Family Dinner Ruined

Scarlett’s point of view

My eyes widened as Asher emerged from the bathroom, a towel loosely wrapped around his waist. The plush softness of the towel contrasted with the sculpted muscles beneath it, while droplets of water still glistened on his skin, accentuating his natural tan.

My heart raced, a subtle flutter in my chest as my eyes met his. I had never seen a man in a towel before, especially one as incredibly attractive as him.

What am I doing? Of course, he is not attractive, and I shouldn't even be looking at him. I despise this guy with every fiber of my being. I tried to remind myself just how much I loathe him.

But, Goddamn!

Was this even legal? He should face some form of legal consequences for this being inappropriate, right?

I despise this guy; I truly loathe him, and I shouldn't be looking at him. Yes, I hate him, and I absolutely should not be looking at him at all. I chanted the words in my head like some kind of mantras.

“Do you like what you see?” Asher leaned in, his voice low and seductive, each word laced with allure. I snapped out of my daze, taking a step back as my heart pounded against my chest; for a moment, I feared it might burst. It took me a moment to realize that I was wearing nothing but my panties and bra.

Damn, how could I forget it? Instinctively, I moved my hand to my cheek, attempting to cover up, but what was I trying to hide now? He must have already seen everything…

“I... I will go change in the closet.” I turned, but Asher grasped my hand in a swift movement, pinning me against the wall.

“Are you trying to run away, sweetheart?” He lifted his finger, brushing it against my lips. My body tensed, my muscles locking up with a feeling I couldn't describe. I needed to get away from this man; I couldn't let my body control my mind. I was feeling this way simply because I had never been close to a guy before, and that was it.

“Asher, let me go…” My voice emerged as a whisper, my words trembling and betraying me. I was supposed to shout at him, not whisper.

“Why? Didn't you see that I was off the market and I'm yours? Why are you pushing me away then?” His eyes locked onto mine, a piercing gaze that seemed to see through me. His voice was low and rumbling, a sensual sound that sent a shiver down my spine. Each touch from him left a burning sensation coursing through me.

“Asher, please stop. I need to get changed…” I attempted to meet his gaze, striving to maintain my composure. I can't let his charm undermine my resolve; no man has ever made me feel so weak, and I refuse to allow him to do so.

His fingers brushed against my lips, sending a spark of electricity through me. At this point, I wished little Asherly could cry, but she was unusually quiet. Shouldn't she be helping me right now?

"Asher, let me go..." I forced the words out of my mouth, but instead, a chuckle escaped his lips.

"Sweetheart, you should understand that I make the rules in this house, and you obey..." His voice was low and husky.

A fire burned within me, a rage that threatened to consume me. I tried to stick to that feeling, but my heart pounded in my chest, my pulse racing. "I will not obey you..." I tried to struggle my hand out of his grip, but he held both my hands, pinning me to the walls effortlessly like I was some kind of potato sack.

"Well then, sweetheart, if you don't obey me, then I will claim each part of your body..." His gaze locked into mine, his eyes seemed to have darkened with something I couldn't describe. I knew he meant every word. I decided to keep quiet and just pray for a miracle. This little brat will only cry when she is hungry, but she can't save her mom...

"Asher..." Before I could utter a word, the doorbell rang, relief washed over me as if someone had saved me from danger.

"This is not over, sweetheart." Asher’s tone was laced with sarcasm. Before he released my hand, I wasted no time and rushed to the bed, grabbing my clothes. I headed to the closet, leaving Asher to check who was at the door.

As much as I wanted, I couldn't get the image of Asher out of my brain. I've never looked at him closely, and now I regret it. I mean, was he human at all?

His sleek black hair was pulled back, highlighting his sharp jawline. His broad shoulders and chiseled chest made him a work of art, a true masterpiece of muscle. It was as if he had stepped right out of a novel, too perfect to be real.

Control, Scarlett.

That guy is a jerk who was the reason why my sister died. I should make him suffer, not the other way around.

Yes, he was a jerk.

With everything in my veins, I succeeded in keeping my eyes from Asher, nor did I say anything to him as we made our way to the main dining room.

In the heart of the dining room stood an imposing table, its length accommodating nearly fifty chairs, each one a masterpiece of design. The chairs themselves were a striking combination of black and silver, their sleek lines and modern aesthetic adding to the room's sophistication.

The table was laden with an array of delectable dishes, a cornucopia of flavors and textures that seemed to tantalize the senses. Above, a majestic chandelier hung suspended, its glittering crystals casting a kaleidoscope of lights across the room. The décor of the house was a masterful blend of black and silver, exuding an air of refinement and elegance that was nothing short of regal.

The atmosphere was redolent of a royal family's estate, with intricate details and luxurious finishes that seemed to whisper exclusivity.

Asher pulled out a chair for me, and I rolled my eyes at his insincere gesture. "Good evening, Grandmother and Grandpa," I greeted, not expecting a response after our previous encounter. But to my surprise, they smiled at me. "Good evening, daughter-in-law," Grandpa said, his voice calm and soft, a stark contrast to his tone the other day. Granny nodded and smiled.

"Before we have dinner, I'd like to say something," Grandpa continued. "I've called this meeting to celebrate our newlywed couple, Asher and Scarlynn." The room fell silent, with everyone waiting for him to continue. I knew it was going to be a long, boring speech, but I had no choice but to listen.

"Since our new daughter-in-law has brought a daughter into our house, it's time she brings us an heir," Grandpa said. "As Asher is the first son, only his child will be recognized as an heir to the Black family."

Martin's mother spoke up, her tone stern and cold. "Grandpa, what do you mean? I gave birth to a son first, and he should be the heir. Why should Scarlynn have to give birth to another child when we already have an heir?" Her eyes locked onto mine, but I met her gaze, causing her to look away.

A blue-eyed man spoke up, supporting his wife. "Yes, Father, just because Asher is older doesn't mean my son won't be recognized as an heir."

I suppressed a sigh, feeling trapped and frustrated. This table was filled with selfish and greedy people.

"This woman doesn't deserve to be the lady of this house," the lady I hit the other day said. "She's rude and lacks manners." A chuckle escaped my lips, and I smiled sweetly. She seem to have forgotten what happened the other day.

Asher's gaze turned glacial, his eyes piercing through the air like shards of ice. "Scarlynn is my wife, and if anyone talks bad about her, they have me to face." The room fell silent, with everyone intimidated by his authority.

"Miller," I called out, my gaze locking onto hers. She threw a glare at me, but I just smiled. "Are you sure you've given birth to a boy?" My tone was laced with sarcasm, and a smirk spread across my lips.

"You should tell everyone the truth," I continued. "You've given birth to a girl. Stop depriving her of her rights and letting her live her life as she wants."

Grandpa's face contorted in confusion. "Daughter-in-law, what are you talking about?"

"She'll tell you the truth," I said, my eyes still locked onto Miller's. Beads of sweat visibly formed on her face, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Miller, speak up! What is she talking about?" Grandpa slammed his hands against the table, his body trembling with rage.

Miller stammered, "I...I..." Tears continued to stream down her face.

"Miller, how dare you lie to me?" her husband's voice boomed, echoing through the house.

"I've lost my appetite," Grandpa said, rising from his chair. He stormed out of the dining room, with Grandma following behind him.

"Well, I think my baby needs me right now," I said, rising from my chair. Asher followed behind me, leaving everyone else seated. Miller was now in tears, comforted by her sister-in-law.