The Attention 370 Summary
In Chapter 370, titled “Grounded,” the protagonist regains consciousness in a hospital, surrounded by the sterile scent of antiseptic and the sound of machines. Ashton, a significant figure in her life, stands by her bed, visibly concerned. As she struggles to sit up, a sharp pain in her head reminds her of the recent turmoil she faced, particularly her encounter with Daniel, which had ended in betrayal. The protagonist feels a mix of embarrassment and guilt as she explains her reasoning for meeting Daniel, who had claimed to possess vital information about a kidnapping. Ashton’s reproachful response highlights the tension between them, revealing the depth of their relationship and the stakes involved.
As they leave the hospital, the protagonist expresses worry about her baby, which Ashton sarcastically acknowledges. Their interaction is charged with emotions—guilt, affection, and underlying tension—as they navigate their feelings about her reckless decision to meet Daniel. A moment of levity occurs when she playfully suggests naming their baby Maple, which Ashton initially considers but later dismisses, leading to a light-hearted debate. This exchange showcases their dynamic, filled with both seriousness and humor, as they confront the realities of impending parenthood.
Once home, the protagonist feels the weight of being “grounded,” struggling against the confines of her situation. Days pass in a monotonous cycle, and she reaches a breaking point, yearning for freedom and normalcy. When she proposes going to the studio to work, Ashton’s disapproval is palpable, reflecting his protective instincts. Despite her determination to maintain her independence and sanity during her pregnancy, Ashton remains worried, illustrating the conflict between her desire for autonomy and his instinct to protect both her and their unborn child.
The tension escalates as she insists on her need to work, arguing that staying indoors could drive her to madness. Ashton ultimately concedes but sets strict conditions for her outings, emphasizing the need for caution. Their negotiation reveals the complexity of their relationship as they balance care, responsibility, and the desire for personal freedom. The chapter concludes with a sense of compromise, as the protagonist feels a surge of agreement with Ashton’s terms, indicating a step forward in their journey together as they prepare for parenthood amidst the challenges they face.
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**TITLE: The Attention 370**
**Chapter 370 Grounded**
As consciousness slowly crept back in, I fluttered my eyelids open, the world around me coming into focus. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, mingling with the faint hum of machines.
“How are you feeling?” A voice sliced through the stillness, jolting me upright.
I turned to see Ashton standing there, concern etched across his face. In my haste to sit up, a sharp, throbbing pain radiated through my head, causing me to wince.
“Lie back down,” Ashton instructed, stepping closer, his expression a mixture of worry and authority.
I obeyed, allowing myself to sink back against the pillows, waiting for the pain to ebb. “What are you doing here? Where am I?” My voice was hoarse, laced with confusion.
Suddenly, memories rushed back—flashes of the confrontation with Daniel, the tension, the betrayal. “Daniel?” I gasped, the name escaping my lips like a whispered prayer.
Ashton’s brow furrowed, and his tone turned reproachful. “It took you that long to realize? I thought you’d severed ties with him. Why would you go to see him?”
A wave of embarrassment washed over me. “I only went because he claimed to have crucial information about the kidnapping. I never imagined…” My voice trailed off, the weight of betrayal heavy in the air. I had trusted Daniel, and now I felt foolish.
Ashton’s expression softened slightly, though the sternness lingered. He extended a hand to help me out of bed, his grip firm yet gentle.
As we made our way home from the hospital, I couldn’t hold back my concern. “Is the baby alright?”
A hint of sarcasm crept into his voice. “So you do remember to care about the baby? You’re pregnant, yet instead of resting at home, you run off to meet a man who harbors a grudge against you. What were you thinking?”
His lecture was uncharacteristically lengthy, and I felt my cheeks flush with guilt. Leaning in, I silenced him with a kiss, our lips meeting softly.
After a moment, we pulled apart, and I offered a sheepish smile. “Alright, I know I was wrong. Can we stop the lecture now?”
His brow arched, skepticism in his gaze. “You think that’s enough to make me forgive you?”
I grinned playfully. “Want another one?”
A reluctant snort escaped him, and I could see the irritation and anger melting away, replaced by a flicker of amusement.
***
Once we arrived home, it was clear I was grounded. The notion of stepping outside, even to fetch the morning paper, was off-limits. The confinement felt suffocating, and I found myself chafing against the restrictions.
Days turned into a monotonous cycle of eat, sleep, and repeat. Over a week passed, and I reached my breaking point.
One Tuesday morning, I awoke long after the sun had climbed high in the sky. Ashton had already left for work, as was his routine.
