Nothing else matters

By Sophie Hosler

I don't want to put you through this. The hate, going away constantly, paps following us wherever we go! I know you hate it but you just don't want to say." "Of course I hate it, who wouldn't? But I can forget all that, ignore it and put up with it because thats not what I think about when I'm with you. All I think about is you, just you. Nothing else matters

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781471659713

Book preview

Chapter One

It was our second night in our new house and already we’re having a party. I had nicely set everything up the way we liked it yesterday and I couldn’t wait to show it off to everyone. The house was massive, I didn’t understand why we needed all the space but Ashley insisted we got it because he saw how quick I was to fall in love with it. We had spent the last month furnishing our home before we moved into it, our old furniture we gave to second hand and charity shops so we could buy everything new and modern. I had a whale of a time picking out colours and decoration while Ashley just stood back and nodded his head. Downstairs we decided to go for silvers and dark colours to match, with personal things splashed on the walls and on the wall units to make it feel more like home. It was the first time I had decorated a house from scratch so I had gone insane to make sure it was perfect.

"How long does it take to pick something to wear? 

People will be here before you choose." Ashley said entering the room as I checked out all the clothes I had in the wardrobe.

I have whittled it down to two, I need your help. I said, holding up two dresses that I had been stuck between for the last twenty minutes. He studied both of the dresses in my hands for a couple of seconds, the look on his face as intense as it would be if he would win a million pounds if he chose the correct one. 

I say the black. He finally said, nodding in agreement with himself. The black came just above my knee and was perfect for a family/friends gathering without looking too over the top.The black it is. I smiled and put the second dress back into the wardrobe, hanging the black in the crystal handle of the door. 

Now you need to help me. He said and pulled open his side of the wardrobe. Well don’t wear black or we’ll be matching and there’s nothing worse than that. I told him. What about white? Black and white look good together. He suggested, his hand tugging at a smart, button up shirt that hugged against his body, showing off his muscled chest. Everything looks good with black babe. I giggled, standing behind him and wrapping my arms around him. 

Its just our family and friends coming, not the queen. I teased, kissing behind his ear.

Classy house should have classy owners. He said, pulling out the hanger that the shirt was on and having a closer look at it. 

Go for the white, you look good in white. I told him, biting down in my bottom lip.

Oh, you think? He asked, turning his head so he was looking at me. 

Mhm, definitely. I answered, slipping my hands into the front pockets of his jeans.

Well if that’s what you think. He grinned and closed the wardrobe door, hanging it on the door handle next to my dress. I giggled and kissed his cheek. 

I’m going for a shower. I said, pulling myself away from him. I would join you but I don’t want to distract you and make you run even later. He winked cheekily. I rolled my eyes and got some clean underwear out of the draw before going into the en suit without making a comment, he was probably right. I stayed in the shower for half an hour, it only got to that time before Ashley started complaining that he needed to use the bathroom. Stupid as we did have two other bathrooms in the house, I think he really just wanted me to invite him in with me but I didn’t give in and I eventually heard him storm off out of the room. I stepped out the shower, wrapping two towels around me, one for my body and for my hair and stood in front of the mirror to do the next step to getting ready. Finishing up in the bathroom, I slipped into my clean underwear before going into the bedroom. Ashley was standing in front of the mirror, in tight black boxers while he messed with his hair. However I certainly wasn’t complaining about the view. 

Worse than a girl. I sung as I walked into the room, his eyes shifted from his hair to look at me through the mirror and a grin swept across his serious face. 

Yeah, we’ll see about that in a couple of minutes when you start on yours. He chuckled, watching me take the towel from my head. 

Shut it. I giggled and slipped one of his shirts over my head which I usually put on while I was getting ready. I sat in front of the other mirror, cross legged as I started blow drying my hair until every last strand was dry. I turned to get the straighteners out of the draw and nearly jumped out of my skin as I saw Ashley lying on the bed, watching me. I screamed and put my hand on my chest, feeling my heart going mental under my rib cage. 

Did I scare you? He teased, a humorous smirk tugging at his lips. 

Not at all. I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes as i once again reached for the straighteners. I plugged them in and started on my hair, all the while I could feel Ashley’s eyes on me.

You need to get dressed, stop watching me. I told him, turning my head round to face him and pointing the straighteners at him 

We have loads of time yet, quit stressing. He said calmly, backing away slightly as his eyes locked on the straighteners.Well if people arrive, you’re answering the door whether you’re dressed or not! I exclaimed, turning back to the mirror to finish off my hair. Ten minutes later and my hair was straightened and perfected, as you’ve probably guessed I was a perfectionist and everything had to be right. I put them down onto the heat proof mat and turned them off at the wall before spinning on my bum to face Ashley. 

