Save Myself from Desperation

Chapter 64 Seeing the three messages from Matthew, Ashley’s clear eyes displayed cold disdain and aversion.

Matthew was so down and out in the past, unable to compose good songs due to a lack of inspiration. He was ridiculed by netizens, suffered from depression, and even considered quitting the music industry and ending his life at one point.

Back then, Ashley sincerely regarded Matthew as her biological brother, sympathizing with his plight and helping him without expecting any compensation.

At Matthew’s lowest point, under Ash’s identity, she took him as a student, helping him create new songs, win the Most Popular Male Singer Award, and regain his confidence.

However, after cutting ties with the Ramos la

Ashley would be

annoyed at the sight of Matthew and had no desire to reply to his messages.

This time, Ashley still did not reply to the messages, only putting her phone away with a cold expression.

She thought resolutely, ‘I need to find time to disown Matthew, to end our master-student relationship officially. From then on, He will no longer be my student.’

Ashley put away her phone and took a few steps forward when Matthew suddenly ran up to her, blocking her path. He asked urgently, “Ashley, what were you just looking at? Who sent texted you?”

“What does it have to do with you?” Ashley replied with a cold tone.

Matthew's eyebrows furrowed, a sense of panic arising within him for no apparent reason.

Matthew was anxious

because Ash hadn't replied to his messages for a long time, fearing that Ash would despise him.

‘If Ash really despises me, it will be more painful than death, Matthew thought.

Looking at Ashley, Matthew asked through gritted teeth, “The piece you 1/6

played in the show, The Land, sounded almost identical to Ash’s playing.” Ashley raised her eyebrows slightly, pondering, He actually noticed. But...

Ashley calmly asked, “What does that have to do with you?”

“Ashley!” Matthew, who had found fame at a young age and carried some arrogance, shouted angrily, his eyes bloodshot, “What kind of attitude is

this!”

Just as Ashley was about to retort, an irritating voice came from behind. “That's the attitude one uses when dealing with a dog. | don’t see any problem there.”

Ashley looked back and, to her surprise, saw Bryce. He had come over with Miranda.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

-With his hands in his pockets and his chin slightly lifted, Bryce looked at Matthew with a brazen glare. “Ashley has already cut ties with the Ramos family. Do you still expect her to respect you? Maybe you should take a good look at yourself first.”

Matthew had never heard someone talk like this to him. His expression then instantly darkened. He retorted, “Bryce, this is the Ramos family’s private matter. It’s none of your business.”

Bryce clicked his tongue in disbelief. “Didn't | just say? Ashley has already cut ties with your Ramos family. What, has the Ramos family regret it now and changed their minds? Wanting to beg her to come back?”

While Bryce was speaking, Miranda stood in front of Ashley, trying to protect her.

Awave of warmth then surged in Ashley’s heart. She held Miranda’s hand and said, with irrelevant people. Let’s go.” “Let's not waste time her

Matthew attempted to speak again, but what he saw next was Ashley leaving without looking back. Bryce gave Matthew a disdainful glance and turned to leave with Ashley.

Once they had walked far away, Bryce cleared his throat and solemnly declared, “Ashley, let’s get one thing straight. | wasn’t helping you back

there. | just really can’t stand Matthew

Ashley glanced at him and retorted, “I never said you were helping me.” Bryce was momentarily at a loss for words.

Miranda chuckled, “Alright, alright, no more bickering, you two. Ashley, | just got a call. Something’s come up at home. | need to hurry back.”

Ashley responded, “Alright, be safe on your way.” “Sure, I’m heading off then!” Miranda nodded. After Miranda left, Ashley and Bryce had walked only a short distance when Laura approached them.

Laura patted Ashley on the shoulder. Though her expression was as cold as usual, her tone was quite approving, “Not bad for your first time on a variety show.”

Bryce, not wanting to be outdone, sought recognition. “What about me? did pretty well, too, right?” Laura gave him a look that left him to figure it out for himself.

Bryce, feeling slighted, complained, “Laura, aren’t you being a bit biased? Ashley, did you cast some kind of spell on Laura to win her over?”

