Chapter 20 Sending Her Home
Ethan moved closer to Ashley, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look at him.
"Don't think you can push me around just because I gave you some slack."
Ashley snorted, her tone dripping with arrogance. "Mr. Yates, a man like you should apologize when you're wrong. Imagine the scandal if this got out..."
Their faces were so close, their breaths mingled, making the air between them almost unbearably hot.
Ashley's heart pounded wildly, though she didn't realize it.
They were inches apart, and suddenly she remembered the passionate kiss they shared in the restroom that day. She swallowed hard.
Seeing Ethan's intense gaze, she warned, "What are you doing? Move aside!"
His Adam's apple bobbed, and he impulsively kissed her.
Ashley's eyes widened. Why did he suddenly kiss her?
She tried to push him away, but he grabbed her hands, pinned her to the bed, and kissed her passionately.
"Mmm—"
Ashley's struggles were futile. Eventually, she gave in, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him back. They only pulled away when they were both out of breath.
Their eyes were filled with a dazed longing, and the room seemed to get even hotter.
Ethan's voice was hoarse and sexy in her ear. "I'm sorry. I thought you were scheming. My mistake. I need to get married to stop this public outcry, and only you can help me."
For the first time, Ethan set aside his pride and gently coaxed her.
Ashley, feeling helpless, pouted. "If you're going to apologize, just apologize. Why kiss me? And why should I agree to a contract marriage with you? What if I regret it? Besides, you're the one who benefits the most!"
Ethan smirked. "Didn't you just kiss me back? Marrying me is every woman's dream in Aurora. Would you really turn down such a good opportunity? Besides, as my wife, won't you benefit too?"
Ashley raised an eyebrow. "That's not certain. I might refuse."
Ethan felt a headache coming on. She was pushing her luck.
He said seriously, "I can help you find your biological parents."
His words made the playful Ashley turn serious.
"You investigated me?"
"How could I not investigate my future wife?"
That made sense.
Ashley had always wanted to find her biological parents, but it felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. With Ethan's resources, she might actually have a chance.
"Alright, I'll agree to the contract marriage, but you have to help me find my family."
Ashley reviewed the contract—
They'd be married for three years. If there were no emotional progress between them in that time, they could divorce. After the divorce, the child would stay with the Yates family, and she'd have visitation rights. She'd also get $5 million in alimony.
Ashley looked at Ethan, surprised. "So, if we fall in love within three years, we don't need to divorce?"
Ethan crossed his arms, looking indifferent. "I value marital feelings. Three years is enough to build a relationship."
In Ethan's world, divorce wasn't an option.
Ashley couldn't help but take another look at Ethan. She didn't expect him to value marriage so much. She thought he'd be a playboy given his wealth.
"I've read the contract. No problem."
"Sign it."
Ashley hesitated for a moment but eventually signed her name.
Ethan asked, "Did you bring your driver's license?"
"Huh? Yeah, I did!"
"Pack up. We're getting the marriage license right away."
"What's the rush..."
"Hurry up."
With the online buzz, making their marriage public ASAP would help stabilize the billion-dollar royal order.
Ashley got up, packed a few things, and went with Ethan to the city hall to get the marriage license.
An hour later...
Ethan and Ashley walked out of the city hall, each holding a marriage license.
Ethan took out his phone with one hand and wrapped his arm around Ashley's waist with the other.
"What are you doing?"
Ashley felt a bit awkward with the sudden intimacy.
Ethan glanced at her. "Strike a pose. We need a photo for the official announcement."
Ashley cooperated with a smile.
Click.
A close-up selfie of Ethan and Ashley appeared on the phone, with one looking indifferent and the other smiling gently. They looked like a perfect match.
Ethan opened Twitter, selected the photo, and edited the caption: [Thank you for your attention. A happy family of four!]
He also attached a photo of their marriage license.
Ashley watched him, her emotions all over the place. But what was done was done, and there was no turning back.
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