Chapter 570 Atticus is a Good Man
"Atticus, are you alright?" Ashley cried out as he suddenly collapsed against her. Concerned for his safety but mindful of propriety, she tried to create distance between them. Each time she moved, however, Atticus stumbled forward. Ashley kept one arm protectively across her chest while using the other to guide him to a chair.
Once they were seated, Ashley asked worriedly, "Atticus, what's going on? You nearly fainted just now!"
Atticus looked terribly pale. Rubbing his temples, he replied, "I don't know what's happening. I've been getting these dizzy spells lately."
"Atticus, dizziness and headaches aren't something to ignore. You should really get checked out at the hospital."
He nodded. "I will, soon."
After a few moments of silence, Atticus gazed at Ashley with longing eyes. "Pearl, is Ethan... treating you well?" The question pained him visibly.
Ashley smiled warmly. "Don't worry, Atticus. He's wonderful to me."
Thinking of Ethan brought a glow of happiness to her face. Though sometimes clingy like a puppy, Ethan filled her life with joy.
Seeing her happiness, Atticus felt a pang of bitterness but managed a smile. "I'm glad, Pearl. I hope every day in your future is just as happy as today."
"Thank you, Atticus."
Having lost her memories of their past, Ashley was grateful for all the care Atticus had shown her over the years. His blessing meant a lot to her.
Atticus took comfort in her joy. Her happiness mattered more than his heartache.
"By the way," Ashley asked, "why did you want to see me today? Is something wrong?"
"Yes, something serious... My father's condition has worsened. The doctors say he might only have two months left."
"What?!" Ashley exclaimed. "But they said he had at least six months!"
"He did this deliberately to force my hand. He stopped taking his medication for weeks, and now his condition is critical. I only found out recently, and I'm furious about it."
"Force your hand? About what?"
Atticus shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to explain.
"Atticus, what is it? Can I help somehow?"
After a moment's thought, Atticus nodded. "You could help, but... you've just reunited with Ethan. I don't want my father's demands to affect your relationship. I'm really torn about this."
From his hesitation, Ashley guessed what this was about. Atticus's father had always wanted to see them married.
"Your father still wants to see us get married, doesn't he?" she asked directly.
Atticus blushed. "You're too perceptive. Yes, that's it exactly. I'm hoping you might help me convince him to take his medication again. I can't bear to see him suffering like this."
Ashley studied Atticus intently, looking at him longer than she had in their six years of friendship. The scrutiny made him fidget and blush.
"Pearl, why are you looking at me like that?" he asked nervously.
Ashley lowered her gaze, lost in thought.
For six years, Atticus had been her rock. Raising two children alone had been chaotic both financially and logistically. Without his help, she couldn't imagine where she'd be now. To Ashley, Atticus was like a brother.
But pretending to be engaged to him would surely upset Ethan if he found out. The doctors had warned against anything that might trigger strong emotions in his condition.
After careful consideration, Ashley decided, "I'll help you, Atticus."
"Really?" He looked at her in disbelief. "Are you sure? This could cause misunderstandings."
Ashley smiled reassuringly. "I don't care what others think. I'll explain everything to Ethan honestly when I get home."
Atticus looked at her gratefully. "Thank you, Pearl. What should we do to convince my father to take his medication?"
"Didn't we talk about getting fake marriage documents last time? Did you ever get them?"
Atticus scratched the back of his head. "When you got back together with Ethan, I thought we wouldn't need them anymore, so I never did."
"It's just for show anyway. Let's go get them now while I'm here. We'll stabilize your father's mood first, and if he has more demands, we'll figure something out."
"Thank you so much, Pearl." Atticus grabbed her hand emotionally.
Ashley smiled gently. "We're like family. No need for such formality." She discreetly withdrew her hand.
As she glanced away, Ashley noticed what appeared to be kiss marks on Atticus's neck.
'Does Atticus have a girlfriend? If so, why ask me for help instead of her?' she wondered.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Atticus's voice: "Pearl, shall we go? We need to take photos first, then visit the hospital."
"Alright."
As they left the café, neither noticed someone filming their interaction and following them.
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