Chapter 502 Seven Days
After Doris left, Ethan gazed at the woman in bed with conflicted emotions. "Pearl, what am I supposed to do now?" He sat beside her bed, hunched over with his head in his hands, his face etched with anguish.
Ashley slowly opened her eyes. Seeing his distress, her heart ached in response.
"Your Highness," she called softly.
At the sound of her voice, he straightened immediately. "Pearl... you're awake. Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
Ashley shook her head. "I'm fine."
She studied Ethan intently. Though they hadn't known each other long, he had a profound effect on her emotions. Just moments ago, when he'd said he liked her—she had actually been awake then—those words had felt like the most moving declaration she'd ever heard, making her heart race wildly.
But the overwhelming revelations she'd just overheard were too much to process.
Ashley offered a bitter smile, lowering her head in silence.
Ethan took her hand, his voice gentle yet filled with remorse. "Pearl, after our time together, you must see that I have genuine feelings for you."
Ashley looked up, her eyes rimmed with red, barely containing her emotions.
"I told the children today that I want them to come live at the palace," he said.
Ashley looked at him in astonishment. "You don't mind? They're children I had with someone else!"
Ethan shook his head. "They're your children—how could I possibly mind? I've already had children's rooms prepared. I only delayed their arrival for three days because I was concerned they'd worry about your injuries."
Ashley felt conflicted—touched by his kindness yet feeling unworthy of it.
"Your Highness, thank you for your generosity, but that won't be necessary," she said. "I overheard your conversation with Doris."
Ethan froze.
Ashley forced herself to continue. "Your wife isn't dead. The children and I... we shouldn't... be around you."
Ethan gripped her hand tightly. "Pearl, look at me."
When she met his gaze, he asked, "Answer me truthfully and honestly—do you have feelings for me?"
His question made her heart skip a beat.
Looking into his deep, captivating eyes, Ashley felt as though her soul was being drawn in. Her heart pounded, her throat dry, nearly ready to confess, "Your Highness, I have feelings for you too."
But her rationality suddenly returned. Averting her gaze, she lied, "Your Highness, I don't have feelings for you."
Ethan had been looking at her with such hope, and her answer stabbed him through the heart. The higher his expectations, the greater his disappointment.
The color drained from his face as he stared at her intently. "You're lying. You're not a good liar—you can't even look me in the eye when you say it."
Ashley's heart raced. Taking a deep breath, she replied coldly, "Your Highness, don't flatter yourself. I don't have feelings for you. I've told you before—there's someone else I care for. You could have any woman you want. Why are you fixated on me?"
This time, she didn't avoid his gaze, though she lacked conviction. She felt that if he continued to look at her for another minute, she might abandon her resolve.
They remained at an impasse before Ethan finally turned away, not wanting her to see his vulnerability.
"I apologize for troubling you," he said with a bitter smile. "Pearl, I won't burden you much longer. I promised the children I'd bring them to the palace in three days. Would you just play along with me, so I can leave a good impression on them?"
"How long do you plan to have the children stay at the palace?"
"As long as they wish—whether that's permanent or just a few days."
"And after they've stayed for a while, we'll be free to leave the palace, correct?"
Ethan took a deep breath, secretly clenching his fist. "Yes," he said stiffly.
Ashley nodded. "Alright, I agree. But no more than seven days. After that, I'm taking the children and leaving the palace. I hope you won't go back on your word."
Ethan's heart fluctuated between relief and renewed tension.
He knew this relationship was precious—he'd take whatever time he could get. Seven days wasn't much, but with the palace's resources, they could locate Ashley anywhere in the world. Only after finding her could he truly decide whether to pursue this relationship with Pearl or end it.
"It's a deal," Ethan said. "Rest well. I need to go out but I'll be back soon."
"All right."
With Ethan's help, Ashley lay back down, and he carefully tucked the blanket around her. He gazed at her deeply, their eyes meeting in a moment of silent connection. Though their feelings for each other were evident, both were suffering in their restraint.
As Ethan left the Azure Palace, he took a deep breath, still feeling heavy-hearted.
He issued a command to Ian: "Spread the word—offer a substantial reward. We must find Ashley within seven days."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Ethan went to find Diannel in the palace guest quarters.
"Ethan, what brings you here?" Diannel asked.
"Diannel, I've lost all my memories of Ashley. Could you tell me about her?"
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