Arranged Marriage

Week 3 (2)

They walk in silence. As they head to Gordon's mansion, they both get one side of their shoulders wet, and their clasped hands remain intact. Karlyle doesn't move a single finger since his body temperature is keeping Ash warm.

When they arrive at the mansion, their breathings are trembling and their chests are heaving. The old-fashioned roof of the entrance shelters them from the rain.

One of the staff recognizes him and approaches him. Since it's a place where uninvited nobles can't come, it's natural for the staff to memorize the faces of guests. When Ash lowers the umbrella, Karlyle can finally breathe properly.

"It's almost time."

Before he can let go of Ash's hand, Ash takes the umbrella off with his other hand and hands it over to the staff. He says thanks to the staff with a smile, then, without giving him time to react, Ash leads him inside. Their hands are still intact. But this time, Ash turns his palm over and intertwines with his hand.

"Your hand got cold."

Clasping their hands together, Ash gently strokes his fingers on the back of Karlyle's hand. The feeling of warmth spreading on his hand is pleasant, as if his skin is a thin ice and it is melting in the sunlight.

".....A lot of people are watching us."

Karlyle says. People are interested in other people's business wherever they go. It is especially true at a place like this. By tonight, rumors will be everywhere. The story about his marriage, which has been around here and there, will probably become a hot topic after today.

"Do you think I'm that naive?"

While he's contemplating whether he should let go of Ash's hand, Ash gently stops him. Ash doesn't hold him that strong. Which means Karlyle can yank his hand out if he wants.

"I myself decided to show up here."

But Ash eliminates all the reasons for him to escape.

"However, if you want a connection with Phillip here, I have to do this."

This is the first time he has heard anyone called Marquis Gordon "Phillip". His grandfather was right about the relationship between Ash and him. Although the connection with Gordon is a part of their contract, he has no idea that Ash would go this far.

"Phillip always invites me, but I only decided to come here for the first time in so long because of you, Karlyle."

Although it is Ash's first time back here in a while, he enters Marquis Gordon's mansion with no unfamiliarity. He seems even more used to this place than Karlyle. As they walk hand in hand, he can see people's eyes turning to Ash. Some groups whisper when they see their clasped hands, there are also many Omegas who show interest in Ash, a handsome guy showing up here for the first time.

Amidst all the glances and whispers throwing at them, Karlyle unconsciously clenches Ash's hand. He walks behind him, and stays close to him. Even though he's used to receiving criticism, he doesn't want Ash to be the center of gossip.

"It seems that you have known Marquis Gordon for a long time." He says.

"Yes, he was my mother's friend."

He has heard of it, but he doesn't know much about Phillip Gordon's past. Information about friends of someone is usually word of mouth, it's really hard to find out.

Those who are interested will remember, Karlyle isn't very active in the social circle. After his embarrassing incident at the party his grandfather hosted in the past, he doesn't socialize with many people unless it's necessary.