A Love Trap

Most of the time Ellie was very easy going, but sometimes, she could be very stubborn. This was one of those times.

She had a serious conversation with Ashley, because she was really worried about her best friend! Her words might be a little harsh, but she meant well. She was just angry with Ashley for not thinking about her future.

"It was my decision to not have the wedding," said Ashley.

Admitting this to Ellie made her feel really shitty. The bad person that Ellie had just spoken about was actually her.

Ellie stared at Ashley in disbelief.

She still couldn't believe what she just heard. "What did you say? Can you please repeat that for me?" Ellie asked in surprise.

Ashley opened her mouth lightly and said, "I said I was the one who didn't want to have the wedding."

"ASHLEY! Are you out of your mind? What's wrong with you, girl? Do you think this is some kind of video game that you can play with anytime you turn on your TV? This is your marriage! How could you behave in this way? What's wrong with you?"

Ellie was so upset with her, she delivered the entire monologue in one breath. The whole time she thought Andrew was the bad guy, but it turned out to be her best friend instead. She was ready to tell Andrew off for his terrible behavior towards Ashley. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought that it was Ashley who didn't want the wedding.

The one redeeming factor was that Ellie hadn't confronted Andrew or she would have just died of embarrassment.

"Alright! Calm down, Ellie! I just think now is not a good time to have the wedding. I know he loves me! But it happened so fast! It was love at first sight for both of us, and quickly after that we just got married. I am an orphan. I don't have a family. Who cares? Am I right?

But the truth is that his parents don't even know me! I can't just let him send an invitation to his parents and say, 'Hey, Mom and Dad! Surprise! I am going to get married! Please just show up!' Anyway, I just want to give his parents some time to process this. I don't think that is such a bad idea or an irresponsible decision. And Andrew and I have talked about this! We are working on it. It will just take some time. We will figure it out soon," said Ashley.

An old saying came to her mind. "Don't lie. You might end up living with your lies, or getting killed by them."

That was the exact situation she was in. Either keep lying or accept the consequences, which was something she didn't really want.

Ashley wouldn't have done what she did if she had known then what was going to happen.

down. As long as they were going to get married, Ellie

you go to meet his parents?"

I am not sure about the

very important for you. Just promise me that you

"Okay, okay! I promise! I

Ellie finally smiled.

said Ashley. "Hmm,"

was trying to do was to protect Ashley. Ashley was too young and too naive.

the Lu

he was sitting on the chair and looking carefully at the documents. Something suddenly popped up in his mind. He asked

of the one

details but realization

are you looking for the invitation letter that the Luo Group sent us a few days

Andrew responded, "Hmm."

started looking for the invitation letter on his desk.

Luo Group, many companies invited Andrew to their parties and events. But most of the times, Andrew would decline. He

Luo Group was not as big a corporation as the Lu

He couldn't make the decision on Andrew's

a few minutes, Johnny

he had saved this particular invitation. He wiped the sweat off his forehead. He couldn't imagine what would happen if Andrew found out that

CEO of the Lu Group.

but he didn't want

said Johnny. He

The borders and the word "Invitation" were

the 50th birthday party of

about it. His eyes

made Andrew angry, but