As Ethan’s voice echoed across the wedding grounds, the heavy thrum of helicopter blades cut through
the air.
Dozens of military helicopters hovered over the estate as mercenaries in full camouflage fast–roped from the skies. They were tall, intimidating, and almost all of them were foreign.
Within moments, they had surrounded the entire wedding party. With weapons raised, they swept through the crowd, driving guests toward the center of the estate in perfect, disciplined formation.
Ashley Whitmore’s heart lurched. Shock rippled across her face.
She had never imagined Ethan would go this far.
He had actually brought a private militia–to crash her wedding.
“Don’t be afraid,” Cyrael said, squeezing her fingers tightly in his. His voice was still calm, still warm. He gently drew her into his arms. “I’m right here.”
Tears welled in Ashley’s eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know he’d gone completely insane…”
“You never need to apologize to me, sweetheart,” Cyrael whispered, brushing the corner of her eye with his thumb. “Do you trust me, Ashley?”
She held his gaze and nodded firmly. “I trust you. You’re my husband. I’ll always trust you.”
Cyrael smiled, bright and reassuring as sunlight. And just like that, Ashley felt a fragile sense of peace
settle in.
But their quiet moment felt like a dagger in Ethan’s heart. He stormed toward them, rifle in one hand, fury in his eyes. He grabbed Ashley’s free wrist with a forceful yank.
“Ash, come with me!” he ordered, trying to pull her away.
Ashley staggered slightly but didn’t move. Her fingers stayed tightly laced with Cyrael’s.
“You’re not leaving?” Ethan’s face darkened. “Or would you rather watch him die?”
At his signal, two mercenaries closed in. In an instant, cold gunmetal pressed against Cyrael’s temple. The men yanked harshly at him, trying to separate their joined hands.
Afraid she’d be hurt in the struggle, Cyrael slowly released her hand on his own. “Ashley, it’s okay. Let go.”
Ashley hesitated, reluctant, but she was too afraid of seeing him harmed. She finally, reluctantly, let go.
Chapter 17
85.00%
Wife on the Run, Again! (DUBBED)
Seeing them torn apart, a flicker of triumph lit up Ethan’s eyes. He leaned in close to Ashley’s ear, sneering,
“See how quickly he let go? Guess you’re not worth more to him than his own life.”
“At least he weighed it against his own life,” Ashley said coldly, refusing to even look at Ethan. “You? You
couldn’t even set me above your precious reputation. You were too cowardly to admit we were ever
together. You have no right to insult him.”
Ethan froze, throat tightening with shame. He had no rebuttal. Her words lodged like stone in his chest.
After a long pause, he finally said, “Ash, I’ve changed. I’ll do anything for you now. That’s why I’m here–to take you back. Come with me to Coralwind Private Island. We can live the rest of our lives in peace. Just
the two of us.”
“No more interruptions. No more lies.”
He tightened his grip on her wrist, fingers digging into her delicate skin, leaving angry red marks. His desperation had already crossed the line from love into obsession.
Ashley winced. Her brows knit together.
Ethan’s love had twisted into something suffocating.
From the side, Cyrael shook his head slightly, silently urging her not to provoke Ethan further.
“I’m not much for deserted islands,” Ashley said, keeping her voice as steady as she could. “We could stay
here, keep things simple.”
Ethan’s eyes lit up. “Yes, of course. Anywhere–wherever you want, as long as we’re together.”
He pulled her into a tight embrace, trembling with emotion.
Ashley stiffened, disgust flickering across her face as she struggled lightly. “You’re crushing me.”
“Sorry–sorry,” Ethan stammered, easing his hold, his eyes reddening. “I’m just so happy, Ash. You’re finally
accepting me again.”
Ashley raised her head, staring into his eyes. “What about Whitmore Group? What about your family? I see how determined you are… but are you really willing to lose everything for me?”
“If you stay here, you could lose it all.”
Chapter 17
