Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 2808

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 2808

Valerie wiped away her tears, though her eyes were still red. “Don’t think saying all that means I forgive you! Andrew, you’re seriously infuriating. What you did to me back then… I still remember it.”

Andrew assumed she was talking about the time he had stripped off her clothes, so he only smiled and didn’t press the matter. But Valerie was actually thinking about something else entirely—the moment at the foot of the Advanced Medical Institute’s mountain, when Andrew had shaken the peach blossoms for her.

For Luna, he had gently shaken the branches with his hand. For her, he had simply kicked the tree.

It was such a tiny detail, almost insignificant. Yet for a girl in love, it cut deeper than any wound. Valerie had always acted bold and carefree, but once she gave her heart to someone, she became painfully fragile. That memory stuck in her heart like a splinter she couldn’t pull out.

Even so, she didn’t dare bring it up. She was afraid Andrew really had seen her as less than Luna. And if that were true, she would rather never know what he had been thinking back then.

The two of them continued up the long stone staircase together, Valerie supporting Andrew as she smiled sweetly.

Andrew forced himself to turn and look at her. “Valerie, you’re really lovely when you smile.”

Valerie huffed proudly. “Of course I know I’m beautiful. I’m definitely not worse than Luna. Honestly, I used to wonder if you had bad eyesight, since you couldn’t even see that.”

Andrew replied seriously, “No. I’ve always thought you were beautiful. Stunning, actually.”

Valerie soaked in every word. Her gaze softened, and her voice unconsciously dropped into a gentler tone. “Then why… why were you like that to me before?”

Andrew let out a bitter laugh. “Because back then, I didn’t really know you. I can’t just fall for every pretty girl I meet and collect them like some harem novel hero. If I did, how would I be any different from those cliché protagonists?”

Valerie gritted her teeth. “So you think you’re pretty noble, huh? Luna is my sworn enemy, and you still brought her into your life—not to mention all your other little flings. Andrew, you’re no saint either.”

Andrew chuckled. “If I’m that terrible, then why are you still willing to be with me?”

Valerie dropped her gaze, blushing fiercely. “Mind your own business! Whether I want to be with you or not is my choice. Uh… we’re here. This is where I got rejected last time.”

Their playful banter made the long climb pass without either of them noticing. The exhaustion from the journey faded away. Valerie had finally gotten the answer she wanted most, and Andrew had at last reached Mount Lourneau. Now, it was time to settle everything about the seal.

Mount Lourneau was one of the most respected martial orders in the country. The gate at the top of the stairs was grand and imposing, with four sharp-eyed, powerful men standing guard beneath it.

One of them frowned when he saw Valerie. “Why are you back again? Didn’t Mr. Cade Baker already tell you last time that we couldn’t help with your friend’s injuries?”

Valerie sneered. “Last time, Cade lied to me. Go tell him that Valerie of the Reyes family is here to see Mr. Luther Johnston on urgent business.”

The man straightened. “Miss, you can’t just request a meeting with Mr. Johnston. Without prior approval, we can’t let you through. You can either go back or wait here. When he decides to see you, you may enter.”

Valerie exploded. “Wait? You think I can afford to wait? I’m only asking to see Mr. Johnston, and you’re telling me to line up? The person with me is seriously injured and needs treatment right now. Do yourself a favor and call him out—otherwise, I’ll tear this gate down myself.”

The four apprentices immediately shifted into guarded stances, hostility flashing in their eyes. “Miss, if you keep causing trouble, we won’t remain polite,” the lead disciple warned.

Mount Lourneau had always been confident in its status. Even Valerie’s name failed to intimidate them.

Seeing Valerie about to lose her temper and strike, Andrew quickly spoke up. “Valerie, stop. Take the letter from my jacket and give it to them.”