Rejected And Unwanted? No Call Her Princess (by Hannah Ruell) novel Chapter 248

Chapter 248

He assumed Calvert was occupied, but upon closer inspection, he discovered Calvert doodling stick figures labeled with Ash’s name in messy handwriting. Dwayne couldn’t stifle his laughter and captured the scene on his phone.

Calvert wore a slightly hurt expression, like a child who’d done something expecting praise but received none. “What is it? Why are you laughing?”

‘Good job! You’re a talented artist.” Dwayne praised Calvert, condescendingly patting his head. He then sent the photos to Ash and added: [Are you going to miss this? Seeing Calvert make a fool of himself is a once–in–a–lifetime opportunity!]

Ash’s face fell when she saw the photo on her ringing phone. The handwriting, barely legible even for a child, convinced her that Calvert was drunk.

Dwayne soon sent another video. The man in it was so intoxicated that he could barely speak intelligibly. “How much did this guy have to drink?” Ash wondered, watching the video repeatedly. “It’s like he’s not even himself.” Finally, she concluded.

Ash pondered the video’s message, Dwayne’s words echoing in her mind. She rarely saw Calvert so vulnerable. Perhaps this was her chance to gain leverage for the future. She decided to go. [I’ll be there in a minute.]

Glancing at the message, Dwayne meaningfully looked at a drowsy Calvert and said, “Calvert, this is as far as I can take you; the rest is up to you. If you have questions, now’s the time to ask while you are too tipsy to remember.”

Calvert’s vision was clouded by alcohol, leading him to ask in a bewildered tone, “What do you mean? Seize what opportunity? And why should I seize it?”

Without a word, Dwayne whisked Calvert away. He opened the door to find Ash, a flicker of annoyance in her eyes. “You’re here quickly,” he greeted, eyebrows raised.

Ash had just slipped on a coat and looked a bit tired. “Where is he?” she asked. “Is he asleep? Do you have to leave today?”

Seeing Ash arrive, Dwayne slipped on his shoes to leave. “I have other things to attend to,” he said. “You two are better suited to this anyway. What if people think the wrong thing about me, a perfectly innocent guy, hanging around? I have a reputation to uphold!”

Ash rolled her eyes, exasperated, wondering, ‘Why does everyone around Calvert act so strangely? It’s like they’re all out of their mind. Too tired to argue with Dwayne, she said, “Just go then if that’s what you want.”

The sharp scent of alcohol hit her as she entered the hallway after Dwayne left, making her frown. “How much did they drink?” she wondered.

Dwayne casually tossed Calvert onto the sofa, leaving him sprawled out. Pinching her nose, Ash approached him. ‘Calvert, get up! You can’t just lie there like this. Get up and wash your face.”

“Are you Ash?” Calvert rasped, his narrow eyes barely open as he lay half–buried in the pillow.

She found him humorous but chillingly replied, “No, I am the Grim Reaper, here to take your life. Prepare yourself.

“You’re Ash, aren’t you? Why won’t you admit it?” Calvert’s limbs were weak, his strength failing. “Why are you here?” His voice was so hoarse that some of his words were lost. “Didn’t you say you had an appointment? Why are you still here then?”

Ash sighed, exasperated. “Is this what you like when drunk? You’re so different. Why did you drink so much?” She gently tugged his arm. “Come on, up you get.”

Calvert lay still and mumbled, “I thought you had an appointment. Why are you here? Are you free now? Is everything finished? Can you see me now?”

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10:14 am

Chapter 248

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Ash felt a mix of annoyance and amusement. “Right, it’s your turn now. I’m swamped. Next time you need my time, make an appointment, or be prepared to wait.”

“You had another appointment first?” Calvert snapped, grabbing her wrist and pulling her close. “Have you already forgotten what we agreed to? We owe each other basic respect, especially during the contract period.”

Propping herself up in her arms, she leaned over him as if she were going to kiss him. “Are you saying that seeing another man is disrespectful? Do you expect me to cut off all contact while working together?

I’m concerned this might be asking too much. We’ve already talked about this several times, so I’m not sure it’s necessary to keep bringing it up.”

Calvert sat up abruptly, his cheeks flushed, his hair falling softly over his forehead, his voice hoarse with a hint of pleading. Then why don’t you ever agree to me? Why do you always have so much contact with other men?”

Ash tensed up, her gaze darting around. Their proximity was unnerving. “What haven’t I promised you?” she asked, her voice tight. “If I can’t even talk to another man, then I assume you’ll agree to the same terms with women? Let’s give each other some space.”

Calvert’s gaze fell, a touch of bitterness tinging his words. “You don’t care if I see other women, do you? Not at all. You didn’t even care about my ex, so why would you care about this?”

His grip tightened involuntarily. “Ash, they always said you were different. I didn’t believe them then, but I do now. You are different, remarkably so. Perhaps this ridiculous collaboration of ours was a mistake from the beginning.”

His grip tightened, making her wince. “You’re strong,” she said, “but you’re hurting me. Are you trying to get back at me for something?”

Upon hearing this, Calvert relaxed his grip. “I wish everyone could live as freely and comfortably as you do. That’s what true reedom feels like.”

Calvert, Ash said softly.

He met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a potent blend of sadness and tenderness. “I’m here,” he reassured her.

Taking a deep breath to find her courage, she closed her eyes and softly asked, “Do you like me?”

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