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Chapter 14
Ethan looked nothing like the high–powered executive he’d once been. He’d shed so much weight, his jaw
was rough with scruff, and his eyes were sunken and hollow. The white shirt and black pants he wore only
emphasized how gaunt and worn he’d become. He looked more like a down–on–his–luck real estate agent
than the heir to Arlington Heights‘ most powerful family.
The moment he saw Ashley Whitmore, he rushed forward like a man possessed, reaching for her arm.
“Ash, I finally found you. Over three years… I missed you so much I thought I’d lose my mind.”
Ashley’s brows knit as she stepped back, sidestepping his reach. “Don’t touch me.”
Ethan’s hand froze midair, his eyes clouding with pain. “Ash… are you still angry at me?”
“Please, just let me explain. It’s not what you think. I’ve loved you for a long time–I just didn’t realize it.
That day, with my uncle… what I said wasn’t all a lie. When I saw him about to touch you, I completely lost
it…”
The words tumbled out in a rush, desperate for her to understand–completely oblivious to the color
draining from Ashley’s face.
“When I told him I loved you, I meant it. I admit, I was an asshole. I wanted to protect Lila, but I truly didn’t
want you to get hurt. I really was ready to trade a hundred billion just to save you-”
“Ethan, shut up!” Ashley’s voice rang out, cold and sharp, cutting him off mid–sentence.
Her lips trembled. Her fingers dug deep into her palms, nails biting into raw skin as she tried to steady
herself. She might have survived the worst of it, but that didn’t mean she could bear reliving it–especially
with him tearing the wounds wide open as if they were nothing.
“You bastard!” she spat, swinging her hand up to slap him–hard.
“It’s been three years. Do you have any idea how long it took me to finally let go? And now you show up,
expecting me to relive that nightmare just because you feel guilty?”
Ethan stood frozen in place, stunned by the force of her slap. Her eyes were blazing with fury and unshed
tears, and only then did the gravity of his intrusion begin to sink in.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to–I just needed you to know I love you,” he muttered, voice cracking.
“Get out!” Ashley was shaking, her body trembling with rage. “I never want to see you again. Get out!”
“Ash, don’t be mad. I’ll go no. But when you’ve calmed down, I’ll come back. I’ll prove it to you–I’ll prove I
Chapter 14
Wife on the Run, Again! (DUBBED)
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love you.”
With that, Ethan slowly backed away, looking over his shoulder every few steps as though hoping she’d
call him back. She didn’t.
Only when his figure finally vanished around the corner did Ashley’s knees give way, her whole body still
shaking. Blood seeped from her clenched palms where her nails had broken the skin.
“Ash? What happened?” Cyrael rounded the corner, grocery bags in hand. The moment he saw her pale
face, everything dropped from his hands.
He rushed forward and pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay. I’ve got you. Just breathe, Ash. You’re safe.”
His voice was gentle, his hand slowly stroking her back as he whispered calming words.
Gradually, Ashley’s body relaxed, going limp in his arms.
Cyrael carried her home and carefully cleaned her hands, tending to the wounds in her palms with
heartbreaking tenderness.
“Let’s move,” he said softly. “The new place is ready.”
Cyrael didn’t ask any questions. He never did.
He never wanted her to dwell on her pain–his only goal was to help her heal, to make sure she never felt
broken again.
Ashley gave a small nod. That very day, they began packing for the move.
Meanwhile, Ethan had not remained idle.
He bought her a luxury yacht. Then a private jet.
He bought her another private island.
He acquired an ancient château and priceless jewelry just for her.
He even transferred 5% of his company’s shares into her name.
And in front of her home, he had a massive banner hung up, bright red letters that read:
“Ethan Campbell loves Ashley Whitmore.”
Chapter 14
