The Red Thread

Chapter 2

Asher Carter - the person whom I'll be marrying according to my parent's. But he is the person I hate the most in this world. He broke my heart and I vowed to stay away from him. This must be a sick joke the universe is playing, because I'm not marrying him.The thought of marrying Asher had once filled me with joy, but now it was a idea that I loathe. Sensing a shift in the atmosphere, Sofia took Evan out of the dining room, to put him to bed.

"I can't go through with this marriage to Asher," I confessed. I struggled to find the right words. "I... I can't go through with this marriage to Asher. I just can't."  My mother's face filled with concern, and my father's expression grew serious. "But Addy, he's a wonderful match, and we've always thought highly of him. What's changed princess?" Everything. I wanted to tell them but I can't. I remained silent not wanting to say anything.

My father began, "Addy, Asher is an accomplished and responsible man. His business acumen and success speak for themselves. He can provide a secure and comfortable future for you." My mother added, "Furthermore, we've known Asher and his family for years. We believe that he is a person of integrity, and he and your brother share a deep friendship. This marriage could strengthen our family's ties.". I turned towards my brother to observe his reaction to this, but he is sitting there without speaking a word, and with a strange expression on his face that I couldn't decipher.

"I need some time to consider my decision about marrying Asher." I told them. My  mother nodded, her expression filled with empathy. "Of course, dear. Take the time you need. This is a big decision, and we want you to be sure." My parents exchanged a reassuring glance, and my father said, "Take all the time you need. When you're ready, we'll be here to listen." My  parents departed for the night saying their goodnight to my brother and me.

I turned to see him going to the living room and I followed him to see him taking a seat on the couch. I sat beside him to talk and know about his opinion.
I hesitated for a moment, trying to read his expression, which was inscrutable as ever. "Christian, you've been unusually quiet about Asher and the marriage. Is there something you're not telling me?"

He leaned back  and let out a sigh " nothing princess, but I want you to marry Asher". I was taken aback  about Chris's opinion. "Christian," I began but was cut off by him saying " shh ,Addy let's not talk about this now, we'll talk later, go and get some sleep, goodnight princess". He left for his room leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Leaving the dimly lit living room behind, I made my way upstairs to my bedroom. With a sigh, I closed the door behind me, shutting out the world for the night. As I slipped under the cool, comforting sheets, my mind began to drift, and the events of the day slowly faded into the background. The weight of my worries began to lift, and I welcomed the promise of a peaceful night's sleep.

I stirred from a peaceful slumber, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains, gently nudging me into wakefulness.With a sense of purpose, I moved into the routine of getting ready for the day. After a long hot shower and brushing my teeth, I walked towards my closet.

As the CEO of my own fashion line, my outfit was not just a matter of personal style; it was a statement of who I was in the industry. I chose a structured knee-length dress in a bold cobalt blue, a color that exuded confidence and sophistication. The dress featured subtle asymmetrical draping, a testament to my appreciation for innovative design. The fabric was luxurious yet practical, allowing me to move with ease.

For footwear, I opted for a pair of sleek black leather ankle boots with a modern, pointed toe. They provided a sense of power and comfort, enabling me to navigate the fast-paced environment of my office and the fashion world.My makeup was a balanced blend of classic and contemporary. A flawless, luminous foundation served as a canvas for my look.

A subtle smoky eye with earthy tones and a touch of shimmer emphasized my eyes, and a winged eyeliner added a hint of drama. My lips were adorned with a bold, matte red lipstick, a symbol of my fearless approach to fashion.

The morning after the intense discussion about my arranged marriage to Asher felt like walking into a minefield as I headed to breakfast. Entering the kitchen, I found my parents at the table, their expressions a mixture of concern and expectation.

My brother, Christian, sat quietly, his eyes locked on his cereal and Sofia feeding Evan his breakfast. I made my way to the table. The wooden chair felt cold against my skin as I sat down.

My mother, trying to break the tension, finally said, "Good morning, Addy. Have some breakfast."I gave her a small, grateful smile as I picked up a piece of toast and began to spread butter on it.My father, still visibly preoccupied, spoke up, "Addy, have you had a chance to think about what we discussed last night?"I nodded.

"Yes, I have, but I need more time to make a decision about the marriage. It's a major step, and I don't want to rush into it." My parents exchanged glances, their expressions still uncertain. Christian remained silent, his eyes finally lifting from his cereal bowl to meet mine. There was a sense of understanding in his gaze and Sofia smiled softly.

I excused myself from there saying bye to my family and made my way to the garage, where my prized possession awaited – my sleek, white Audi R5.I slid into the driver's seat, feeling the smooth leather beneath me, and started the engine with a satisfying purr. The familiar hum of the powerful motor filled the garage, and I couldn't help but smile. I had a full day ahead of me, filled with meetings, creative discussions, and the intricate details of running a fashion line.