Chapter 733: Heโs Here!
Afterward, the Midas family faced an economic crisis. She knelt before the Augustine family. Snow fell heavily that day. He approached steadily in his black boots, gazed at her solemnly, and declared, "I can save the Midas family, but you must marry me and become my Mrs. Augustine."
She married him. On her wedding day, she wore a beautiful gown. Mrs. Samantha showered her with affection and a substantial red envelope, like a mother bestowing a gift upon her daughter. She also wore the Augustine ancestral bracelet.
His sister, Bounty, was vivacious and fond of her. Upon his arrival, Bounty immediately took her hand, sweetly addressing her as "sister-in-law."
She nearly fainted. He reprimanded Bounty, who playfully stuck out her tongue, hid behind her, and exclaimed, "My brother is biased! He forgot his sister after marrying you. Now I can only hang out with my sister-in-law. Sister-in-law, you must protect me!"
That day felt dreamlike. The wind was gentle, the sun mild. He stepped forward, his hand gently enclosing hers, a faint smile gracing his lips. She hadn't expected God to be so kind, offering happiness within her grasp.
She believed it was only the beginning. She cherished him, Mrs. Samantha, and his sister. She envisioned herself as a devoted wife, bearing his children, fulfilling her role. She would be a good wife, a dutiful daughter-in-law, sharing familial bonds with Mrs. Augustine, and protecting his sister alongside him.
Yet, how could she have known that everything would end before it truly began? Falling from grace was instantaneous. She hadn't been a good wife, a dutiful daughter-in-law, or a sufficient protector for Bounty, whose once bright spirit had dimmed.
Her very existence felt like a profound mistake. Without her, nothing would have happened. Now, with Bounty's suicide attempt, Anabelle felt her heart crushed, a searing pain.
Her eyes burned, and she quickly looked upward, instinctively employing her usual method of suppressing tears. But this time, it was futile. Tears streamed down her face.
Anabelle hugged herself tightly, burying her face in her knees, and sobbed uncontrollably. She was wrong. She shouldn't have expected anything. She shouldn't have fallen for Alpha. She shouldn't have returned. Ignoring the pain would have spared her sorrow.
A gust of cold air announced his arrival.
Alpha strode in, his handsome face impassive, yet the wind stirred the hem of his black wool coat, his steady footsteps echoing coldly, creating an atmosphere of apprehension. Upon entering, he saw her huddled in the corner, hugging her knees, her small face buried, her slender form lost in the dim light, alone and desolate. Her shoulders still trembled; she was crying.
"A couple of hours gone, and you're in here?"
Anabelle started. That deep, mocking voice was familiar. Slowly raising her head, Alpha's handsome face filled her vision. Why was he here?
Her tear-streaked face, unprepared for his arrival, only amplified her distress. Alpha frowned, then knelt, gently cupping her face in his hand. His lips formed a cold, unhappy line, his stern expression sharp. He asked, "How much are your tears worth, hiding here crying silently?"
Initially feeling no guilt, Anabelle now felt shame under his rebuke. If he hadn't stirred her emotions, she wouldn't have fallen for him, obsessed over him, or daydreamed about him. In her life, Alpha was the only man she desired.
Tears welled up. "Alpha, you're scolding meโฆ"
Alpha's resolve softened, a hint of sympathy and helplessness flickering in his dark eyes. His whole life had been for her. He produced a handkerchief, gently wiping her tears. He said, "Anabelle, I'm worried. How will you live without me?"
Anabelle, speechless, stared at him blankly. "What do you mean?"
Alpha discarded the handkerchief, then scooped her up. "You're an idiot."
Anabelle stood, then slid to the floor. Alpha frowned impatiently. "What's wrong?"
"My legsโฆ are numbโฆ"
Thoughtfully, Alpha removed his coat and draped it around her, then lifted her. Anabelle inhaled his familiar scent, finding comfort. She hugged his neck, her voice choked with emotion. "Alpha, Bountyโฆ"
"I know. Don't worry about her. A lawyer is handling it. I'll take you home." Alpha said, carrying her outside.
Anabelle looked up at him. His lips were pursed, his expression enigmatic. He clearly didn't wish to discuss Bounty, a wedge growing between them.
By the luxury car, Anabelle stepped away. "Alpha, I want to go to the hospital."
"Why?" Alpha scoffed. "Go home."
"Bounty and Iโฆ"
Alpha interrupted. His patience was exhausted. He opened the car door. "Get in."
Anabelle, initially intending to tell him about Bounty's strange behavior, realized the futility of it all. Anything she said would be wrong.
Anabelle curled her fingers, her voice sharp. "Alpha, you go to the hospital. I'll go back alone. Remember, I never loved you, so stay away! You're annoying!"