Chapter 582 Vivienne's Wild Pursuit of Ethan

After their late-night snack, Ethan and Ashley felt pleasantly full and decided to take a walk. They strolled through the hospital garden and settled on a bench to admire the starry sky.

Ashley pulled out her phone. "Darling, I received confirmation that I got the job. They want me to report tomorrow officially. I was too busy to notice the message earlier. We'll be colleagues now."

"That's wonderful!" Ethan beamed with pride. "I knew you'd make it through the selection process."

"Of course I did. I'm the best," she replied playfully.

They sat hand in hand, gazing at the stars. Suddenly, a shooting star streaked across the sky.

"Look, darling! A shooting star! Let's make wishes," Ashley exclaimed.

"Alright," Ethan agreed with an indulgent smile, though he made no move to actually wish for anything. Instead, his eyes remained fixed adoringly on Ashley.

Ashley pressed her palms together and closed her eyes. She silently prayed, 'I wish for Ethan, Andy, and Nate to stay healthy and for everything to go smoothly. I hope Ethan and I can have a beautiful life together without any more accidents.'

Ethan couldn't resist planting a kiss on her cheek. "What did you wish for, love?"

"I can't tell you. If I say it out loud, it won't come true."

"Is that so?"

"What about you? What did you wish for?"

Ethan smiled. He had been too busy watching Ashley to make a wish, not really believing that wishing on shooting stars could make dreams come true. He was merely curious about her wish.

But since she asked, he replied, "I wished that we would be together forever, never apart."

"Why did you say it out loud? Now it won't come true!" Ashley looked dismayed.

Ethan laughed. "You asked, so I answered. Now you're blaming me? Don't worry, though. We'll stay together forever, shooting star or not."

Ashley pouted. "You didn't have to answer just because I asked. Honestly..."

From the corner of her eye, she spotted another shooting star. "Ethan, there's another one! Quick, make a wish, but don't tell me what it is this time."

As the shooting star vanished, Ashley looked anxious.

Ethan played along, pressing his palms together and silently wishing, 'I hope Ashley and I will be together forever.'

The star had long disappeared when Ashley asked eagerly, "Did you make your wish?"

Ethan opened his eyes. "Yes."

"I won't ask what it was this time. Just don't tell anyone."

"I won't."

Ethan pulled her close, holding her hand as they gazed at the stars and felt the night breeze, experiencing pure contentment.

From a window above, Isabella watched the tender scene. Seeing Robbie's heart living on in someone else's body, bringing happiness to this couple, comforted her deeply. In that moment, she genuinely wished them eternal happiness.

At the palace, Garrett was still handling official business when his assistant approached. "Your Majesty, Ms. Mae requests an audience with you."

"Ms. Mae? General Mae's granddaughter? She once saved Ethan, if I recall correctly."

"Yes, sir."

"Send her in."

"Right away, Your Majesty."

Moments later, the assistant returned with a bright-smiling young woman. "Your Majesty," she curtseyed.

"No need for formalities. What brings you here so late, Ms. Mae?"

Vivienne Mae had the air of a vivacious young woman. "Your Majesty, I've returned after four years of studying abroad. I've come to collect on a promise."

"What promise? I'm not aware of any."

"Your Majesty, I once pursued His Highness quite passionately—everyone in the palace knows this. He told me I was too young then, and if I wanted to be with him, I should first attend the University of Aivalia. He said we could revisit the matter after I graduated. Well, I've completed my studies and returned, so naturally I've come to claim my wish."

Garrett's eyes widened in surprise. "What?"

He vaguely remembered Vivienne's pursuit of Ethan. Ethan hadn't been interested, which was why he had deliberately challenged her to study literature in Aivalia. Surprisingly, she had actually done it and returned.

Garrett rubbed his temples.

"His Highness is a prince and possibly a future king. I hope he keeps his word, and I hope you'll bless our union and allow us to marry soon."

Garrett's lips trembled. "Well." 'He's already married,' he thought. But then reconsidered. "Marriage is no trivial matter. It requires consent from both parties. If Ethan agrees, then I will approve."

Vivienne was overjoyed. "Thank you for your blessing, Your Majesty."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Vivienne left the meeting room.

Garrett shook his head as he watched her go.

"Your Majesty, isn't His Highness already married? Why not simply inform Ms. Mae of this fact?" his assistant asked.

"She's General Mae's granddaughter. Out of respect for her grandfather, I wanted to spare her some embarrassment."

"That's thoughtful of you. But might Ms. Mae disrupt His Highness and the princess's relationship?"

"They love each other so deeply that even God couldn't separate them, let alone a young girl. Now, back to work."

"Yes, sir."

Garrett returned to his documents but couldn't concentrate. Though his perceptive eyes had seen through Vivienne's character—not nearly as carefree as she appeared—he reminded himself that she was just a young woman. What harm could she possibly do to Ashley?

The next day, Ashley personally selected Ethan's clothes, helped him dress, and adjusted his tie. "There you go, darling. You look incredibly handsome today."

"Thank you, love. Now hurry and get ready yourself. I'll wait so we can go to the Discussion Group together."

"Alright."

Ashley changed into a light red professional suit that accentuated her perfect figure, looking both beautiful and confident.

"You look incredible in that outfit, exuding both professionalism and regal grace," Ethan complimented her.

"Stop teasing me. I have things to handle after work today."

"What things?"

"Remember? Atticus's father's medicine? Yaakov will have all the ingredients ready today, so I can start the experimental process tonight."

"Darling, won't that be too exhausting for you?"

"Not at all. Making medicine isn't tiring. Let's go."

Ethan still worried about her overexerting herself. As they traveled, their faces radiated happiness. When they reached the palace gates, Ashley said, "Darling, let me get out here. Please don't tell anyone I'm your wife, or they'll think I got the job through connections."

"I understand."

Ashley smiled, glanced around to ensure no one was watching, and slipped out of the luxury car.

The driver helped Ethan into his wheelchair.

Just as he was about to enter the palace, a bright voice called from behind, "Your Highness! I'm back! Did you miss me?"

Ashley had nearly reached the entrance when she heard this. She paused and turned around.

A young woman was excitedly rushing toward Ethan, arms outstretched for an embrace.
The Thousand and First Fall into Love
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