Ashley then also gave him a look, leaving him to interpret it.

Bryce was rendered speechless.

Ahint of amusement flickered in Laura’s eyes. “Come on, it’s almost lunchtime. I'll treat you both to a meal. The trio then headed to a nearby restaurant and had lunch together.

After the meal, Bryce’s assistant came to pick him up, as he had other engagements to attend in the afternoon.

Just before leaving, Bryce sat in his car rolled down the window, and looked out at Ashley, asking, “Do you want me to follow you on Twitter to boost your followers? | know you'll want it. Other celebrities wish I'd follow them, but | don’t.”

Ashley smiled gracefully, “No need.”

Bryce was left speechless.

He thought to himself, ‘Damn. You play hard to get.”

With a huff, Bryce glared at Ashley, rolled up the window, and drove off.

Laura shook her head with resignation, initially intending to drive Ashley

back.

Coincidentally, Ashley had run into an old acquaintance.

Ashley then told Laura to go ahead without her and that she didn’t need a ride back. Ashley then went to the café with the old acquaintance and chose a private room on the second floor. “Ashley, what a coincidence to meet you here.”

The man sitting across from Ashley had a handsome and refined face, radiating joy at their reunion, his smile as warm and elegant as the moon in the embrace of the night sky.

Ashley smiled gently, “It is quite a coincidence.”

The man across from her was Kevin Franco, her former high school classmate. Previously, to cancel her arranged marriage with Valentin, Ashley had lied about having a crush on a male classmate, using Kevin as

a cover.

Kevin was unaware of this and hence had spared them any awkwardi and their meeting was just a simple reunion between old friends.

Kevin’s smile was warm and welcoming, like a gentle spring breeze. “I watched your variety show today. | didn’t know you played the harp so well. It was very impressive!”

“Thank you,” Ashley responded.

Kevin took out his phone and suggested. “Let's exchange phone numbers. It'd be nice to keep in touch for any future matters. After a moment of consideration, Ashley saw no harm in exchanging numbers and gave him hers.

Kevin saved it and cheerfully added, “After graduating from university, | went into fashion design. | came here for work today and didn’t expect to bump into you.”

“Fashion design?” Ashley raised an eyebrow.

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Catching her expression, Kevin quickly asked, “Are you interested in that?”

“Somewhat,” Ashley smiled but didn’t elaborate further.

After chatting for a while, Ashley, having other matters to attend to, stood up to bid Kevin farewell.

Once they left the café, they saw Kevin's assistant waiting outside for him. “Mr. Franco.”

Kevin draped his suit jacket over his arm and turned to Ashley with a gentlemanly demeanor, asking, “Where are you headed? Can | give you a ride?”

Ashley politely declined. “Thank you, but it's not necessary.”

Kevin stood by his car watching her, fell silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled, “Alright then, hope to see you again sometime.”

Upon returning to the Kingsley Villa, Ashley entered the living room and saw Joseph lounging on the sofa.

He sat there casually, with fruits and snacks on the coffee table, as comfortable as if he were in his own home.

“Good afternoon, Ashley.” Joseph greeted cheerfully. 1000

“Good afternoon,” Ashley replied, glancing around and not seeing Valentin. She asked curiously, “Where’s Valentin?” Joseph chuckled mischievously, winking at her, “Ashley, you’re back and immediately asking for Valentin. Do you miss him?”

Ashley sat opposite Joseph, popped a grape into her mouth, and replied, “I just asked where Valentin is. Why are you reading so much into it?”

Joseph then shouted toward the staircase, “Valentin, come down quick! Ashley is back, and she says she misses you!” Startled, Ashley threw a grape at him. “Stop yelling nonsense!”

Joseph dodged nimbly and then laughed cheekily. “Ashley, don’t waste food.”

Ashley retorted, “Fine, | won’t waste food. How about | use something

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else to hit you? Is that okay?”

As she said this, she reached for a cushion and was about to throw it at Joseph.

Just then, Valentin appeared, coming down from upstairs.

Upon closer inspection, his usually calm and collected expression bore a hint of surprise, and even his steps seemed slightly hurried.

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