Chapter 527 Love Rivals Face Off
Ashley's emotions were on a roller coaster.
Just moments ago, she had been distressed about Ethan loving his wife. But now, if she truly was Ashley, she had nothing to hold her back!
With a mix of excitement and confusion, Ashley asked, "But what about the birthmark behind my ear?"
"I'm not sure about that," Atticus replied. "You should contact your brother—he might know more."
He handed her a business card. "Here's your brother's number. Arrange to meet with him and talk it through."
Ashley took the card, which felt impossibly heavy in her hand. Her heart filled with anticipation, nervousness, and fear all at once.
"Thank you, Atticus."
"No need to thank me."
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew past, making Ashley close her eyes with a groan.
"Pearl, are you okay?"
"Just got some dust in my eye."
"Hold still, let me help."
"No need, I can manage."
As Atticus reached out to help, Ashley moved away slightly. His outstretched hand was suddenly grabbed mid-air.
Atticus exclaimed, "Hey, what are you doing!"
Ethan forcefully pushed him away.
Furious, Ethan growled, "What am I doing? What were you trying to do with my girlfriend?"
"Ethan? I thought you passed out."
"Sorry to disappoint you," Ethan sneered. "Taking advantage of my unconsciousness to make a move on my girlfriend? Too bad—no one touches what's mine."Atticus gritted his teeth.
Ethan continued, "Save it! She's my love. Try anything again and you'll regret it."
"Are you threatening to use your position against me?"
"So what if I am?"
The two men glared at each other, tension crackling between them like electricity.
Ashley had been rubbing her eye. When she could finally open it, she quickly explained, "Ethan, you've got it all wrong. Atticus and I were just talking. He didn't touch me. We're like siblings."
"Siblings?" Ethan's anger flared. "I saw you kissing from upstairs!"
Ashley and Atticus spoke simultaneously, "That's absurd!"
"How touching—you're perfectly in sync," Ethan said bitterly, his anger mixed with jealousy.
Remembering how she once said she liked Atticus, Ethan's eyes hardened with frost.
Ashley explained again, "Ethan, we're like siblings. We've never done anything inappropriate. If you're going to insult us like this, we have nothing more to discuss."
Offended by his accusations, Ashley turned to leave. Ethan panicked and grabbed her arm. "Pearl, don't go."
He shot an angry look at Atticus. "Why are you still standing here? Leave!"
He refrained from telling him to 'get lost,' showing remarkable restraint. He feared Ashley might turn against him if he went too far.
Atticus glanced at Ashley. "Pearl, I'll go now. Remember what I told you."
"I will."
She'd contact her brother soon.
Ethan narrowed his eyes. What secret were they sharing?
They must be plotting something behind his back.
As Atticus walked away, Ethan noticed Ashley staring after him. "What's wrong? Missing him already?"
Ashley glared back. "Ethan, stop thinking the worst of us. There are security cameras everywhere. If you don't believe us, check the footage!"
She angrily pulled away from him and stormed off.
Ethan panicked. Seeing Ashley walking away, he clutched his chest and groaned in pain. "It hurts..."
He swayed, appearing on the verge of collapse.
Ashley had already walked some distance, but seeing his 'vulnerable' state, her heart softened. She rushed back.
"Ethan, are you alright?" She supported him, concerned. "I'll take you to see a doctor."
Ethan 'weakly' rested his head on her shoulder. "Pearl, I'm dizzy. Just help me back to my room."
"Okay. You lie down first, then I'll call a doctor."
Ashley struggled to walk, with Ethan's entire weight leaning on her. She practically dragged him back to his hospital room, sweating from the effort.
"Ethan, we're here. Lie down."
Ashley helped him to the bed, but in the next moment, he pulled her down forcefully. She fell onto him, and with a quick move, he flipped their positions, pinning her beneath him.
Their faces were inches apart, their breaths intermingling.
Ashley's eyes widened. "Ethan! You tricked me—you're perfectly fine!"
Blushing furiously, she demanded, "Let me go!"
"I won't."
Ethan stared at her lips. "I don't need security footage to know if he kissed you. I can check myself!"
"You..."
Before she could finish, his lips captured hers.
Ashley hadn't expected this after being wrongly accused. Tears of frustration rolled down her cheeks.
Ethan's heart clenched. He moved his lips to her cheeks, gently kissing away her tears. His voice was low and hoarse, "Pearl, I'm sorry. I misjudged you. Please don't cry. Forgive me this once. I just go crazy with jealousy whenever I see you with Atticus!"
Ashley wrapped her arms around him. "Ethan, I accept your apology. Couples need to trust each other to last. But if this happens again, I won't forgive you!"
Realizing she might truly be Ashley, she felt a newfound freedom. She embraced him and, for the first time, kissed him back passionately on her own initiative.
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