You’re unbelievable! I half laughed as I saw him, eyes closed and snoring lightly. I hopped to my feet and jumped on the bed so I was standing over him, bouncing my feet so the mattress would bounce too and hopefully wake him up. Seconds later and his eyes pinged open so I stopped and looked down at him with a frown, resting my hands on my hips. I can’t believe you fell asleep! I exclaimed, however I don’t think he was listening to me as his eyes were travelling up my legs.

Ashley, this is not the time to be perving on me. I sighed and sat down on his stomach so he has no choice but to look at my face. He looked at me and bit down on his bottom lip. 

People are going to be here in half an hour and you still need to get dressed, put the drinks and stuff out! I informed him.Oh.. He said slowly.

Yeah, oh. Now get moving. I said and kissed him quickly before getting off him again. He rolled off the bed and started to get ready too, finally realising we didn’t have much time left before people started arriving. I sat back down and finished my make up in about twenty minutes which was record time for me. I slipped into my dress, shimmying it up my body before attempting to zip it up at the back. After only getting about half way and knowing I wouldn’t be able to get it any higher I sighed in defeat and went downstairs to find Ashley.

Ash, babe. Are you busy? I asked, walking into the kitchen. I paused in my tracks when I noticed Ashley was talking to some people. They all turned to look at me as I realised it was Ashley’s family. 

Oh, sorry. I said and flushed red as I stood there with my dress wide open at the back. I got on really well with Ashley’s family but this was still a humiliating moment. 

Did you need something babe? Ashley asked, putting his drink down in the side, ready to come help me. 

"Yeah, I was just going to ask you to zip me up. 

" I said and pointed to the back of my dress which I was trying to hold together so it wouldn’t pool at my feet. He chuckled and walked over to me, standing behind me and zipping up my dress.

It’ll be down in two seconds. I smiled, holding up two fingers before rushing back out the room and upstairs to change from my fluffy boot slippers into my small heels. I double checked my look in the mirror before going back downstairs to see Ashley’s family which I had so rudely left a minute ago.Sorry, I didn’t realise anybody was here, I said to them, starting with Ashley’s dad as I greeted them all, You should have called me down.

It’s okay. We’ve only been here a couple of minutes anyway. Ashley’s mum smiled. I loved how understanding his family were, I felt so chilled and relaxed around them whereas quite a lot of people felt tense and uneasy around their partner’s family, especially the parents.

Always the first here.

Ashley laughed, smiling at me as I stood next to him after finishing greeting them all.

Eager to see the new house. Its huge. Courtney giggled.

Yeah, blame him for that one. I laughed, nudging Ashley’s side my elbow lightly.

What? Hannah fell in love with it and I just had to get it. I think if we didn’t she would have compared all the rest to it and never found one she liked. Ashley defended himself. You liked it too. I reminded him, looking at him.

Yeah, I did. He shrugged, his smile growing as he looked back at me.

Big enough for grandchildren! Siobhan exclaimed and I felt my jaw hit the floor. I was not expecting a comment like that just yet, it had only been a couple of years and that was not on the cards for us yet.

Okay Mum, that is not a conversation we need to have right now. Ashley laughed nervously, noticing the horror and shock on my face.

I’m only saying, I can’t wait to be a Grandma. She pouted at Ashley and I awkwardly looked anywhere but at anyone’s face.

Wow, no pressure. Conor mumbled making Courtney giggle awkwardly. Children was something that neither. Ashley nor I had mentioned, I knew I wanted them but in the future and hopefully with Ashley. Although that was way, way in the future. As if to save me from this humility the door bell rang and I was the first to jump at the chance to answer it.

I’ll get it, its probably my lot. I giggled slightly, putting my drink down on the side and rushing out the room, still not looking at anybody. 

Well done Mum, look what you’ve done. I heard Ashley sigh quietly as I left the room. I went over to the front door and opened it, like I had guessed my parents, my older brother, his girlfriend and my niece and nephew just stood there. Hey you guys. I beamed, stepping aside to let them come in.

Auntie Hannah! Mia said, outstretching her arms to me so I could take her from my brother’s grip.

Hey beautiful. I giggled and rested her on my hip. She was three years old, almost four and a total sweetheart, could never do anything wrong in my eyes. It was the same for her twin brother, Finley.

They’ve been so excited to come see you. Hayden chuckled, running his hand over Mia’s chocolate locks as she rushed to tell me everything he had been doing since I last saw her. I giggled, looking down at Finley who had locked himself around my left leg, wanting some attention too.

Alright baby, let her move. Christina laughed, bending down to pick up Finley so he was no longer attached to my leg. He wasn’t too pleased about that.

Come on in, Ashley and his family are in the kitchen. I smiled, closing the door behind them after greeting everyone.

Is Siobhan here? My mum asked me.

