Save Myself From Desperation

Ashley apologize to Jessica right now!

The man's cold and harsh voice echoed in the spacious living room.

Ashley Ramos stood in the center, her long eyelashes slightly lowered. She pinched the recording device hidden in her pocket and looked at the man sitting on the sofa while ordering her rudely. He was Jeremy Ramos, her third elder brother.

Seated next to Jeremy was the supposed pseudo-heiress of the Ramos family, Jessica Ramos, who had no blood relation whatsoever.

And now, Ashley's brother was demanding that she apologize to Jessica.

"Ashley, you intentionally pushed Jessica down the stairs. How can you be so malicious? You're even worse than a beast!" Jeremy scolded.

"You don't deserve to be my sister!"

Ashley felt a pang of sorrow. Her eyelashes trembled as she suppressed the stifling pain deep in her heart and murmured, "I didn't..."

However, before Ashley could say anything else, Jeremy grabbed a nearby glass and fiercely threw it at her.

"How dare you quibble!" Jeremy roared.

With a loud crash, the cup struck Ashley's instep and shattered into pieces. Ashley's delicate foot instantly swelled up. The broken glass shards pierced her skin, scratching her slender calf. Tiny red threads of blood emerged on her smooth skin, looking quite terrifying.

Yet, Ashley stood motionless as if she couldn't feel the pain.

This wasn't the first time her brother had beaten and scolded her like this.

"Jeremy, please, no more hitting," Jessica implored, anxiety in her voice. "Ashley didn't intentionally push me down the stairs. It's not her fault! Don't blame her. It was my clumsiness..."

Jeremy suddenly softened, concern etched on his face. "Jessica, why do you keep defending her? My dear little sister, have you ever considered how terrible it would be if you were left with scars from falling down the stairs?"

"But, Jeremy..." Jessica still pretended to plead.

"Alright, Jessica, be a good girl. Stop defending her! Let me check if you got hurt," Jeremy said.

"I'm fine, Jeremy. Don't worry..."

While watching this display of sibling love, Ashley felt an unexpected wave of weariness.

Jeremy was protective of Jessica because she was a girl, and scars wouldn't be becoming on her.

However, he had shown no hesitation when hurling a cup towards Ashley just moments ago.

Her legs now bore numerous wounds from the shattered glass, and blood continued to trickle down. Ashley would be left with scars too.

She was also a girl, more significantly, Jeremy's sister! Ashley had been abandoned since childhood. She grew up in an orphanage and was later adopted by her grandparents.

She had also been pampered and had never faced such treatment before!

After Jeremy focused his attention on Jessica, he noticed Ashley's delicate features now adorned with a subtle sneer. His displeasure deepened. "What's with that look on your face?

"Ashley, when we brought you home two years ago, we made it clear. Jessica grew up in our family. Even though she isn't blood-related, you should treat her as your sister!

"As her older sister, you should pamper her and protect her!

"But what have you done in these two years?"

At his words, a bitter smile graced Ashley's lips.

Two years ago when the Ramos family found her, her grandparents had already passed away. She thought she had finally found a family and didn't need to face the world alone. So, she rejected the invitation from her grandfather's friend, Zain Kingsley, and chose to return to the Ramos family.

In these two years, Ashley had been cautious and accommodating in every aspect.

Regardless of what it was, she always gave the best to Jessica.

Ashley was more like Jessica's humble follower, adapting herself to anything that Jessica disdained to make a living.

She thought that by doing this, she could gradually integrate into the family. Her parents and five brothers would accept her and consider her one of them.

But in the end, her parents continued to favor Jessica blindly, showering Ashley, their biological daughter, with endless blame and insults.

Ashley had even overheard them saying maliciously and disdainfully, "If Ashley had died outside back then, our family would be complete."

At that moment, Ashley couldn't believe her ears.

A pang of helplessness pierced through her, causing pain in her heart as if someone had gripped it tightly, leaving her no room to breathe.

Ashley couldn't comprehend what she had done wrong.

She didn't know why her own family despised her so much to the point of wishing she had died outside.

Since they felt this way, why did they bring her back to the Ramos family two years ago?

Ashley closed her eyes, feeling a sudden calmness that she had never experienced before.