Rubbing my aching lower back, I cursed him silently for keeping me awake for hours the previous night. After a quick wash and change, I made my way downstairs to prepare brunch.
As I sat at the table, a sudden thought struck me like a bolt of lightning: “If it’s a girl, we should name her Maple.”
To my surprise, Ashton paused, genuinely considering the name. “Maple’s not a bad name,” he admitted thoughtfully.
I erupted into laughter, the absurdity of the suggestion hitting me. It had been a whimsical idea, inspired by the maple syrup sitting innocently on the table. I had half-expected Ashton to dismiss it outright.
However, as we finished breakfast and he prepared to leave, a look of realization crossed his face. “Wait, no,” he said, his tone shifting to serious.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, puzzled.
“We can’t name the baby Maple.”
“But it’s such a lovely name!” I protested, feeling a hint of disappointment.
“What if it’s a boy?” he countered, raising an eyebrow.
He had a valid point, and I conceded. “Then we’ll come up with a boy’s name.” Then, gathering my courage, I broached the subject I had been mulling over. “I need to go to the studio. Can you give me a ride?”
Ashton’s expression darkened, his brows knitting together in disapproval. “You’re still planning to work?”
“Of course! Don’t even suggest that I can work from home. If I stay cooped up any longer, I might go crazy. That can’t be good for the baby,” I insisted, determination in my voice.
He opened his mouth to protest, but the mention of the baby seemed to stall his objections. His lips pressed into a thin line, the storm brewing in his eyes evident.
I sighed, reaching for his hand. “Don’t worry. Plenty of women work while they’re pregnant. I’m healthy, and I promise I’ll be careful.”
Despite my reassurances, Ashton’s expression remained grim, a cloud of worry hanging over him.
Frustrated, I shook off his hand. “I can’t just be stuck indoors all day! If I’m confined to the house for the entire pregnancy, that’s practically a year without stepping outside. That’s not pregnancy; that’s a prison sentence!”
“Fine,” he finally grumbled, his reluctance evident.
My heart soared at his concession. “So you agree?”
“But there are conditions,” he added sternly, his tone brokering no argument.
“Of course. Tell me,” I urged, eager to hear his terms.
“First, you only go to the studio. No other outings unless I’m with you.”
I mulled it over; that seemed manageable enough. “Alright, I can do that.”
“Second, when you’re at the studio, no unnecessary moving around—no climbing ladders, no using sharp tools for cutting jewelry, and no eating out for lunch. I’ll have meals delivered to you.”
I considered his conditions and nodded again, feeling a surge of agreement. “Anything else?” I asked, ready to comply.
Conclusion
In the wake of the tumultuous events that had unfolded, I found myself standing at the precipice of a new chapter. The hospital room, once a place of confusion and pain, had transformed into a sanctuary of clarity. With Ashton by my side, the weight of my choices began to lift, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. Our playful banter over baby names, even if it was tinged with seriousness, marked a shift in our dynamic—a reminder that joy could still flourish amidst the chaos. Though the specter of my past mistakes loomed large, I felt a flicker of hope ignite within me, illuminating the path ahead.
As I prepared to return to the studio, the gravity of my situation settled in. The confines of my home had felt stifling, yet they had also allowed me to reflect on what truly mattered. Ashton’s protective instincts, though sometimes frustrating, were rooted in love and concern for our growing family. As I embraced the conditions he set forth, I realized that this was not merely about my freedom; it was about our partnership evolving through shared responsibilities and mutual respect. Grounded yet hopeful, I was ready to navigate this new terrain, knowing that together, we could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As the tension between freedom and responsibility reaches a boiling point, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the complexities of navigating pregnancy while maintaining a career. With Ashton’s strict conditions looming over her, our protagonist must find a way to assert her independence without compromising her health or the well-being of her baby. Will she manage to balance her creative passions with the constraints of her new life, or will the pressure of confinement push her to the brink of rebellion?
Moreover, the shadow of Daniel still lingers in the background, and as she returns to the studio, the potential for confrontation heightens. Will she encounter remnants of her past that could threaten her newfound stability? As she grapples with the emotions tied to her decisions, the stakes will rise, forcing her to confront not just her relationship with Ashton, but also the tangled web of trust and betrayal that Daniel represents. Expect surprises, emotional revelations, and perhaps a few unexpected allies as she navigates this tumultuous chapter of her life.
With each passing day, the ticking clock of her pregnancy adds an element of urgency to her choices. Will the studio become a sanctuary for her creativity, or will it serve as a battleground for unresolved issues? As the narrative unfolds, readers can anticipate a blend of heartfelt moments and gripping tension, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation that could change everything.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
