Arranged Marriage

Vol 1: Week 3 (2)

"Are you curious?"

Ash asks with a grin. Of course, Karlyle can't help but get curious. This is also information to be aware of.

"I don't deny it."

"Then let's exchange information."

"What do you want?"

"If you answer my questions about you, I will answer yours as well."

"You seem to be very curious about me."

The thought that Ash resembled a cat that he had earlier pops up in his head again. His appearance resembles a puppy, but his personality is hard to classify whether he's a cat or a dog.

"You don't want to?"

Ash asks, his thumb stroking his hand. His pouting holds Karlyle back from refusing. And he has no reason to, either.

"I don't mind it."

While they are talking, they enter the main hall. He can see Marquis Gordon from afar. Normally, after he's done with the hosting work, Marquis Gordon will suddenly disappear for the rest of the night. But for some reason, he's standing there talking with other nobles. Because of that, people are gathering there.

All the stares are making him conscious since he has never attended any events with a partner. Ash seems to feel the same, he also leads him away from the crowd. However, an intruder appears.

"Karlyle."

A handsome man with half slicked back blonde hair appears. This good-looking person with a sly smile is Aiden Heywood, his friend from childhood.

"Aiden."

Aiden would attend this party for sure, but he meets him sooner than expected. This guy normally has an Omega by his side, however, he has no partner today. Instead, he only has a glass of whiskey in his hand. From the looks of it, he must have broken up with his partner.

"You are late today, which is unlike you. Why is your suit wet?"

Aiden reaches out to him like he always does. The first reaction Aiden has whenever he meets him is to touch him as he pleases. So now, Aiden's hand is on his shoulder. As Karlyle is about to stop him with a little squinting, someone gets in between.

"May I ask who you are?"

Ash steps up. He lightly shakes Aiden's hand off and places his hand on Karlyle's shoulder instead. Then he gently massages the curve where the nape of his neck connects to his shoulder. Aiden blinks, his eyes dash back and forth between them.

"You are asking who I am? I'm Aiden Heywood, Karlyle's friend."

Aiden winks at Karlyle.

"I'm his one and only best friend."

Putting emphasis on his position, Aiden stares at Ash head-on. Ash has a smile different from usual. His mouth corners are rising, but his eyes are cold. The situation happens so fast that Karlyle has no time to intervene.

"I'm Karlyle's fiance. My name is Ash Jones." Ash introduces himself.

He doesn't expect Ash Jones to say that. He looks at Ash with puzzled eyes, meanwhile, Aiden lets out a sigh. Aiden scans the two of them, then takes a sip of his whiskey. He gulps down the wine elegantly.

"You'll get drunk if you drink like that."

Karlyle steps up. He's the one bothering Aiden, he shouldn't make Aiden involved. As he's approaching to take Aiden's drink, Ash grabs the drink from Aiden first.