Ashley's POV

I kept the dress aside and went to take a shower. Tonight is my parent's thirty fifth anniversary party and David will be here any minute to pick me up.

I took a quick shower and got dressed in the beautiful gown my mother got me. I curled my hair and did my makeup before slipping into my heels.

I heard a knock at the door and I knew who it was. I gave a last look in the mirror and taking my clutch head out.

I opened the door and I saw David standing in front of me wearing a tuxedo.My eyes travelled all over, he looked so gorgeous.

I realised he was gawking me too but meant for blush. I lowered my face trying to hide my blush.

"You just look..." he trailed not having words to describe how I look. "Beautiful.." he whispered, almost inaudible.

I didn't say anything just gave him a small smile. We got into the car and he started driving. The entire way he kept stealing glances at me which made my heart flutter. I could feel how much effect I had at him. It gave me an accomplished feeling, I was feeling confident about myself.

We reached the venue and he helped me get out. The place was filled with people. Family, friends, acquaintances, all of them were present. All of a sudden I felt conscious being here with a date. I haven't been with someone for a really long time, let alone in a public event. I froze on the spot. I wanted to move but my body seem to betray me.

David sensed my discomfort and took my hand. Even though I wasn't sure, I let him. It held it so gently, reassuring me his presence. I don't know if it were those intense eyes or his kind warmth but I felt a jolt of self confidence. I was ready.

"Will you go on a date with me?" He asked out of nowhere and caught me completely off guard.

I wasn't prepared for this, atleast not like this. "What? No"

"Why?"

I frowned. He was being presumptuous. "I don't need to explain you. Just, no"

"Fine. So how about a normal lunch?" He can't give up.

"I'm generally busy during lunch. I work through my lunch."

"Cool. I'll pick something up on my way to your office."

"You don't have to buy me lunch."

"Better, you buy me. I'm not very egoistic. I accept."

"I don't-"

"Do you wanna bet?" He spoke before I could turn him down again.

"About what?"

"That I'll get you to have lunch with me."

"That's impossible cause I don't wanna have lunch with you."

"And that's the challenge."

I scoffed "fine. What do I get if I win?"

He threw his arms in the air "I'll surrender. I won't bother you for atleast a week.. but.. if I win, you'll go on a date with me."

"You got three days. I assure you, you'll lose."

"Woah. You're feisty when competitive." He winked at me and I narrowed my eyes.

"Ashley!" I heard a familiar voice, I turned to see my dad. I was standing in front of him.

I didn't realize I walked through the crowd. David distracted me from the crowd by having a conversation with me the entire time. It was genius.

I hugged my parents and congratulate them, David did the same.

"You distracted me" I whispered. He nodded with a sly smile on his face. "Thank you." I meant it. I was really grateful for the distraction.

"The bet is still on." He said

"Yes, it is."

We were standing and talking to one client when I saw Uncle Mickley coming towards us. Uncle Mickey is my dad's cousin and one of the investor in my company.

"Ash!" He greeted me with a smile and I returned the gesture.

"Oh!" He looked at David and somehow instantly recognized "David, great to see you." They shook hands and I was confused. "How is Serena doing?" He asked, again confused me had no clue who they were talking about.

"Yeah she's doing great. Living on the farm with her horses and her sister." David replied.

"Emily is living with her as well?"

"Yeah after Uncle Joel's death, Emily has moved in with mom. She was lonely there without Uncle Joel."

I nodded slowly realizing Serena is his mom's name but that still doesn't explain how they know each other.

"How do you guys know each other?" I asked as I couldn't take it anymore.

"Don't you know Cody Tyler Barnes?" Uncle Mick asked.

"Yeah obviously I do. He was one of the smartest investor known to people. My dad talks about him all the time. How he invested in a bunch of companies and earn profit off them. He was extremely smart and lucky investor."

Uncle Mick laughed "Yes, David is his grandson. Cody was David's granddad."

I was shocked. I can see why Uncle Mick had to say that twice in different style because from the looks on my face it was evident that I couldn't grasp the news.

My shock and surprise was a hint for Uncle Mick to leave and he did.

"What the actual hell? You're Cody Barnes's grandson. You never thought you should mention that" I wanted to yell at him.

He just shrugged "I didn't think it was that important. It just never came up."

"All this time you were poking around in my life, you didn't think it was important to share this piece of information with me."

"Wasn't poking. I'm interested in you. Know the difference."

"Doesn't matter. You should've told me."

He smirked. That goddamn smirk. "Why? Why do you insist that I should've told you? What are we, Ashley?"

I got all flustered. I didn't know how to answer that. He was circling me in to admit something I didn't want to.

"Are you embarrassed of your granddad?" I asked to change the subject.

"What? No. I love my grandfather but people remember him as the brilliant investor and I don't remember him like that so when they talk about him, they expect me to remember that investor too which I can't. It is difficult for me to adjust around people when they expect me to fill my grandfather's shoes."

I nodded. I understood where he was coming from. I myself go through that everyday. My dad is an amazing businessman and he always will be, I on the other hand am learning everyday which is difficult as it is and the added scrutiny doesn't help the case.

"Hey, your Dad's giving a speech. Let's go."