Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 791-800

“Let’s gather all the evidence we need first and expose him on his daughter’s wedding day. That way,we could show all the guests his true colors without letting them know we’re onto them. What do youthink?” Elliot made his point.

“I guess you have a point. If Johnny knows we’re onto them, he could destroy the experiment resultsand leave no evidence behind.”

As Richard continued to keep tabs on the Jennings Family, Johnny later returned home but didn’tdiscuss the matter with anyone until it was 9.00PM later that night. At that moment, he brought up thematter to his wife and discussed it with her in the study.

“Johnny, Emily said the lady that Arthur met overseas is back. She also said she was very close withhim, so please do something to make him forget about her completely.”

Johnny was surprised to hear that. “How is that possible? I’ve been watching him and noticedsymptoms of neurodevelopmental disorder. So, there is no way he’ll show anyone else affection.Instead, he’ll only behave like a robot to everyone else.”

“What about Emily? Is she going to be treated like that too, when they both get married? Is hermarriage going to be destroyed if that’s the case?”

“Don’t worry. I’m working on creating some fake memories of him and Emily. By then, he is going tolove her very dearly.”

“Really? Are you sure this is going to work?”

“My experiment will soon be a success as soon as both of them get married. So, Emily won’t have towait much longer before she is going to have the happy life I’m going to give her.”

“It looks like I’m going to have to drive Sophia away from the family to keep Arthur from ever thinkingabout her again. If we don’t put a stop to it, there is no telling when she’ll ruin Emily’s wedding.”

When Richard heard that, he knitted his eyebrows, thinking it was perhaps time to remind his goodfriend about the imminent danger. Therefore, he decided to help Arthur win back the heart of thewoman he loved and left an anonymous note behind. When Arthur returned later, he saw a note on thedesk and picked it up to take a closer look at it. ‘Sophia is in grave danger. Please protect her at allcosts, or you’re going to regret it.’

Upon reading the note, Arthur couldn’t help but feel stunned by the person who wrote the anonymousnote because he couldn’t understand why Sophia would be in danger. Nevertheless, he was quicklyreminded of the strange incident that happened earlier that day when Sophia fell off the horse at theturf club. Is someone plotting against her?

At that moment, Arthur’s mind was flooded with images of Sophia’s face just as he recalled somethinghe had just discovered earlier. I just asked. The reason Sophia will show up during my wedding is thathe is the assistant of my friend, Elliot, but why would someone take an assistant like her to the turf cluband let her ride a crazy horse? She may be dumb, but I doubt she is so foolish that she’d put her life atrisk. At the thought of that, Arthur looked back at the note one more time, his eyebrows frowning as heslowly began to recognize Richard’s handwriting.

Wait a second. This looks like that fella’s handwriting. Is this from him? Because of that, he reckoned itwas necessary to take the matter seriously, or Richard wouldn’t have left him a warning like that sosuddenly. Well, if I’m going to protect Sophia, I guess the only way to do that is to keep her by my sideall the time. If I can watch her all the time, she should be safe. Soon, Arthur stepped out the door andsummoned his butler, whom he ordered to arrange a room for Sophia next to his.

“Is there any specific reason, Young Master Weiss?” the butler asked in surprise.

“Nothing. I’d like to have a word with her about something in the next few days. “Arthur finished hiswords and retreated to his own room before the butler ordered the maid to tidy up the guest room nextto his. After that, he headed upstairs to fetch Sophia down to her new room.

In the meantime, Sophia was spaced out in the room, her eyes still tearful because she had just criedfor no good reason not long ago. However, the doorbell outside her room suddenly rang, whereuponshe limped toward the door and opened it. Then, she was greeted by a man in a classic suit andcuriously asked him his purpose of visit. “How may I help you?”

“Miss Sophia, we’re getting a new room, so please pack your luggage and belongings.”

“Um. Why is that so? I’m good with this room.” Sophia refused to impose on anyone.

“I have orders from Young Master Weiss.” The butler smiled at Sophia.

Sophia’s smile stiffened for a few seconds when she heard what the butler said. What? It’s Arthur’sidea? Where is he taking me? Am I causing so much disturbance to him that he wants to get rid of me?Filled with that bitter thought in her head, Sophia braced herself to accept the harsh truth that she didn’tdeserve to attend Arthur’s wedding, anyway. Therefore, she had nothing to say, thinking he wanted hergone. “Alright, please give me a moment.” Sophia then limped into the room, but when the butler sawthat, he quickly ordered the maids to come and help her.

After Sophia took care of her luggage, the maids carried them out of the room for her while the butlercame back to her with a wheelchair. “Miss Goodwin, please sit in this wheelchair. It should make iteasier for you.”

