Chapter 520 Shopping at the Mall
Ashley looked at Ethan with surprise. "Shopping? Didn't your mom ask you to go to a meeting after dropping me off?"
"Yes, I know, but that can wait. I want to spend some time with you first."
Ashley gave him a puzzled look. "I thought men hated shopping?"
Ethan smiled tenderly. "We do, but I love you."
Ashley felt her heart racing.
Ethan took her hand and whispered in her ear, "You're my girlfriend now. I can't have you wearing such inexpensive clothes all the time."
Ashley glanced down at her outfit. Though sweet and presentable, her clothes were from affordable, lesser-known brands. She looked back at him with a playful pout. "So the shopping is just an excuse because you think my clothes are cheap."
Ethan affectionately tapped her nose. "Don't be silly. What I mean is that my girlfriend deserves the finest things in the world."
Ashley gave him a mock-disapproving look, though his indulgence made her heart melt.
"But..." she hesitated. "Won't your parents dislike me if I make you late for the meeting?"
"Pearl, you're my girlfriend now. Trust me. If I can't protect you, I'm not much of a man, am I?"
His words implied that even if his parents disapproved of her or tried to cause trouble, she'd be safe with him. The sweetness of this declaration made Ashley fall for him all over again.
She smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Ethan."
She couldn't understand how she'd gotten lucky enough to earn his affection.
"Don't thank me like I'm a stranger. It hurts my feelings," Ethan said with a mock frown. "You need to kiss me if you want my forgiveness."
Ashley blushed. "You rascal."
Ethan raised an eyebrow mischievously. "So, when are you going to kiss me?"
Flustered but unable to resist his charm, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
"There."
"Not very convincing."
"What would be convincing, then?""Like this..." Ethan reached out, cupped the back of her head, and captured her lips with his own.
Ashley's eyes widened in shock. Glancing toward the driver, she felt too embarrassed to move.
Seeming to read her mind, Ethan kicked the front seat sharply—a clear warning.
The driver immediately raised the privacy partition, blocking his view.
Ashley relaxed slightly when she noticed this.
Ethan released her, his voice husky. "Still distracted while kissing me?"
Red-faced, Ashley stammered, "No... I was just... embarrassed."
"Then that one doesn't count. Focus this time."
He leaned in again for a passionate French kiss. Just as things were heating up, Ethan's phone rang.
He ignored it at first, continuing to kiss her, but after several persistent rings, he reached for it, tempted to throw it away.
Ashley grabbed his wrist, pulling away breathlessly. "Ethan, it keeps ringing—it must be important. Answer it."
Ethan looked at her with smoldering eyes, clearly frustrated at the interruption.
Finally, he answered, "Hello?"
His voice was noticeably hoarse.
On the other end, Doris was urgently requesting Ethan's return to the palace for an emergency that required his immediate attention. Ethan frowned—their shopping plans would have to be canceled.
Ashley, overhearing, mouthed to him, "It's okay, go take care of business."
Hearing the urgency in Doris's voice, Ethan told her he'd return right away. After hanging up, he apologized to Ashley. "I'm sorry, we'll have to postpone our shopping trip."
"Don't worry about it. We can go another time."
"Take this card," Ethan said, pulling a credit card from his wallet. "I'll have the driver take you to the mall first. Don't be afraid to spend, okay?"
Ashley was almost overwhelmed by his generosity. With a happy smile, she nodded. "I understand."
When they arrived at the mall, Ashley stepped out first. "Go handle your business, Ethan."
"All right. Enjoy yourself, and call me immediately if anything happens."
"I will."
Ashley watched Ethan's luxury car drive away before turning toward the upscale shopping center, planning to browse leisurely.
Meanwhile, Ethan rushed back to the palace, expecting some urgent crisis. Instead, he found his father Garrett chatting amicably with Atreides. Beside Atreides sat a young woman who giggled softly and lowered her head shyly when Ethan entered.
"Ethan, come in," Garrett said. "You know Atreides, of course, but this is your first time meeting his daughter. This is Ina, one of the most prestigious young noblewomen in the royal circle. Why don't you two get acquainted?"
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