"Forget it, she thought, I've had enough. I don't want this family anymore."

Ashley no longer desired any of these family members.

For some reason, Jeremy felt a sudden panic as he saw Ashley seemingly letting go of something. Her expression was like she had broken free from a cocoon and gained a new life.

He picked in his belt and struck it towards Ashley. "If you don't apologize to Jessica, I'm sure a good beating will teach you a lesson!"

However, the next moment, his wrist was steadily seized by a slender hand.

It was Ashley.

She actually...halted Jeremy.

"Ashley, you!"

Jeremy was immediately displeased. Ashley had been meekly and obediently trying to please them for the past two years, enduring insults and beatings without a word. But now, she even dared to resist.

Watching Jeremy's astonished look, Ashley couldn't help but sneer, her features radiant and delicate.

"I already told you. I didn't push Jessica."

Jeremy didn't believe any of Ashley's words. "Oh, so you're still quibbling? I think you're asking for a beating!"

"Jeremy." Ashley's gaze was indifferent, devoid of any emotion. "If I have evidence proving I didn't push anyone, then...

"Both you and Jessica will apologize to me!"

"What did you just say?"

Jeremy almost thought he had misheard, looking angered and anxious.

"You actually want me to apologize to you? You...you're insane!"

He would never admit that such a wretched person was his sister!

Jessica was sitting on the sofa and eagerly anticipating Ashley being beaten up. Upon hearing Ashley's words, she couldn't help but feel slightly confused.

"Evidence?" Jessica thought, 'What evidence could she possibly have?"

Jessica sneered inwardly as she stood up, pretending to be considerate. "Jeremy, let it go. Don't be upset with her anymore."

"Jessica, don't speak for her!" Jeremy roared in frustration, veins popping on his forehead. "I want to see what evidence she can produce!"

Ashley, with an indifferent expression, reached into her pocket and produced something.

Jessica lowered her head to get a better look, and when she saw what it was, her face turned pale in an instant,

A rec... recording pen? How is that even possible? How could Ashley possibly carry something like that?' Jessica thought.

Ashley took out the recording pen and pressed the play button expressionlessly.

After a series of buzzing noises, a deceptively delicate voice came from the recording pen. "Ashley, how does this position look to you?"

Jeremy immediately recognized that it was Jessica's voice.

Then, a voice as melodious as a mountain spring followed. "Jessica, why are you standing at the stairwell?"

Jeremy also recognized this voice. It was Ashley's.

The next moment, Jeremy heard Jessica uttering extremely malicious words in her delicate voice. "Ashley, what if I say you pushed me down. the stairs? How will Jeremy punish and scold you then?"

Jeremy immediately turned to look at Jessica, his face filled with disbelief.

Jessica, my kind-hearted little sister... How could she utter such slanderous words?' he thought.

Jessica felt a wave of unease, hastily attempting to defend herself.

Jeremy, it's not like that! This isn't true!"

However, the recording continued playing, offering her no chance to quibble.

Ashley's considerate voice came from the recording pen again. She tried to persuade Jessica, "Jessica, are you sure you want to do this?"

Jessica responded with a sneer, seemingly taunting, "Ashley, even if you try to stop me, it's useless. As you know, Jeremy has always believed me. He will never believe you."

The next second, Jessica exclaimed, "Ah, Jeremy, hurry! Ashley is trying to push me down the stairs. She says I'm not worthy of being a part of the Ramos family, that I don't deserve to stay in this house. She wants to kick me out, and I'm so scared... Jeremy, come save me!"

After hearing all of this, Jeremy finally figured out the truth.

Ashley didn't push Jessica at all.

All of this was orchestrated by Jessica herself.

She deliberately walked to the stairwell and pretended to be pushed, then put all the blame on Ashley and framed her.

Throughout, Ashley remained innocent.

Jeremy had wrongly blamed his own sister!

He stared at Ashley in bewilderment for a moment, then suddenly furrowed his brows. "Ashley, even if I misunderstood you, why didn't you explain it to me at the beginning?"

Ashley heard Jeremy's question, and a touch of sarcasm appeared in her eyes.