“Thank you very much, sir.” Sophia was embarrassed.

As soon as Sophia sat in the wheelchair, the butler wheeled her out the door all the way to the garden.When Sophia looked in the direction in which the butler was wheeling her, she was stunned to see the

manor’s main building instead of the guest room beside it. Upon that realization, she couldn’t help butask herself where the butler was taking her. Soon, they arrived at the elevator, which they took to reacha room on the fourth floor. At the sight of the grand-looking interior, the lady was left with her jaw wideopen. Wait a minute! This place looks so magnificent that it is meant for the owner to live in, not theguests. Sophia then looked around her until her gaze fell upon a man sitting on the couch. As theevening sunlight shone on him, he seemed especially charming and handsome, especially in his whitebutton-down paired with a plaid vest. At the same time, the fact that he was crossing his legs in hissitting posture only served to make him look even more attractive. Isn’t that Arthur? At that instant,Sophia’s heart was beating rapidly like a jackhammer as she suddenly realized that was whathappened every time she saw the man.

Soon, Arthur stood up and walked up to the butler, taking over the wheelchair, whereupon he wheeledthe lady to her new room. “Wait a second! What’s going on? Why am I moving to this room?” Sophialooked up, asking Arthur with a surprised voice.

“Your leg is injured, so it’s more convenient for you to be taken care of staying here.” Arthur brushedher off with an excuse,

Sophia shook her head and replied, “No need for that. I’ll be fine in a matter of days with enough rest.So, I should probably return to the guest room without imposing on you.”

Nevertheless, Arthur soon wheeled her into the room and responded with a commanding voice, “Myhouse, my rules.”

“B-But… wouldn’t this be inappropriate, considering the fact that you’re about to marry Miss Jennings?I can’t be staying here with you, can I? What if she misunderstands the situation…?” Although Sophiawas tempted to stay close to Arthur, she didn’t want to ruin his reputation.

“I’ll explain to her if she misunderstands.” Arthur finished his words, but when he noticed her still sittingin the wheelchair, he asked, “Are you going to try and walk yourself? Or do you need me to carry youfrom the wheelchair?”

“I’m going to walk by myself.” Sophia finished her words and held the armrests on both sides of thewheelchair, desperate to show the man that she could take care of herself, only to be tripped by thearmrests. “Ah…” Staggering, she fell forward and instinctively hugged the thing that she thought wouldmake her feel most secure—Arthur’s waist. At the same time, the man also extended his arms andwrapped them around her to make sure she wouldn’t get hurt from the fall.

The next second, Sophia found her head resting on Arthur’s firm chest. As she could hear his steadyheartbeat, her heartbeat was somehow raised by a few BPMs. Great! I oversold my mobility and endedup in his awkward embrace. “Thank you.” Sophia then quickly stood up, backing away from Arthur withher cheeks blushing bashfully.

Meanwhile, Arthur looked down at her, somehow finding Sophia’s face strangely attractive as he simplycouldn’t take his eyes off her. He then seized her arm and helped her walk to the couch, where he sather down. When Sophia sank into the couch, she heaved a sigh of relief and looked at the man. “I’mfine now, so you may leave and attend to your own business.”

Upon hearing the lady’s words, Arthur walked away while the maids stayed behind to tidy her luggageand place her clothes in the wardrobe. Soon, when the maids were finally gone, the room was back toits peaceful state, with Sophia left sitting on the couch in a bitter manner. Deep down, she could sensethe man’s feelings for her even though he appeared to have forgotten about her.

Later that night, the maids prepared dinner for Sophia, who thought she was going to enjoy her mealalone until Arthur showed up and had his dinner with her. At that instant, she couldn’t help but feeluncomfortable, wishing this had happened back in their country because she would have been sohappy about it. Nonetheless, the maids were standing right beside them, adding food for them while

watching them dine. What’s going on, Arthur? You have a fiancée, and you’re getting married in twodays, yet here you are, dining with another woman.

On the other hand, Arthur appeared surprisingly natural, glimpsing Sophia’s reaction every once in awhile until he noticed her picking at her meal in an absent-minded manner. “What’s wrong? You don’tlike the food?” he asked with a deep voice.

“Oh, of course not. I’m just not feeling that hungry.” Sophia shook her head. When she was done withher meal, she returned to her bedroom shortly before she got a call from Anastasia, who asked herabout her whereabouts because she had gone looking for her in her room. “Hey, Anastasia… I’mcurrently staying in the manor’s main building. It’s Young Master Weiss’ idea, apparently.”

“Oh wow, that sounds great! He can take good care of you in that case.” Anastasia was happy for her.

