Only Ashley knew what Ethan had been waiting for.
But why should she give him the answer he so desperately wanted?
He had once shattered her belief in love, crushed her hope for life, and now, he’d ruined her wedding too.
She wasn’t a saint. She had no obligation to forgive him. The more he chased an answer, the deeper she
sank into silence.
And truth be told, she had given him the answer–many times.
In this life or the next, Ashley would never choose Ethan again. Loving him was the one mistake she would
never forgive herself for.
But he had never truly listened…
The chaos at the wedding had gone viral. Details of Ashley’s and Ethan’s past were dug up and spread
across the internet, igniting massive attention both at home and abroad.
Even Lila Bennett, who had been off the radar for years, was dragged back into the spotlight.
After her divorce from Ethan, Lila had left the country to study business management. When the Whitmore
Group fell from grace, the Bennett family swiftly rose in power, now on the verge of becoming the most
powerful family in Arlington Heights.
As the only daughter of the Bennetts, Lila took full responsibility for the family’s future. She shed her
once–arrogant persona and buried herself in hard work and learning–becoming capable, composed, and
worthy of the title heiress.
Ashley never imagined she’d see her again, let alone have a calm conversation with her.
So when Lila showed up at her door, Ashley was more than surprised.
The girl in frilly pink princess dresses was long gone. Lila now wore a tailored suit, her black–rimmed
glasses lending her a maturity that made her seem like a different person altogether.
“Dr. Whitmore,” she said softly, “I didn’t expect you to agree to see me. I owe you an apology for everything
I did back then. I was immature and selfish, and I hurt you.”
Without a word, Lila sank to her knees.
“I’m sorry.”
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“I know you don’t want to return to that place–probably not even this country–so I took the liberty of bringing you this.” She held out a repaired watch.
“It’s not what it once was… but maybe it’s something you can keep close.”
Ashley accepted the watch and gently helped Lila to her feet. “I accept your apology. Let’s consider this matter closed. From now on, let’s stay out of each other’s lives and live them well.”
If it weren’t for Ethan, they never would’ve crossed paths.
Lila nodded, gave her a polite bow, and turned to leave.
“Just as you wish. I hope peace and happiness find us both.”
After seeing Lila off, Ashley stepped outside.
Cyrael was leaning against the car, waiting for her. Today, they were heading to her mother’s house for
dinner.
Ashley had been saving a quiet little secret for tonight.
“I’m pregnant,” she said quietly at the table.
Everyone froze.
Then came the clatter of utensils falling, followed by Cyrael’s stunned laughter and tears. He scooped her
into his arms and spun in giddy circles.
“I’m going to be a dad! A dad! Ashley, you’re amazing!”
“Easy! Don’t hurt her–put her down!” her mother scolded, rushing over. “The first trimester is delicate. You
need to be extra careful!”
“Right, right, of course.” Cyrael nodded furiously, gently placing Ashley on the couch. “From today on, I’m on 24–hour husband duty. Everything else can wait.”
True to his word, Cyrael dropped all work from that day forward. He didn’t even look at a paintbrush.
From making tea to buttoning her coat, he did it all–almost like he wished he could carry the pregnancy
for her.
Eight months later, Ashley gave birth to twins–a boy and a girl. Cyrael’s eyes never left Ashley–not even
for a second to look at the babies.
He held Ashley in his arms, tears streaming down his face.
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“No more. Never again. I’ll get a vasectomy.”
“It hurts too much. I can’t bear to see you like this.”
Ashley cried too, overwhelmed by his love.
This–this was love, in its truest form.
She was thankful. Thankful to have met Cyrael in this life. Thankful for a love where both sides lifted each
other up, cherished each other fully.
On the twins‘ first birthday, Cyrael released a video he’d spent two years compiling–every moment from
her pregnancy to the babies‘ first words.
In the footage, Ashley was always smiling–truly, radiantly happy.
The video also played in a hospital room–where a man, barely alive, lay wired to countless machines.
That day, Ethan finally exhaled his last breath.
Perhaps, at last, he’d heard the answer.
Maybe he realized that holding on was meaningless.
Ashley Whitmore would never answer him.
Not in this life.
Not ever.
