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Drake’s words lingered in Thalia’s mind like a curse, repeatedly echoing and disturbing her peace of mind.
The next day when Thalia visited Asher in the hospital, she was visibly distracted.
“Something on your mind, Lia?” Asher asked softly.
Her eyelashes fluttered as she looked away. “That woman… Vanessa Miller. What’s the story there?”
Asher’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Are you jealous?”
Thalia tried her best to appear nonchalant, puffing her cheeks slightly. “Of course not. You’ve just never mentioned her before, that’s all.”
Remembering how this woman had kidnapped Lucy and tried to stab her, Thalia felt anger mingling with her jealousy. “Where did you even find this crazy admirer? She’s completely unhinged.”
Asher reached out his hand. “Come here, Lia.”
Thalia moved closer, perching on the edge of his hospital bed.
Taking her hand in his, Asher’s expression turned serious. “We attended the same school. She pursued me rather intensely back then, and I clearly rejected her. Later, she followed me to university, where she continued her pursuit. I never gave her any encouragement–not once.”
Thalia lowered her eyes, her lips turning down slightly. “Is that all there is to it?”
Asher gently pinched her cheek. “That’s everything. I barely even spoke to her. We don’t have each other’s numbers, social media–nothing.”
After a moment of silence, Thalia continued. “Why would anyone persist for ten whole years? Not ten days, not ten months–ten years.”
Asher smiled helplessly. “I honestly couldn’t tell you. Everyone around me knows how coldly I treated her. I’ve barely exchanged a handful of words with her in all that time.”
Thalia leaned closer, narrowing her eyes playfully. “And how many words is ‘a handful‘ exactly?”
Asher couldn’t help laughing. “Maybe five or six sentences total…”
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“What could you possibly have to say that required so many sentences?” Thalia asked, feigning outrage.
Asher found her jealousy utterly endearing. His eyes softened with affection, a warm smile playing at his lips. “Nothing significant. In school, I spoke briefly to reject her first few confessions. After that, I hardly acknowledged her existence.”
“You truly felt nothing for her?” Thalia asked skeptically. “She’s quite pretty.”
“Absolutely nothing.” Asher gazed at her with undisguised devotion. “My heart has belonged to someone else for a very long time. There’s simply no room for anyone else.”
Thalia pretended ignorance. “Someone else? Who might that be?”
Asher’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Who do you think?”
Thalia mumbled softly. “How would I know unless you tell me?”
To Asher, her pretense was nothing short of adorable, melting his heart completely.
He couldn’t resist her.
His voice softened with tenderness. “There has never been anyone but you, Lia. Not then, not now, not
ever.”
Thalia glanced away, a blush forming on her cheeks. “She confessed to you in school. I was just a child
then.”
Surely he couldn’t have had feelings for her that early?
Asher answered honestly, “I wasn’t looking for a relationship back then.”
This made Thalia curious. She met his eyes, her beautiful almond–shaped eyes wide with genuine interest. “When did you start having feelings for me, then?”
Asher thought back, a soft smile forming. “Initially, I truly did see you as a little sister figure. As for when those feelings changed… I can’t pinpoint the exact moment.”
Thalia persisted. “You must have some idea.”
“If I had to guess… probably when you were in secondary school,” he admitted. “When that boy Davies was harassing you, and after I confronted him, I realized my feelings for you had fundamentally changed. I couldn’t pretend anymore.”
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Thalia pressed her lips together. “You kept it well hidden all this time.”
Asher gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I had to wait for you to grow up, didn’t I?”
His eyes clouded momentarily. “As soon as you finished university, I approached your father about our marriage. But you were unwilling and left home.”
Thalia guiltily averted her gaze. “I… I thought my father was sacrificing me for business interests. How was I supposed to know you’d planned this all along? You never told me. I was completely in the dark…”
Suddenly, Asher winced, his hand moving to his side. “Ouch…”
Thalia immediately became concerned, her eyes widening as she leaned closer to check his wound. “What’s wrong? Did you bump it? Should I call a nurse?”
In one smooth motion, Asher pulled her gently into his arms, resting his chin atop her head. His voice was soft and warm against her hair. “A hug will make it stop hurting.”
Thalia laughed softly against his chest. “You’re terrible. You were just pretending.”
“No,” Asher gently stroked her silky hair, his touch feather–light. “It really does hurt. But holding you makes everything better.”
Thalia nestled closer, breathing in the comforting scent that was uniquely his. In his arms, everything felt right with the world.
that otel
As Drake returned from a business dinner, walking through the hotel lobby, someone suddenly called out
to him.
“Drake Ashcroft.”
Following the voice, he turned to see an unfamiliar young woman.
She was dressed impeccably in designer clothing from head to toe.
“And you are?” Drake approached her with confusion evident in his eyes. “Have we met?”
The woman reclined on the sofa, looking up at him with calculated poise. “We’re about to become acquainted.”
Drake sat down on the sofa across from her. “Who exactly are you?”
She smiled. “Grace Bennett. The Blackwoods‘ ward.”
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“The Blackwoods?” Drake frowned. “Asher Blackwood’s family?”
“Precisely,” Grace’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I have a proposition for you.”
Drake looked puzzled. “What kind of proposition?”
Grace’s lips curved upward. “Breaking up Asher and Thalia.”
Drake eyed her suspiciously. “Why should I trust you?”
“Simple,” Grace gave a soft, bitter laugh. “I’m in love with Asher. No one wants to separate them more
than I do.”
Grace handed him a business card. “I understand you’ve been seeking investment lately. Contact this person–they’ll provide the funding Ashcroft Capital needs.”
“However…” Grace continued, her tone sharpening, “this investment comes with one condition: you work with me to end Asher and Thalia’s relationship.”
Drake took the card, studying it briefly. “Even without your investment, I’d do everything possible to
break them up. Thalia belongs with me.”
Grace’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. “Well then, Mr. Ashcroft, do we have an arrangement?”
Drake looked thoughtful. “Let me verify your credentials first, then I’ll give you my answer.”
“Fair enough,” Grace pulled out her phone. “Here’s my WhatsApp. Add me so we can stay in touch.”
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