“Come on, Anastasia. Stop pulling my leg. You know he is almost getting married, so why is he keepingme by his side?” Sophia smiled bitterly.

“Look, Sophia. Just stay with him patiently. I believe he still loves you. The reason he doesn’tremember you is that he is suffering from memory loss.” Anastasia consoled Sophia because she knewthe actual reason behind Arthur’s amnesia. Therefore, she truly believed that Sophia was the Mrs.Right meant for Arthur, while the Jennings Family would soon have to pay the ultimate price for the baddeeds they had done. In the meantime, Sophia had no choice but to stay by Arthur’s side because shecouldn’t go anywhere either in her current condition, but deep down, she told herself that she would tryher best to keep her distance from Arthur.

Meanwhile, a maid, who was in the garden, reached for her phone and dialed Emily’s number. “Hello.”

“There is something I want to tell you, Miss Jennings. Young Master Weiss just arranged a guest roomnext to his bedroom for Sophia and even dined with her earlier tonight. If you ask me, they seemed tobe interacting with each other pretty intimately.”

“What? What a b*tch! How shameless of her to seduce Artie knowing that I’m about to marry him!”Emily was exasperated.

“Miss Jennings, I suggest that you move in here right away. After all, there are only 2 more days untilyour wedding, so you must make sure nothing goes wrong!”

“Alright, I’m moving in tomorrow.” Emily had no choice but to postpone her plan to the next day, thinkingit was too late for her to do that. Soon, she mentioned what she had just learned to her mother, Vera,who also agreed that Sophia was trying to ruin her daughter’s wedding. For that, Vera decided toconfront Sophia the next day to make her leave Arthur’s manor, or she would smear her name andmake her a sinner by telling the outside world that she was the one who seduced Arthur.

In the meantime, Sophia decided to take a shower despite the overwhelming pain around her anklewhen it was 9.00PM. Not long after she entered the bathroom, someone knocked on her room door,but when she didn’t answer it, the man standing outside frowned and wondered whether she wasalready asleep. Is she in bed already? But it’s only 9.00PM now. There is no way she sleeps so early.In fact, Arthur was thinking of telling the maid to prepare him some supper just when he thought heshould also ask her about that since she didn’t eat much during dinner. Thus, he turned the doorknoband opened it, easily entering the room as the door wasn’t locked. “Are you there, Sophia?” Arthurcalled out to the lady.

Nevertheless, Arthur’s response was only met with silence. Noticing how tidy the room was, he beganto believe Sophia was not in her room but continued to wonder where she could be in her condition.Just when he was about to leave the room, he suddenly heard a scream that was filled with horror andfear from the bathroom. “Ah…” As his heart skipped a beat, he barged into the bathroom withouthesitation, only to see the naked lady lying on the tiled floor after her shower.

Arthur’s first thought was to turn his back and ask anxiously, “What’s the matter with you?”

Sophia didn’t expect him to be in the bathroom because he had just rushed in without hesitation. “I-Islipped.” Her legs were still not their usual self, so when she came out of the bathtub just now, sheslipped.

She felt extremely embarrassed for him to see her like this. Although they were intimate before, andshe expressed herself easily in front of him, the situation was different now.

Sophia’s face blushed involuntarily. She wanted to get up, but she found that her waist hurt so muchthat she couldn’t get up on her own. She could only ask, “Will you hold me up?”

Arthur breathed a long sigh. He turned around, then looked at the girl on the ground. His eyes did notavoid her; instead, he came over and carried her naturally. On the other hand, Sophia felt mortified. Toher, Arthur, who lost his memory, was undoubtedly nothing different from a stranger. He had forgottenher and everything they once had.

Arthur carried her to the sofa, then quickly took a bath towel and draped it over her. At the same time,he thought that if he didn’t come in, what could she have done?

If another man came in and she fell like this, would she also let that man carry her out?

All these thoughts caused Arthur’s eyes to narrow a bit.

Seated on the couch, Sophia tightly wrapped herself in a bath towel as she continued blushing hard.Then, she pleaded, “Will you go to the closet and get me some pajamas?”

Arthur got up and went over to bring it to her. Then, he turned his back and did not look like he wasgoing to leave.

“Get changed,” he said.

Sophia couldn’t help but hesitate for a few seconds. “Go out! I’m fine now; you don’t have to stay here.”

Arthur didn’t leave; he snorted. “You have no ability to take care of yourself right now.”

“That’s my business! It has nothing to do with you, Young Master Weiss,” Sophia said bitterly, her eyesturning red.

Arthur’s chest couldn’t help tightening, and he found an excuse to say, “You are my guest, so I can’t letyou meet with an accident.”

