C7 Chapter - [ 7 ]

[ Third Person's pov ]

The family gathered around them to congratulate the newly wedded couple who wanted to run far away from this fake preten of a couple completely in love.

"Welcome to the family Sophia,now you are officially one of us."Henry Ashton looked at his grandson and his wife proudly, his one last wish was finally fulfilled.

The new couple could only smile awkwardly to the reaction of greetings from other family members and guests.

Sophia's condition was far worse than Daniel's. At least he had a family who genuinely loved him unlike her,whose adoptive parents and an abusive sister were only looking this marriage as a golden opportunity to suck on Ashton's money.They knew Sophia would never deny them if they demand for her husband's money.

After a numberless session of post wedding photography,they headed to their countryside house for the reception. Sophia excused herself immediately as soon as Rose came to take her for a dress change and make up.Daniel's dangerously closed presence and a bunch of gruesome people ,made her feel nervous.

"So Mrs. Ashton how do you feel now?"Rose asked her teasingly only if she knew the ugly truth behind Sophia's dull lifeless eyes.

She didn't had her best friend Mason to comfort her.He left for Paris two days prior to the wedding. He had an exhibition there.Sophia couldn't ask him to stay for her.She felt all alone with no one by her side so she could had a shoulder to cry on.

"I know it's very challenging to adapt yourself in a complete new environment. Ashtons aren't some ordinary people and there is nothing personal about you when you become one of them so I advise you only one thing Sophia, "Rose locked her gaze with hers through the mirror,"Trust your husband. He is a gem Sophia. He'll protect you from any storm coming in your way.He'd be your angel."

Sophia sat there emotionless.She couldn't decide whom to trust anymore because her own family betrayed her in the worst way possible.

"This dress is personally picked by Daniel."Rose handed her a satin baby pink gown which was as light as a feather. Pearls were studded on its round neckline.

Sophia loved the dress instantly. Her mind drifted to Daniel,it meant he remembered her preference for simple and comfortable clothes.

Rose helped her to remove her wedding look and this time she did nude make up with plain open hairs.

"May I come in?"Candance peeked through the closed door .

"Candance my dear please come in.The bride needs a friend right now."Rose laughed causing Candance to rush inside .Her mouth made an O shape upon looking at Sophia.

"Well well well Mrs. Ashton.You are breathtakingly pretty and sexy.I pity on Daniel who has to keep himself in control until the reception is over."Candance's words added more misery to her nauseated guts.

"Please Candance..."Sophia pleaded unable to bear the topics which were meant for romantic couples.

"Oh sorry my virgin Mary.I came here to take you to reception.We shouldn't make everyone wait any longer."Candance said.

Sophia sighed in exasperation. She had come this far,she could bear it for next few hours then everything would fall on its right place.

"Let's go.."She nodded her head vaguely and let Candance took her in the garden area where the reception party was going on full swing.

Sophia felt extremely conscious as soon as cold air hit her bare shoulders.She could feel stares on her as she slowly walked where her family and Daniel were waiting for her.

"Here is your bride Daniel.Please take care of her.There are many desperate young men who wants to have a dance with your wife."Candance giggled on her own joke while pushing Sophia in Daniel's arms.

Sophia's breath hitched in her throat as soon as their chests collided. It was an awkward position for them.Daniel gently placed his hands on her waist and helped her to stand steadily.

"I am sorry for her behavior.She doesn't know anything about us but I'll tell her as soon as I get a chance. "Daniel sincerely apologized for Candance's behavior.

Sophia remain silent.She didn't want to speak to anyone. This all felt very unfair and unethical for her high morals.

Soon they were called to cut the cake and fed each other which they did robotically on the instruction of either Aiden or Candance.

Now it was time for the bride-groom's first dance.The crowd was cheering for them.Daniel stared at his newly wedded wife who had a stone expression on her face.It angered him.If she wasn't ready for this marriage,she could had called it off.He chose to keep his anger at bay until their family and guests were around them.

"Sophia may I have a dance with you?"He asked her as he knew everyone was observing them keenly.There were media persons present to capture the whole event.

Sophia forced a smile while placing her hand over his large palm.He pulled her in the centre of the build up stage.A soft romantic song began to play.

He circled his right arm on her waist and by left hand,he laced their hands swaying gently on the rhythm.

"Sophia everyone's eyes are on us so please for their sake come closer.I won't eat you alive."He whispered in her ear.

The crowd whistled seeing this romantic gesture.

"Is it necessary?"She asked and closed her mouth instantly as soon as she realised her silly question.

"Yes."Came his firm reply.

She inhaled a deep breath and inched closer to him yet leaving a few inches' distance from their bodies to collide.

They swayed monotonously till the song ended.They immediately parted away as Mariette,his mother walked over there to have a dance with him while Sophia was left to share a dance with her father which she prayed would never happen.

James,who watched her squirming uncomfortably throughout the wedding and reception decided to insert more warnings in her head while they dance so he took quick long strands towards Sophia who was standing alone lost in herself but before he could reach her,Mason appeared from nowhere.

"Mason is..that..you?"Sophia gasped in shock. She blinked her eyes to confirm whether she was hallucinating.

"Yes Soph I am here and please forgive me for not making on time. You know the city traffic.I was stuck there for two hours."Mason said pulling her for a dance while James stood there embarrassed and fuming in anger.

"I am glad you came Mason .You don't need to apologize for anything."She smiled genuinely for the first time since her wedding.

"Why are you doing this?"Mason asked her softly knowing how sensitive the subject was for her.

Sophia lowered her head having no words to defend her decision.

"Look at me, Soph."He placed his finger under her chin and made her look at him,all he could see,was despair and an agonizing pain.

"Remember, I am always with you.If you ever feel to free yourself from this marriage,come to me.I'd help you to build a new life for you."Mason said.

Sophia found his words honest.After all he was the only person she trusted.

"Thanks Mason for being my best friend. "She said amid her moist eyes.

"Its my luck to have you in my life Soph."Mason's words drowned her in a myriad of confusion .He never behaved or used metaphorical meanings before but since she told him about her marriage, he started behaving weirdly and in a possessive way.

"Ahem..Mr. would you mind if I borrow my daughter in law for a dance?"Edward Ashton interrupted them and by the authority he used in his tone,it clearly meant that he wouldn't listen a no for an answer.

"Sure Sir..."Mason gave a tight nod to him and slowly released her hand whereas Sophia's condition turned more worse as it was very difficult for her to stand close to Edward Ashton with whom she rarely exchanged any word except the formal pleasantries.

They begun to dance like a father and daughter but Edward's face had a stoic expression.

"Who was he?"He asked her coldly.

Sophia shuddered by the intensity of his sharp gaze on her but she somehow managed to reply,"He is my best friend Mason."

"Only friend?"Sarcasm dripped from his question.

"Yes he is just a friend."Sophia,who had enough on her platter ,answered in a frustrated manner.He was nobody to dig in her previous life.

"Its none of my concern what you did when you were a Stone but now you are my son's wife and a Ashton by law.We expect you to act in a certain way.I hope you understood my dear daughter in law.I may be not crude like my wife but it doesn't mean I would tolerate any kind of daint on our image so it's better you minimize your contact with your friend."He said with finalty in his tone and led her down from the stage.

Daniel who had left the dance floor a while ago,watched everything. Honestly, he didn't feel good seeing the close chemistry of Sophia and Mason.On the contrary he had no right to poke his nose in her private matters. He also noticed his father's rude behavior with her.So he decided to confront her when they reach at his house.