Chapter 440 A Shocking Reunion: United by a Passionate Kiss
Ashley noticed Ethan looking in her direction. Feeling suddenly self-conscious, she ducked behind Atticus, using his frame to shield herself. From Ethan's perspective, he could only see a vague feminine silhouette beside Atticus, unable to make out her features. Still, he found himself staring, transfixed.
"What's wrong?" Angela's voice broke his trance.
"Nothing," Ethan replied, composing himself. "Let's go."
He escorted Angela to the car, with Mary following behind.
Once inside, Mary commented, "Your Highness, those twin boys look remarkably like you! They could practically be miniature versions of yourself. Anyone would think they were your children."
"But Andy and Nate have their own mommy and daddy," Angela pointed out, gesturing toward the family.
Ethan followed her gaze and caught sight of a man and woman walking away with the two children. Something about the woman's silhouette felt hauntingly familiar. His heart began racing inexplicably, and he felt an overwhelming urge to pursue them and see her face clearly.
Acting on impulse, Ethan opened the car door and took several steps in their direction. Suddenly, a searing pain shot through his head. He clutched his temples and sank to his knees with a groan of agony.
By the time Mary reached him with his medication, Ashley and her family had driven away.
"Your Highness, is it another attack? Take your medicine quickly!" Mary urged, offering him pills.
Ethan swallowed the medication, his face ashen from the pain.
Angela embraced him worriedly. "These headaches are becoming more frequent. Perhaps we should consult another doctor?"
Ethan stroked her hair affectionately. "I'm sorry for worrying you. Didn't you mention wanting cake? Let's go to that bakery."
"Are you sure you shouldn't go to the hospital instead?" Angela pressed.
"I'm fine. Let's go," he assured her.
As they departed, Mary glanced back toward where Ashley had disappeared, her expression darkening. She couldn't help but suspect a connection between this woman's appearance and Ethan's sudden attack. She clenched her fists, silently vowing that nothing would threaten her position as his future queen.
Meanwhile, in Ashley's car, Nate spotted a cake shop. "Mommy, Godfather, can we get cake?"
"Always thinking about food," Andy teased.
Nate pouted indignantly.
Atticus laughed. "Let's go! My treat. If it makes you happy, I'd buy the entire bakery!"
Ashley shook her head. "Atticus, you're spoiling them."
"That's what children are for," he replied with a grin, pulling into a nearby parking space.
By coincidence, Ethan's car arrived at the same bakery moments later.
Inside, while the children were selecting their treats, Ashley felt a sudden cramp. "Atticus, I need to use the restroom. Could you watch the boys?"
"Of course," he nodded.
Just as Ashley disappeared down the hallway, Ethan entered with Angela and Mary.
Atticus turned with a tray of pastries, nearly colliding with Ethan. The men exchanged polite nods.
The twins brightened at the sight of Ethan. "Hello, sir! We meet again," Nate said sweetly.
"Indeed," Ethan replied, genuinely pleased to see them.
"Andy, Nate, what a coincidence! Should we sit together?" Angela suggested.
Before the boys could respond, Mary cleared her throat. "Angela, let's order first."
While Ethan and Angela approached the counter, Mary gave the twins a contemptuous look. "You little paupers, thinking you could dine with Angela? Know your place."
The twins exchanged glances, instantly disliking her.
Atticus frowned. "That's entirely uncalled for. We weren't asking to join you anyway. Come on, boys, let's go upstairs."
Unaware of Mary's rudeness, Ethan and Angela selected their desserts. Not seeing the twins, Ethan suggested they take a window seat.
As Angela enjoyed her cake, Ethan watched her with affection. Mary scooped up some dessert and held it toward Ethan's lips. "Your Highness, please try some. It's perfectly sweet."
Ethan turned away with a frown. Despite his hunger, the aroma triggered an unexpected wave of nausea.
"Excuse me," he said, rising. "I need to use the restroom."
He left behind a visibly disappointed Mary.
Massaging his temples, Ethan headed for the restroom. As he rounded the corner, he collided with Ashley, who let out a startled cry as she began to lose her balance.
Acting instinctively, Ethan caught her by the arm, pulling her toward him and inadvertently into his embrace.
For a breathless moment, they stood face to face, close enough to feel each other's heartbeat. Ashley's eyes widened in recognition and shock.
Ethan stared at the woman in his arms. Though they were strangers, he felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity—her features, her scent, everything about her resonated with him as if they had known each other intimately.
The world seemed to fall silent around them, leaving only the thundering of their hearts.
Ashley's lips parted, but no words emerged. Ethan's gaze dropped to her mouth, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. Then, driven by an inexplicable compulsion, he lowered his head and kissed her.
Ashley froze in disbelief before attempting to push him away. But Ethan, like a man dying of thirst who had found water, held her firmly as he deepened the kiss.
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