Sharing the bed

Scarlett’s point of view

Asher hadn't been home for the past week; I'd been all alone with little Asherly, accompanied only by a group of guards outside.

Fear gripped my entire being, especially after what happened that night. It wasn't that I was afraid of those thugs; rather, I was terrified of confronting the past I'd tried to leave behind. That night left an invisible scar on my soul. I'd tried to bury it deep within the recesses of my mind, far enough away that I would never think of it again.

But who was I kidding? Those men reopened the wound I'd been trying to heal for all these years. The scar I'd been trying to conceal was now exposed, taunting me with each passing second. I couldn't close my eyes without the memories flooding back, haunting me at every opportunity…

I was simply grateful that Asherly spent most of her time sleeping. She'd wake up whenever she was hungry, and once I fed her and changed her diaper, she'd go back to sleep, leaving me all alone.

The silence was deafening, and the white walls stared back at me, emotionless, sending a shiver of dread down my spine.

Calling my mom was the worst decision I could have made. I could have called Annabelle, but she surely thinks her boss is dead. At this point, I began to realize just how lonely I was. When I worked, it filled the hollow space within me and made me forget all my worries. But now, it was just me with no escape, no one to talk to—just me and all my fears.

A thick lump formed in my throat, compelling me to swallow painfully hard while I blinked back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. Crying should never be an option for me.

The echoing of footsteps approaching the room snapped me out of my daze.

I jolted upright, a wave of adrenaline coursing through me. I can only hope those men don't return. As long as I live with the Mafia, I will always be in fear.

I sprang from the bed and walked across the room. I grasped the jug of water from the table. As the footsteps approached, I stood by the door, ready to strike.

The door swung open, and I raised my weapon, ready to defend myself. However, I quickly realized there was no threat and lowered my guard.

Asher walked into the room, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. A frown creased his face when his eyes landed on the jug I held in my hand.

A flush crept across my cheeks as I lowered the jug in my hand. How could I have known it was him? I was merely trying to protect myself and little Asherly.

“What an interesting way to welcome your husband home!” A smug grin spread across his lips, his words dripping with sarcasm, clearly amused by my fears…

I cast him a glassy stare. Without saying a word, I walked over to the coffee table and set the jug down. Then, I returned to the bed, climbed under the blanket, and covered my head as well.

I just wanted to be alone, and I knew this jerk would start bothering me like he did last time. Honestly, I don't trust my body around him at all.

“Scarlynn…” Asher called out to me but I ignored him. I had no energy to deal with him at all; I just wanted to be alone before I burst into tears in front of him. I didn't want him to see me at my worst and use my vulnerability against me. He was a jerk, and he was likely to do just that.

Asher didn't call out to me again, and I let out a sigh of relief. At least he wasn't going to bother me; he would probably go out again, and I didn't care. I just needed to be alone.

Just as I was about to drift into a deep slumber, my body stiffened when an arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer from behind. A fluttery sensation settled in my stomach, and my heart pounded against my chest.

“Asher, what are you doing? Let me go…” I attempted to shrug out of his embrace, but he held me tighter, unwilling to release me.

“Am I not allowed to hold my wife?” Asher retorted, pulling me even closer to him, his head resting on my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. I couldn't comprehend why I reacted to his touch; it was not supposed to happen. I despised him, and he was my sister's supposed husband. I shouldn't have allowed him to be so close to me.

“Asher, let me go… I need to check on Asherly.” I lied through my teeth; my heart raced even faster, and for a moment, I thought it might burst from my chest. He was too close.

“Why do I feel like you died instead of Scarlett? Have you forgotten how we used to sleep? You'd always wanted me to hold you like this, remember? Or maybe I’m actually right?” Asher’s lips brushed against my skin as he spoke, and I struggled to maintain my resolve. I’m beginning to think my mom’s idea might be the best one. Maybe I won’t be this foolish. Whenever Asher tried to get closer to me, did he even want to touch me?

Of course, I didn't. If I continue to push him away, he will begin to doubt me, and only God knows what he might do to my family.

All my emotions feel dulled and paralyzed; it always seemed to be me who compromised everything for my sister. I thought it would end once she got married, but then she died, leaving me with her husband. I had no choice but to share a bed with him, allow him to touch me, and submit to his desires because, apparently, we were now husband and wife.

The tears I had been trying to hold back streamed down my cheeks, their warmth trailing with each drop. I despised my life.

The entire night became a blur; I couldn't get a wink of sleep while Asher slept peacefully. I wish I were Scarlynn; perhaps I could have found eternal rest instead, which would have been much better.

I was so relieved when Asherly woke up, but unfortunately, it was already morning, and I hadn't managed to get a wink of sleep, all thanks to Asher.

With no other option, I woke up and prepared a bath for her. By the time I finished, her milk was warm and ready to drink, so I fed her.

A smile spread across my lips as her tiny eyes locked onto mine, as if she were truly seeing my face for the first time. I lifted my hand in front of her eyes, moving it from side to side; her gaze followed my fingers, and I let out a chuckle. No matter how bad my mood is, Asherly knows how to make me smile. This is the greatest gift my sister left for me: a tiny, adorable girl.

My eyes snapped to the bedroom door upon hearing it creak open. Asher walked out, wearing sweatpants that hung loosely at his waist, his defined chest on display, glistening with muscle. He leaned against the door, offering me a full view of his incredibly attractive physique. My heart pounded in my chest, and my gaze refused to leave him.

I shouldn't be looking at him; I should redirect my attention, but, damn! I've only seen guys like him in magazines, not in real life. My breath quickens with each passing second. This is definitely not healthy for my heart; it feels like it might burst any day now…

“You can close your mouth once you’re done checking me out; you don’t want to risk flies getting in.” Asher’s voice dripped with sarcasm, a knowing grin spreading across his lips. My stomach tightened as I swallowed hard, pressing my lips together.

“I wasn't looking at you.” I cleared my throat; obviously, I wasn't going to admit that I had been looking at him. I still needed to save myself from embarrassment.

“Yeah, sure. I believe you,” Asher retorted, making his way to the kitchen. “You should get ready; we are going to an auction tonight,” Asher informed me.

“I'm not interested; you can go alone,” I shot back. I would rather stay here at home with Asherly than attend that damned auction, which is so crowded.

“I'm sure you realize that I wasn't asking you.” Asher swung the fridge door open, pulled out a bottle of water, and shut the door.

I rolled my eyes at his words; he was simply rude and arrogant. I had no choice but to agree with him, just as Scarlynn did. I didn't want him to suspect me, especially after what he said last night. I just had to pretend for a few days and divert his thoughts from that line of thinking.

“What about Asherly?” I asked, hoping he might change his mind.

“I’ve already hired a nanny for her; she will be here in a few minutes.” Asher replied. Without saying anything else, he walked past me and headed out.