Chapter 841 Her Illness

After dinner, Ashley and Beathan took a stroll along the street.

The moonlight was soft, and the streetlights bathed everything in a warm glow.

They chatted as they walked, discussing how the law firm they once worked for had closed down, and a small tech startup developing apps replaced the firm.

They also mentioned that their alma mater was celebrating its centennial that year. If they had the time, they might attend the celebration together.

Their conversation was filled with laughter, and the atmosphere was harmonious. It was as though nothing had ever gone wrong.

For a moment, Beathan almost felt the evening was just a beautiful dream that he conjured. However, he knew it was real.

He even began to think that perhaps Ashley's coma for three years was a good thing. At least, she no longer hated him. Her mental illness left her numb to joy, anger, and sorrow. She no longer harbored hatred or resentment toward him.

To Beathan, it was a blessing. He hoped that she would never fully recover.

Ashley also mentioned that, after three years in a coma, her knowledge seemed to have faded. She couldn't memorize any of the laws and regulations.

She had taken on a pro bono case to help construction workers recover unpaid wages. Though she had all the necessary materials, she struggled to approach the case.

"How about we have lunch together tomorrow? You can bring the materials. I'll help you take a look at them. I helped you edit your first complaint, remember?" Beathan couldn't tear his eyes away from her face for even a second.

Ashley lowered her gaze and looked down at the ground.

"Of course, I remember. I also remember that you were there with me for my first open court," she said calmly.

Beathan responded, "I can go with you to this trial too."

Ashley looked at him and nodded. "Sure."

Beathan smiled. He couldn't help but unconsciously move a step closer. "Ash, we..."

Ashley glanced at her watch and said, "It's getting late. I'm heading back. You should too."

Before he could protest, Ashley hailed a cab. She opened the door and entered the car.

Before the car pulled away, she gave Beathan a final nod. "See you tomorrow."

Beathan stood blankly and watched as the car disappeared into the distance.

It was only after losing something that people realized how much it mattered to them.

When Beathan first broke up with Ashley, he felt little regret. That feeling didn't grow until he found out that she had married Elias.

A deep resentment took root, like a shadow creeping into his mind. She was supposed to be his.

That thought deepened and became entrenched. Now, it was impossible to shake off.

He wasn't sure if what he felt for Ashley was love or just an obsession, but it didn't matter. He would take back what was once his.

The respectable lawyer's career, the sweet romantic partner; he would take it all back. He would reclaim everything, and nothing would stand in his way.Property © of .

Beathan adjusted his glasses and turned around. He walked back to the house, already plotting how to escape the mess he was in.

What he didn't know was that the cab picking up Ashley had stopped around the corner.

Elias, ignoring any sense of professional conduct, climbed to the back seat. He pulled Ashley into his arms, showering her with affection.

He had followed Ashley and Beathan the entire way, watching and listening to everything they said and did.

Elias was sharp, and he knew why Ashley had suddenly started reminiscing with Beathan. She was using him as therapy, hoping to treat her mental illness.

Her first job at the law firm, her first lawsuit, her first time in court-Beathan had been there for all of it. After all, they had been together since college. Their lives were intertwined in many meaningful ways.

Ashley was suffering from PTSD, and she struggled with the fear of going to court. She was uncertain of how to be a lawyer again. So, she wanted to go back to the start, hoping Beathan could help her heal.

Elias understood. He wasn't jealous, just quietly aching for her. She hated Beathan so much, yet she had to face him.