As Ethan's voice echoed across the wedding grounds , the heavy thrum of helicopter blades cut through the air . Dozens of military helicopters hovered over the estate as mercenaries in full camouflage fast - roped from the skies . They were tall , intimidating , and almost all of them were foreign . Within moments , they had surrounded the entire wedding party . With weapons raised , they swept through the crowd , driving guests toward the center of the estate in perfect , disciplined formation . Ashley Whitmore's heart lurched . Shock rippled across her face . She had never imagined Ethan would go this far . He had actually brought a private militia - to crash her wedding . " Don't be afraid , " Cyrael said , squeezing her fingers tightly in his . His voice was still calm , still warm . He gently drew her into his arms . " I'm right here . " Tears welled in Ashley's eyes . " I'm sorry . I didn't know he'd gone completely insane … " " You never need to apologize to me , sweetheart , " Cyrael whispered , brushing the corner of her eye with his thumb . " Do you trust me , Ashley ? " She held his gaze and nodded firmly . " I trust you . You're my husband . I'll always trust you . " Cyrael smiled , bright and reassuring as sunlight . And just like that , Ashley felt a fragile sense of peace settle in . But their quiet moment felt like a dagger in Ethan's heart . He stormed toward them , rifle in one hand , fury in his eyes . He grabbed Ashley's free wrist with a forceful yank . "Ash , come with me ! " he ordered , trying to pull her away . Ashley staggered slightly but didn't move . Her fingers stayed tightly laced with Cyrael's . " You're not leaving ? " Ethan's face darkened . " Or would you rather watch him die ? " At his signal , two mercenaries closed in . In an instant , cold gunmetal pressed against Cyrael's temple . The men yanked harshly at him , trying to separate their joined hands . Afraid she'd be hurt in the struggle , Cyrael slowly released her hand on his own . " Ashley , it's okay . Let go . " Ashley hesitated , reluctant , but she was too afraid of seeing him harmed . She finally , reluctantly , let go . Chapter 17 85.00 % Wife on the Run , Again ! ( DUBBED ) Seeing them torn apart , a flicker of triumph lit up Ethan's eyes . He leaned in close to Ashley's ear , sneering , " See how quickly he let go ? Guess you're not worth more to him than his own life . " " At least he weighed it against his own life , " Ashley said coldly , refusing to even look at Ethan . " You ? You couldn't even set me above your precious reputation . You were too cowardly to admit we were ever together . You have no right to insult him . " Ethan froze , throat tightening with shame . He had no rebuttal . Her words lodged like stone in his chest . After a long pause , he finally said , " Ash , I've changed . I'll do anything for you now . That's why I'm here - to take you back . Come with me to Coralwind Private Island . We can live the rest of our lives in peace . Just the two of us . " " No more interruptions . No more lies . " He tightened his grip on her wrist , fingers digging into her delicate skin , leaving angry red marks . His desperation had already crossed the line from love into obsession . Ashley winced . Her brows knit together . Ethan's love had twisted into something suffocating . From the side , Cyrael shook his head slightly , silently urging her not to provoke Ethan further . " I'm not much for deserted islands , " Ashley said , keeping her voice as steady as she could . " We could stay here , keep things simple . " Ethan's eyes lit up . " Yes , of course . Anywhere - wherever you want , as long as we're together . " He pulled her into a tight embrace , trembling with emotion . Ashley stiffened , disgust flickering across her face as she struggled lightly . " You're crushing me . " " Sorry - sorry , " Ethan stammered , easing his hold , his eyes reddening . " I'm just so happy , Ash . You're finally accepting me again . " Ashley raised her head , staring into his eyes . " What about Whitmore Group ? What about your family ? I see how determined you are … but are you really willing to lose everything for me ? " " If you stay here , you could lose it all . " Chapter 17