Silence Walks Beside Us by Eli Dane Cade 51

Ash finally understood why Jade and Calvert hadn’t helped cachother when they’d been drugged earlier. It was because they were not dating as she had assumed – it was simply her imagination. Calvert had only been kind to Jade out of gratitude for saving his life. 

Suddenly, Ash looked at him with clarity. “So, what exactly are we now?” 

Calvert’s tone was cold and matter–of–fact. “Until the end of this year, you’re my fiancée and my woman. You’ll enjoy all the benefits that come with it. But you also need to help me keep my grandmother happy. After a year, I’ll end the engagement, and we’ll be strangers.” 

Ash took his words in. Calvert was generous and handsome, and as long as she didn’t cross any lines, he seemed easy enough to deal with. Being his fiancée for a year would keep her parents content and buy her time to figure out how to cure her mother’s heart condition. 

‘But is he really worried I’ll get attached? He is overconfident,‘ she thought, amused. 

“No problem,” Ash responded calmly. “I’ll walk away as agreed when the year is up.” 

Calvert studied her for a moment. Every other woman who got close to him had used every trick in the book to stay in his life, but Ash agreed so easily. 

He couldn’t help wondering if it was because she’d hooked up with the owner of Shadow Ventures. 

But that guy was over 10 years older than Ash. Calvert couldn’t believe her taste was that bad. Then he thought of her ex- boyfriend, Tristan, who had nothing going for him except his family’s wealth. She’d dated him for five years. 

Calvert’s face darkened as he recalled Ash’s past choices in men. She seemed to ignore him and go for less impressive guys. He couldn’t make sense of her taste, and it left him with complicated feelings. 

Ash turned and saw Calvert’s suddenly dark expression as he stared at her, clearly displeased. She was confused, wondering what she had said to upset him. 

Calvert caught her gaze, then looked out the window without saying a word. 

Ash was baffled. ‘Did I upset him again? We were fine a minute ago. How did he turn cold SO she thought. 

fast? He’s really unpredictable, 

She decided to ignore him. Remembering the car Dorothy had given her, she felt the gift she’d brought for Dorothy in her pocket. Thankfully, she wouldn’t need to find a new one. 

*** 

At Snider Manor, Dorothy was already waiting eagerly by the door, having heard Calvert was bringing Ash home. When the two got out of the car, Dorothy beamed. 

“Ash, you’re finally here! I’ve been thinking about you. I had the cook make all your favorite dishes,” Dorothy said warmly. 

Ash returned the smile. “Thank you, Dorothy.” 

Dorothy took Ash’s hand, beaming. “The more I see you, the more I like you.” 

Meanwhile, she completely ignored Calvert standing behind Asl 

Seeing Dorothy slightly out of breath from walking, Ash gently supported her to the couch in the living room. 

As she helped Dorothy, she subtly checked Dorothy’s pulse and complexion. It seemed like Dorothy had suffered a serious 

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injury affecting both her heart and lungs. 

65 voucher 

Ash thought for a moment. The nourishing pills she had brough would help ease Dorothy’s symptoms, but only surgery 

would offer a true cure. 

With the Snider family’s resources, it was strange they hadn’t found a doctor to perform the surgery and relied on medication alone. 

As Ash was lost in thought, Dorothy asked, waving a hand in front of her, “Hey, Ash. What’s on your mind?” 

Ash smiled and moved her hand from Dorothy’s wrist. “Dorothy, it seems like your health isn’t at its best. I have some nourishing pills from a friend. They’re good for strengthening your body. Take one every five days.” 

With that, Ash pulled out a silver bottle from her pocket and handled it to Dorothy. 

“Oh dear, I’m just happy you’re here. You didn’t need to bring a gift,” Dorothy said warmly, accepting it with a smile. 

“Go ahead and take one now,” Ash said, standing to pour a glass of water for her. 

Dorothy chuckled. “You’re so thoughtful. I’m sure this will help me live long enough to see you get married and have kids.” 

– 

She tipped a pill into her hand, not expecting much – she had tried countless remedies over the years, most with little effect. But she didn’t want to let Ash down. 

Just as she was about to take it, a large hand stopped her. 

“What are you doing, you brat?” Dorothy glared at Calvert. 

“Don’t take something if you don’t know where it came from,” Calvert said coldly, his gaze fixed on the pill. It looked strangely familiar. 

“Do you think Ash would ever hurt me?” Dorothy snapped, clearly annoyed. “Give that back. I trust her.” 

“I’ll have someone check it out first. We can’t take any risks with your health,” Calvert insisted. 

– 

Ash froze, the glass of water still in her hand. She quickly realized Calvert had a point – given Dorothy’s fragile condition, it was only natural for him to be cautious. Ash mentally kicked herself for not thinking ahead. 

Calvert handed Dorothy the box from the auction. “Take this instead.” 

Ash looked at the box. Hiding her amusement, she said, “He’s right, Dorothy. You should try his medicine first. It’s probably better for you.” 

Knowing Calvert was just worried about her, and seeing Ash was understanding and not upset, Dorothy opened the box Calvert gave her. 

But as soon as she saw what was inside, her expression changed. “Are you messing with me because you think I can’t see well?” she asked, sounding annoyed. 

Calvert frowned. “What are you talking about?” 

“This pill looks exactly the same as what Ash gave me,” Dorothy replied. “So hers isn’t good enough, but yours is, huh? Give me back what Ash brought.” 

Calvert, visibly flustered, carefully examined the pill in his hand and compared it to the one Dorothy had. They were identical in every way, but Ash had given a whole bottle, and his box only had one pill. 

He turned to Ash and noticed the playful glint in her eyes. 

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Seeing his hesitation, Ash said, her eyes sparkling with mischiel Mine are nourishing pills from my friend Prunella. What about yours?”