“No, I’m not your guest at all. I was able to come to your wedding this time because I pesteredAnastasia about it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even be qualified to attend your wedding.” Sophia choked up.

If she didn’t know Anastasia, she wouldn’t even know that he was getting married. She would wait forhim to come back like a fool in the country all her life, and then he would never come back for the restof her life.

“Since you’re here, you’re my guest.” Arthur had plenty of excuses.

Sophia covered her face as tears suddenly overflowed from her eyes. Choking up, she suddenly feltextremely hurt.

Arthur turned around and found that she was not wearing clothes. Instead, she covered her face andcried. He couldn’t help but ask in a low voice, “What are you crying for?”

Gasping, Sophia sniffed, wiping tears from her face in a panic. “Don’t worry about me; just go!” Before,she cried under the dim lights in the garden. Now, when she cried, the sadness in her eyes and hertears were as clear as day.

Her sadness gripped his heart, as if her grief was also infecting him, causing his emotions to recovergradually. Emotions that could not be suppressed by drugs filled his chest, causing him to turn aroundinvoluntarily and squat down by her side. Then, he raised his hand to wipe her tears away.

Why does this feel like second nature?

When he was still stunned by his behavior, Sophia pushed his hand away. “No, thank you.”

She spoke in a very polite voice.

Inexplicably, Arthur was a little annoyed. She was clearly crying because of him. He wanted to comforther, but she refused to let him. We’re just running in circles if this goes on.

“I’ll ask someone to prepare a late-night snack. You can come out to eat later.” Arthur didn’t askanymore and simply decided for her.

Sophia’s heart softened. “Thank you.”

Next, Arthur put the paper on the table beside her. “Cry if you want to! You can call me if you have anyissues.”

Sophia was stunned for a few seconds. Considering how kind he was to her, she suddenly wondered ifhe did remember her and still liked her.

However, these questions were meaningless because his wedding would be held the day aftertomorrow. What’s the point of life now that he’ll be someone else’s sweetheart soon?

The servants outside prepared two portions of supper. They were light and delicious, and Arthur cameknocking on the door again.

Sophia opened the door after changing into a set of casual clothes. As she limped out, the mannaturally supported her. She looked up at him and saw a servant nearby, so she hastily withdrew herarm. “There’s no need. Thank you.”

But just as she was stumbling out, the man’s arm that was pushed away came over again and held herarm firmly, not allowing her to refuse.

Sitting at the table, Sophia was famished. So, she lowered her head and ate.

The servant also left wisely. In the quiet dining room with gentle lighting, the man seated in frontseemed to have no appetite. He just stared at the thin girl under the light from time to time.

He glanced at her phone again, really wanting to see if she also had his photo on her phone and toknow how close they were to each other.

“Do you really have a boyfriend?” Arthur asked again. He was beyond shocked when he heard her saythat last time.

Sophia raised her head and nodded earnestly. “Yes.”

“Do you live together?”

“In fact, we do,” Sophia answered naturally.

Arthur put the spoon down with a clang. For some reason, it sounded like he was upset.

Sophia was startled and looked at the man opposite, who stared back at her with a dazzling gaze.“When are you getting married?” he asked.

“Why do you ask this?”

“Since you’re coming to my wedding, I will also go to your wedding,” Arthur announced domineeringly.

Sophia was taken aback for a few seconds, and her thoughts became a little muddled. She bitterlythought that he would never be able to attend her wedding because she didn’t have any hope ofmarriage in the future at all.

She would never meet a man she loved more than him.

“No need. It’s just a simple meal between the families. We will not invite other guests,” Sophia replied.

Arthur tugged at the front of his shirt as if something made him extremely uncomfortable. He lifted hishead and asked, “Sophia, then why were you crying like that for me?”

Sophia blinked her eyes, feeling panicky. She turned her face away and said, “I’m not crying for you.Don’t think about it too much. I just so happen to have a… melancholic temperament.”

Although Arthur had an emotional disorder, he was not stupid! He was clear about who she was cryingfor.

“No, you don’t. You’re crying for me.” I need to know! Admit it!

In reality, Sophia had no courage to come clean to him. She didn’t dare to admit that all her grief camefrom him, so she stirred the porridge and said, “No, I cry often. It’s better for me to cry once in a while.”

This excuse was a bit of a reach, but there was no other explanation.

Arthur took a deep breath. He seemed to be even more annoyed and snorted coldly. “Who wouldbelieve in your dumb reasoning?”

“It doesn’t matter if you believe it or not, Young Master Weiss. I sincerely wish you a great wedding anda happy marriage,” Sophia raised her head and said to him.

