Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Dean couldn’t understand why Calvert, who was usually not so cold, was being so indifferent at a moment when lives were at
stake
In the brief moment they hesitated, the truck had completely submerged into the water.
The driver had loaded the truck with a full cargo, and the immense weight accelerated its sinking speed.
Ash picked up a machete nearby and started hacking at the window fiercely, but to her surprise, even the windows were specially treated.
She calmly assessed her surroundings and increased the force of her strikes.
If she waited for the police to arrive, the truck would have sunk to the bottom by then. She had to break the glass to escape.
The truck driver next to her burst into laughter. “I went through all that trouble setting up my tools; how could I let you open it so easily…
The next second, his laughter abruptly stopped as he stared in disbelief at the cracked window, his speech stuttering. “H–how is that possible?”
It was made of bulletproof material, which even three muscular men couldn’t crack with a hammer during tests. He was astonished at how Ash managed it.
Ash broke the glass and swam out of the truck gracefully, kindly explaining, “The window glass is indeed tougher than usual, but your machete must be specially made too, right?” With that, she moved lightly toward the surface of the water.
However, soon a pain shot through her abdomen. Her expression changed. ‘Why did my period have to start now?‘
The cramping sensation instantly drained her strength, making her movements heavy.
Ash’s complexion turned paler, and the cold sweat on her forehead mixed with the icy lake water, the intense pain making her feel dizzy…
At Riverstone Hospital, Calvert sat silently by the bedside, his expression cold and distant. Yet his gaze remained fixed on Ash lying on the bed.
Ash had already changed into a hospital gown, her small face pale without a trace of color.
She lay there quietly, her features soft, bathed in the warm yellow light of the hospital, adding a gentle and serene aura to her presence.
Calvert realized belatedly. ‘She looks beautiful when she’s sleeping.
Just then, his phone rang; it was Dorothy calling.
“Do you know where Ash is?” Dorothy asked worriedly. “The Turner family hasn’t been able to reach her all night, and they just called to ask.”
“She’s with me,” Calvert replied curtly, his voice devoid of any emotion as he looked at Ash, still unconscious. He added, “She’s staying with me tonight, not going home.”
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Chapter 25
Hearing this, Dorothy’s tone immediately eased. “You rascal, you better take responsibility for her.”
Calvert responded nonchalantly, “One–year agreement, I’ll remember.” Then he hung up.
Turning back, he saw Ash opening her eyes wide, quietly looking at him. “One–year agreement?” She raised her eyebrows. “What do you mean?”
Calvert didn’t hide anything and told her about his plan with his grandmother.
“So, if we pretend to be a couple for a year, after that, we can go our separate ways without any obligations?” Ash asked.
“Yes.” Calvert nodded, his sharp gaze never leaving her face, missing nothing. However, to his surprise, Ash appeared visibly relieved.
She smiled slightly, looking pleased. “I agree.”
Pretending to be Calvert’s girlfriend would stabilize her mother’s emotions, stop Dorothy from pressuring them, and give her time to do her own thing. It seemed like a perfect choice.
Calvert frowned. ‘Is she happy about pretending to be my girlfriend, or is she relieved at the thought of being able to break off the engagement after a year?‘
Either answer seemed hard for him to accept.
After receiving a painkiller injection, Ash felt much better, only feeling a bit bloated in her stomach, otherwise unharmed.
Looking at Calvert by her bedside, she asked, “Did you save me?”
“Otherwise?” Calvert said with a nonchalant smile, his deep–set eyes revealing nothing.
“Thanks,” Ash replied without any pretense, extending her free hand. “Looking forward to being guided by my boyfriend for the next year.”
Calvert paused for a second before finally shaking her hand, a slight smirk on his lips. “Pleasure working with you.”
With Calvert covering for her, Ash decided to stay in the hospital overnight and wasn’t sent back to the Turner family until the next day.
Jade stood upstairs, watching Ash, who hadn’t come home the night before, and Calvert beside her. Her face twisted in
anger.
They used to go out during the day, but last night Ash had overheard her mother saying that Ash was at Calvert’s place.
Now they were coming back together, and Ash had changed clothes, not wearing the same outfit as yesterday.
‘Could it be that they’ve already started sharing a bed?‘ Jade was so angry she could hardly stand, her eyes filled with disappointment toward Calvert, but mostly with resentment toward Ash. ‘She took away my parents, and now she wants to take my Calvert too?‘
Jade pulled the curtains shut, unwilling to watch the intimate relationship between the two downstairs.
Downstairs, Josh stood anxiously at the door until he saw Ash standing before him unscathed. He let out a sigh of relief.
Only after Calvert’s car left the Turner family did Josh turn his attention back and say calmly, “Ash, come with me to the study.”
09:48 de, 11 Feb
Chapter 25
Ash followed him inside.
As soon as they entered, Josh locked the study door and his expression turned serious.
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He examined Ash thoroughly, ensuring there were no injuries on her, but still felt uneasy as he asked, “Are you really okay?”
Ash felt a warmth in her heart and smiled slightly. “I’m fine.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about such a big deal?” Josh chided gently, his voice tinged with fear. “The police contacted me; the body recovered from the river was that of a psycho killer with five victims on his hands. It’s just not safe for you to go out alone anymore. I will arrange for you to have two bodyguards from now on.”
He couldn’t bear the thought of what would happen if something had gone wrong with Ash, let alone how it would affect Brooke, who had severe heart issues.
Ash wanted to refuse outright, but seeing the worry on her father’s face, she compromised, “How about this? I’ll find the bodyguards myself.”
Josh didn’t object. “Fine, you choose, but these two must pass my interview.”
“Okay.” Ash nodded.
With her skills, few could hurt her, but to reassure her parents, she agreed.
“Also, I hope we keep this matter to ourselves,” Ash said softly. “Mom has a weak heart, and I don’t want her to worry.”
