Rejected and unwanted? No, call her princess novel

Chapter 10 Ash's acupuncture treatment gradually eased Brooke's symptoms , and her breathing became steady . Normally , a simple pill would have sufficed , but without her bracelet , Ash had to resort to acupuncture - breaking her five - year hiatus from the practice . As Ash put away the needles , she helped Brooke sit up . " How are you feeling , Mom ? " Brooke nodded , surprise evident in her eyes .

" I had no idea you knew acupuncture ." " I've browsed some medical texts , but I'm not an expert . Just picked up the basics , " Ash replied modestly , averting her gaze . Brooke knew that Ash was being modest . Her congenital heart condition could be severe when triggered , and Ash's single needle had brought her back from the brink . Clearly , Ash's skills were impressive . Sensing Ash's reluctance to discuss it further , Brooke changed the subject . " Ash , why did you push Jade earlier ?

" she asked , her tone gentle but probing . Ash met her gaze calmly . " If I told you I only gave her a light push , not nearly enough to knock her down the stairs , would you believe me ? " Without hesitation , Brooke nodded . " Yes , I trust you ." Brooke's unconditional faith touched Ash deeply . For the first time , she felt the warmth of having a family , of being truly accepted . " Thank you , Mom , " she said , her gratitude genuine . " Have some rest .

I'll go check on Jade , " Ash said . She was determined to make an effort for Brooke's sake - as long as Jade behaved herself . ***** At the hospital , Ash paused outside Jade's room , overhearing her plaintive voice . " Calvert , I'm fine . It wasn't Ash's fault . I just lost my balance ," Jade said . " Lost your balance ? She clearly did it on purpose ! " Caspian chimed in , his voice sharp with ange Ash took a deep breath and knocked before entering .

Caspian bristled at the sight of her , his face contorting with rage . " Who invited you here ? " " I came to see how she's doing , and also- " Ash began , but Caspian cut her off , stepping aggressively towards her . " Playing the good guy now ? " He shoved her roughly . " If it weren't for you , Jade wouldn't have fallen . You've brought nothing but trouble since you came back . We should never have found you . Get out ! " As Caspian raised his hand again , Ash's reflexes kicked in .

She caught his wrist , twisting it back painfully . Caspian's face contorted in agony . " Let - let go , " he stammered , fear replacing his anger . Jade's expression changed , realizing Ash's fighting skills . " Ash , I apologize for Caspian . He didn't mean any harm , " she said hastily , moving to get out of bed . Suddenly , Jade fell to the floor with a loud thud . Calvert immediately scooped her up , gently placing her back on the bed . " Stay put .

I'll'handle this , " he said softly , his eyes lingering on her face before turning to Ash . He then gripped Ash's wrist , his voice cold as ice . " Had enough drama ? " He squeezed her wrist mercilessly , but she deliberately jabbed his wound in retaliation . Calvert hissed in pain , releasing her as if burned . Ash let go of Caspian and turned to Jade , her expression unreadable . " I'll give you one last chance , Jade . Did I push you down the stairs , or did you fall on your own ?

" " I … Jade bit her lip , her eyes wide and innocent as she glanced between Ash and Calvert . 1/2 Caspian glared at Ash , moving protectively towards Jade . " Don't be scared , Jade . Calvert and I are here . She can't do anything to you . " Jade cautiously looked up at Ash , trying to read her intentions . She couldn't quite figure out what Ash was up to and wondered if Ash's confident demeanor meant she had proof of the fall .

Recalling that there were no cameras near that part of the staircase , Jade was convinced that Ash was just bluffing , trying to trick her into confessing . Softening her voice , Jade said , " Ash , let's just put this behind us . I know you didn't mean any harm . " Ash nodded , a small , knowing smile playing on her lips . " Alright . I gave you a chance , but you chose not to take it . " She then took out her phone and sent a video to Calvert and Caspian .

Calvert's brow furrowed , his eyes darkening as he watched the footage . And the room suddenly fell eerily silent . Sensing something was wrong , Jade nervously asked , " Calvert , what's the matter ? " " See for yourself , " he said , his voice tight as he tossed the phone to her . Jade's face paled as she saw the footage of her deliberate fall . She never imagined Ash would have planted a hidden camera on her . Panicking , she tightened her grip on Calvert's hand .

" Calvert , let me explain . It's not what it looks like " Calvert retrieved his phone , his voice icy . " You know how much I hate being lied to ." The fact that it happened in front of Ash only fueled his anger . He wrenched his hand free from Jade's grasp and strode out of the room . Jade tried her falling trick again , but this time Calvert didn't even look back . " Calvert , please don't go ! " Jade cried , her voice breaking as she reached out towards his retreating figure .

Ash glanced at Jade , internally scoffing at the display , and left without a word . As soon as the door closed , Jade's sobs echoed in the room . Between gasps , she turned to Caspian . " I didn't mean for this to happen . I was just jealous of how Mom and Dad treated Ash . That's why I came up with this plan . I- " " I know , " Caspian said , hugging her tightly . " It's all Ash's fault . You know I'll always love you . " When Ash walked into the elevator , she sensed someone following her .

As she turned , a figure rushed in , pinning her against the wall . Calvert's face loomed close , his eyes blazing with anger . " Happy now ? " he growled , his breath hot on her cheek . Ash met his piercing gaze with a cold laugh . " I don't know what you mean , Mr. Snider . " " Isn't this what you wanted ? To drive a wedge between Jade and me so I'd marry you instead ? " His voice dripped with contempt . Stunned for a moment , Ash then chuckled .

" Wow , your imagination knows no bounds ." " Are you denying it ? " Calvert leaned in closer , pressing her against the cool metal of the elevator wall . Ash jerked her chin away , but Calvert gripped it firmly , forcing her to look at him . His voice low and menacing , he said , " Drop the : 2/2