Chapter 14
Asher moved back to the Blackwell mansion with Vivian and Nora.
In the following days, aside from work and business engagements, Asher devoted all his time and energy to Nora.
When she said she had nothing to wear, Asher brought in the country’s top designers to create unique styles exclusively for
her.
When she craved pastries specific in Los Angeles, Asher chartered a private jet, delivering them to her within two hours.
When she had menstrual cramps, Asher stayed by her bedside 24/7, feeding her brown sugar water and warming her belly with his hands.
His attentiveness surprised even Vivian.
The assistant occasionally joked with colleagues: “Mr. Blackwell has never been so devoted to anyone. Looks like wedding bells might be ringing soon!”
But no one knew that Asher’s heart remained shrouded in a persistent gloom. He constantly felt like something was missing from his otherwise perfect life.
Vivian noticed his low spirits and suggested a short trip to a countryside estate: “Brother, your mood might be affected by work pressure. Perhaps seeing mountains and water will help you feel better.”
Before Asher could respond, Nora excitedly jumped in: “That sounds great! I just dyed my hair! You both have to take good photos of me!”
She ran barefoot into the closet to select outfits.
Asher and Vivian exchanged glances. He suddenly remembered years ago, when the company was being sued. He’d been
worried sick but hid it from Riley.
Back then, Vivian had asked him similarly: “Brother, your mood’s been off lately because you’re pushing yourself too hard. Why don’t we take a vacation and relax a bit?”
Riley had immediately looked up, instinctively concerned: “Asher, what’s wrong? Why are you upset? Are you feeling sick, or is there trouble at the company?”
Though clueless about business and legal matters, she’d researched desperately. She went days without sleep, consulting every lawyer in the city.
After the matter was settled, Asher had looked at her with bemused affection: “You don’t understand these things. Why
torture yourself?”
Riley had yawned, brushing off her efforts: “As long as you’re happy, nothing else matters.”
“Brother…” Vivian had also keenly noticed Nora’s casual indifference. She twisted her fingers together: “Maybe Nora’s just naturally carefree and didn’t notice. Don’t take it to heart.”
“I know.” Asher replied, downing a glass of liquor to suppress the bitterness rising in his throat.
Three days later, they arrived at the estate.
21:58
Two Chances. One Bullet: How His “Next Life” Promise Failed
66.9%
As soon as the car stoppet. Nora engely pulled Ashit terrard a grassy field: “It’s so beautiful Asher, come take pictures of
After taking serural sole shots, she waved to Vivian: “Vivian, let’s take some best friend photos together?”
Vivian was walking toward her when she stepped on a rock, slipped, and fell.
sche clutched her ankle in pain: “I’ve twisted my ankle… ouch!”
You’re not going back, right?”
fora interrupted with a shriek, her eyes filled with undisguised disappointment. “Come on… you guys are so busy with work, and we finally got away for once! It’s just a twisted ankle–not a big deal.”
Vivian was too preoccupied with the pain to take offense. She grabbed Asher’s sleeve to stand up but was abruptly pushed away by Nora.
Off–balance, Vivian fell again: “What are you doing?”
Nora looked indignant: “Vivian, you have zero boundaries! Asher is MY boyfriend!”
