Chapter 2. Ashton Reacts

Hayley helplessly looked at their eager faces and felt close to tears. She had so many unfulfilled dreams to chase! How could she get married now, at eighteen, to a complete stranger? He might be loaded and successful, but these weren’t benchmarks to make her wish to marry him. She wanted to marry someone she loved! All her life, she dreamed of marrying Ashton! It was true he didn’t reciprocate her feelings, but then she never confessed to him. How could she give up loving him without even trying to find her happiness with him?

“No, please. I don’t want to marry at eighteen! I have so many unfulfilled dreams, dad. What’s the hurry?” she demanded bitterly.

“Your life won’t end after you marry, Hayley. You can fulfill all your dreams afterwards. Jason is a very nice man and you’ll be happy with him,” said her dad.

“Why would I need him to be happy? I am already happy. Please don’t rush this, dad. I can’t marry a stranger out of the blue. I need to fall in love first