Chapter 3
“No need.” Ash said, dismissing Jade’s offer. After all, she owned Dream Couture, so a few pieces of clothing were hardly worth mentioning.
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But Jade persisted. “It’s no trouble. I’m going shopping with Calvert tomorrow anyway, so I can pick up a few outfits for you.”
“Are you done?” Ash cut her off bluntly. Tm going to bed.”
Jade struggled to maintain her composure, but her expression betrayed her. “Alright then. Sleep well,” she said, her voice quavering
Without looking back, Ash returned to her seat at her computer Don’t forget to close the door behind you,” she said. Jade bit her lip, glaring hatefully at Ash’s back before leaving. In the hallway, she ran into Caspian, who was just returning to his room. In an instant, her expression changed completely,
“Jade, why are your eyes red? Did she mess with you again? Caspian demanded, about to storm into Ash’s room.
Jade quickly grabbed his arm, her eyes brimming with tears. “Caspian, I’m fine. Please don’t confront Asht, she pleaded. “She didn’t mess with me. I just feel like she doesn’t like me
Caspian ruffled her hair affectionately, “So what if she doesn’t? You’re too good for her anyw to please her. You’ll always be my precious little sister.
You don’t need to try so hard
“You’re the best, Caspian, Jade cried, throwing herself into his arms as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Caspian comforted her tenderly, completely missing the terrifying gleam in her eyes as she stared at the closed door of Ash’s bedroom.
The next morning. Ash rose early. She’d noticed irregularities in yesterday’s reports and needed to visit Dream Couture’s physical store. It was also a chance to pick up gifts for her newfound family.
As she descended the stairs, she encountered Jade and Brooke.
“Ash, are you going shopping!” Jade asked, her voice saccharine. Calvert and I have plans why don’t you join us?”
Hearing this, Brooke’s brow furrowed slightly. She cleared her throat, concern evident. T’d like to accompany you instead. Ash.”
Ash sensed Brooke was hinting at something but didn’t want to get involved. Shaking her head, she said, “No need, Mom. Im just meeting a friend.”
“Alright then, have fun, Brooke said, producing a credit card and pressing it into Ash’s hand. “Here you go. No limit.” “Thanks, Mom.” Ash accepted the card and then left..
Once Ash was out of earshot, Brooke fixed Jade with a pointed look. Her voice was low but firm. “I know you’re fond of Calvert, but Ash’s return changes things. Your relationship with him needs to end.”
Jade’s eyes widened in disbelief, her voice quavering. “Mom, if you knew about my feelings for Calvert, why would you try to separate us
Brooke flashed Jade a smile, but her tone brooking no argument Jade, even if Ash hadn’t returned, you were never in
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Chapter 3
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contention for this marriage. Don’t worry, I’ve raised you for eighteen years and won’t let you down. But Calvert is off- limits.”
Jade bit her lip, nails digging into her palms. Despite her inner turmoil, she forced a smile. “Got it, Morn.”
“You’re always the sensible one, sweetheart. Alright, I’m off. See you tonight! With that, Brooke headed out.
As Brooke left, Jade’s expression turned glacial, her eyes burning with barely concealed rage.
At Dream Couture’s store, an employee greeted Ash. “Hello, Boss
Ash glanced around, her tone softening as she recognized her friend. “Drop the act, Bailey. Isn’t today your day off?”
Bailey Field’s shoulders sagged, her voice laced with frustration. Tracy switched shifts with me. I told her last week I had plans today, but she still scheduled me for this shift
“Is everything okay? Your mom isn’t doing well?” Ash asked, concerned.
Bailey nodded. ‘She’s having surgery today. I’m really worried about her.”
Ash plucked off Bailey’s name tag and pressed it into her hand. Then why are you still here? Go. I’ll cover for you.”
“Oh my god, you’re the best boss ever! I owe you one,” Bailey exclaimed, hugging Ash and planting a quick kiss on her cheek. Ash wiped her face in mock disgust. “Ugh, you got lipstick on me
Bailey grinned sheepishly, said a quick goodbye, and dashed out Ash shook her head with a wry smile and turned to check on the store’s recent limited-edition items.
Just then, a familiar voice reached her ears. “Tristan, what do you think of this outfit? Does it look good on me?” Samantha asked.
It’s pretty, Why don’t you try it on?” Tristan Ford replied gently. He called out, “Excuse me, could we get this in her size to
try on?”
As Ash approached, both Samantha and Tristan looked surprised to see her.
Jewel? What are you doing here?” Samantha asked, her voice dripping with disdain. Before Ash could respond, she continued, “Don’t tell me you’re working as a sales clerk now?”
Ash’s face turned icy, her blood–red lips curling into a chilling smile. “Oh! Dropping the act already? try to keep up appearances in front of Tristan.”
Samantha’s expression faltered, her eyes darting nervously.
Tristan quickly stepped in front of her protectively. “Hey, Jewel, no need to be that harsh, okay?”
“What else did you expect? Oh, should I grovel at her feet with eternal gratitude?” Ash
I thought you’d at least
bitterly. She then turned to
Samantha. “FYI, Dream Couture’s sales associates make more in month than your two–month allowance. Not just anyone can work here, so what exactly are you looking down on?”
In fact, the employees here went through a rigorous selection process. Their etiquette often surpassed that of many upper- class families.
“Whatever. Just pick out an outfit for me. I’m attending the Turner family’s welcome party tonight.” Samantha couldn’t resist
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Chapter 3
adding, “You know, the event you were supposed to attend before you screwed up
Ash’s lips twitched, her voice turning glacial. Ti surprised the Turner family even invited you two
“What’s that supposed to mean? Our family has quite a reputation in Riverstone, Samantha began defensively.
“Is that so? I wasn’t aware. Though I do know your family has quite the reputation for being shameless, Ash retorted coolly “What–Samantha sputtered, at a loss for words. She turned to Tristan, her eyes brimming with tears.
Tristan wrapped Samantha in his arms. “Jewel, I know you hate Samantha because of me, but we’re in love. Why make things difficult for yourself?”
And He then added, “Back then, when you pushed Samantha into the water and she nearly drowned, she still defended you now here you are, saying such vicious things to her. Jewel, when did you become like this?”
As Ash locked eyes with Tristan, her gaze landed on the crisp white shirt he was wearing. Memories came flooding back of the boy in the white shirt who had vowed to protect her no matter what, as they basked in the warm sunlight
But life had a way of changing people, and the boy she once knew was now a distant memory- the man standing before her was a different story altogether.
Ash gazed at him for a long moment, a frosty smile playing at the corner of her lips. “Tristan,” she said, her voice level and cool, “how many years were we together?”
AD
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