Chapter 571 Fake Marriage Misunderstanding Exposed
Ashley couldn't help herself once she got into Atticus's car. "Atticus, are you seeing someone new?"
Atticus looked genuinely confused while driving. "What? No, I'm not dating anyone."
Ashley gave him a skeptical look, pointing at his neck. "The evidence is right there! Having a girlfriend is nothing to hide. Why not introduce her to us?"
Glancing in the rearview mirror, Atticus spotted the hickey on his neck. His face flushed, though his dark skin concealed most of it. He touched his neck awkwardly. "Oh, this? You've got it all wrong. I was camping at the beach last night—just mosquito bites."
"Really?"
"Of course. You know I wouldn't lie to you."
"Fine. But when you do find someone, promise you'll introduce us right away."
"Sure, I will."
Ashley turned toward the window. Seeing she'd dropped the subject, Atticus secretly sighed with relief.
His hands trembled slightly on the steering wheel.
That morning, Adina had dragged him into the testing room and put him through hell. She'd made him watch adult films from different countries, which only made him feel sick. When he tried to leave, Adina, determined to prove her professional worth, had taken matters into her own hands.
The worst part was...
Atticus grew agitated thinking about it. He'd been diagnosed with certain dysfunctions, and even physical contact with Ashley never aroused any desire. What confused him was why he felt something with Adina when Ashley was the one he truly cared for.
He convinced himself Adina must have used some underhanded tactics to get a reaction from him.
"Atticus, look out!" Ashley suddenly screamed, snapping him back to reality.
He spotted a car running a red light and heading straight for them. He swerved quickly. "Jesus! That guy's driving on the wrong side! Does he have a death wish?"
They continued driving smoothly down the road.
"Atticus, why are you so distracted? That was dangerous! If we'd been any slower, that car would have hit us."
"Sorry... I'll focus now."
Atticus pushed the morning's events from his mind and concentrated on driving.
Ashley eyed him suspiciously, noting his flushed face.
She didn't dwell on it, instead texting Ethan: [Honey, I'll be home a bit late today. You and Ian head back to the hospital first. Remember to eat on time and take your meds.]
Ashley had been away from Ethan all day and worried whether he'd taken his medication. Looking after him wasn't a burden—it made her happy.
"We're here," Atticus announced.
"Great."
Atticus parked at the curb, and they walked to City Hall, which was surrounded by print shops that handled all sorts of marriage documentation.
"Atticus, do we really need to come to City Hall for fake marriage papers?"
"I know someone nearby who can produce the fake documents within an hour after we take photos."
"Alright."
Ashley followed him to a photography studio. Confused, she asked why they needed photos. Atticus explained that his dying father wanted to see sweet pictures of them together. To fulfill his father's wish, Ashley reluctantly agreed.
They sat before the camera, and the photographer said, "Why are you sitting so far apart? Move closer."
This was Ashley's first photo with Atticus, and she felt tense. Not being with Ethan made her uncomfortable rather than happy.
Though Atticus knew this was just for his father's sake, his heart still raced.
Following the photographer's instructions, they moved closer, but Ashley remained stiff.
"Ma'am, could you smile? You look like you're about to cry!"
Ashley was speechless.
Seeing her discomfort, Atticus suggested, "Pearl, we can stop if you want."
Ashley forced a smile. "It's fine. I'm not uncomfortable with you—just nervous."
Atticus gazed at her lovingly. "I'm nervous too."
Ashley's eye twitched. She couldn't help thinking about how Ethan would react if he found out.
"Come on, smile."
Ashley's attempt at a smile turned into a grimace.
The photographer took the picture.
While Atticus spoke with the studio owner, Ashley stepped outside for air.
"Darling, you wouldn't hold this against me, would you?" she whispered to herself.
She couldn't remember if she'd ever taken photos with Ethan or walked down the aisle with him, but she knew getting fake marriage papers with Atticus would upset him if he found out.
Ashley sighed. "I'll explain everything when I get back."
What she didn't know was that someone had photographed her and Atticus entering the studio. Online, she was being torn apart again.
The hashtag #Workplace Villain Has A Lover was trending, sparking a huge number of comments and shares.
Meanwhile, Ethan finished reviewing his last document, rubbing his temples tiredly.
Suddenly, Ian burst in, panicked. "Sir, something's happened..."
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