The Game Has Just Begun
Lily’s POV
Just as Ashton promised, today we’re visiting the fashion house of Agatha Wilson, one of the most renowned designers known for her masterpiece creations.
My life has changed so drastically. A girl who never even dared to dream of an easy life, now finds herself living it. She never imagined wearing a gown designed by Agatha Wilson. And now, right in front of her, hang Agatha’s stunning creations—gowns that only a privileged few could ever afford. That girl is me.
“Hello, Lily. You look beautiful this afternoon,” Agatha greeted me with a warm smile.
This feels like a dream. I’m seeing with my own eyes the designer I’ve always admired. And she’s going to design a gown for me.
“Hello, Agatha. It’s lovely to meet you. I truly admire your work.” I was genuinely excited. I couldn’t wait to try on one of her designs.
“It’s lovely to meet you too, Lily. Ashton has good taste in fiancées. You’re not just beautiful, but also kind,” she added.
Ashton and I exchanged a glance. Not many people have said things like that to me, maybe no one ever has. I felt flattered. My whole life, I’ve never really felt beautiful. I was bullied a lot growing up. They said I wasn’t attractive. Why is it that strangers find it easier to say kind things?
“You can take a look at the catalogue for my designs. It might give you some ideas. And if you want special decorations or something unique, just let me know. I’ll create a very special gown for the bride-to-be.”
“Thank you, Agatha. Lily and I will take a look first,” Ashton said.
“Go ahead,” Agatha said, inviting us to sit on the white sofa in the corner.
Ashton and I flipped through the catalogue, page by page. Every gown looked stunning, elegant, classy, and luxurious.
“Which one do you like?” Ashton asked gently. Whenever we were in public, he always put on a sweeter demeanor. He was good at playing the role.
“They’re all so beautiful, Ashton. I can’t decide.”
“What about this one?” Ashton pointed to a long white gown with Swarovski crystals scattered in certain spots. No excessive accessories, yet it still looked classy and elegant.
“This one is gorgeous, Ashton.” A smile formed naturally on my lips.
“So now you’re getting more excited about our wedding?” Ashton narrowed his eyes.
I realized I might have reacted too enthusiastically.
“I’m sorry. I know this is a fake wedding. My inner child just stumbled upon something she had once dreamed of.” I took a quiet breath. “Something that may seem small to others, but means so much to me.” I gave him a faint smile.
“Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of wearing a beautiful dress—one that was made just for me.” I lowered my gaze a little, as memories of my sad days in Kansas came rushing back. “But the older I got, the harder I tried to bury that dream.”
Ashton didn’t say a word. I wasn’t trying to gain his sympathy. I was simply telling the truth—something I had never told anyone before.
“And the dream you buried is now coming true,” Ashton said, looking straight at me.
Yes, it’s coming true, even if I’ll be wearing the dress for a contract marriage.
“I’ll let Agatha know you’ve chosen this one. For the details and accessories, you can discuss them with her directly.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
Ashton squinted slightly. “For what?”
“For helping me live out my dream.”
He gave a faint smile.
Agatha walked slowly around me, as if studying every detail of my figure. Her hands moved gently as she measured my shoulders, then down to my chest, waist, and hips.
“You have a well-proportioned body, Lily. I can already imagine how stunning this gown will look on you. You’ll look like a beautiful angel on your wedding day.” Agatha was excellent at giving compliments.
“I feel so nervous,” I replied.
“That’s perfectly normal. Brides often feel nervous as the day approaches.”
I gave a small smile. I didn’t need to feel this nervous, considering the wedding we were planning was just a contract.
Agatha took notes of the measurements in her small notebook. “I think the skirt will look wonderful with more volume. It’ll make you look even more graceful as you walk.”
“I trust you, Agatha.”
“Lily…” Ashton called my name. I walked over to him.
“What is it?”
“Would you mind going home with Joe? I have something to take care of.”
I nodded quietly. I didn’t feel like I had the right to ask what it was that made him leave in a hurry. “I don’t mind.” Joe was Ashton’s personal driver, someone who had worked in his household for a long time.
Ashton’s POV
I had expected David Taylor to react after hearing about my engagement to Lily. The game has only just begun, David. You were the one who started this war.
With four bodyguards by my side, I walked into one of the VIP rooms at a club often used for private meetings.
When I arrived, David Taylor was already waiting, his eyes filled with hatred. Perhaps his hatred grew deeper now that I had taken his daughter as my pawn.
“Hi, David. Long time no see. How have you been?”
My smile must have looked bitter in his eyes.
His face was stiff with rage. That hatred still clung tightly to him. Unfortunately, Lily looked a lot like him. Every time I looked at her, I was reminded of David Taylor’s sins.
“Don’t waste my time with small talk. You know why I asked you here.”
I sat down across from him without waiting for an invitation. I smiled again, a little colder this time.
“You should be happy, Mr. Taylor. Your youngest daughter has found her prince.”
David slammed the table. Rage, revenge, and fury burned in his eyes. Now I knew where Lily got her stubbornness from.
“Let her go! She doesn’t know anything. Let her go!”
His voice boomed. He might be known as a ruthless man with no heart, but now I saw a different side of him. A side not many people ever saw. He cared. He loved the daughter born from his affair.
“We love each other and we’re getting married soon. I can’t let her go,” I said firmly.
“You think I’m a fool? You expect me to believe you love Lily?” David glared, his fury mounting.
“What’s wrong with us falling in love? All I’m asking is for your blessing and your presence at the wedding.”
David clenched his fists. “I will never bless this marriage. And I won’t let you hurt Lily.”
“If you don’t want anything bad to happen to Lily, then you’ll have to agree to my terms,” I said calmly.
I smiled again. One key to victory was already in my hands.
“You’re the most deceitful bastard I’ve ever met. Just say what you want.”
I smiled again, one with the taste of triumph.
“Be patient, David Taylor. I’ll be putting together a list of conditions for you. But not today. Wait for it.”
David’s face turned red with fury. Maybe his anger was already reaching its peak. I would break him down slowly. Maybe I’d been too soft with Lily. But not after the wedding. She, too, would have to pay for what her father did. The game has just begun.