**Author's POV**
The day dawned crisp and clear, with the sun pouring through the window, heralding a new day filled with hopes and aspirations. The soft light of dawn seeped into the room as she rubbed her bleary eyes and walked to the window. The sky glowed with a pearly hue. She inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet scent of her surroundings.
Turning around, her eyes widened in awe at the spaciousness of the room. Her jaw dropped, and she felt her heart race. Something about the room felt off, a nagging sensation in her chest. Slowly, she moved toward the bed, caressing its softness.
Her gaze darted to a pile of clothes in the wardrobe. As if on cue, she lifted her hand and approached it, her fingers outstretched as she inspected the garments.
They appeared to be her size and looked magnificent. Her hazel eyes lit up with excitement as she took a piece from the hanger and twirled around the room.
Suddenly, she stopped, her eyes locking onto the mirror. A look of shock washed over her face, and she froze in place.
"My clothes."
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**Peony's POV**
My stomach tightened as I realized I wasn't wearing the same clothes as yesterday. Shreds of imagination began to race through my mind.
I gulped, swallowing hard as I glared at my reflection in the mirror. How dare he remove my clothes without my consent? The realization that he had seen me naked twisted my stomach in knots.
How could I have been so reckless, Peony? This isn't what your parents taught you. Sleeping in a stranger's car? What if something bad had happened? What if...
I gripped the pink pajama shirt, my anger boiling over. I wished I could confront that pervert. How could he take advantage of a sleeping girl? He wasn't a gentleman, and I was determined to make him pay. I cursed inwardly, turning to see a pile of white pillows on the bed. I quickly grabbed the nearest pillow and marched toward the door. At that moment, I didn't care if I lost the audition; all I wanted was to confront that jerk, Mr. Dragons.
A few minutes later, clutching the pillow tightly, I found myself in the alleyway of the grand mansion, barefoot and directionless. I felt utterly lost, and it wasn't getting any funnier.
"Are you looking for someone, miss?" I heard a familiar voice. Turning my head with rage, I saw him—dressed in a black t-shirt and blue distressed jeans, his messy hair dripping wet. He wore the weirdest smile, and his cologne was too captivating. He must have just showered while I had just woken up.
Shake it off, Peony! He's your villain, right? He touched you without your consent. I shook my head, trying to block him out. He gazed at me, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Did you sleep the wrong way, Miss Peony?" His tone dripped with amusement, infuriating me further.
"You pervert!" I screamed, lashing out and hitting him with the pillow. Sometimes, you have to forget your manners to knock some sense into people who deserve it.
He was taken by surprise, raising his arms to block the blow. With a swift move, he slid under my arms. "Is that how you say good morning in Orlando?" he whispered softly in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
"Not when you're being a pervert, Mr. Dragons," I gritted out, struggling to break free from his grasp. He held onto the pillow, his hands brushing through my hair lightly.
"What accusation do you make, Miss Peony? When have I ever acted inappropriately with you?"
"You... you... you did! Stop acting ignorant!" I yelled, frustration boiling over. Finally, I managed to break free, though he still wore that infuriating smile.
"But I don't know what you're accusing me of, Miss Peony," he said nonchalantly, running a hand through his hair.
I crossed my arms and stepped back, glaring fiercely into his charming blue eyes that had me hypnotized. "You pretentious bast—"
"Daddy, what's wrong?" I was cut off by the most angelic voice I had ever heard. Forgetting my fight with him, I turned to see a young girl, about six years old, her blue eyes sparkling like the sky. Her skin glimmered in the light, and her shiny hair cascaded down her back, making her look like a doll.
Despite her charms, something unimaginable hit me in the core, sending shivers of happiness through my body. I hadn't felt this kind of joy in ages—not with my mom, dad, Michelle, or the children at the orphanage. I felt an unexplainable connection to this girl, stronger than iron, an adrenaline rush coursing through me. I blinked rapidly as my heart raced, everything happening in slow motion.
I couldn't fathom why I felt so close to this girl, who kept staring into my eyes as if she could see my soul. Was it the striking resemblance? Or something else? I approached her.
Her eyes sparkled with delight as she took a step closer. A cold chill ran through me as she raised her pillow and smiled warmly.
"Hi, I'm Asher Dragons." Her honeyed tone amazed me. That name sounded too familiar, like a distant memory. Suddenly, I heard a baby crying in my mind, and fragments of memories flooded in.
**Quick Flashbacks**
"What's her name? I'm sure you have a nice name for her."
"Asher Kara Stewarts."
**Flashback Ends**
"As... Asher?" I repeated, faltering. My heart ached a little. "Ste... Ste..." I stammered. The girl gaped at me with wide eyes while I smiled, dismissing the memories as mere hallucinations.
"What's wrong, miss? Did you have a fight with my father?" she asked, her hands resting firmly on her pillow.
"N-no... actually, I... I..." I stammered, bending to her level and caressing her face. She looked breathtakingly concerned.
"No, Asher, it's nothing. I was just talking with your father."
"Didn't seem like talking to me."
Oh my, this girl was smarter than her age. I shifted my gaze and caught him chuckling, which infuriated me even more. Did he think this girl had taken my attention? Yes, but I would deal with him later.
"Daddy, won't you introduce her to me?" her voice rang out again. Startled, he turned to look at me.
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**Dragons' POV**
Thank goodness Asher intervened, or I would have been in deep trouble with my daughter's perception of her "pervert" on her first visit.
I ran a hand through my hair, lost in her hazel eyes. Frankly, I was dazzled by her striking resemblance not just to Asher but also to Araya. I felt a strange connection to Peony, as if she shared some of Araya's traits in her speech and smile. Was it coincidence, or was she truly a lookalike? I felt an inexplicable sense of calm when she was around.
"Da... Daddy?" Asher's voice pulled me from my thoughts. It was understandable for her not to recognize Peony, as aside from her name, her pictures were hidden.
"Peony Acosta," I said. Asher's eyes widened in awe, and she quickly covered her mouth with her hand before wrapping her arms around Peony.
"You're my favorite idol, Miss! I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. I'm such a bad fan!"
I watched in astonishment as she pulled Asher into a tight hug. "Don't worry, hon. It's bound to happen. It's also not your fault. I take part of the blame for not revealing my picture."
Asher shook her head, her grip tightening around Peony's neck. My smile widened as I watched her cuddle and pat my daughter. This was the first time I had seen so much excitement and happiness in Asher's eyes.
"You will be my perfumer, right, Miss Peony? I want you, please, please, please don't refuse?"
Peony awkwardly stood up, raising her hands and biting her fingers, pacing back and forth as if considering. Then she turned to Asher, whose eyes were filled with hope.
"Please, idol, until my birthday." Asher clasped her hands together, pouting her lips and begging.
"Okay, Asher," Peony blurted out.
"Okay!" Asher squealed, her excitement palpable. I could almost see the delight radiating from her as she jumped, clapped, and danced with joy. Just as I imagined, Peony joined her in the celebration and my smile widened .
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