---- Chapter 12 Eliana had been restless all day after accidentally overhearing Asher's secret. She had gotten closer to Asher, but it became useless overnight. She quickly got home and acted like a hermit. Asher hadn't seen her for several days after he went there. It may be shameful to avoid, but it was undeniably effective. Brenden learned what had happened at the birthday party and noticed Eliana's unusual behavior. He started to worry. "Eliana, are you having a fight with Asher?" Brenden asked, frowning Eliana frowned and said, "Brenden, do you think a guy could forget the woman he once loved after getting married?" Brenden thought she was referring to Dean and immediately denied it. "No way. Look at Dean. He ran to Erin after she waved her hand. Eliana, you cannot be fooled by that guy." Eliana wanted to say more, but she was interrupted by a servant reporting from downstairs. "Mr. Asher is here. He said he's taking Miss Spencer to try on the wedding dresses. Any adjustments needed can be made if necessary." ---- Eliana was momentarily stunned and then fell silent. She had almost forgotten that the marriage between the two families had been announced yesterday evening. She couldn't change it now, so she had to face it. Brenden would support her no matter what happened. Eliana changed her clothes and went with Asher to try on the wedding dresses. Asher was wealthy enough and had three dresses custom- made at the same time. "They're all tailored to your measurements taken at your home six months ago. | hope they fit well," he said. Eliana picked the one she liked best and changed into it. When she walked out of the fitting room, Asher's eyes clearly showed his admiration. Just as he was about to speak, Dean's enraged voice came from behind. His head and his arms were bandaged, and his legs were still in a cast. He furiously pointed his cane at Asher's nose. "Eliana, you can't marry him. He's a monster. Look at all the injuries on me. They're all thanks to him. Do you dare share a bed with him during the night?" ---- Eliana frowned and immediately made her choice between Dean and Asher. She stepped forward and stood in front of Asher. "Those methods are not cruel enough to deal with you. If | hadn't stopped Asher from getting his hands dirty with your blood, do you think you'd be here talking to me? Dean, don't waste your efforts here. | remember what you've done to me." With that, she turned to reprimand the salespeople of the shop behind her. "How can you let any guy in here?" Eliana, listen to me..." Before Dean could finish, two security guards stuffed a rag into his mouth and dragged him away. Eliana sighed that Dean really was hauntingly persistent. She turned around and saw Asher smiling at her. "What are you smiling at?" "Hmm, | just realized how nice it feels to have someone protect me." Asher's life had always required him to be independent and strong. Perhaps the woman he had loved stood up for him, so she had left a significant mark on his heart. Was she just a stand-in just now? ---- The thought made Eliana's face fall instantly. Seeing her suddenly downcast expression, Asher thought she was tired. After deciding on the wedding dresses, he took her home to rest. As soon as they arrived, Brenden handed Eliana an invitation. "It will be Mr. Hailee Shane's 90th birthday the day after tomorrow." Eliana looked at Brenden with pleading eyes. Brenden said, "You have pushed away any event if possible. But you cannot skip this one. Thanks to Hailee, you successfully came home safely after being kidnapped." "Alright," she said. Though she barely remembered it, she couldn't be ungrateful. Brenden patted her head. "Good girl." The birthday party was bound to be filled with tedious socializing. Eliana had not worn high heels for a while, so she was a little uncomfortable. Her heels blistered. To avoid a repeat of last time, she specifically asked the butler for a quiet room to rest. ---- Before long, she heard the door open. Eliana stood up and watched the door warily. "You really are quite alert." Asher walked in and applied Band-Aids to her blistered heels. Then he took out a pair of flat shoes from a shopping bag. He offered to help her change. "| can do it myself." Only Brenden had ever helped her put on shoes when she was a little girl Asher held her delicate ankle firmly and refused to let go of her. "Let me take care of you. What's the big deal? Do you dislike me?" Eliana shook her head vigorously, and Asher was amused. He put his hands on either side of her and leaned down to meet her gaze. He said in a voice with an enchanting allure, "Eliana, you've been distant with me these past few days. Be honest. Did you hear some gossip somewhere?"