Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 67

Drake's words lingered in Gabriella's mind like a curse, repeatedly echoing and disturbing her peace of mind.

The next day when Gabriella visited Asher in the hospital, she was visibly distracted.

"Something on your mind, Gabby?" Asher asked softly.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she looked away. "That woman... Vanessa Miller. What's the story there?"

Asher's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Are you jealous?"

Gabriella tried her best to appear nonchalant, puffing her cheeks slightly. "Of course not. You've just never mentioned her before, that's all."

Remembering how this woman had kidnapped Lucy and tried to stab her, Gabriella felt anger mingling with her jealousy. "Where did you even find this crazy admirer? She's completely unhinged."

Asher reached out his hand. "Come here, Gabby."

Gabriella moved closer, perching on the edge of his hospital bed.

Taking her hand in his, Asher's expression turned serious. "We attended the same school. She pursued me rather intensely back then, and I clearly rejected her. Later, she followed me to university, where she continued her pursuit. I never gave her any encouragement—not once."

Gabriella lowered her eyes, her lips turning down slightly. "Is that all there is to it?"

Asher gently pinched her cheek. "That's everything. I barely even spoke to her. We don't have each other's numbers, social media—nothing."

After a moment of silence, Gabriella continued. "Why would anyone persist for ten whole years? Not ten days, not ten months—ten years."

Asher smiled helplessly. "I honestly couldn't tell you. Everyone around me knows how coldly I treated her. I've barely exchanged a handful of words with her in all that time."

Gabriella leaned closer, narrowing her eyes playfully. "And how many words is 'a handful' exactly?"

Asher couldn't help laughing. "Maybe five or six sentences total..."

"What could you possibly have to say that required so many sentences?" Gabriella asked, feigning outrage.

Asher found her jealousy utterly endearing. His eyes softened with affection, a warm smile playing at his lips. "Nothing significant. In school, I spoke briefly to reject her first few confessions. After that, I hardly acknowledged her existence."

"You truly felt nothing for her?" Gabriella asked skeptically. "She's quite pretty."

"Absolutely nothing," Asher gazed at her with undisguised devotion. "My heart has belonged to someone else for a very long time. There's simply no room for anyone else."

Gabriella pretended ignorance. "Someone else? Who might that be?"

Asher's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Who do you think?"

Gabriella mumbled softly. "How would I know unless you tell me?"

To Asher, her pretense was nothing short of adorable, melting his heart completely.

He couldn't resist her.

His voice softened with tenderness. "There has never been anyone but you, Gabby. Not then, not now, not ever."

Gabriella glanced away, a blush forming on her cheeks. "She confessed to you in school. I was just a child then."

Surely he couldn't have had feelings for her that early?

Asher answered honestly, "I wasn't looking for a relationship back then."

This made Gabriella curious. She met his eyes, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes wide with genuine interest. "When did you start having feelings for me, then?"

Asher thought back, a soft smile forming. "Initially, I truly did see you as a little sister figure. As for when those feelings changed... I can't pinpoint the exact moment."

The woman reclined on the sofa, looking up at him with calculated poise. "We're about to become acquainted."

Drake sat down on the sofa across from her. "Who exactly are you?"

She smiled. "Grace Bennett. The Blackwoods' ward."

"The Blackwoods?" Drake frowned. "Asher Blackwood's family?"

"Precisely," Grace's smile didn't reach her eyes. "I have a proposition for you."

Drake looked puzzled. "What kind of proposition?"

Grace's lips curved upward. "Breaking up Asher and Gabriella."

Drake eyed her suspiciously. "Why should I trust you?"

"Simple," Grace gave a soft, bitter laugh. "I'm in love with Asher. No one wants to separate them more than I do."

Grace handed him a business card. "I understand you've been seeking investment lately. Contact this person—they'll provide the funding Ashcroft Capital needs."

"However..." Grace continued, her tone sharpening, "this investment comes with one condition: you work with me to end Asher and Gabriella's relationship."

Drake took the card, studying it briefly. "Even without your investment, I'd do everything possible to break them up. Gabriella belongs with me."

Grace's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Well then, Mr. Ashcroft, do we have an arrangement?"

Drake looked thoughtful. "Let me verify your credentials first, then I'll give you my answer."

"Fair enough," Grace pulled out her phone. "Here's my WhatsApp. Add me so we can stay in touch."