Chapter 879: She Doesn't Want Any More Regrets

"Why haven't they come out yet? You don't think something's gone wrong, do you?"

"Doris, try to stay calm. I'm sure Ethan and Ashley are fine."

Outside the room, Garrett and Doris waited anxiously. They had been standing there for what felt like hours with no sign of anyone emerging, which only intensified Doris's fears.

In truth, Garrett was just as concerned, his eyes fixed on the closed door, wishing he could see through it to know what was happening inside.

Suddenly, the door opened.

Molly was the first to step out.

Garrett immediately approached her. "Ms. Sullivan, how is Ashley?"

Molly offered a small smile. "Your Majesty, the Hex worm has been successfully removed from Ms. White. She's still unconscious but will be fine when she wakes. There's no need to worry."

Garrett exhaled in relief. "Ms. Sullivan, thank you so much."

William followed, pushing a wheelchair with Dwayne's lifeless body slumped in it.

"What happened to him?" Garrett asked, startled.

Molly glanced coldly at Dwayne's corpse. "He brought this on himself. His internal organs were consumed by the very Hex worms he used as weapons."

The villain was finally dead. No one else would suffer at his hands again.

"He got exactly what he deserved," Garrett said with contempt. "Doris, have the police collect his body."

Doris nodded. "Right away." She took control of the wheelchair and pushed it toward the exit where police officers were waiting.

William suddenly swayed, nearly collapsing as his support was gone.

Garrett quickly caught him. "William, are you alright?"

A flash of red glinted in William's eyes.

Garrett rubbed his own eyes, but when he looked again, William's gaze had returned to normal.

"Your Majesty, I'm fine," William assured him, closing the door behind them. "Ethan is looking after Ashley. We should leave them alone."

Garrett nodded. "Let's go."

The group departed, leaving the couple in privacy.

Inside the room, Ethan carefully laid Ashley on the bed, tucking the covers around her.

The battle against the Hex worms had been intense. William and Molly had used their secret techniques to destroy all the creatures, ensuring they could never harm anyone again.

Remembering the dangerous scene made Ethan shudder.

He held Ashley's hand tightly, his voice breaking. "Darling, I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you."

Ethan buried his face against Ashley's chest, his body trembling slightly.

Ashley slowly regained consciousness, disoriented at first, feeling a weight making it difficult to breathe.

She shifted slightly, recognizing Ethan's head and hearing his quiet sobs.

"Darling," she rasped, "you're crushing me."

Ethan's head snapped up, his expression a mixture of joy and concern.

"You're awake! Are you in pain anywhere?" He examined her anxiously, searching for any sign of injury.

Ashley shook her head. "I'm fine."

"You must be hungry," Ethan said. "I'll make you something to eat. You should rest a little longer."

He adjusted her blankets, his hands trembling with emotion.

Ashley, understanding his distress, took his shaking hands in hers. "Darling, I'm right here in front of you, perfectly fine. Stop worrying so much."

She gazed steadily into his eyes.

After a long moment of silence, Ethan's eyes reddened, and he pulled Ashley into a tight embrace.

"Do you have any idea what it was like? Watching you collapse, seeing that Hex worm crawling under your skin—I've never felt so helpless in my life."

"Thank God you're alright. The Hex worm is gone now."

Ethan held her as if he might lose her again at any moment.

Ashley tried to recall what had happened before she lost consciousness.

"Was it Ms. Sullivan who removed the Hex worm?" she asked.

"Yes, with William's help. They worked together."

"Tell me everything that happened."

Ethan nodded. "Of course."

He recounted the entire ordeal in detail, from her collapse to the extraction of the Hex worm and the subsequent battle.

Ashley listened intently, her expression shifting between concern and relief.

"I had no idea so much happened while I was unconscious," she said, amazed.

Suddenly remembering something important, she asked anxiously, "Were you hurt trying to protect me?"

She examined him carefully, worried he might have been injured.

Ethan shook his head. "I'm fine, darling. William shielded us both at the critical moment."

"William..." Ashley said with concern. "Is he alright?"

"Don't worry, he's fine too."

Ashley sighed with relief. "That's good."

As they talked, Ethan shifted position, drawing Ashley into his arms. They leaned against each other, gazing out the window, lost in thought.

Ashley sighed deeply.

"What's wrong?" Ethan asked.

"I was just thinking about everything we've been through over the years," Ashley said. "Sometimes it feels so exhausting."

She intertwined her fingers with his, reflecting on their past hardships—the child she had lost, the six years they spent apart after she fell into the sea. All profound regrets that had shaped their lives.

"All I want is a peaceful life," she said painfully. "I don't want any more drama, any more regrets. Is that really too much to ask?"

Ethan understood completely. He too longed for a simple, quiet existence.

He held her close, hiding the pain in his eyes.

"Don't worry," he said. "Dwayne is dead. He can't cause any more trouble."

Ashley looked up in shock. "Dwayne is dead?"

"Yes, and it was justice served."

Ethan explained how Dwayne had died, consumed by his own Hex worms.

Ashley thought about all the evil Dwayne had done over the years, his manipulations and schemes.

Her chest heaved with indignation. "I can't believe he got off so easily. It seems too merciful for someone like him."

Ethan gently rubbed her back. "Let's not talk about him anymore. Remember why we came to the Grayson Mansion today? We had another purpose."

Ashley suddenly recalled. "You're right! We should go find Atticus now."

"Let me help you."

Ethan supported Ashley as they made their way to the living room.

Inside, they found Garrett, Doris, Atticus, Adina, William, Molly, and others engaged in animated conversation, their faces bright with happiness.

Seeing this heartwarming scene, Ashley couldn't help but smile.

She and Ethan exchanged a knowing look.

"Darling," Ethan said, his eyes shining, "they must be discussing our wedding. We should join them—we are the guests of honor, after all."

"Yes, let's go."

As Ashley approached, everyone stood to greet them.

"Ashley, you're not feeling well. Shouldn't you be resting longer...?"

William's concerned words were cut short as he suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed back onto the sofa.

Ashley's heart jumped. "William!" she cried out in alarm.