Chapter 1 "I can't do this anymore, father" Asher's voice trembled as he stood up from the couch, his eyes avoiding Marshall's. Without waiting for a response, he tried to leave. Asher smith, was without a doubt a hunky young chap. Just the kind of guy every woman would dream about. And all he ever wanted was a world where he could also have a say in it and not be constantly ordered around by his father. But Robert Smith. Asher's unyielding father stood his ground. "No Asher" he said sternly. " You're gonna sit back right there, cause we need to figure this...” Robert barely finished his last word when Asher butted in. "Not anymore father," he snapped."I gave it my all and at this point, I'm done! I'm done trying to be the foolish one, just because of some silly legacy? No way father, this is it.!" His words struck Robert like a thunderclap. He could not believe that Asher would grow up one day to become the image seated before him. " Listen to me Asher " He gul

Chapter 3"I like you. Asher"Ava said, her eyes fixed directly on Jamie's, as they were seated inside the sports hall, munching on the Oreo biscuit Ava had brought from home. She had thought about it for some time , and was convinced with her feelings for Asher.But Asher?He pretended not to hear what Ava had said, then tried to deviate her mind."This taste real good" He said but Ava's gaze still didn't waver, "I need to get a job, so I can support my studies and also buy things like this, for myself"But then, Ava extended her hand In reach of Asher's, which he kept on his lap with the piece of the Oreo he had just moved from the pack."Can I bite from this?" She asked her voice husky, but just before Asher could bring himself to respond to that. She appeared, the exact same lady. "Hey, I've searched everywhere for you, Asher"Quietly. Ava withdrew her hand from Asher's and took her eyes straight to the lady in disdain. Asher smiled, because that wasn't the first time to see

Chapter 5Asher's mind was restless, filled with endless thought, but no clear solution. He could not figure a way to convince his father to approve of his decision to marry Ava.What else does his father want from him? Why did his father's opinion always have to come first? Would he ever have the chance to live his life outside the family legacy someday?Shouldn't his father allow him to make that one choice…? Especially now that he was no longer 20 but a grown 23 years old man.It was a difficult decision but Asher knew he desperately needed to decide that part of his life, and not even his father should stop him. But how will that be possible, when his father kept watching him like he was a hawk?His biggest fear was being financially crippled all his life. But what was the value of wealth without happiness? That thought jolted him, and he quickly rose from the bed where he'd drowned in a sea of worries and began to pack his clothes.He was still emptying his closet when Jessic

Chapter 7Geraldine's words had weight, they didn't just come out from nowhere. Asher kept thinking about it, long after their conversation.The next morning, he got up early and ready for work. But before he left, he sat on the edge of the bed, staring at Ava's peaceful face. He leaned down and gently kissed her on the nose and then whispered in her ear. "I love you so much, Ava. And one day, I will make it up to you"He quietly stood up and walked to the door, then looked back once more and left.Night fell, but Asher was still not home yet. What happened? Why was he out there in the cold?Ava was there in the room alone. Her eyes glued to her phone screen, checking the time every seconds. While she paced around and clearly out of idea on what was holding Asher out there. Because. That was the first time he had stayed out late since their marriage.Somehow, her eyes went back to the phone which was glued in her hand. And it was already 8:00 pm. "What is going on?" she whispered t

Chapter 9A week passed, but Ava still hadn't come around. Asher had thought time would heal whatever drifted between them, but nothing changed. He couldn't shake the guilt off, the quiet thought that his inability to provide had been the wedge driving her away. So, he worked harder. Pushed his limit, believing that if he could just earn more, give more and be more. He could bring her back and be happy forever after.But, months passed, and still nothing changed, not even a glimpse of her smile.Ava remained distant. And her mother, Geraldine. Treated him like a tenant overstaying his welcome. He tried not to feel it. The suffocating tension in the house, the icy stare, the silence. He told himself it didn't matter, not if he could still win Ava back.Then, one evening, everything collapsed. Asher came home late, his shoulder sagging from exhaustion. But even in his tired state, he still dropped by the store to get Ava a gift, something to remind her of what they once had. The beaut