This was simply ridiculous. Her own brother acknowledged his mistake vet turned the blame on her for not explaining herself.

Jeremy, you haven't aged, but your memory has certainly regressed?

Jeremy was left speechless after being retorted.

He recalled that just a few minutes ago, Ashley was trying to explain, saying she didn't push Jessica.

But what did he do back then?

Not only did Jeremy not believe Ashley, but he didn't even have the patience to listen to her words. He even grabbed the water glass and fiercely smashed it towards her! The wounds on her feet from the broken. glass were still bleeding.

Jeremy turned around in a daze, looking at Jessica beside him with disappointment.

Jessica, frightened, instantly teared up. "Jeremy, I know I was wrong! I shouldn't have framed Ashley. I just...don't want to lose you and Mom and Dad!"

Jeremy, hearing her explanation, was briefly stunned.

Seeing that he was willing to listen, Jessica knew she could turn this situation over. She instantly appeared even more heartbroken, and her tears fell like a heavy rain.

"Jeremy, I grew up in the Ramos family since I was a child. I've always considered you my brother and treated Mom and Dad as my birth

parents.

"Since Ashley came back, I've always been afraid that you and my parents. will reject me, afraid that you'll abandon me. After all, Ashley is prettier than me and has a closer blood relationship with you.

"I was just too afraid of losing you all, which led me to make such a mistake against Ashley. Jeremy, I know I was wrong. It was all my fault! I won't dare to do it again in the future."

Jeremy's heart had already softened a bit the moment he saw Jessica's teary look.

And now, he was even more moved by her

even more moved by her sincere apology.

"What bad intentions could Jessica have here.

She was just too concerned about family ties Jeremy said to himself.

He immediately made up his mind, turned to Ashley, and said, "Jessica framed you only because she had been blinded by her confusion. Since you haven't suffered any harm, as her elder sister, you should be more tolerant. Don't hold it against her, okay? Just forgive her this time."

Ashley only found his words incredibly ridiculous,

Her own brother not only didn't support her when she was falsely accused but also asked her to be tolerant and forgive Jessica.

How absurd!

Ashley had no desire to stay in this family any longer.

She couldn't bear to look at the hypocritical faces of her so-called families any longer. They only made her disgusted.

Jeremy, feeling no fault in himself, continued condescendingly, "Ashley, if you continue to be so petty and refuse to forgive Jessica, don't blame me for kicking you out of this family!"

Ashley's exquisite and stunning face remained expressionless, her gaze icy as a blade.

"Jeremy, there's no need for you to kick me out. Today marks the end of any connection between me and the Ramos family. I won't linger a moment longer in this house!"

With that, Ashley paid no attention to Jeremy's expression and went straight to her room to pack her belongings.

It was actually quite pitiful. Considering she had lived with the Ramos. family for two years, Ashley didn't have much to take with her. Her stuff couldn't even fill a single suitcase.

Her household registration hadn't been officially integrated into the Ramos family until now, and now, she wouldn't need it anymore.

Quickly finishing packing her luggage and various documents, Ashley wiped the bloodstains from her legs caused by the glass shards. She didn't have time to disinfect them, so she temporarily applied a few band-aids.

Then, she changed into a long skirt to cover the abrupt wounds on her legs.

After doing all these, Ashley left her room with the suitcase. Despite her

Two years of residence, this bedroom remained as cold as ever.

Jeremy, seeing Ashley coming out with her suitcase, finally realized that Ashley wasn't just throwing a tantrum.

"Is she really leaving this home? Severing all ties with the Ramos family?" He thought.

Jeremy's face turned livid with anger. Ashley, think it through. If you leave this house today, don't ever think about coming back! You'd better not regret your decision."

Without looking back, Ashley asserted with each word, "I will never regret it!"

Jessica, witnessing this scene, could barely contain her satisfaction and joy.

She thought, 'H ooray! Ashley is finally being kicked out! From now on, everything in the Ramos family will be mine, including their affection and wealth!'

Despite the excitement in Jessica's heart, her face displayed apparent concern. "Jeremy, just persuade Ashley to come back! How can a girl like her survive without our family? What if she's bullied?"