Arthur bit his thin lip and pressed his tongue against his cheek. Obviously, his mood fluctuatedsomewhat abnormally.

When others wished him a happy marriage, he had no feeling or even response, but when she said it, itmade him feel bad. He was even very unwilling to hear it.

“I’ll be happy in marriage,” Arthur replied to her.

Then, he got up and said, “I’m done eating. Have a restful evening.”

He seemed to be rather angry. After he left, Sophia felt a little lonely in the big dining hall.

Sophia no longer wanted to eat because her chest felt tight, and an inexplicable feeling of wanting tocry came again.

Thus, she went back to her room, but she didn’t know that at the end of the corridor, a figure stood inthe shadows and watched her go back to the room.

That night, Sophia cried many times and didn’t sleep well at all.

Early morning the next day, there was a knock on her door. Sophia opened the door and saw anextravagantly dressed woman standing at the door. She asked in surprise, “Are you looking for me?”

“Let’s talk.” Vera stared at Sophia, looking a little serious.

“May I know who you are?”

“I’m Emily Jennings’ mother,” Vera revealed her identity directly, then walked into the bedroom and satdown on the sofa.

Sophia caught her breath. She didn’t expect Emily’s mother to find her in person, but she walked overcalmly on crutches. Vera frowned. “What’s wrong with your leg?”

“What’s wrong with my leg? I think your daughter knows best,” Sophia replied calmly.

“What? Don’t blame everything on my daughter. My daughter is going to get married tomorrow. I alsoknow about the past history between you and Young Master Weiss. I hope you don’t cause any troubleand hinder the happiness of my daughter,” Vera bluntly explained her purpose for coming here.

Sophia was of course aware of this. She nodded and said, “Don’t worry! I won’t hinder your daughter’shappiness; I’m just here as one of the guests for the wedding.”

“I looked through the records of the guests, and it seems that you don’t have an invitation. So, how didyou come here, and what is your purpose? I should ask the concierge to check it again.”

“No need. I am participating as my boss’ assistant. She is the wife of Young Master Weiss’ best friend,”Sophia explained seriously.

Vera sneered, “Very well! So, there is no place for you at tomorrow’s banquet. You are just asubordinate, so you are not qualified to dine with the other guests, right?”

Sophia couldn’t refute her words, so she nodded. “Yes, so I won’t go to the banquet.”

“How about this? I’ll give you 1 million, and you can go back to your country now. Will you stop affectingmy daughter’s wedding here?” Vera wanted to bribe her.

Sophia refused almost immediately. “I’m here this time to accompany my boss on a business trip. Iwon’t leave early. Mrs. Jennings, you don’t need to bribe me, as I’m not short of 1 million.”

Vera’s face sank. “You don’t know what’s good for you, huh? I’ll tell you clearly now that I want you toleave here today.”

Sophia shook her head. “I can’t agree to that.”

“Let me ask you this. Why do you live in Young Master Weiss’ house if you’re just a low-levelsubordinate? Moreover, your room is next door to his?” Vera asked.

Sophia choked. “This is Young Master Weiss’ arrangement, and I don’t know anything about that.”

“I think you are very happy about it, right? Sophia, now everyone knows that you are seducing myfuture son-in-law. Are you really so shameless? Have you ever respected my daughter? The servantsare watching you being intimate with my son-in-law now. It won’t be good for my daughter and my son-in-law’s reputation in the future. You should know better.” Vera looked at her sternly.

Sophia was not afraid at all. Instead, she smiled and replied, “Originally, my legs were well, and I didn’tneed Young Master Weiss to carry me. However, your daughter tied me to a runaway horse, and then Ifell and injured my legs. Then, I happened to meet Young Master Weiss. He carried me out of concernfor me, so what can I do?”

“You… Shameless brat!” Vera couldn’t help but get angry. She thought Sophia would be easy to dealwith, but it seemed that it was not that simple.

Sophia didn’t want to offend her, so she continued, “I can guarantee that I will not hinder yourdaughter’s happiness. I will go back to my country after attending the wedding, and I will never set footin this country again.”

Vera narrowed her eyes. Obviously, she didn’t believe it. “Can you really do what you say?”

“I can.” Sophia nodded.

Thus, Vera had to get up. “Okay. After attending the wedding, you should leave immediately.Otherwise, I will not let you go.”

Seeing Vera leave, Sophia could not help but breathe a sigh of relief, and at the same time, she wasextremely bitter.

Tomorrow, she couldn’t even go to the banquet because she wasn’t qualified. At the same time, shethought that it might be better not to go, as she really couldn’t watch him marry another woman.

After Vera left, Sophia completely forgot to eat lunch, constantly feeling depressed. It was Arthur’swedding the next day, and it was as if a boulder was pressing on her chest, making her breathless.

