Chapter 564 Making a Phone Call
Ashley woke to find Ethan's face close to hers, watching her. She smiled softly and whispered, "Good morning, darling."
After King Garrett had left the previous night, Ethan had been like an affectionate puppy, insisting she call him "darling." Once she did, his affection had become even more enthusiastic.
Ethan smiled adoringly at her and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Good morning, my love."
"Andy and Nate should have arrived in Aivalia by now," she mused. "I wonder how they're adjusting."
"Let's get up and ready first. We can call them after breakfast."
"Sounds perfect."
Ashley tended to Ethan with meticulous care. She helped him dress, squeezed toothpaste onto his brush, wiped the foam from his mouth, and washed his face—treating him with the tenderness one might show a child.
Ethan didn't mind being pampered. In fact, he delighted in her attentiveness.
"Darling, wait for me outside while I finish up. I'll make breakfast as soon as I'm done," Ashley said.
Ethan's eyes crinkled with affection. "Of course."
He maneuvered his wheelchair back to the hospital room when a phone suddenly rang.
"Could that be Andy and Nate calling?" he wondered.
"Darling, your phone is ringing!" he called out.
Ashley's voice came back muffled. "Can you answer it for me, please?"
"Sure thing."
Ethan picked up the phone and noticed the caller ID: Atticus. After a moment's hesitation, he answered. "Hello?"
There was a pause on the other end. "Ethan?" Atticus sounded uncertain.
"Yes," Ethan replied coolly. "What do you need?"
Inwardly, he felt a twinge of jealousy at Atticus calling Ashley so early in the morning.
"Nothing. Never mind. I'll hang up now." Atticus stammered before abruptly ending the call.
Ethan found the behavior strange but assumed Atticus was probably shocked to have him answer Ashley's phone first thing in the morning. The thought made him smirk with satisfaction.
The phone rang again almost immediately.
"What now?" Ethan answered sharply.
"Daddy, it's morning there, right? Are you awake?" Andy's voice came through.
Ethan's tone changed instantly. "Andy! Have you arrived in Aivalia?"
"Yes, we got in late last night. We've caught up on sleep and just woke up, so we thought we'd call."
Ethan smiled warmly. "Let's switch to a video call."
"Great idea!"
After hanging up and reconnecting, the two brothers appeared on screen, waving enthusiastically.
"Daddy, did you miss me?" Nate asked.
"Of course I did."
"Daddy, when did you wake up? Have you had breakfast? Taken your medicine?" Andy fired off questions in rapid succession.
Rather than finding it annoying, Ethan found their concern touching.
"Andy, you're becoming as chatty as your mother," he teased.
Ashley, who had just finished in the bathroom, overheard this comment. "Oh really, Ethan? So you find me too talkative?" she said with mock indignation, hands on her hips. "Fine, I won't fuss over you anymore!"
Sensing trouble, Ethan quickly set down the phone. "Darling, don't be upset. I was just joking with Andy. I meant it as a compliment!"
Ashley pouted. "Smooth talker."
"Mommy, Daddy was just bragging about how wonderful you are," Andy chimed in. "Don't be mad at him."
"That's right, Mommy," Nate added.
Both boys rushed to Ethan's defense.
"Mommy, forgive Daddy this time. If he makes another slip-up, we'll punish him properly next time, regardless of his health."
Ashley wasn't truly angry. Hearing the boys' pleas, she quickly softened. "Don't talk nonsense. When did I ever say I wanted to punish him?"
She could never bring herself to be stern with him.
The family continued their cheerful conversation, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Atticus sighed heavily. "Dad, Pearl isn't available right now. We'll visit you another day when she's free. Please take your medicine."
"I won't take it. I'm dying anyway—what's the point? Atticus, before I die, I want to see you two married. Please bring Pearl here... I'm begging you..."
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