Chapter 583 I'm Married
Ethan heard someone calling his name and instinctively turned around. He saw a young woman rushing toward him with outstretched arms, clearly excited for an embrace. His pupils dilated in shock as he growled, "Get away from me!"
"Your Highness, what's wrong? Don't you remember me? I'm Vivienne!" she exclaimed.
Noticing his obvious discomfort, Vivienne still attempted to throw herself at him. Ethan quickly pressed the automatic button on his wheelchair, backing away just in time as Vivienne lunged forward and missed.
"What are you all standing around for? Stop her!" Ethan commanded in a low voice.
"Yes, sir."
The guards who had come to escort him finally reacted, restraining Vivienne and creating distance between them. Only then did Ethan feel somewhat safe again.
Pouting with disappointment, Vivienne said, "Your Highness, it's only been four years since we last met. Have you completely forgotten me?"
"Who exactly are you?" Ethan asked, bewildered.
He anxiously glanced toward Ashley and noticed she was watching the scene unfold. Panic surged through him as he desperately wanted to explain the situation.
Standing nearby, Ashley couldn't help but wonder about this new development. Another woman appearing out of nowhere? He certainly had no shortage of female admirers—one left and another immediately took her place!
Seeing Ethan's nervous expression directed at her, Ashley responded with a cold snort before turning to leave.
Ethan's heart sank as he quickly maneuvered his wheelchair to follow her.
"Your Highness, wait for me!" Vivienne called after him.
"I don't know you. Go away!" he snapped.
"Your Highness, how can you not remember me? Surely you remember my grandfather, Preston Mae! I'm his only granddaughter. Both my grandfather and father were heroes who sacrificed themselves for our country!"
Ethan's hand froze over the wheelchair controls, bringing it to a halt. He turned back with a shocked expression. "You're General Mae's granddaughter?"
He struggled to recall, but after a moment, the memory returned. During his first two years in Gold Valley District, a young girl had constantly followed him around, declaring she would marry him someday. He had felt nothing but indifference toward her at the time, but out of respect for her lineage as the granddaughter of the fallen General Mae, he hadn't outright rejected her. Instead, he had encouraged her to study abroad, effectively sending her away.
"Oh... it's you," he said with realization.
Though the young girl had grown more beautiful over the years, Ethan remained completely uninterested.
"Your Highness, you remember now!" Vivienne exclaimed with delight.
Ethan massaged his temples in frustration before waving off his guards, who promptly withdrew.
"What do you want from me?" he asked directly.
"I'm here to claim your promise, of course! Four years ago, you told me that if I got accepted to the University of Aivalia and graduated successfully, you would consider marrying me."
Ethan's lip twitched as he replied, "I've given it consideration, and we're not compatible. You should abandon these notions."
With that, he turned to leave.
Vivienne hurried after him. "Why not? How can you know we're incompatible without giving us a chance?"
"I'm already married!" Ethan barked. "Please show some respect!"
"What? Married? That's impossible! How could you have married someone already." Vivienne stomped her foot, her face contorted with heartbreak and anger.
"Are you questioning me?" Ethan asked coldly.
Fear flickered across Vivienne's eyes. "No, I just can't believe it."
"Believe what you will, but stop pursuing me!"
Ethan steered his wheelchair into the palace, leaving Vivienne staring after him, stomping her foot in frustration.
How could the prince be married without her hearing about it?
After pondering for a moment, she grabbed one of the guards and demanded, "Is His Highness Prince Totti really married? Who is the princess?"
"Well..." the guard hesitated. "I don't know."
Sensing the guard's reluctance, Vivienne slipped him some money. "Tell me the truth. Is he actually married or not?"
"Miss Mae, there's been no official announcement of His Highness Prince Totti's marriage... but there is a woman who's been seen with him."
"I see. Thank you," Vivienne replied, hope rekindling in her eyes. "So, Prince Totti tried to deceive me. He isn't married at all! He won't be able to stop me—I will win his heart."
Meanwhile, Ashley arrived at the orientation session and was surprised to encounter Isabella.
"You're joining too?" Ashley asked.
"Yes, congratulations on your successful application. I didn't expect to see you here," Isabella replied.
"Congratulations to you as well. We'll be colleagues now. I'm Ashley, and you are?"
"You can call me Isabella."
The two women shook hands, putting their previous misunderstanding behind them.
A staff member approached them. "Ladies, please follow me."
Ashley and Isabella walked side by side behind the staff member to the office area.
"This office will be yours, Ms. White, and this one is for you, Ms. Taylor," the staff member explained. "Someone will show you around shortly to help you get familiar with everything. Once you're settled, you can begin your official duties."
"Thank you," they both replied.
Ashley and Isabella each entered their respective offices.
Ethan, navigating his wheelchair down the hallway, caught sight of Ashley entering her office and followed her inside. As soon as she turned around and saw him attempting to speak with her, she shot him a warning glance that clearly said, "Don't acknowledge knowing me."
Ethan's face fell in disappointment, his eyes pleading, "Darling, let me explain. It's not what you think."
Ashley's pointed look replied, "We'll discuss this when I get home."
"Your Highness! There you are! I finally found you!" came a familiar voice from the doorway.
Hearing this, Ethan couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Who let you in here? Get out!"
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