The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

Chapter 604 You Better Be Prepared

Asher avoided her gaze and lowered his head silently.

Sienna explained, “For the first few days, I assisted him in applying the medicine. However, he insisted on doing it

himself later, not wanting to trouble me. Today, I insisted on helping him again, and that’s when I discovered his

injury had worsened.”

Gwendolyn immediately realized what had gone wrong. She narrowed her eyes and glared at Asher.

Asher continued to lower his gaze and avoided eye contact with her, displaying a hint of guilt.

It didn’t take a genius to figure out what his attitude meant.

“Asher, did you deliberately not apply any medicine to your wound for the past few days?”

Asher coughed lightly, his gaze wavering as he spoke. “No. I did apply the medicine, but the wound is on my back.

There’s a possibility that I missed some areas, and somehow it got worse.”

Gwendolyn refused to believe his lie and retorted, “You refused Sienna’s help in applying the medicine, yet you

didn’t properly apply it yourself or seek her assistance. What were you thinking neglecting your health so casually?”

Asher nodded in obedience and expressed remorse. “I apologize for causing you to worry.

Gwendolyn was surprised to hear his apology. “Oh? You apologized swiftly this time. That caught me by surprise.”

She paused as the last part of his apology sank in. She sat up in displeasure and glared at him. “No one is worried

about you. You should bear the consequences of your actions and not let Sienna worry about you.”

Sienna burst out giggling, while Asher’s lips curved in satisfaction.

Gwendolyn looked away and returned to the couch.

“The wound is showing signs of inflammation, so it’s important to keep a close eye on it and prevent any infection.

I’ll call Kieran and get him to come and take a look.”

She tapped her phone screen, ready to make the call, but Asher quickly stopped her. “The gunshot wound isn’t that

severe. I’m used to wounds like this. Kieran is currently with his wife, so there’s no need to bother him. I’ll just take

a couple of anti-inflammatory pills tonight.”

“It’s been a week, and your wound hasn’t shown any signs of improvement. I’m concerned that it will leave a scar.

Kieran needs to examine it to ensure proper healing and prevent scarring.”

Asher was firm. “I don’t want to remove the scar. Let it remain so I can look at it anytime I want.”

“Is this scar supposed to serve as a constant reminder that you got hurt because of me? Are you expecting me to

feel guilty and forgive you quickly? Is that your intention?” Gwendolyn’s tone turned cold.

Sienna’s expression stiffened when she noted the sharpness of Gwendolyn’s words. Unable to handle the tension

any longer, she quickly fabricated an excuse and hurried downstairs to make coffee for Gwendolyn.

Both Asher and Gwendolyn were left alone in the room.

“Inflicting harm on yourself won’t make me forgive you. Your actions only serve to fuel my anger.

Torturing your own body is futile and serves no purpose,” Gwendolyn scolded Asher.

Asher nodded obediently as his lips curved up. Clearly, he was satisfied by her reaction.

Why would she get upset because I didn’t apply the medicine properly? Why did she yell at me because I neglected

my health? Does that mean she still cares about me and sees me as her elder brother? Since we were young. I’ve

always been sincere in teaching her and showing my adoration. She still cares about me, right?

Asher was lost in his thoughts, but Gwendolyn’s cold voice brought him back to reality. “Why are you not saying

anything? Do you feel guilty because I’m right?”

He shook his head. “No, it’s not about guilt. I want a scar, not to threaten you, but as a reminder of my

commitment to protect you, my beloved sister. I want it to serve as a constant reminder that whenever you’re in

danger, I’ll be there, ready to risk my life to keep you safe and make up for any guilt I feel.”

Hearing that he was willing to risk his life to save her, Gwendolyn fell silent.

That was what Asher had done back on the island.

Evelyn had fired the shot without hesitation, catching Gwendolyn off guard. In that split second, Asher’s instincts

kicked in, and he rushed toward her, positioning himself as a shield to take the bullet meant for her.

For the past year, he has been kneeling down to read the scripture, getting whipped, and torturing himself. He even

saved me now. Is that enough to make up for his sins?

