> 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 ) 70.00 % > 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