Thinking of not being able to go to the banquet and seeing him in the groom’s suit, she couldn’t helpbut feel a little disappointed.

At this moment, someone knocked on her door. Therefore, she walked over weakly and opened thedoor, but when she saw the man standing outside, her heart broke instantly.

Suddenly, she slammed the door shut because her tears fell so unexpectedly. She covered her lipstightly to prevent herself from crying.

Outside the door, Arthur just came over to remind her to have lunch, but surprisingly, the woman insideshut the door in his face as soon as she saw him.

Arthur couldn’t help but frown. He curled his fingers and immediately knocked again. “Sophia, open thedoor.”

“I don’t want to eat!” Sophia shouted through the door.

He was originally a little unhappy, but suddenly he thought of something, and his voice softened a little.“Is something wrong?”

“It’s okay. You can go! I want to sleep.”

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, I didn’t sleep well last night.”

Arthur looked at the door and suddenly wanted to push it open, wanting to see what had happened tothe girl inside. Why did she close the door in such a hurry when she saw me?

He turned around and met a servant. He stopped the servant and questioned, “Did anyone visit MissGoodwin in the morning?”

The servant thought for a moment and said, “Oh! Yes, Mrs. Jennings came to visit Miss Goodwin in themorning.”

Arthur was slightly taken aback. Why did Emily’s mother suddenly come to see Sophia?

Although he wanted to get to the bottom of things, he had errands to run. Thus, he said to the servant,“Keep an eye on Miss Goodwin’s room. If anyone goes in to look for her again, or if she goes out,report to me.”

“Okay, Young Master Weiss.” The servant hurriedly agreed. Why does it seem to me like he cares moreabout this Miss Goodwin than his fiancee? This is odd…

In the guest room, Anastasia was sitting on the sofa, listening to the two handsome men discussingtomorrow’s wedding. She also just knew that Arthur had been manipulated.

No wonder he forgot Sophia as soon as he returned to the family. Moreover, the Jennings Family wastoo audacious to use this kind of controlling method on the future master of the Weiss Family. Thefuture of the Weiss Family would also be in the hands of the Jennings Family.

At this moment, Anastasia’s cell phone rang, after which she picked it up. “Sophia is looking for me. I’llgo over there, so you guys carry on.”

“Anastasia, don’t tell Miss Goodwin about this for the time being because we still need to keep it asecret,” Elliot reminded her.

“Okay, I know.” She nodded.

He felt that his words were a little inappropriate, so he got up and said, “You know what? I’ll bring youthere.”

Anastasia didn’t feel that way. Instead, she was as worried about the fate of the Weiss Family as theywere, and she hoped that Arthur could regain his memory and have a bright future with Sophia.

As soon as they left the room, Elliot took her hand and wrapped her shoulders with his arm. “What Isaid just now was inappropriate, and I take it back. Please don’t take it to heart.”

She shook her head. “Chill, I know.”

He kissed her hair lovingly. Then, he sent Anastasia in the direction of Sophia, and in the gardendownstairs, she saw Sophia waiting for her there, so she asked Elliot to go back.

“Anastasia!” Sophia came over happily and held her arm intimately.

“Sophia, what’s wrong with your eyes? Have you cried again?” Anastasia noticed that Sophia’s eyeswere red.

Sophia lowered her head, a little embarrassed. “I tried very hard to control myself, but I still can’t controlit.”

Tomorrow was Arthur’s wedding day. No one could bear to watch their loved one marry someone else,so Anastasia wondered if it was right to bring her here. However, she knew that Arthur’s wedding wouldnot be successful, and Sophia was still very likely to continue her relationship with Arthur.

“Sophia, do you believe in fate? Sometimes fate favors kind and loving people. I believe that fate hasits own arrangements for you, and it won’t make you feel so miserable all the time,” Anastasiacomforted her.

Sophia smiled bitterly. “Anastasia, are you trying to say that I can meet someone better?”

“Trust me, girl. Your destiny will turn for the better.” Anastasia reached out and gathered Sophia’smessy hair. Then, she added, “How does Young Master Weiss treat you?”

Sophia thought of her leaving him outside the door today and ignoring him. Presumably, he would beangry with her too!

“He’s been nice to me.”

Sophia was also keeping a secret. She didn’t tell Anastasia that she couldn’t go to the weddingtomorrow. In fact, as long as she told Anastasia, the latter would find a way to take her there.

The two chatted about some other topics as they strolled around the garden, and unknowingly theyalso established a kind of sister-like relationship.

