Chapter 8
Arthur still vividly remembered the night. he returned from Dungeness. He had deliberately left Lilly behind, thinking she would throw a tantrum and then call him, begging to be rescued.
But no call ever came.
At first, he waited, confident she was just punishing him. But as the hours turned into days, he realized something was wrong. Her phone was unreachable and the search–and–rescue team found no trace of her in the desert.
Fear began to set in, but so did anger.
“How could she take things this far?” he fumed. He refused to believe she was gone, convincing himself that she was hiding just to torment him.
It wasn’t until weeks later, when all leads dried up, that a seed of doubt sprouted in his heart. Had he gone too far? Was leaving
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her in Dungeness a mistake?
Still, his pride wouldn’t let him admit it, especially not to Bella.
Early one morning, he visited his parents. in the hospital, only to find Bella and her parents, Gilbert Moan and Penelope Moan, sitting beside them.
His expression darkened immediately. The sight of the Moam Family, who had looked. down on his family for years, stirred bitter
memories.
“Arthur!” Gilbert greeted him with an ingratiating smile. “It’s been a while.”
“What are you doing here?” Arthur‘ s tone was cold and dismissive.
Gilbert hesitated but pressed on. “Well, Arthur, the truth is… back then, I may have underestimated your family. But now that the Findley Family has risen to such heights, I think it’s time we consider uniting the Moan and Findley families through marriage.”
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Arthur’s gaze turned icy. “Lilly and I are still engaged. Even if she’s gone, our
contract remains. I have no intention of
suddenly marrying someone else, let alone Bella.”
Penelope chimed in with a saccharine smile. “But Lilly’s actions… they‘ ve brought shame to your family. Even if she’s found, would you still want to marry her?”
Arthur faltered. The question lingered in his mind. Despite everything, he had always believed he would forgive Lilly. But now, with his parents injured and the weight of scandal looming, doubt crept in.
Sensing his hesitation, Michael intervened.
“Let’s not rush this decision. For now, finding Lilly is our priority. Whether to annul the engagement or proceed with the marriage can wait until then. Arthur, the choice will ultimately be yours.
The conversation ended there, but Bella‘ s dissatisfaction was palpable. She clung to
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Arthur’s arm as they left the room, her voice soft and persuasive.
“Arthur, I understand things are complicated right now,” she said, her eyes. glistening with feigned concern. “I 11 wait for you, no matter how long it takes. And in the meantime, let me take care of you. You‘ ve lost so much weight and you‘ re not sleeping well. I’ll make you some herbal soup–it‘ ll help you feel better.”
Arthur forced a small smile, guilt flickering in his eyes. “Thank you, Bella… I appreciate it.”
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