Ashely Nicole Amores is the name, a 22-year-old woman. I'm the daughter of the renowned businesswoman, Pixie Jean L. Amores but he passed away when I was seven, and my father raised me.
He was a kind and caring dad, and I loved him dearly. Everything changed, however, when our company began to suffer significant financial losses.
My father, in a desperate attempt to save the business, arranged a marriage for me. And now, here I am, in the imposing mansion of that⦠monster. Tsk.
"Ah, Ma'am, it's time for dinner," Manang Carvenia announced softly.
"Okay, Manang. I'll be down in a moment," I replied, heading back to my room to change. After getting dressed, I descended the grand staircase.
"Good morning, Ma'am," Manang greeted me with a warm smile. I returned the greeting, a sigh escaping my lips.
I'm a graduate, yet I find myself with nothing to do in this suffocating house. I hate it here. I long for home.
"Ma'am, is something troubling you?" Manang inquired gently.
"Nothing, Manang. Just wondering where my⦠charming husband is," I muttered, my tone laced with sarcasm.
"Ah, Sir Zandro? He left early this morning, Ma'am," Manang informed me. Fine. I have nothing better to do.
After finishing my meal, I returned to my room. As I was ascending the stairs, my phone buzzed. It was Yvie, my best friend.
"Bess! I'm so bored. Let's go out, please!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. I readily agreed, my spirits lifting slightly.
I quickly changed into a knee-length white dress. I decided to visit my husband's company to inform him of my plans.
He'll probably accuse me of being inconsiderate, but honestly, he started this whole mess.
After getting ready, I entered the waiting car. My personal butler, Mr. Padilla, was already waiting. He's incredibly trustworthy and highly respected by the Moonroi family.
I finally know the name of the man I'm married to: Zandro Limuel Moonroi, the notorious and incredibly intimidating mafia boss of Austria. That's why Dad chose him, of course. The irony is, I haven't even had a proper conversation with him yet.
When we arrived at the imposing Moonroi building, Wen got out and opened the car door for me. The entrance was guarded by stern-looking security personnel.
"Hello, Ma'am. May I assist you?" one of the guards asked, his voice formal and polite.
"Ah, hello. I have an appointment with Mr. Moonroi," I replied, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.
"Please wait, Ma'am. I'll contact him immediately," another guard responded.
"And your name, Ma'am?" the third guard inquired.
"Ashley Nicole AmoresâMonroi," I stated, my words hanging in the air. The guards' eyes widened in surprise.
"Please, Ma'am, come in," they said in unison, their demeanor shifting to one of deference. I entered the building, Mr. Padilla trailing close behind. I had no idea where Zandro's office was located.
"Mr. Padilla, I have no idea where to go," I whispered, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me.
"It's on the 30th floor, Madam," he responded calmly. I pressed the button, and the elevator began its ascent. As we reached the floor, I noticed several employees staring at me. Why? What had I done? They looked like they were ready to devour me with their eyes.
"To your right, Madam," Mr. Padilla guided me. We reached a large, imposing door with Zandro's name discreetly engraved on a polished silver plate. I knocked three times.
"Come in," a deep, commanding voice boomed from within. I swallowed hard and entered, my heart pounding in my chest. He didn't even look up from his work.
"Ah... excuse me," I coughed, trying to get his attention.
He finally looked up, his gaze cold and assessing. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice devoid of warmth.
"I... I wanted to let you know..." I stammered, my voice barely a whisper.
"Where are you going?" he interrupted, his expression unchanging.
"I'm going out with a friend," I managed to say, my eyes fixed on his impassive face.
"Fine," he responded curtly. Relief washed over me. "But bring July and twenty bodyguards," he added, his words leaving me utterly speechless.
"Seriously?" I exclaimed, my voice rising in disbelief. "Well, if you don't want me to go, I'll justâ" I stopped myself, realizing the futility of arguing.
"Fine, fine. You're so mean," I muttered under my breath, turning to leave.
"Why is he like that? He's so incredibly unpleasant," I grumbled, heading towards the elevator, my face a mask of frustration.
I noticed the employees still watching me, so I shot them a dark look, and they quickly returned to their work.
"Ugh, Mr. Padilla. This bonding trip is going to be interesting," I muttered, stepping into the elevator.
TO BE CONTINUED...