Chapter 888 The Strange-Behaving Man

Chapter 888 The Strange-Behaving Man

"I'm not sure that's appropriate! Besides, fate works in mysterious ways. What if our children grow up and don't like each other? It could damage our friendship," Ashley voiced her concerns.

Adina's face fell with disappointment. "I suppose you're right. Such a shame though."

Seeing her friend's dejection, Ashley squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Adina, there's nothing to regret. When our children are born, they'll still grow up as friends."

At these words, Adina's smile returned.

"Hayes," John suddenly interjected, "I actually think an arranged marriage could work."

Ashley turned to her father in surprise. "Dad, what are you suggesting?"

John took her hand and explained, "Hayes, years ago, when our families were close with the Yates, your mother and Katherine instantly connected while she was pregnant with you. They arranged your marriage to Ethan right then and there."

"Look how that turned out—you two had a marriage contract since childhood, and despite getting separated, you found your way back to each other. That's destiny!"

"In my opinion, you should consider Adina's proposal. Who knows? It might lead to another beautiful love story!"

Atticus and Adina exchanged glances.

Adina looked hopeful.

Ashley fell into deep thought. John had a point—she and Ethan truly were destined for each other. What she had thought was merely a contractual marriage had actually been arranged since their childhood.

But her unborn child's gender was still unknown. Making such an early decision seemed premature.

After contemplating for a moment, Ashley spoke, "Atticus, Adina, I've considered your suggestion carefully. I think we could agree to an arrangement if one of us has a boy and the other a girl. However, if they grow up and don't care for each other, we'll cancel the arrangement without letting it affect our friendship. Would that work?"

Atticus and Adina smiled at each other.

"Perfect! It's decided then," they replied in unison.

"Ashley, this is my first pregnancy—you'll have to teach me everything," Adina added.

"Of course."

The bond between the two women had deepened without them even realizing it.

This simple, peaceful life brought smiles to everyone's faces. As they looked at one another, each felt the profound happiness of the moment.

The conversation shifted to other topics as they continued enjoying each other's company.

Ashley sat beside John and Mia, peeling fruit for them and occasionally massaging their shoulders. She rarely had time with her parents, so she made the most of these moments together.

Just then, a news broadcast caught their attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, regarding rumors of His Highness Prince Totti's death, officials will be holding a press conference to address public concerns. Let's watch."

The screen switched to a press conference where Garrett sat at the main podium with Ethan beside him.

Everyone in the living room looked at Ashley.

Mia squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Hayes, don't worry. Ethan will clear everything up."

"I know," Ashley nodded firmly, her eyes fixed on the screen.

At the press conference, a reporter asked, "Your Highness, media reports of your death have proven false, yet you remained silent throughout this controversy. Many citizens cast their votes for you in memoriam—wasn't this deceptive behavior on your part?"

With a composed expression, Ethan replied, "Let me explain..."

He proceeded to detail Kelsey's scheme clearly for the media.

"Those are the facts," Ethan concluded. "I'm deeply grateful for the public's support, but that was never my intention. As of today, I'm withdrawing from the royal succession."

His announcement caused an uproar. Even Garrett turned to Ethan in shock.

"Ethan," Garrett whispered, "don't be rash. Your polling numbers practically guarantee you'll be the next king. Are you really giving up the throne?"

Ethan smiled faintly. "Father, I've never been interested in becoming king."

Garrett's expression hardened, but he quickly composed himself before the reporters.

Another journalist asked, "Your Highness, you claim this was all Kelsey's plot, but what about Princess Ashley's alleged affair that she announced on her official account? What's the truth behind that?"

Ethan could easily expose Kelsey's crimes to the media, but revealing Griffin's true identity as Dwayne would raise questions about how he escaped from the royal prison—potentially implicating Garrett, who had only acted with Ethan's best interests at heart.

Faced with this dilemma, Ethan chose his words carefully. "That was also Kelsey's scheme. The man in question was working for her and forced my wife to post that statement."

Another wave of murmurs swept through the room.

Garrett gave Ethan a meaningful look, which Ethan returned with a subtle nod of reassurance. This wasn't covering for Garrett—Dwayne had indeed conspired with Kelsey against them.

Sensing the lingering doubts, Ethan continued, "If you examine that post carefully, did you notice the symbols at the end? Did anyone consider what they might mean?"

People began checking their phones, reviewing Ashley's original post. The message remained undeleted, clearly displaying three symbols at the end—symbols that, upon closer inspection, represented the emergency number!

"My God, there was an emergency code right there! We were all too shocked by the content to notice the distress signal!"

"His Highness and Princess Ashley showed such courage and intelligence during this crisis."

As praise for the royal couple spread through the crowd, Ethan nodded to the moderator.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the press, now that these concerns have been addressed, this concludes today's conference," the moderator announced.

Ethan and Garrett stood, acknowledging the media with a nod before turning to leave.

As the reporters prepared to disperse, a strange man with erratic movements suddenly approached the crowd, making guttural sounds and moving like something from a horror film.

"Who is that? Is he mentally ill?"

"How did he get in here? Someone remove him!"

The man's hollow eyes locked onto Ethan before he suddenly sprinted toward him.

People scrambled backward in fear.

"Ethan, look out!" Garrett shouted, moving to shield his son.

In that instant, Simon rushed forward to protect them both. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, this man looks dangerous—get back!"

Before he could finish, the assailant grabbed Simon and revealed bloody fangs, poised to bite.