Yes Mum. I laughed and watched as she smiled delightfully. Her and Siobhan got on like a house on fire, they would always find something new to natter about every time they saw each other. Hello everyone! My Mum said cheerily as we entered the room. Their conversation stopped mid way as we walked into the room, their heads all turning to us.

Ashley! How are you sweetie? My mum beamed, putting her hands on his cheeks making him smile.

I’m alright thank you Anne, and you? He asked.

I’m very well, She beamed before moving onto his dad, He’s such a lovely boy.

Ashley looked at me and we both shared a laugh at my mum’s madness. Ashley was a diamond in my parents’ eyes, they loved him since the first day they met him and truth be told I think they were always more excited to see him than me.

Ashley! The twins squealed, Mia wiggling out of my grip and following her brother over to Ashley who scooped them both up in his arms. 

Alright troubles? He teased making them giggle. I stood back and watched them, I love the relationship Ashley had with my family.

How’s things with the new house then sis? Hayden asked, coming up behind me and knocking me from my thoughts. Yeah really well, stressful week but we’re all settled now though. I smiled, looking round at him. He lent against the kitchen side, crossing his arms over his chest.

Good, he best be looking after you. He smirked, nodding over at Ashley who was playing with the twins before he heard Hayden and looked up at us. He gave us a small smile but I knew he was shaking inside.

Stop scaring him. I whispered, shoving his shoulder but he didn’t move an inch as he was twice the size of me, even in my heels.

Nope, I love it too much. Plus that way I know he won’t break your heart. He whispered back to me, making sure Ashley hadn’t heard him. Hayden liked Ashley really, they got on like brothers anyway. It was as soon as Hayden found out Ashley supported the same football team, after that they were best friends.

He won’t, he’s not like that. I smiled and looked back over at Ashley. He had gone back to talking to the twins and the sight of him with children melted my heart. Now that Siobhan had mentioned children it did get me thinking about it, I knew I didn’t want any yet but perhaps it wouldn’t be as far away as I thought. A couple of hours later and the party was in full swing. Everyone had finally arrived and we had managed to get round everyone to greet them. It looked like a zoo in the house, with children running all over the place.

Has anybody seen Ashley? I asked, walking up to a group of his friends that Ashley was talking to last time I had saw him. He went to the toilet about half an hour ago, I haven’t seen him since then babe. CJ told me. I sighed loudly, I hadn’t seen him in about an hour and I had looked all over.

Stressed? He chuckled, noticing my flushed cheeks and my eyes as they frantically danced around the food in hope to get a sight of my boyfriend.

Like you wouldn’t believe. He’s gone missing, no ones seen him! I frowned, He wasn’t drunk was he?

No, I don’t think so. He was drinking but not enough to make him drunk.

That bloody boy. I’ll have him when I find him. I giggled making him laugh.

I’ll see you in a bit, I’m gonna have a look upstairs. I smiled.

Alright babes, hope you find him. For yours and his sake. He laughed. I giggled and nodded, heading off towards the stairs. I went upstairs, going into the first room which was our bedroom, the door shut. I opened it and walked inside, Ashley was lying on the bed on his back. I closed the door behind me and walked over to the bed, causing Ashley to lift his head to look up at me.

What you doing up here? I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I giggled, standing at the end of the bed. He gave me a weak smile back making my smile drop into a frown What’s wrong? I asked, rushing round to the side of the bed so I was closer to him.

I don’t feel good, that’s all. He sighed, resting his head back down.

Everyones looking for you. How long have you been up here? I asked.

Around half hour. He shrugged. I kicked off my heels and climbed onto the bed next to him, pulling him into me.

Have you drank too much? I asked him, running my hand through his curls and twisting them around my fingers.

I haven’t drunk that much. He said quietly, resting his head on my chest.

I hope you’re not coming down with something. I frowned, pressing my hand against his forehead that was boiling hot.

I’m sure I’ll be fine tomorrow. He mumbled into me, tiredness thick in his voice. I kissed his head and cuddled him close to me. A couple of minutes later and I heard small breathes coming from Ashley. Looking down at him, I noticed his eyes were closed and he had fallen asleep. I smiled at how adorable he looked asleep on me with his arms tightly wrapped around me. Even though we had guested round I wasn’t going to wake him, he had been working almost everyday lately and with the new house on top of that I knew he was probably knackered. Not to mention he didn’t feel well either. I slowly unwrapped his arms from me after a couple of minutes and moved out from under him, gently setting him onto the bed. I kissed his forehead before getting on my heels again and leaving the room, quietly shutting the door after me. I got back downstairs and went into the kitchen to get myself a drink.

Did you find Ashley sweetheart? A gentle voice said from behind me. I turned around to find myself face to face with a smiley Siobhan.

Yeah, I did, I nodded and had a