Chapter 460 Could It Be That You Like Me?
Sandy entered the ballroom, holding Ethan's hand on one side and Ashley's on the other. At her encouragement, Ashley slipped her arm through Ethan's. He didn't realize he was staring at her, completely mesmerized. Her proximity made his pulse race and his mouth go dry.
"Your Highness," Ashley said, "may I ask you something?"
Trying to control his pounding heart, Ethan replied, "Go ahead."
"This morning outside the kindergarten - did you deliberately have someone try to hit Atticus with your car?"
Ethan froze, caught off guard by her directness.
"Was it you driving, or someone else?" she pressed.
His face paled instantly.
Ashley's eyes were serious, searching his face for any sign of dishonesty.
Ethan lowered his gaze, licking his lips nervously. "Why... would you ask that?" he said hoarsely.
"I memorized the license plate," she explained. "When I was leaving the kitchen earlier, I saw that same car. Your guard said it was your personal vehicle."
Now he understood. No wonder she'd won their bet but refused to cook for him anymore.
She must be completely disappointed in him.
"I'm sorry," Ethan said with a bitter smile. "I acted on impulse." He was still filled with regret.
Ashley's expression grew cold.
"Your Highness," she said icily, "did you consider that your 'impulse' could have killed someone? If I hadn't pulled Atticus away in time..."
"Why target Atticus? What did he ever do to you?"
Ethan struggled to explain. "I... I don't know why. Seeing you together just made me... incredibly agitated."
Whenever he saw them together, something twisted inside him. He couldn't make sense of these feelings, only knew they were driving him mad.
Ashley let out a short laugh. "Could it be that you like me?"
Ethan's face turned crimson. "No, of course not," he said, though no one could have missed his uncertainty.
Ashley looked down, strangely hurt by his denial. She clenched her fists, suppressing the confusing emotions.
"Your Highness," she said coldly, "do you aristocrats see commoners as insects? Do you think you can crush anyone you dislike as easily as stepping on an ant?"
"It's not like that," Ethan tried to explain. "I believe nobles and commoners are equal. This morning, I already..."
Before he could finish saying he'd apologized to Atticus, Ashley cut him off.
"Your Highness, I hope you'll control yourself in the future. If you ever try to harm Atticus again, even though I'm powerless against someone of your status, I'll fight back with everything I have."
With one last glare, she walked away.
Why did she care so much about Atticus? Was she willing to stand against him, against impossible odds, because... she loved Atticus?
The thought made Ethan's chest constrict painfully.
Mary approached him. "Your Highness, you don't look well. Is your headache back?"
Ethan took a deep breath, composing himself. "I'm fine."
Mary smiled sweetly. "May I have this dance, Your Highness?"
Ethan was about to decline when he noticed a man approaching Ashley.
"May I have this dance?" the stranger asked her.
Ashley hesitated, glancing toward Ethan. Seeing his intense gaze fixed on her, she replied, "Yes, I'd love to."
She placed her hand in the stranger's, and they moved to the dance floor.
Ethan's jaw tightened, his fists clenched.
"Your Highness?" Mary prompted.
Ethan took her hand. "Let's go."
Although it was the first time Ethan had held her hand, making Mary blush deeply, he felt nothing but irritation and had to resist the urge to let go.
As the music played, couples glided across the floor. Ashley danced distractedly, her eyes continually drifting toward Ethan. Similarly, Ethan danced mechanically, his gaze seeking Ashley. Yet somehow, they always missed catching each other's eyes.
Suddenly, Ashley stepped on her partner's foot. "I'm so sorry," she apologized, embarrassed.
The man smiled. "Don't worry. Being stepped on by a beautiful woman is my pleasure."
Ashley gave an awkward smile.
As the dance continued, partners began to exchange. Ashley twirled, her dress blooming like a rose. After several turns, she unexpectedly found herself facing Ethan.
Just as she was about to move away, he caught her hand, drawing her into the dance.
They moved together with surprising chemistry, as if they'd been dance partners for years. Her flowing dress and his tailored suit created a striking visual as they glided across the floor, capturing everyone's attention.
"Pearl," Ethan said, holding her hand as he leaned closer, "you've misunderstood me. I'm not the person you think I am. I'll apologize to Atticus again about this morning. Please don't look at me like I'm a criminal, will you?"
Ashley stepped back, confused. "What do you mean, 'again'?"
"I apologized to him earlier today, but you weren't there."
Ashley raised an eyebrow, surprised. She had thought he was just another aristocrat who looked down on commoners, but this proud prince had actually admitted his mistake.
In that moment, her resentment vanished, replaced by genuine respect.
Across the room, Mary danced with another partner, her features contorting with jealousy as she watched them talking comfortably.
As the music reached a transition, dancers prepared to change partners.
Mary tried to cut in and separate them, but Ethan quickly sidestepped her, keeping his hold on Ashley's wrist. Once again, they found themselves dancing together.
Ashley hadn't anticipated his move. Her lips accidentally brushed against his chest, sending their hearts racing simultaneously.
With intense eyes, Ethan asked softly, "Pearl, are you in love with Atticus?"
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