Chapter 238 Visiting Michael
At the Hospital
Ethan rolled up to Michael's bedside, catching him just before he dozed off. Michael's eyes popped open in surprise.
"Ethan, what are you doing here?" Michael asked, a bit groggy.
"Grandpa, why didn't you tell me you were in the hospital?" Ethan's voice was thick with worry as he clutched Michael's hand.
Ashley chimed in, "Grandpa, how are you feeling? Is there anything still bothering you?"
Ethan jumped in, "Grandpa, let's get you a full check-up. We can move you to the Yates Group hospital."
The concern in their voices was genuine.
"I'm fine, don't sweat it," Michael said, squeezing Ethan's hand and then Ashley's, putting their hands together.
He had no clue Ethan and Ashley had been fighting.
When their hands touched, the tension was palpable, but neither pulled away.
Michael got serious, "I'm just getting old. One day, I'll be gone."
"Grandpa, don't talk like that!" Ethan said, almost bossy. "I want you around forever."
Michael chuckled, "If I stuck around forever, I'd be an old monster."
"My last wish is to see you two living in harmony and love."
"Ethan, Ashley, living together means dealing with each other's quirks. A lasting relationship needs mutual care, understanding, and compromise. If there's a problem, talk it out. Don't bottle it up. Right?" Michael continued.
Ethan and Ashley exchanged glances. Ashley, thinking of Ethan's recent antics, snorted and turned away.
Ethan's face darkened.
Sensing the vibe, Michael guessed they had a spat. "Ashley, did this knucklehead bully you?"
"Grandpa," Ashley glanced at Ethan and fibbed, "He didn't. You're right. I'll keep that in mind."
"Ethan was super worried when he heard you were in the hospital. Are you tired from talking? I'll get you some water." Ashley added.
"Okay." After Ashley left, Michael gave Ethan a light punch and said sternly, "Spill it. What's going on?"
"I can tell something's up between you two!"
"You knucklehead, how can you treat a woman like that!"
Michael's punch made Ethan wince. He clutched his chest and said gloomily, "We just had a fight."
"Why? Tell me, maybe I can help!" Michael pressed.
Ethan's eyes dimmed, "You're not well. I can handle this. You should rest."
"If you don't tell me, how can I rest? Spill it!" Michael insisted.
Under Michael's grilling, Ethan sighed, "I ran into her first love today and found out the wedding ring we bought was designed by her for that guy."
Ethan ruffled his hair in frustration, "I got mad, bought new rings, and tossed the old ones. She was upset and searched for them, so we fought."
Michael got the gist, "So you were jealous?"
"Ethan, whatever happened before you met Ashley is in the past. Focus on now."
"If you're feeling jealous, talk to her. Pushing her away is the worst thing you can do," Michael added.
Ethan opened his mouth but didn't say more.
He didn't want to tell Michael that Chris was not just a romantic rival but also the one who hurt his wife and child.
Michael was old; some things were better left unsaid.
Ethan hung his head, taking Michael's scolding without arguing.
Ashley came back with the water and overheard their chat at the door. She hesitated, unsure whether to go in or leave.
"Grandpa, I know it's my fault. I'll explain everything to her," Ethan said.
Michael replied, "Not just explain, but sincerely apologize."
Ethan reluctantly agreed, "Yeah, I know."
Ashley pouted. She knew Ethan's actions were out of jealousy, feeling both sad and hopeful he'd apologize.
"By the way, you lost your baby before, and Ashley's been recovering for half a year. When are you planning to try again?" Michael asked, clearly fond of kids.
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