Save Myself from Desperation

Ashley could sense his nervousness, and she was both surprised and suspicious. “Why do | feel like there’s something off about you?”

Valentin calmly touched the ring box in his pocket and smiled, “Really?” Ashley nodded and then shook her head. “You seem normal now.”

As they were talking, Joseph walked in wearing a pink shirt, playfully twirling a car key with his index finger. There was a big smile on his face.

“Good morning, my dear Valentin and Ashley!”

Ashley was accustomed to his enthusiasm and turned to look at him. “Why did you come so early?” Joseph playfully winked his left eye. “Of course, because | missed you guys.”

Ashley didn’t believe him. “Tell me the truth.”

“Smart as always. It’s because | have something to discuss with Valentin!” Joseph walked up to Valentin, flashing a bright smile. “Valentin, are you busy today? Can you do me a favor?”

“Yes and no.” Valentin refused without hesitation.

Joseph immediately pretended to cry. | haven't even said what it is yet, and you're rejecting me outright!” But Joseph didn’t mind. It wasn’t an urgent matter for him. Curiously, he asked, “Valentin, what are you busy with?” Valentin casually replied, “Taking Ashley out to play.”

Joseph thought, ‘Busy taking Ashley out to play??

‘Great, his wife is always more important than his cousin.’

Joseph's heart, which had already been battered, was full of wounds.

Joseph tearfully looked at Ashley. “Ashley, don’t you think Valentin prioritizes romance over friendship?” Ashley sincerely shook her head. “No.”

Joseph complained, “Why am | so persistent in asking this question?”

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Joseph took a deep breath. Since they hurt him, he decided to join them in the compensation of fun. “Where are you guys going? Take me with you! I’m an expert in entertainment and I'll provide my services for free!”

Ashley thought for a moment. Joseph had money and time, and he was indeed knowledgeable about having fun, so she considered bringing him along.

Valentin saw through her thoughts. Before she could speak, he calmly refused. “No need.” It was clear that he wanted to have alone time with Ashley. Ashley blinked, and a puzzled light flickered in her clear eyes. ‘Where exactly is he taking me?’

Since Valentin already said no to Joseph, she wouldn't go against his wishes. She coughed lightly, looked at Joseph, and patted his head. “Good boy, I’ll take you next time.”

Joseph, who was rejected by both of them, stood there in a daze.

He had wanted to join them and make up for his wounded heart, but his plan ended before it even began. However, Joseph was curious about what Valentin was planning to do with Ashley.

It seemed like it was something important.

“Well, | won’t disturb you guys then. Have fun!” Joseph took out his phone with excitement. “But before | leave, let me show you something amazing!”

Ashley looked over with interest.

On Joseph’s phone screen was a tweet. It was posted by an unknown user and read: [Come and enjoy together! | stayed up late to draw this

pornographic image!] Below the text was an explicit drawing,

Ahandsome man pinned a woman in a satin nightgown on the bed. His left hand held the woman’s wrists above her head, while his right hand held her chin. His thumb traced the woman’s rosy and moist lip, leaving a suggestive mark. The straps of the woman's nightgown were torn. The man appeared to be well-dressed, but his shirt collar was casually open.

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His white shirt was soaked in water, making it transparent to see his abs.

The drawing was filled with sexual imagination, hinting at strong desire, making the viewer blush and their hearts race.

After looking at it, Ashley nodded approvingly. She recognized the artist's skill. The drawing was well done. But the faces of the male and female characters in the drawing seemed familiar.

Suddenly, Ashley had a strong intuition.

Then she saw it, labeled in the bottom right corner. [Valentin & Ashley.] Ashley couldn't believe her eyes.

“What is this?!”

The comment section of that tweet was filled with excited comments from netizens.

[I'm so excited about this!]

[Valentin better makes a move on her and not just stare!]

[They are the perfect couple!!]

Seeing Ashley’s bewildered expression, Joseph couldn't help but laugh. “Yesterday, Valentin opened a Twitter account just to follow you. His first tweet was also about you. It shocked the Internet. Since last night, a large number of netizens have become fans of you two, creating art and writing stories about you! There’re all sorts of creative works!”

Ashley didn’t know what to say for a moment.

Valentin was intrigued. He raised an eyebrow and leaned over to see the screen of Joseph’s phone.

Ashley’s body jolted, and she immediately pushed Joseph’s phone away. Valentin couldn’t see those pornographic drawings. Ashley awkwardly explained, “It’s nothing, just some random drawings by

netizens.”

Joseph laughed so hard that he almost suffocated. He said meaningfully, “Just some random drawings? That's really random.” Ashley ignored Joseph and held onto Valentin’s arm. “You wanted to take me out, right? It’s getting late, let's go!”

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Valentin casually glanced at Joseph’s phone and then at Ashley’s

pretending-to-be-serious expression. With a nonchalant smile, he said, “Sure, let’s go.”

Perhaps because she had just seen that picture, Ashley blushed when she heard Valentin’s casual and sexy laughter. It felt like a faint electric current was spreading inch by inch along her nerves, tickling her.

To her surprise, they would need to take a private plane for this trip. Near noon, the plane landed on a private island. Ashley got off the plane and looked at the scenery in front of her, which was extremely beautiful.

The azure sea, the golden sandy beach, the layers of waves crashing onto the shore, forming white foam, the moist and salty sea breeze in the air, all refreshing the spirit.

The weather was great today, and the sea’s surface sparkled under the sun like scattered sparkling diamonds.

What amazed Ashley the most was a magnificent building that stood on the island, resembling a castle. Behind the castle, there was an enchanting forest and an endless sea of flowers, as beautiful as an oil painting.

“This place...” Ashley looked at Valentin beside her in awe.

When they were still close friends in their childhood, she used to stick to Valentin and play together every day. She once asked him out of curiosity if there was a castle on the sea.

Her imagination was rich, so she drew a picture of the sea, the island, the beautiful castle, the enchanted forest, and the sea of flowers. She put all the beautiful scenery together without considering whether it made sense

or not.

Now, Valentin had brought her to the sea castle that she had fantasized about as a child.