Chapter 22 Break Off The Engagement

Chapter 22 Break Off The Engagement

…

So much information to digest.

So little time to process them.

Who exactly was Violet?

What was she to Clyde Crawford?

Asher didn't want to believe it… he didn't want to think about it.

The things Clyde told him just now must be an expensive joke. 

Both he and Violet must be pulling his legs. 

How could Clyde be Mimi's biological father?

How could he be legally married to Violet?

How the hell did it all happen?

“Ash, are you in there?” A soft knock from the door brought him back to the present.

Asher composed himself, loosening his tie and striding towards the door. 

When he held it open, his mother stood in the hallway with worry etched over her expression. “What took you so long to open it, Son?”

“Sorry, Mum.” He sighed. “I was doing… something else.”

He glanced across the room, avoiding her eyes. 

However, he couldn't bypass his mother's scrutiny.

The woman must have already sensed something, otherwise, she wouldn't have followed him to his room.

“Come, let's talk!” She entered and sat on the couch. 

Asher closed the door and sat beside her. “I'm all ears, Mum.”

“Are you about to break off the engagement?”

“No!” He exclaimed almost instinctively. 

It was the furthest thing in his mind. 

He loved Violet.

How could he let her go?

“Good!” The woman nodded. “Remember, Ash, this wedding is all you've ever wanted. If you're worried about Violet's kid taking up all the space in her heart, don't fret. You can't compete with the love she has for her child.”

That wasn't the case. 

And thank goodness his mother didn't sense what was actually going on. 

Smiling, Asher patted her shoulder. “I love Mimi like my own child. Both Violet and I will love her unconditionally.”

“Great!” The middle-aged woman beamed, giving him an adoring look. “You've always made us proud, Son. The wait was worth it… see? Violet is finally becoming yours.”

But Asher had this eery inkling that Violet might soon slip out of his grasp. 

He'd waited for this moment for many years. 

He could go ahead and marry another girl, but he still chose Violet. 

He needed her.

They needed each other. 

“I won't disturb you anymore. We'll all be returning to the city tomorrow. Sleep early, okay?”

“Okay, Mum… good night.”

He kissed her on the cheek and she left.

But Asher couldn't catch a wink. 

He washed up and lay on the bed for hours. Staring at the ceiling, his eyes couldn't blink.

The same image flashed in his mind again and again.

Clyde Crawford. 

Violet.

What the hell was about to happen? 

To clear his mind, Asher left the bed and headed downstairs to get something to drink. 

On his way to the wine cellar, he sensed movements from the large doors. 

Frowning, Asher followed the sound. 

It was the middle of the night and the Villa was bathed in silence.

Who was out there?

Was it one of the bodyguards? 

Still, his mind told him to check. And as he approached, slight sobs echoed.

“Damnit, Clyde!” She sniffled. “Why did you have to show up? I thought we'd never see again- I- I thought we were done for good.”

Thinking she was speaking with someone, Asher instantly became alert.

However, Violet was the only one sitting outside the door.

She wasn't even wearing thick clothes, letting the cold sip into her bones.

Sighing inside, Asher sat beside her. 

Maybe she noticed his presence, or maybe she didn't, but she kept on sobbing anyway. 

“You refused to listen to me… why're you here?” She whispered, her pained voice weak.

Asher held her shoulder, pulling her close. “I'm sorry.”

“You shouldn't apologize.” She stared at him, blinking in confusion. “Now you know my past. You're obviously mad.”

Indeed, he was a bit mad. 

Why didn't she tell him about her past earlier?

Why didn't she tell him that she was married before?

Everyone believed she'd been taken advantage of, and that was how she got Mimi. 

But no…

Clyde Crawford was her ex-husband. He was Mimi's biological father.

The Clyde Crawford who was notorious for his ruthlessness in the business world. 

“I'm not mad at you.” Asher wiped her tears. “Everyone makes mistakes. I just want to clarify, are you still a married couple-”

“No!” She shook her head rapidly. “Clyde and I are already divorced.”

“Then I'm relieved.” Asher smiled, patting her hair. “You'll still become my wife, Violet. My love for you won't die so easily.” 

Her eyes flashed with shock, then she gave him a wary look. “But, Ash-”

“It's okay.” He placed a finger on her lips, shushing her. “We're good, Vi. We're always good.”

More tears rolled down her cheeks and she hugged him, unspoken words of gratitude reflecting in her eyes. 

Asher didn't want just a hug. 

He needed more. 

So he pulled away and lifted her chin. 

This was it.

The perfect moment he'd been waiting for. 

He could feel his heart racing… his throat drying up. 

As if frozen in place, she didn't move an inch. 

And he leaned downward…

Their lips were merely inches apart when something crashed from a distance. 

“Don't you dare!!!”