<h4>Chapter 331: Chapter 331 Over His Dead Body</h4>


    Ashton was silent for a long moment. ‘They had a private doctor on hand.’


    ‘Well, who was it? We absolutely must thank them for saving her,’ Naomi said.


    I almostughed to myself. The idea of Ashton thanking Rhys? Over his dead body.


    ‘I heard it was that Genevieve again? So what are you going to do about it this time?’ Naomi’s question sounded like a direct challenge, as if she were demanding justice on my behalf.


    I wondered how she knew.


    Apart from Ashton and Yvaine, I hadn’t told anyone that Genevieve was at theke that day. Surely Genevieve hadn’t gone around boasting about it herself.


    Ashton said nothing.


    ‘Your wife really has been treated poorly in all this,’ Ryan interjected. ‘We... well, I think you need to have a proper word with Genevieve. Actually, that’s not from me. That’s a message from Cassian.’


    ‘I will speak to her,’ Ashton said tly.


    ‘Speak to her? What good will that do? If you ask me, she needs proper punishment, a lesson she won’t forget. Now, I know I might be overstepping here, since we don’t know each other that well, but I like Mirabelle. I consider her a friend, and I have to say it. The way you keep protecting this Genevieve woman makes me absolutely sick,’ Naomi said, her voice thick with disapproval.


    Again, Ashton stayed silent.


    Naomi’s words filled me with a grateful warmth. Ashton’s silence felt like a fresh cut.


    She wasn’t finished. ‘Ryan Fenty, let me tell you, consider yourself lucky Genevieve never set her sights on you. If I were Mirabelle, and my husband treated me like this, I’d have divorced him long ago. I just don’t get it, Ashton. How can you so tantly take another woman’s side? You don’t deserve Mirabelle.’ Naomi was properly angry now. ‘Why she chooses to stay with you is beyond me.’


    She was right. I was a fool. Aplete idiot.


    Why? Why did I keep letting him hurt me, over and over, and still not find the strength to walk away?


    It was pathetic, really.


    I slowly got out of bed, left the room, and made my way down the stairs. ‘Naomi.’


    ‘Oh, Mirabelle! You really... you gave me such a fright. You’ve no idea how worried I was.’ Naomi rushed over to take my hands as I reached the bottom step. Her voice caught in her throat, and her eyes were glistening.


    I managed a small smile. ‘I’m alright. See? I’m fine. Thank you foring.’


    ‘If you’re fine, why didn’t you call me? I would’vee to get you. You could’ve stayed with us,’ Naomi scolded gently, her voice full of concern. ‘I’ve been worried sick.’


    ‘I was out of it for a while. As soon as I woke up, I called my friend toe and get me,’ I exined.


    ‘Well, next time something happens, you call me, okay? Promise me,’ she insisted.


    ‘My phone wasn’t with me, and I couldn’t remember your number. The only one I know by heart is my friend’s, because it’s a palindrome. I promise, I’ll memorise your number too, and then I’ll call you next time I get in trouble, alright?’


    ‘Okay. Any trouble with work or...’ Naomi threw a pointed look at Ashton. ‘At home, youe to me. Come stay at our house. I’ll personally keep him from getting through the door. I’ll always be on your side.’


    ‘Okay,’ I said with a grateful nod.


    We hadn’t known each other long, but Naomi’s straightforward nature and genuine warmth made me certain we were going to be friends for life.


    Plus, she and Yvaine both seemed to enjoy giving Ashton a hard time. They’d probably get on like a house on fire.


    Ashton shot a look at Ryan, who walked over to his wife and helped her up. ‘Right then, we should be off.’


    ‘What’s the rush? We just got here. I’ve been waiting days for Mirabelle to get back, I want to spend more time with her,’ Naomi protested, giving Ryan a light shove.


    ‘What she needs is rest. Let’s not crowd them. Ashton’s been waiting days to get his wife back, too.’


    Finally catching his meaning, Naomi relented. ‘Oh. Right, okay.’


    She stood. ‘Well, Mirabelle, you get some proper rest. I’ll pop by to see you tomorrow.’


    ‘I’d like that,’ I nodded.


    Ryan led Naomi out. The moment the door closed behind them, the atmosphere in the room turned thick and awkward.


    ‘Did you feel any better after your sleep?’ Ashton asked,ing over to take my cold hands in his.


    ‘A bit,’ I nodded faintly, my gaze distant.


    ‘Could you manage something to eat? Carmen made some miso soup. The kitchen has prepared a few other dishes you like as well.’


    ‘Alright.’ I was actually hungry, so I might as well eat. What was the point in starving myself?


    I needed to pull myself together, get back to work.


    I needed Genevieve to see that I was alive and well.


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    Ashton went to the kitchen and asked Carmen to bring up the soup.


    Carmen arrived with the tray, setting down my soup and a full meal for Ashton too. ‘Mr Laurent, you should try and eat something as well. You’ve barely had a drop of water or a wink of sleep for days. You’ll make yourself ill if you carry on like this, and then who will look after Mrs Laurent?’


    I wondered who that little speech was really for.


    Was it meant for Ashton’s ears, or for mine?