Chapter 428 Deceiving and Heart-Piercing
Atticus escorted Ashley to Aurora General Hospital. Given her pregnancy, they headed straight to the obstetrics department for a comprehensive examination. After two hours of tests, they sat in the consultation room as the doctor delivered her assessment.
"You're carrying twins at approximately fourteen weeks. Both fetuses are developing normally," the doctor explained, reviewing the charts. "You'll need to come in for regular check-ups throughout your pregnancy."
Atticus was startled by this revelation. No wonder Ashley's belly appeared so pronounced for someone supposedly only in her first trimester—she looked closer to seven months along.
After concluding their visit to obstetrics, they proceeded to the neurology department. The neurologist conducted a series of examinations before offering his diagnosis.
"The amnesia is the result of significant trauma to the back of the head," he explained, pointing to the scan. "The impact created pressure on key neural pathways."
"How long until she recovers her memory?" Atticus asked, while Ashley looked at the doctor with hopeful eyes.
The neurologist offered a measured response, "There's no definitive timeline. She might remember everything tomorrow, or she might never fully recover those memories. Since you're her husband, I'd recommend taking her to familiar places. Sometimes familiar surroundings, people, or objects can trigger memory recall."
The doctor's assumption created an awkward moment between them. Ashley looked away in embarrassment while Atticus's face flushed red. "Thank you, doctor," he managed to say without correcting the misunderstanding.
After collecting medication for Ashley's facial injuries, they left the hospital.
"Perhaps we should visit the police station to check if there are any missing person reports matching your description," Atticus suggested.
Ashley nodded gratefully. "I haven't properly thanked you. I don't even know your full name."
"It's Atticus Grayson, but just Atticus is fine," he replied with a warm smile.
"Once I find my family, I'll repay all your medical expenses twice over," Ashley promised. "Thank you for everything—for rescuing me and for staying with me through all of this."
"We all face difficult times," Atticus responded. "I'm just doing what any decent person would. Now, let's head to the police station."
As they were about to get into a taxi, a woman's voice cut through the air, "Ashley! You're alive!"
The exclamation carried unmistakable shock and—for a fleeting moment—what looked like terror and hatred. Both Ashley and Atticus turned toward the voice.
A woman stood there, quickly composing her expression. Ashley stared at her, confused. "Do you know me? Are you my family?"
The woman looked perplexed by the question.
"She's suffering from amnesia," Atticus explained. "She doesn't remember anything about her past."
The woman's eyes widened in apparent surprise before her expression shifted to one of relief. "Oh, thank God you're alive! I'm your older sister! We all thought you were dead!"
Ashley studied the woman's face intently, as if searching for confirmation in her features.
Ava shifted uncomfortably under Ashley's scrutiny, a flash of unease crossing her face.
Atticus observed both women carefully. The resemblance was striking—they looked very much alike, which seemed to confirm their relationship.
"You two look remarkably similar," he noted. "How fortunate that we've found your family before even reaching the police station."
At the mention of the police, a bead of sweat formed on Ava's forehead.
"My name is Ava," she said, then lowered her voice. "My younger sister has had a terrible life. She married a monster who only wanted her family fortune. When he couldn't get it legally, he tried to kill her. We all thought he had succeeded."
Ashley gasped, her expression skeptical. "My husband tried to murder me and my babies? Is that true?"
"Absolutely," Ava insisted. "He's already fled the country with his mistress."
"Do you have any proof?" Ashley asked, her brow furrowed in disbelief.
Ava pulled out her phone and showed her a photograph. "Here he is."
Ashley took the phone, her hand trembling slightly. The screen displayed a handsome man standing beside an attractive woman in what appeared to be an intimate pose.
Something stirred within Ashley as she looked at the man's face—her heart rate accelerated involuntarily. Despite her amnesia, she felt a strong sense of familiarity with him, suggesting a deep emotional connection. Yet Ava's words filled her with doubt and confusion.
"The woman next to him is his mistress," Ava continued coldly. "They left the country today. You can't let him know you're alive, or he'll finish what he started."
"That's impossible!" Ashley exclaimed, stepping backward in shock.
Atticus steadied her. "Are you alright?"
Ashley shook her head, her face pale. "Is he really my husband? Did he marry me just for my money?"
"Yes, absolutely," Ava insisted. "Why would I lie to you? He's taken everything—you're penniless now."
Ava reached into her purse and pulled out a thick stack of cash. "Don't go home. Take this money and disappear. Don't use the name Ashley anymore. If he discovers you're alive, he'll come after you."
Ashley stared at the money in silence, her chest tightening painfully.
"Ma'am," Atticus interjected, "this sounds like a criminal matter. Shouldn't we report it to the police? They can protect her."
Ashley nodded. "Atticus is right. This is a law-abiding society. I should file a report."
Ava's smile faltered momentarily before she recovered. "Oh, don't be naive. Your husband has connections everywhere, including with the police. They won't help you—they'll help him find you."
Ashley frowned, sensing something was off about this entire situation.
"Don't hesitate," Ava urged, glancing nervously around them. "His people could be watching us right now. Take the money and leave town immediately."
Ashley pressed her lips together, conflicted and uncertain.
"Perhaps we should find somewhere safe to think this through," Atticus suggested, looking concerned about the developing situation.
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