Chapter 2 The first time I set eyes on Nathan Ashford , I was sixteen . He'd just transferred to my school , and I thought he was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen . He was gorgeous , and smart , and popular , and talented , and I loved him . We'd had a couple of classes together , and I saw enough of him at the football games he dominated and at all the dance courts he won . But then , in senior year , my lab partner's boyfriend , a member of the football team , threw a party , and she forced me to go . I didn't realize that as the glorified nerd I was , I would stick out like a sore thumb . And when it came time to play the stereotypical truth or dare game , as a joke , someone dared me to kiss the boy I found the most attractive . And when I stupidly went to kiss Nathan , he jumped away like I had a contagious disease . Then declared to the whole party - the whole school , basically - that he would rather eat shit than kiss me . 1 I finished out the rest of my high school days as a laughingstock with a broken heart . " April ? " blink , turning to Louise . " Huh ? " Her eyebrows furrow in concern . " Why do you look like you've seen a ghost ? " I turn back to the TV screen . " I knew his last name was Ashford , but I didn't think it was the Ashford , " I mumble . " You know one of them ? " " Know is a strong word , " I answer , sinking into the couch , unable to take my eyes off Nathan . This man in the expensive dark suit - he looks nothing like the boy I knew in high school . His formerly unruly curly locks are cut short and styled perfectly on his head . The playful smirk and swagger he always had is gone , replaced with a stoic stance and inherent poise of a billionaire heir . If a family could own a city , then the Ashfords would own Chicago . They own everything from businesses to hotels to schools , libraries , and real estate . Even politics - there hasn't been a candidate the Ashford backed up who didn't win an election . There are even rumors that they run the city's underworld as well - night clubs , drug and arms trade ... the works . And now , they're looking for brides . The thought of some gorgeous woman applying - of Nathan marrying her , makes my heart clench in my chest . " April , your face is red . " I turn to Louise . " Hmm ? " She smirks slightly . " You should apply . " I blink . " What ? " She nods towards the TV . Marisol Ashford is giving details about the bridal selection process . " You should apply , to marry whichever one of them has you looking all flustered . " I chuckle nervously , standing up . " That's ridiculous . " " Is it ? " Lou stands and moves towards me , grinning mischievously . " If you win - if you marry an Ashford , you're set for life . " Iscoff , " I could give you a dictionary's worth of reasons why that's a bad idea . " She cocks her hips , hands akimbo . " I'm listening . " " First , I'm only twenty - one ; I still have three semesters of school to go . " " No one said you had to drop out . Plus , your tuition problem would be taken care of . " 1/3 PP . Chapter 2 I roll my eyes . " And what about June ? " o G " I'll take care of June . And again , if you marry an Ashford , all your medical issues are taken care of . Hell , she could take a bath in Insulin if she wanted . " I laugh . I can't deny that there's appeal in what she's saying . If I married Nathan , all my life's problems would be solved . Me , kiss you ? I'd rather eat shit . I scoff , shaking my head . " There are hundreds of gorgeous , eligible girls in Chicago ; never in a million years would he choose me . " Louise sighs . " April- " " That's enough , Lou . I'm exhausted ; goodnight . " Without giving her a chance to protest , I head to my room . With only the subtle glow of the moon for light , June looks tiny curled up on our bed . I toe off my sneakers and head towards her , not caring to undress further . I climb into bed and curl myself around my nine - year - old sister . She stirs but doesn't wake , and I bury my head in her neck and inhale her familiar scent . My baby sister - the only family I have left in this world . The only family I need . " Truth or dare , April ? " Feeling severely uncomfortable and nervous , I shrug . " Dare . " The girl smirks . " I dare you to kiss the most attractive guy in the room . " Of their own accord , my eyes flit to Nathan , leaning back on his hands , watching the game with lazy interest . The alcohol in my veins making me bold and stupid , I move on all fours , crawling towards him . He realizes I'm headed for him , and his eyebrows raise , mildly amused . Ooohs and aaahs erupt around us as I stop in front of him . Nathan smirks as he moves , reaching out to cup my face . He presses his soft , pink lips against mine, and I sigh , feeling a thousand butterflies erupt in my belly . Then he pulls away , and those beautiful , lush lips curl into a wicked smirk as he whispers , " I'd still rather eat shit than marry you . " *** I gasp softly as my eyes fly open . In the dark , I make out my sister's big grey eyes , exactly like mine . " Did you have a bad dream , Spring ? " June asks softly , using her pet name for me . Because spring is in April ... I smile , nodding . " But it's no big deal , Summer ; I'm sorry I woke you . " ... and summer's in June . She shakes her head , and a small hand caresses my cheek . " It's okay . " Then , from underneath her , she pulls out a pink bunny - her favorite thing in the world . She's too old for it but holds on to it with maternal ferocity . " If you snuggle with Bun Bun , you won't have any nightmares . " 1 Smiling , I take the bunny . " Thanks , hon . " I kiss her forehead . " Go back to sleep , " I whisper against her skin . She snuggles into me , and seconds later , her breath evens out . I stay awake , though , staring at a spot on the floor illuminated by a shaft of moonlight . In my pocket , my phone buzzes ; I didn't even realize I didn't remove it before climbing into bed . 7 2/3 P P. Chapter 2 I fish it out and stare at the bright screen . Underneath the notification of a shift switch for tomorrow is a news article - a notice of the bridal selection , along with rules of entry and qualifications . I sigh , turning the device off . Louise is being silly . I could never apply ; I would never win . Marrying Nathan Ashford is a foolish , foolish pipe dream . If not for the prince , set up on a high pedestal I have no chance in hell of ever react . way he treated me in school , then for the fact that he's practically a Before I drift away into sleep , I wonder briefly : who will win ? Which girl will surpass all the requirements and ultimately win Nathan Ashford's heart ? I wasn't good enough for him . I wonder who is . Chapter Comments Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!