Chapter 883 Suspicion

Chapter 883 Suspicion

William quickly pulled his hand away. "Ashley, don't be so suspicious. I'm just feeling sentimental. I'm perfectly healthy!" He thumped his chest confidently to demonstrate his vigor.

The gesture backfired as he suddenly broke into a fit of coughing, his face turning red with the effort.

"William, are you alright?" Ashley rubbed his back with concern.

William hastily pulled out a tissue and covered his mouth, coughing violently before gradually subsiding. He had coughed up blood, but determined to hide it, he kept the tissue pressed against his mouth. "I'm fine," he said hoarsely. "Just something caught in my throat. Would you mind getting me some water?"

"Of course."

As Ashley turned to fetch water, William quickly examined the tissue. A crimson stain had bloomed across the white paper like a flower. His face paled at the sight.

"Here, drink this to soothe your throat," Ashley said, returning with a glass.

William hurriedly tossed the tissue into a nearby trash can, but not quickly enough to hide his panicked expression from Ashley's observant eyes.

"William, what's wrong?" she asked suspiciously.

"Nothing at all."

Ashley handed him the water, her expression growing serious. She couldn't shake the feeling that William was hiding something important from her.

After taking a few sips, William stood up. "That's better. They've started the rehearsal—shall we join them?"

Ashley wanted to press further, but seeing him already standing, she sighed softly and offered her arm. "Take it slow, let me help you."

"Alright."

As they walked, Ashley discreetly tried to check his pulse, but William—ever perceptive—noticed immediately. With a slight smile, he subtly shifted his arm, evading her attempt at a medical assessment.

Ashley frowned, watching him with growing concern.

When they reached the rehearsal area, Ethan noticed Ashley's troubled expression and pulled her close. "Darling, why the long face? What's happened?"

On stage, Atticus and Adina were rehearsing their wedding details, while William had been pulled aside by John to discuss arrangements.

"I'm worried about William," Ashley confided, her eyes following him. "He was coughing badly earlier, and I think something's wrong. Every time I try to check on him, he deflects."

Ethan followed her gaze to where William and John were now arguing heatedly.

"I'll walk on Ashley's left side, you take the right," William insisted firmly.

"I'm her biological father—I should be on the left!" John countered.

"I'm her mentor, I deserve the left position!"

"I should—"

"No, I should—"

Their disagreement escalated into pushing and shoving while Mia, Garrett, and Doris tried to intervene.

Ethan raised an eyebrow at Ashley. "Does that look like a sick man to you? He has enough energy to fight with your father. You're worrying over nothing, love."

Watching the two men squabble over these details, Ashley smiled with affectionate exasperation. "I'd better go sort them out."

"Let's go," Ethan said, taking her hand.

Ashley positioned herself between the two men, linking arms with both of them.

"Dad, William, it doesn't matter who stands where. You're both important to me." She smiled diplomatically. "I'm probably the only bride in the world lucky enough to have two people walking her down the aisle. Let's try to keep things peaceful for my upcoming big day, okay?"

William and John exchanged glances before conceding in unison, "You're right—we can't let you down!"

"So it's settled then," Ashley said, standing between them. "This is how we'll do it during the rehearsal."

"Agreed," they both nodded.

Ethan embraced Ashley. "See? William's fine. Stop worrying."

Ashley looked at Ethan with eyes full of love and nodded firmly. "You're right."

She convinced herself that William had merely choked while coughing. Soon she would be getting married, with both William and John giving her away to the man she loved. She would be the happiest bride in the world!

Meanwhile, Atticus and Adina stood on stage as the officiant announced, "The groom may now kiss the bride."

Everyone applauded enthusiastically, their faces beaming with joy.

Ethan and Ashley exchanged knowing smiles before playfully shouting in unison, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

Despite his dark complexion, Atticus's embarrassment was evident. Adina wrapped her arms around his neck and declared, "Atticus, I love you!" before leaning in for a kiss.

Atticus took control, deepening the kiss. Though theirs had been a whirlwind romance, the love in his eyes was unmistakable. When they finally broke apart, both were blushing.

"Mr. Grayson and Adina's rehearsal is complete," the coordinator announced. "Now it's His Highness and Princess Ashley's turn."

They exchanged glances. Though just a rehearsal, Ethan felt as nervous as if it were the actual ceremony.

Ashley, however, remained composed. "Ready, darling?"

"Ready," Ethan replied, his heart racing.

They followed the procedure step by step, taking their positions on stage. Ethan watched as Ashley approached, escorted by John and William on either side. With each step she took toward him, his heart beat faster.

Finally, John and William placed Ashley's hand in Ethan's, and he held it with profound emotion.

After reciting the traditional vows, the officiant turned to Ethan. "Does the groom have any personal words for his bride?"

Ethan gazed deeply into Ashley's eyes. "Ashley, I... I..." he stammered.

Ashley, sensing what he wanted to say, waited with nervous anticipation, her palms sweating with excitement.

Ethan struggled to form a complete sentence while friends and family watched expectantly.

Gathering his courage, he began, "I..." about to say "love you," when suddenly a voice from the crowd interrupted, "Look! Isn't that His Highness? I thought he was dead! What's he doing here?"

"Did His Highness fake his death for publicity? How disgraceful!" someone else chimed in mockingly.