Curiosity sparked in me as I looked up at him, "Why do you call me 'blue'?" Asher smiled, his eyes filled with love, "Because your eyes remind me of the vast, deep ocean, and your soul shines like the clearest sky on a bright day. You're my calming...
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As we sped along the road in Asher's car, the sensation of speed and the confined space became too much to handle. Panic surged through me, and I felt a wave of vulnerability. My heart raced, and I struggled to catch my breath. The world outside was a blur, and I couldn't help but panic. I felt exposed, with my emotions on display for Asher to witness.
Speed is one of the trigger for my PTSD. It brought back memories I wished to forget, and the panic was consuming me. I couldn't sit in a fast-moving car without being overwhelmed by fear.
Only Christian and Lily knew about my trauma and panic attacks. It was a secret I had kept from the rest of my family and the world.People often believed I was perfect, but they don't know the truth about my own broken self.
I wanted to maintain the facade of strength and perfection I had carefully crafted in the world's eyes. It was a protective shield I had built over the years, and I feared that allowing Asher to see my vulnerabilities might shatter it.
I chose to respond coldly to Asher when he asked me what was wrong because I was guarding my inner demons and didn't want to expose my vulnerabilities. I didn't want him to see the fragile side of me, the side that had been scarred by past trauma. Only Christian and Lily know about my panic attacks, nightmares and the scar on my lower back. They have been my constant support to get me back to my normal self. I have panic attacks only when I see or experience something that triggers me and speed is one of those.My panic attacks generally take time to subside but today my breathing became normal in less time even without the pills.
I could feel Asher's gaze on me. His eyes bore into my back, an intense weight that I refused to acknowledge. Instead, I walked away, my steps steady, my facade unbroken, with Lily by my side. Lily looked at me with a concerned expression, her brow furrowing as she gently asked, "Addy, you seem really off. Is something bothering you? What's wrong?"
I took a deep breath and started to explain the panic attack to her, "Lily, it's just... I had a panic attack in Asher's car. The speed... it triggered the memories. I didn't want him to know, but I couldn't control it." Lily hugged me and reassured "Addy, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, no matter what. We'll get through this together, alright?" I managed a small smile, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thanks, Lily. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Lily teased, "Well, you know you'd be lost without your trusty sidekick, me, guiding you through life." "You've got a knack for keeping me in line, that's for sure," I replied with a grin. I put on a smile and engaged in conversation with the people around me and all the while I could feel Asher's burning gaze on the side of my head.
My mother informed me it was time and I saw as Richard confidently walked onto the stage, emanating an air of authority and happiness as he prepared to address the crowd.He spoke about the joy and significance of the engagement, and the unity it represented between our families. He thanked everyone for their presence and expressed his excitement for the upcoming celebration.
Richard called us onto the stage as he spoke "Ladies and gentlemen,Now, if I could kindly ask Audrey and Asher to join us on the stage, please. It's time for our newly engaged couple to share a moment with all of us."
After the announcement of our engagement, Asher and I posed for pictures with smiles plastered on our faces.As we posed for pictures, Asher's hand found my waist, and he pulled me gently closer to him. It was an intimate and unexpected gesture that sent shivers down my spine.
As the cameras clicked away, Asher and I turned slightly towards each other, and when our eyes met, it felt like time stopped. Butterflies danced in my stomach, and for that fleeting moment, it was just him and me amidst the flashes and cheers.
In the midst of the photo frenzy, Asher leaned in closer, his lips almost brushing my ear, and whispered, "You act so well," his voice gentle, sending shivers down my core, and he gently bit my ear. My heart raced as Asher's warm breath tickled my ear, and I blushed furiously at his words and the gentle nip. I couldn't help but be flustered and intrigued by his teasing.
I cleared my throat, trying to regain composure, and replied, "Well, I learned from the best, didn't I?".Asher replied with a playful tone, "Oh, yeah, you certainly did.". We heard a throat clearing and turned around to see Amelia smiling ear to ear as she informed "The photos are done guys, though I don't mind grand children from you, I hope you take your moment somewhere private, the guests are watching". We moved away from each other in an instant, embarrassed and flustered being watched by people and got down the stage.
I spotted Lily in the crowd and walked towards her. As I reached her, I could see a frown etched on her face as if she's thinking about something. "What's wrong?" I inquired. Lily asked " What just happened?". I decided to feign innocence and simply replied with a nonchalant, "Oh, nothing really." Lily's sharp intuition picked up on my evasive response. She quirked an eyebrow and retorted, "It didn't seem like nothing, Addy."
As Lily continued to prod me for answers, a light tap on my shoulder diverted my attention, preventing me from responding to her question.I turned around to see Liam standing there with Asher.I gave Liam a warm hug and exclaimed, "Liam, it's been so long!"
