Chapter 512 Is Ethan Allergic to Cats?
Ethan was radiating negative energy, instantly making the atmosphere gloomy.
Ashley asked in surprise, "Ethan... I never said I wanted to leave the palace. I just wanted to take the kids for a walk outside after dinner."
Ethan had thought she was planning to leave him and run off with Atticus. Hearing her explanation, he felt a wave of relief, but then tensed up again as another possibility occurred to him. "Pearl, isn't the palace grounds large enough for a walk? Or are you planning to take the children and disappear?"
Ashley looked at him incredulously. "You're being ridiculously paranoid. I told you, I just want to take the kids for a walk. If you don't trust me, you're welcome to join us!"
Frustrated by the conversation, Ashley grabbed the cutlery from his hand and stormed back to the kitchen.
When Ethan heard her say "you're welcome to join us," he felt a strange mix of nervousness and excitement.
Seeing that Ashley had left in anger, he immediately went after her. "Pearl, I'm sorry. That was thoughtless of me."
Ashley ignored him and began washing the dishes.
"Let me do that," Ethan quickly offered.
While Ethan washed the dishes, Ashley busied herself with other tasks.
She salvaged the slightly burnt ribs by cutting away the charred parts and placing them on top of thick-cut onions, using their aroma to mask the burnt flavor. Soon, a delicious plate of ribs was ready again.
Ethan approached her. "Need any help, Pearl?"
"No thanks, I've got it covered."
"Are you still hungry? Why did you remake the burnt ribs?"
Ashley pursed her lips. "So, about going outside the palace—will you allow it?"
Ethan smiled awkwardly. "Of course, but I need to accompany you."
Ashley stared intently at Ethan, her scrutinizing gaze making him uncomfortable.
"Don't get the wrong idea," Ethan said. "I'm not monitoring you—I just want to ensure your safety."
"Really? Aren't you afraid I'll run away?" she challenged.
"Of course I am," Ethan admitted honestly. "But you wouldn't get far. With the palace resources, you could be tracked down anywhere in the world." He delivered the last part with an intimate tone.
Ashley's cheeks flushed slightly, and her anger dissipated.
She placed the freshly prepared ribs in a disposable container. "Let's go for that walk, then."
"Alright."
They left the kitchen together and called Andy and Nate to join them.
The four of them made a picture-perfect family—Ethan holding Nate's hand, Ashley holding Andy's, the two children holding hands between their parents. Though Ethan and Ashley were separated by the children, they looked like a warm, happy family.
They took a car out of the palace grounds and strolled through a nearby garden.
Andy and Nate ran ahead while Ashley called after them, "Andy, Nate, don't run off too far!"
"We won't, Mommy!" They obediently returned to their parents' side.
The four of them looked like they had stepped out of a painting, turning heads wherever they went.
When a cool evening breeze blew, Ashley hugged herself against the chill.
Noticing this, Ethan removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Cold, Pearl? Keep this on."
"Thank you, Ethan."
"Your wounds have just healed. Don't overexert yourself. Would you like to sit and rest for a while?"
Ashley shook her head. "I want to show you something."
She instinctively took hold of Ethan's wrist, unaware of how intimate the gesture was.
Ethan was surprised but secretly pleased by her first unprompted physical contact.
"Mommy, are you going to see Oreo and Luna again?" Nate asked.
"Mommy brought meat—she's definitely going to feed them," Andy added.
"Oreo and Luna?" Ethan looked at them questioningly.
Nate explained, "Dad, we come to this garden often. There are many stray cats and dogs here that Mommy regularly feeds."
Ethan nodded, surprised to learn about Ashley's habit of feeding strays.
Ashley called out, "Oreo, Luna, I've come to see you!"
Animals have keen hearing. At the sound of her voice, several cats of various sizes emerged from different corners of the garden.
Four or five cats circled Ashley's feet, happily swishing their tails.
Ashley knelt down and gently stroked them. The cats contentedly sprawled on the ground.
Ethan watched silently, his heart racing at the sight of Ashley's tenderness.
"Oreo, Luna, I've brought food for you. Come eat," she said.
Ashley took out the food container, and the cats began devouring the meal.
Ethan smiled warmly and approached her with the children. "Pearl, may I pet them?"
"Of course."
Ethan knelt down and reached out to touch the cats. His gentle stroking revealed his softer side.
"They're so cute..." Before Ethan could finish his sentence, his nose began to itch, and he sneezed.
"Ethan, what's wrong? Are you allergic to cats? Get up, don't touch them!"
As Ashley pulled him to his feet, a mischievous look flashed in Ethan's eyes. He buried his face in her shoulder, feigning distress. "Pearl, I feel terrible."
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