Anastasia had experienced Hayley’s betrayal, which made her more cautious about making friends.Now, besides Felicia, Grace was the person she trusted. Now, there was Sophia, whom she cared forlike a sister.

Since their partners were best friends, they naturally also would become best friends.

A little later, Anastasia went back, and Sophia also went back to her room. She didn’t eat anything atnoon, so she was hungry right now.

Arthur’s figure appeared in the hall, and the first thing he asked the servant was, “Has she eaten?”

“Miss Goodwin went out for a while, but she hasn’t eaten.” The servant was also helpless about it.

“Prepare dinner!” After Arthur finished speaking, he thought of something and frowned. “Tell mygrandma that I won’t go over to eat.”

“Okay, Young Master Weiss.” The servant left.

Arthur walked to Sophia’s door, reached out, and knocked on the door. Sophia thought it was a servantagain, so she stretched out her hand to open the door. When the man was revealed outside the door, itsurprised her. However, the man’s long legs had already taken a step, and he had entered the room,not allowing her to close the door.

“I-Is there something you need?” Sophia asked in a panic.

“Are you immortal? You don’t need to eat?” Arthur stared at her angrily.

Sophia blinked and said hoarsely, “I-I’m not hungry.”

However, just after she finished speaking, her stomach seemed to let out a few protesting noises. In aninstant, Sophia blushed and wanted to dig a hole to hide in the ground.

The corner of Arthur’s mouth twitched, and the smile growing on the corner of his mouth was the mostintense expression he had shown in so many days.

He was smiling.

Sophia raised her head and glanced at him, only to find that he was smiling handsomely, which madeher bow her head in embarrassment.

“Join me for dinner, will you?” After Arthur finished speaking, he stretched out her hand to lead her out.

Seeing that, Sophia withdrew her hand in a panic. “I will go by myself.”

If she was seen by the servant, she would definitely be reported to Vera again. Therefore, she thoughtthat Vera had come to see her because there was a spy among the servants.

However, Arthur’s grip was too tight, and she couldn’t break free, so she had to go to the dining roomthis way. Under the crystal lights, candles were lit, and the red roses in the vase were freshly cut in the

garden in the afternoon, which made the air full of their intoxicating aroma.

Sophia’s thoughts were a little jammed. Why does this dinner look like a candlelight dinner that onlylovers would have?

The servants fixed up a hearty candlelight dinner and had served up the feast in advance.

As Arthur chewed gracefully, he latched his gaze on the young woman sitting across from her asthough to make sure she ate everything on her plate.

Famished, Sophia couldn’t care less anymore and ate away.

Martha had already informed Arthur to join her for dinner earlier in the afternoon. It would be hiswedding day the next day, so she wanted to have a serious word with him. But who’d have thought herbeloved grandson rejected her? The news got her down in the dumps. Moreover, Arthur had gottendistant from her, making her reflect that she had been too strict on him normally.

“Is he having dinner with Emily?” Martha asked a servant.

For fear of upsetting Martha, the servants kept Sophia’s presence unknown to Martha all this while. Butnow, seeing how upset Martha was, she couldn’t help lowering her head and reported, “Young MasterWeiss is having dinner with another lady, Old Madam Weiss.”

“What?” The news shocked Martha for a moment. “He’s having dinner with another woman? Whichfamily is she from?”

What is Arthur trying to do? Tomorrow’s his wedding; does he plan on humiliating himself before thewedding?!

“She’s a guest,” the servant answered.

“What guest? Is it a friend? What’s her name?” Martha asked directly.

“It’s a guest from afar named Sophia Goodwin. She has also now been moved to the room next toYoung Master’s. I guess she’s an important guest to Young Master,” said the servant.

The revelation shook Martha for a solid few seconds, and she slammed the spoon in her hand. “What?!She’s here? How did she get here? Have the butler come over.”

Sophia had come to attend the wedding. It was only then Martha realized she hadn’t taken notice of theguest list when she had been so busy getting the other wedding details ready.

The butler arrived in two shakes, and Martha questioned him gravely. “Go and check if there’s a guestnamed Sophia Goodwin on the list.”

“There is, ma’am. She came with Mr. and Mrs. Presgrave as Mrs. Presgrave’s assistant.”

Martha sighed in response. What is she doing here? Is she still trying to salvage something whenArthur’s about to get married?

Well, she’s persistent, no doubt about that. It’s evident she truly loves Arthur, but it’s hard to let them betogether when their social status and family background are so drastically different.

“Bring her here later. I want to have a word with her,” Martha ordered a servant.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Have her come alone. Don’t inform Arthur,” Martha added.

If Arthur still has feelings for Sophia, why would he agree to this marriage so easily?