"Don't bother about her!" Jeremy coldly snorted, his expression arrogant. "I'm sure she'll beg us to come back in just a few days. By then, I'll give her a good lesson!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a bodyguard rushed in, looking flustered.

Seeing Ashley leaving with her suitcase, the bodyguard didn't even bother acknowledging her. It was well-known that this supposed heiress had no standing in the Ramos family, and there was no need to show her any respect.

The real darling of the Ramos family was Jessica, the girl who wasn't even related to them.

The bodyguard stumbled into the living room, looking overjoyed. He said, "Mr. Ramos, Ms. Ramos, distinguished guests have arrived!

They're already at the entrance. Judging from the license plate of their car, it looks like the Kingsley family's vehicle!"

The Kingsley family?!

Jeremy and Jessica exchanged confused glances, both seeing shock and ecstasy in

each other's face.

The Kingsley family was the foremost elite in Kilos City.

While the Ramos family was also an influential household, their influence and power were nothing when compared to the Kingsley family.

A top-notch aristocratic family like the Kingsleys had a deep heritage that lasted for hundreds of years and widespread influence, far surpassing the Ramos family.

Over the years, the Ramos family had been trying to establish a relationship with the Kingsley family, aiming for business cooperation, but their attempts had been in vain.

Unexpectedly, the Kingsley family had come to visit today.

"Hurry! Let's go out to welcome them!" Jeremy, his hands trembling with excitement, quickly adjusted his attire, instructing the bodyguard to lead the way.

Jessica also tidied up her clothes, a shy blush appearing on her delicate face. She lifted her skirt and followed suit.

"I wonder which member of the Kingsley family has come today. Could it be...that man?' Jessica thought.

Kingsley family and the current CEO of the Kingsley Group, with assets reaching trillions, stood as the uncrowned king of Kilos City.

Today, Valentin actually deigned to come personally, which was an honor beyond measure for the Ramos family.

Jeremy, overwhelmed with excitement, walked briskly to the car and said flatteringly with great respect, "Mr. Kingsley, I didn't expect you to come in person. I apologize for not offering you a warm welcome. Please forgive me!"

However, after Jeremy finished speaking, he waited for quite some time, but no one came out of the car or said anything.

"What's going on?"

Jeremy thought, the smile on his face suddenly disappeared.

Jessica flipped her hair, making herself look shy and delicate. She then stepped forward and revealed a gentle smile, asking in a soft voice, "Mr. Kingsley, you've honored us with your personal visit today. May I ask the purpose of your visit?"

However, even after Jessica spoke, there was still no response from inside the car.

"What exactly is going on?' Jeremy and Jessica exchanged glances, both puzzled.

They would never mistake this license plate. It was indeed Valentin's car. However, after a round of respectful greetings, neither of them received any response.

At this awkward moment, the door on the passenger side suddenly opened, and a man who seemed like an assistant stepped out.

Jeremy recognized him instantly. This man was Tom Shaw, Valentin's chief assistant.

Jeremy quickly figured out the situation. Given the current status of the Ramos family, they probably didn't have the right to have a direct conversation with someone of Valentin's caliber. Therefore, it was reasonable for Valentin to send his assistant to talk to them.

Jeremy knew that a big shot's right-hand man could never be neglected. Moreover, Tom was Valentin's chief assistant. Establishing a connection with him would be extremely advantageous for the Ramos family.

Jeremy, understanding the situation, immediately greeted Tom with a warm smile, "Hello, Mr. Shaw, you..."

However, Tom didn't even look at him, heading straight for Ashley, who was not far away.

Jeremy and Jessica witnessed this scene, feeling as if they had just been doused with cold water. They just stood there motionlessly, staring blankly at Ashley in a daze.

Tom approached Ashley, nodded slightly, and politely greeted, "Ms. Ramos, hello. I've been entrusted by Mr. Zain Kingsley to invite you to his house."

Zain?

Ashley heard the name, and a warm feeling surged in her heart. It turned out to be Zain Kingsley.

She had been left alone since childhood, raised in an orphanage, later adopted by her grandparents.

Zain was a good friend of Ashley's grandfather, and he had met Ashley when she was still a little girl.

