Chapter 545 An Unexpected Incident During Family Reunion
After breakfast in their bamboo cottage, the family prepared to leave for the hospital.
As they reached the doorway, Ashley's phone rang. "Hello, Liam," she answered.
"Ashley, have you arrived yet?" Liam asked.
"We've just left home and are on our way."
"Good. Drive carefully. Landon and Samantha are waiting for you."
"I'll be there soon," Ashley promised, her heart racing with emotion.
"Pearl," Ethan said gently, "they're your family. Meeting them is a good thing—don't be nervous."
"I know," she nodded, taking several deep breaths to compose herself before following Ethan and the children into their luxury car.
Once inside, Ethan turned to their sons. "Andy, Nate, Daddy and Mommy are taking you to meet your uncles. Remember to ask them for presents."
"I read about this online," Andy said confidently. "In Aivalia, there's a custom that when meeting elder relatives for the first time, children can ask for gifts. Nate, don't be shy—ask for the most expensive ones!"
"What a fantastic tradition!" Nate exclaimed. "I won't hold back!"
Ashley gave them an indulgent yet stern look. "Andy, you're teaching your brother bad habits."
"But Mommy, it's true!" Andy protested.
When they arrived at the hospital entrance, Ashley said, "Andy, Nate, proper etiquette means giving as well as receiving. We should have welcome gifts for them too."
"What kind of gifts should we bring, Mommy?"
"Ethan, I'll go buy some fruit and presents. Would you mind staying with the children in the car?"
Ethan smiled warmly. "Of course. Hurry back."
Ashley nodded and headed toward the supermarket.
Unbeknownst to them, in a black van parked near the hospital, Andrei was watching Ashley intently, his eyes lighting up with excitement the moment he spotted her.
Meanwhile, at the hospital entrance, Samantha paced anxiously, perspiration forming on her brow as she scanned the area for Ashley.
"Samantha, stop pacing. You're making me dizzy," Landon complained.
"I can't help it! After all these years, I can't wait to hold Ashley in my arms again."
"Didn't they say they left home already? What's taking so long?"
Landon was equally anxious, though less demonstrative. He gazed down the street and said, "Maybe they're caught in traffic. Samantha, try to relax. They'll be here soon."
Samantha nodded reluctantly.
Back in the car, Nate was growing restless. "Daddy, I'm bored. Can we get out of the car?"
"Alright, but stay close and hold my hand at all times, understood?"
"Yes, Daddy!"
Ethan exited the vehicle first, then took his sons' hands as they waited by the hospital entrance for Ashley's return.
At that moment, Samantha glanced in their direction and caught sight of Ethan's profile. Her eyes widened in shock. "Ethan..."
"What is it, Samantha?" Landon asked.
Samantha pointed, speechless. Landon followed her gaze, his pupils dilating with shock. "Ethan!"
Hearing his name, Ethan instinctively turned toward the voice. He studied the surprised man with unfamiliar eyes.
"Are you... Landon?" he ventured. Though he had no actual memories of the man, he noticed the resemblance to Liam and guessed they must be brothers. The man's shocked expression suggested he knew him.
"That's right, I'm Landon. Liam mentioned you'd lost your memory. I'm surprised you recognized me."
"Just a guess," Ethan admitted.
Landon's gaze shifted to Andy and Nate.
"Andy, Nate, these are your uncle and aunt," Ethan introduced them.
The two adorable boys politely greeted them. "Good morning, Uncle and Aunt."
Landon's voice trembled. "Are these... yours and Ashley's children?"
"Yes."
Landon and Samantha could barely contain their emotion.
Tears streamed down Landon's face. "Thank God you're all safe!"
"Come here, boys. Let your aunt hug you," Samantha said.
The children approached her, and she embraced them warmly. Landon joined them, creating a group hug. While the children looked confused, the adults were overcome with emotion.
"We've finally found you." Samantha sobbed.
Andy and Nate exchanged glances, shrugging.
They had planned to ask for gifts, but the timing no longer seemed right.
"Uncle, Aunt, please stop crying," Andy said innocently. "Everyone's watching. It's embarrassing!"
The children's candor transformed their tears into laughter.
"You're right. We got carried away," Landon admitted.
"Where's Ashley?" Samantha asked, looking around. "I don't see her."
"She went to the supermarket to buy fruit and gifts. She should be back any minute now," Ethan explained.
"That's just like her! She didn't need to bring anything. We're just desperate for this reunion. Ethan, let's go find her."
But at that very moment, Ashley was ambushed as she walked back from the supermarket. A hand clamped over her mouth and nose, silencing her struggle. Within seconds, she was unconscious, dragged silently into a waiting vehicle that sped away.
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