No wonder I've always liked you from the moment I set my eyes on you, you saved my mom's life. Thank you Lauren."

"Thank you for saving my daughter-in-law's life. But I do not want you as my grandson's wife.  You can ask for any amount and I'll pay you off."

"Grandpa!" Ashton shouted angrily. I have told you, and I'm still telling you that you have no right to choose for me who to marry me. If you don't like Lauren, then let her be. As long as I am by her side, no harm shall come to her."

"Let's go", he said as he pulled Lauren out to his own mansion. He was so angry that he tightened his grip on her hand.

Pinkie was disappointed in her grandfather. She started to cry and Gloria pulled her out. Gloria was also angry as they left the living room, but she had to suppress her anger and console her friend.

Grandpa looked at Mrs Johnson and said. "Julia, I understand that the girl has once saved your life but I do not like her a bit. I'm ready to give her any amount as long as she'll live my grandson."

She looked at his retreating body and asked. "Father, why don't you like her?"

"Simple! Because I didn't consent to their marriage."

Father!
****************************

     Lauren was really furious, she kept pacing around the room that Ashton had brought her. This was what she had been afraid of - rejection. Everyone loves her except that old man. This was a chance to escape the fake marriage, but surprisingly, she wants to stay in order to piss the old man off. She would definitely stay in this marriage!