Tom showed Ashley a pocket watch, easily recognizable as the one Zain had worn for many years. It seemed that Zain had indeed sent Tom to pick her up.

Since Zain had asked her to come over, it was hard to refuse, so Ashley nodded. "Okay, then. Thank you for picking me up." it's my pleasure!" Tom smiled warmly, taking the Suitcase from her hands.

Tom opened the back door of the car, saying, Ms. Ramos, please."

Ashley bent to get into the car, and halfway in, she suddenly noticed there was someone else in the car. It was a man.

The man sat in the back, with his long legs casually crossed, dressed in a pristine white shirt, every button meticulously fastened. He exuded an air of aloofness and restraint.

He was holding a stack of paper documents, and his fingers were long and well-defined.

Upon hearing the door opening, the man's gaze finally lifted from the documents, turning toward the direction of the door.

Just as Ashley got into the car, she bumped into a pair of ocean-like eyes.

"I'm Valentin Kingsley. I'm here to pick you up on behalf of Grandpa."

The man's voice was clear, deep, and carried a leisurely warmth like a drizzle in spring falling gently on a lake.

"Valentin...Kingsley?"

Hearing this familiar yet strange name, memories from Ashley's childhood rushed back.

Her grandpa had once told her that she would marry Zain's grandson. when she grew up, and his name was Valentin Kingsley.

So... This could only mean that the man next to her was the one she would marry.

He was her fiancé!

After Ashley got into the car, the black vehicle shot away from the Ramos family's villa like an arrow.

Jeremy and Jessica stood there, dumbfounded, as if struck by lightning. They couldn't come back to their senses even after the car had disappeared.

Throughout the whole process, Tom didn't spare Jeremy and Jessica a glance, treating them as insignificant mice, beneath his notice entirely." How...How could this be?

Jessica's elegant facade crumbled, her brow furrowing in frustration. She hated being overwhelmed by Ashley the most. That brief spectacle was an outright assault on her pride. Ashley had trampled her dignity into the metaphorical dirt.

Inside the car, Ashley sat serenely in the back seat, casting a furtive glance at the striking man beside her. She wondered if he retained any recollection of their so-called engagement.

A faint hope lingered that he had forgotten.

Ashley always felt that such a childhood promise was more like a fantasy.

Yet, Valentin, it appeared, was privy to her inner musings.

He raised an eyebrow and swallowed slightly, then uttered two words that sent a jolt through her. "I remember."

Ashley was shocked.

Her apprehension materialized into reality.

Describing her history with Valentin was akin to navigating a convoluted maze.

Despite being adopted by her grandparents, Ashley's life was one of relative comfort. Her grandfather's standing was unique, and even Zain, the former patriarch of the Kingsley family, was a bosom companion of her grandfather.

Zain frequented their home, often accompanied by his grandson Valentin. That was how Ashley and Valentin knew each other.

They were basically childhood sweethearts and got along quite well during their younger days. So, Ashley's grandfather and Zain agreed to

get them married in the future.

During those early years, Ashley had no idea what marriage meant. But ashley matured and grasped the implications of their engagement, Valentin became increasingly awkward to deal with.

Valentin probably didn't favor this engagement as well. His attitude towards Ashley morphed into an enigmatic coldness, especially when she spent time with the lad next door. Valentin often targeted her on purpose and jeered at her with every harsh word he had ever learned.

As a result, Ashley disliked him even more, and the former sweethearts soon became arch-enemies.

This strained association endured until high school, a period marked by Ashley's pinnacle of rebellion. Defiantly, she confronted her grandfather, pleading for an annulment of this ridiculous engagement, claiming to have developed feelings for a fellow classmate.

Valentin, upon learning of this, cornered her in her room. His gaze mirrored the depths of a frigid abyss. He questioned the soundness of Ashley's judgment, asserting that she could fall for any male creature that she laid eyes on.

Ashley had never seen Valentin so gloomy before, and his harsh question. led to a big fight. It was a clash of wills, and from that moment onward, their rapport soured. Later, Valentin pursued studies abroad, and they had never met again.

When Ashley glimpsed Valentin while entering the car earlier, she failed. to recognize him immediately.

Compared to her recollections, he seemed to have changed a lot...