Complicated emotions swirled in Gwentlolyn’s heart, and she said nothing for a long time.

Asher broke the silence, attempting to win her over. “Kiddo, Sienna has gone downstairs. Can you help me apply

the medicine?”

Gwendolyn snapped out of her reverie and went to Asher. Standing behind him, she opened the first-aid

kit.

Asher flashed a satisfied grin as delight appeared in his gaze. He gently instructed Gwendolyn on the proper

sequence of applying the medicine. “Clean the wound with the alcohol first, then apply the anti- inflammatory and

anti-infection ointment and wrap it up with the bandage.”

Gwendolyn nodded and did as told.

Asher kept turning around to look at her. He was pleased to see how serious she looked.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen Kiddo treat me with such tenderness.

Gwendolyn was applying the ointment tenderly, seemingly afraid of hurting him. He was moved by her

actions.

Tears welled up in his eyes, and he quickly took a deep breath to tamp down his emotions.

Gwendolyn-instantly sensed that and stopped applying the ointment. “Was I too rough? Did I hurt you?”

Asher’s chest felt tight and heavy.

Her voice is so gentle. I can’t believe I broke her heart just for Evelyn and her mother. I was so stupid.

Feeling overwhelmed with guilt, he couldn’t find the words to express himself.

“What’s wrong?”

As he remained silent, Gwendolyn got up. She stood in front of him and lifted his chin. She was taken aback by the

sight of his teary eyes.

Her fingers stiffened.

“Y-You..”

As far as she could remember, Asher was the epitome of an elder brother figure. He was strong. indifferent, calm,

and wasn’t good at expressing his feelings.

In all their years together, she had never witnessed him shed a single tear over anything.

It turns out that a strong and determined man can cry after making a mistake.

Feeling flustered and ashamed at his vulnerable side being exposed, Asher quickly shoved her hand away and

looked elsewhere.

“I-I didn’t cry. You didn’t hurt me. It was that alcohol that caused me to cry.”

Gwendolyn arched a brow in amusement and teased. “Did I say you were crying? You’re giving yourself away.”

Asher’s cheeks turned pink in embarrassment. I can’t believe I nearly cried in front of Gwen. That’s embarrassing!

“Y-You should continue applying the ointment. It’s getting late, and Cedrick will be picking you up soon.”

“Okay.”

Sensing his embarrassment, Gwendolyn decided not to tease him further. She skillfully applied the ointment to his

wound and wrapped it with a bandage.

As she packed up the first-aid kit and prepared to head downstairs, Asher grabbed her wrist. His eyes were still

teary, and he opened his mouth several times but struggled to find the right words.

Gwendolyn asked, “Why are you not talking? Did the alcohol burn your throat too?”

Asher was speechless.

He recollected himself and met her gaze solemnly. “Kiddo, I..

He trailed off, failing to find the right words. If I continue to apologize, will she get annoyed and resent me even

more? Will she see my display of vulnerability as a pitiful act instead of a genuine expression of remorse?

Asher was filled with fear, and he dared not take the risk. He knew how difficult it had been to change Gwendolyn’s

perception of him, and he dreaded the possibility of things taking a step backward.

Gwendolyn allowed him to hold her wrist and reminded him softly, “Just speak your mind.”

Asher hung his head. “It’s getting late. Why don’t you join us for dinner before letting Cedrick drive you home?”

Gwendolyn furrowed her brow. “You took so long to say that. Is that all you wanted to say?”

Asher lowered his gaze and nodded silently.

Gwendolyn was speechless. “No, I won’t join you for dinner. Cedrick should be arriving at Mount Tranquil soon. I’ll be

leaving after I return the first-aid kit to Sienna downstairs.”

As she had made up her mind, Asher knew it was pointless to persuade her. “All right, then. Be careful. Tell Cedrick

to drive slowly.”

“I will. Make sure to take your anti-inflammatory medicine. If I come back and your gunshot wound hasn’t improved

or has gotten worse, I’ll be furious and I’ll teach you a lesson as the head of the family. You better be prepared,”

Gwendolyn warned.