Chapter 37

Out of nowhere, relatives who hadn't bothered with Arabella in years began texting her one after another.

One message scolded her, "How could you toss your aunt out like that, Arabella? No young woman should behave this way!"

Another scoffed, "Stop being so stubborn,Arabella.Bring your aunt home right now. You're all alone-your aunt is the only family you have left!"

A cold sneer curled on Arabella's lips as she promptly blocked each and every one.

Funny how these people, once so eager for her father's help, now took Meagan's side without hesitation.

Bottle after bottle disappeared, and when her supply ran dry, Arabella made her way

downstairs, the world spinning. She collided with something solid and glanced up-her gaze met a strikingly handsome face.

Concern flickered across Asher's features as he caught the scent of alcohol on her breath and saw the flush on her cheeks. "You've been drinking, haven't you?"

With a soft nod, Arabella let her weight rest against him, her limbs almost boneless.

He reached out to steady her. "Do you think you can stand?"

A barely-there shiver ran through him as her skin brushed against his hand.

Her perfume mingled with the sharp tang of alcohol, creating an unexpectedly alluring blend.

Confusion clouded her expression. "Who are you?" The usual coldness in her features melted into something vulnerable, almost childlike."Tell me.who are you?"

Staring down at her, Asher felt something inside him shift-his heart, usually so guarded,softened in an instant.

A vivid memory returned to him-a rain-soaked kitten he had once rescued, looking every bit as lost as Arabella did now.

Wariness filled the kitten's eyes, its muddy fur clinging to its small body. Still, when he made to leave, it trailed after him, refusing to be left behind.

Bringing the little stray home, he found it grew attached, never straying far from his side.

Sadly, the companionship didn't last-his grandfather soon cast the kitten out, ending their brief bond.

"You're Dad," Arabella whispered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

The words struck Asher dumb for a moment,catching him off guard.

Whatever gentle feeling had crept into his heart evaporated in an instant.

Without a second thought, he hoisted Arabella over his shoulder with ease, carrying her to her room and placing her gently on the bed. "Get some rest."

"No." Arabella resisted, shaking her head.Tears streamed down her face as she gazed up at him."Why did you have to go so soon, Dad?"

Asher was left without words, unsure how to respond.

The sight of her swollen, glistening eyes brought an ache to his chest. Quietly, he murmured, "Maybe I should have found you both earlier."

Much of Arabella's life was a mystery he had tried to unravel-she had vanished from home at twelve, and only resurfaced just as he returned himself.

Where she had been all those years remained a

secret he hadn't cracked.

Still, something about her always hinted at hidden depths-so composed, so wise, and fiercely independent. Yet, beneath that strength, he could sense the scars left by losing her parents so young. And to think-she was only nineteen.

A soft whisper escaped Arabella. "I missed you so much."

Her hand clung tightly to his, warm tears dripping onto his skin, and the touch made his fingers tremble. With gentle care, he brushed her cheek and promised in a quiet voice, saying,"From this moment on, I'll protect you and your sister from all harm."

He remained close, never leaving her side as she finally drifted off to sleep, exhaustion winning out.

With patient hands, Asher pulled the blanket up around her shoulders, ensuring she was

comfortable.

Night faded, and the first rays of morning light crept through the windows, ushering in a new day.

Arabella awoke with a pounding head and quickly/ realized she had overindulged last night.In search of relief, she made her way downstairs, only to find Asher emerging from the kitchen.

He looked particularly striking that morning,dressed in a crisp white shirt and black vest,every detail neat and precise. He handed her a glass. "Here. Drink this."

Grateful, Arabella accepted the water, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I might have had a bit too much to drink last night."

He responded with a nod, not making much of it.

Curiosity nagged at her. "I didn't do anything I'll regret, did l?" She glanced up, searching his

face for answers.

Asher's expression remained steady and unreadable. "Why don't you tell me?"

Before she could say another word, he was already heading for the dining table. "Let's eat.I'll give you a ride to campus after breakfast."

Satisfied that nothing embarrassing had occurred, Arabella let the matter drop.

Once breakfast was finished, Asher drove her straight to Griridge University.

In the last two days, student outrage toward Arabella had only grown louder. The tension reached a peak when Elissa arrived on campus looking fragile and sorrowful, instantly winning over her supporters. Sympathy poured in, and Joyce wasted no time organizing a crowd to rally in front of the college president's office.

"Are we supposed to stand by while someone like Daisy remains at this school?" Joyce asked."If we keep silent, we'll be lumped in with her by

the time we graduate!"

The crowd retorted, "Absolutely not!"

Chants erupted. "Expel Daisy!"

A chorus rang out. "Daisy has no place at Griridge University!"

Elissa intervened, seemingly trying to play peacemaker. "You really don't have to go this far. Daisy's had a hard life-she lost her parents,and that's probably why she acts out..."

Joyce gave Elissa's shoulder a reassuring squeeze, but her eyes glittered with spite."Relax, Elissa. By the end of today, Daisy will be gone for good."