chapter 3

Besides Ashley's bed was a nurse cutting her fingernails carefully. It's been weeks and Ashley has remained unconscious. The doctor keeps saying she will be fine, there wasn't any need to panic.

"Shit!...."

The nurse cursed. She had just cut Ashley's flesh by mistake. Slowly she raised her head looking at the huge bodyguard with a deadly stare.

"It's... It was a mistake, please forgive me."

"I told you not to make any mistake."

His deep voice brought the nurse down to her feet pleading for forgiveness.

"Look. She's bleeding you imbecile."

A small amount of blood stained the white bed sheet. He lifted his hands to hit the nurse on he face when suddenly his hands stopped mid air slowly dropping to his side.

The nurse who had shielded her face with her hands waited for his slap, since she did not feel anything, she stared at him following his eyes to Ashley's moving hands and eyes.

"She twigged her finger."

He pointed at Ashley's moving fingers. She hadn't moved a muscle in weeks.

"I think she's finally waking up."

She called the doctor to come immediately. Excitement filled her voice as she spoke.

"Mr Manchester."

His deep voice interrupted the old man who was busy reading a medical book. He never gets tired of reading. As long as he leaves, Mr. Manchester must update his knowledge.

"What is it now?"

He hates being disturbed in his library.

"I'm sorry."

Big guy slightly bowed.

"You ran all the way here to say two words."

"No, no boss, it's your granddaughter, she's awake."

"That is an expensive joke and could cost you your life."

"Come see for yourself Mr. Manchester I would never lie to you."

Both of them hurriedly left for Ashley's room. Mr. Manchester couldn't keep up with big guys walking stride he lacked behind.

Ashley's eyes continued to move, she uttered some words they couldn't understand. The doctor got in wearing his white coat. They gave him space to do what he knows best.

"Wake up child."

Mr. Manchester spoke flatly, holding onto Ashley's hands. Others watched from a distance he wouldn't let them come closer to her.

Finally her eyes opened. A white blinding light made her blink thrice adjusting to the room. Deep within Ashley she wished she had died.

' I want to die please. There is nothing left for me in this world.'

Faces she had never seen before swam around hers.

"Dear child"

She tilted her head to the direction of the voice. She did not recognize the old man. She looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"Who are you? Where am I?"

Was the first question she asked. The only people she knew were Justine, Sarah and Lady Wilson. Who were all these rich people by her bed?

"What is your name?"

The doctor asked.

Ashley went mute for a split second. She was thinking deeply trying to remember something never wishes to forget.

"I'm Ashley, twenty two years of age, born in the countryside. I got divorced and don't have any place to stay." She immediately responded with her full details. Ashley wasn't seeking any sympathy, she just wanted them to know her real identity.

Mr. Manchester broke down in tears . Sobbing badly. Ashley was moved with compassion. Why should he cry over her?

"Please don't cry. Did I say something that upsets you?"

"You're my granddaughter Ashley. I lost you many years after your parents got killed in an accident. I think you were rescued and adopted by someone."

"We are your real family."

Alex and Cassandra had a small frown on their faces. They didn't want another family member competing with them for grandfather's inheritance.

In all their plans Mr. Manchester was ahead of them. Ashley's DNA result was on strict surveillance, no one no matter the amount of money being offered would dare tamper with the test result. In Ashley's room was more than one CCTV camera monitoring whoever goes out or comes in. Nothing can be hidden from the camera's eyes.

Ashley was still in great shock hearing Mr. Manchester speak. There wasn't any reason not to believe him. What was he to gain If he lied to her?

"Are you for real? I've got a rich family?"

'you belong in the mud and not a mansion.'

She remembered Lady Wilson's words. Look who's now living in a mansion worth billions of money. The richest family in the country. Ashley was a part of that family. Her eyes became weepy. The humiliation, betrayal and rejection over the years caused her to cry so much. Her tears soaked the pillow.

"Hi cousin. I'm the youngest family relative. In Lilah."

She quickly Introduced herself smiling as always with a lollipop sweet in her mouth.

"If you need anything just call my number."

Alex and Cassandra rolled their eyeballs in annoyance.