Monica's POV
On the other end of the phone, my mother's voice was frantic.
"Monica, I've been in a car accident. I'm at the hospital. Hurry up and come pay the bills. If you don't come soon, they'll throw me out!"
Panic shot through me.
Ignoring the ache in my body, I forced myself to get up and rushed toward the hospital. As I ran, I checked my card balance, praying I wouldn't have to face another humiliating scene like the last time.
At that time, when an emergency arose, I asked Ashton for three hundred dollars to cover my phone bill.
Carmen, still just his assistant then, had turned me down coldly.
"How does the vice president not even have $300? At least come up with a better excuse. Don't embarrass yourself like this."
My request was denied outright.
Ashton had not questioned it at all, as he allowed Carmen to take full control of his finances.
When I finally reached my mother's hospital room, my steps faltered.
Sitting there, to my surprise, was Ashton.
I pushed my shock aside and rushed straight to my mother's bedside.
"Mom, how are you? What did the doctor say?"
My mother, usually so commanding, looked fragile against the pillows.
She let out a deep sigh and shook her head. "You finally show up, huh? You useless girl. If I'd waited for you, I'd be six feet under by now. Look, your future son-in-law was here the second I called."
Ashton gave a slight, nervous touch to his nose. I recognized that gesture well.
It was guilt. But I didn't say anything.
"Mom, this is what I should do," Ashton said smoothly, his tone warm, almost ingratiating. "If you need anything, just tell me. If I'm not around, call my assistant. How could I ever leave you unattended?"
It was as though all the filth between us had never happened.
But my mother's sharp eyes immediately turned to me.
Her frown deepened with concern.
"What's wrong with you? You look worse than I do, and I'm the one lying here sick. You better not be cutting off my source of fortune, Monica!"
She glanced at Ashton, as though giving him a silent warning.
Ashton ignored it, answering her patiently, "Monica's been working nonstop with me these past few days. She's just a little run-down. That's on me. I'll arrange for a full check-up right away, so you can see your daughter in perfect health."
He smiled warmly, then added, "And don't worry about expenses. I've already paid all your bills and even prepaid a little extra. Just relax and stay here."
After that, he excused himself, saying he had calls to make and would handle my check-up arrangements.
...
Later, outside the hospital room, I found myself standing in the hallway, facing Ashton.
For a moment, I hesitated.
My words caught in my throat before I finally asked, "How much are my mom's treatment costs? I'll transfer the money to you. We should keep things clear just in case."
His expression hardened instantly.
The warmth on his face vanished.
"Do you really think so little of me? I can handle the treatment costs. Besides, we're about to be married. What's mine is yours."
The air between us grew heavy, the words lingering.
For the first time, I wondered if we could actually go through with this marriage.
I stayed silent, and within minutes, the doctor that Ashton arranged for appeared.
He guided me through a series of tests while Ashton remained in the VIP lounge.
When the check-up was done, the doctor entered the lounge with a thick stack of reports. Ashton was busy, stubby cigarette in hand.
He hastily put it out and shifted in his seat.
The doctor flipped through the pages and started, "Miss Wright, your test results show no major issues, but just earlier…"
Before he could finish, Ashton raised a hand, cutting him off.
His phone was already pressed to his ear.
"Hello? Carmen, what's wrong?"
As he listened to the soft voice on the other end, his face grew more serious by the second.
He grabbed his jacket and stood abruptly.
"Don't cry. It's nothing serious. I'll be there right away. Just stay where you are and wait for me."
Just like that, he was gone, rushing off and leaving me alone with the doctor.
We exchanged uncertain glances, and the silence settled between us.
