But all she said was, "That's a plus point in my case."
There was no plus point!
Another knock came on the door, but this time it was Steve. "Miss Parker, the ceremony is about to begin. Let's make a move."
Ashley nodded and got up. Amelia helped her with the gown as she descended the stairs. They halted right in front of the main entrance.
And her heart thumped against her chest.
Even after having it clear in her mind that it was all an act and just a marriage of convenience, she couldn't prevent her body from reacting this way.
Ashley waited.
Somebody had to walk her down the aisle. She could do it all alone, but she also knew that would just give his family one more reason to glare at her longer.
"Are we ready?" An arm was offered to her.
Ashley blinked and moved her gaze to the face of the owner of that arm. Her lips parted, unable to form the words.
Jonathan Clark.
"Although I've got Amelia, I really don't mind having another daughter." He shrugged.
Sally Clark smiled as she added, "Same here."
Ashley, at this point, couldn't stop her eyes from tearing up. She knew Michael had asked him to do this, but it was up to Jonathan whether he just wished to do a formality or be genuine.
And from his eyes, Ashley could tell that he was being genuine.
Amelia wrapped her arms around her mother's neck as she dramatically commented, "Finally, you guys are fulfilling my wish!"
A tear escaped Ashley's eye.
"What are tears doing in those pretty eyes? They have no place here today." Sally brought out a tissue and dabbed around her left eye.
"I—I—" Ashley blinked a few times to stop the further formation of tears. "That's the first time somebody said that to me."
That they did not mind having her as a daughter.
In the orphanage, that was her biggest dream—to have a couple come up and say they wanted to adopt her.
It triggered that memory.
Sally softened and caressed Ashley's arm. "Trust me, from today onwards, only good things await you."
And if tears were not enough, Ashley wanted to sob.
She knew that it wouldn't be the case.
"Come on, guys, it's her big day. We'll take the emotional part to some other day."
Ashley laughed a little, and Steve stepped forward. "Sir, it's time."
"Alright, so Mom and I will get inside, and Dad—" Amelia grabbed her mother's hand and pinned her father with a pointed look, "Do not step on her dress. We don't want a dramatic fall of the bride."
Jonathan mock-saluted as Amelia went inside with her mother.
"Shall we go then? Are you ready?" Jonathan winked at Ashley.
"Yeah."
Ashley nodded and took a deep breath. It felt so good to have someone there for you.
Thoughts of Skylar still swirled in the back of her mind, but she was determined to talk to her once she was back.
Till then, Ashley would wait for her to calm down.
Ashley forced a smile as she held his arm, and the doors opened. The light fell upon her as she walked into the hall with Jonathan by her side.
For a moment, she let her eyes travel across. The banquet hall was huge and completely filled.
And unsurprisingly, she knew no one. The aisle was glass-made, her reflection crystal clear. She followed the reflection and traced it to the end.
And there stood Michael with James by his side.
She was unsure if it was the wedding, the people, or him—but something trembled inside her.
Each step she took forward brought her closer to Michael.
As soon as they stepped up the stage and Michael extended his hand, Ashley tightened her hold on Jonathan's arm.
It was an unconscious act, but she didn't want to let go.
And she knew Jonathan took it simply as nervousness. "Buddy, take good care of her. You'll have to answer to me." His expression was playful, but his tone carried seriousness.
Jonathan placed her hand in Michael's.
Ashley smiled. "Thank you for walking me this far."
"I won't harm her," Michael affirmed as he led her closer.
Jonathan went away, and now it was just them. They stood facing each other.
And Ashley had never found it harder to keep her gaze locked with his.
Partially because she was not letting herself forget that all of it was a deal, and also because Ashley felt nervous.
It could not be explained. Although the ceremony was just a formality, Ashley still couldn't help with the emotions. They were natural.
It was, after all, her first time getting married—knowing it would end in a divorce. Would she ever wear a wedding gown again?
Would there be any more marriages in her life after this one ended?
These were such silly thoughts that just wouldn't leave her mind.
The wedding ceremony began, and they repeated the vows gradually.
"Do you, Ashley Parker, take Michael Clark to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Her eyes fluttered as she gazed into his. They were blank. "I do," she forced out the words.
"Do you, Michael Clark, take Ashley Parker to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do." The reply came instantly, with no doubt in his words.
Every single thing occurred at its pace, but Ashley couldn't keep up with any of it. It was honestly getting too much for her to take.
She was getting married. And that too, to Michael Clark. Just for a deal.
"Now you may kiss the bride."
Kiss!
Ashley had forgotten about it.
Amidst the entire deal surrounding the marriage, she had forgotten that the end part was to be sealed with a kiss.
Oh Sh*t!