By the end of the dinner, Arthur left after receiving a call. Sophia, on the other hand, didn’t return to herroom but instead sat in the garden and spaced out while staring at the starry sky.

The sky here was so clear that she could see a speckle of the galaxy. It was a sight to behold.

How Sophia wished time could just stop here forever. She wouldn’t be greedy and ask for much, onlythat she could have a meal with him and see him once a day. That would suffice for her.

But very quickly, she pulled a wry smile. She was already getting greedy, wasn’t she?!

What luck did she have to stay by his side forever?! She, too, lately sensed something very differentabout Arthur. She remembered their first encounter; how he was so angry that he could murder her thenext second.

She could also sense the fluctuation in his emotions as days went by. His aloofness and nobility wereintense, and the haughtiness exuded from deep within him was irresistible as well.

But the current him—as aloof as he still was—was emotionless like he cared about nothing at all. Justwhat in the world had gotten into him?

While reeling, a servant approached her and said, “Miss Goodwin, please follow me.”novelbin

“Is someone looking for me?”

“You’ll know when you get there. Please.” The servant gestured a ‘please’.

At that, Sophia got up and followed after her, traversing a grand hallway. The manor was so massivethat one could get lost in it. Thus, it could take some time for a person to get from one place to another.

Sophia grew increasingly uneasy the further she walked, for she had a hunch who she would bemeeting, and a pang of guilt and self-reproach arose within her.

She had already promised Martha back home that she would stay away from Arthur, but now, she hadchased him all the way here and even snuck her name into the guest list. Just the thought of it made

Sophia ashamed of meeting Arthur’s grandmother.

Sure enough, she found Martha sitting on the couch when they arrived at a quaint hall. The older ladywas dressed in a fitting dark silver dress, looking noble and majestic.

“Good evening, Old Madam Weiss,” Sophia greeted Martha.

Martha sized the young woman up in response, not in anger but amiably, pointing toward the seatacross from hers. “Have a seat.”

Arthur had wronged this young woman, after all, and she didn’t need to ask to know what wouldhappen between them had probably already happened. But now, Arthur was marrying another woman;this was unfair to her.

“I didn’t expect you to have come, Miss Goodwin.”

“I’m sorry, Old Madam Weiss. Please forgive me for inviting myself. I swear I won’t cause any troubleduring Arthur’s wedding,” Sophia promised eagerly as she looked up.

To that, Martha waved her hand. “No need to apologize. Everyone’s a guest here. All are welcome.”

Sophia couldn’t help being taken aback, and she had now witnessed for herself the older woman’snoble demeanor. Martha’s tolerance and kindness made Sophia grow increasingly self-reproaching andunable to face her.

“Tomorrow will be Arthur’s big day. If you feel uncomfortable, I can make arrangements for you to touraround the area.” Martha had considered her feelings instead.

But Sophia shook her head. “Thank you for the arrangement, Old Madam Weiss, but I won’t beattending the wedding tomorrow. I’ll be returning home with my boss after the wedding is over.”

Martha suddenly felt bad for Sophia. She hadn’t forced Arthur upon this wedding, but Arthur chose hisown bride.

So why exactly had he let go of Sophia and chose Emily instead? This was a question that still puzzledher to this day.

“Have you two fought before Arthur came back?” asked Martha, curious.

Sophia shook her head in reply. “No, we didn’t.” Then, after some deliberation, she asked, “If you don’tmind me asking, Old Madam Weiss, had something happened to Young Master Weiss lately that ledhim to suffer from amnesia?”

“Amnesia? Nothing happened to Artie. Why would you ask so?” asked Old Madam Weiss, bewildered.

“Because… he seemed to have completely forgotten about me.” As dejected as Sophia was, she darednot let it show.

Martha, on the other hand, couldn’t help reeling. “What did you say? Arthur has forgotten about you?”

“Yes, after his departure. I realize he has completely forgotten about me on our first reunion here.”Sophia was now purely worried if Arthur had suffered any injuries that led him to have amnesia.

At that, Martha recollected Arthur’s behavior since coming home. He was now indeed behaving verydifferently from the first day he returned. However, she still couldn’t figure out what had led her deargrandson to behave so indifferently to everything.

“Artie is behaving differently, but nothing happened to him either,” Martha affirmed.

Sophia was relieved upon hearing so. This was good news, for a severe trauma had to happen tocause someone to lose their memories. As it appeared, he was fine, just that he had completelyforgotten about her and her only.

Finally, Martha understood why Arthur would choose Emily as his wife. It was because he hadsuddenly forgotten about Sophia. But how did it come to this?

“Old Madam Weiss, it’s getting late. You should rest early. Tomorrow’s a big day,” the senior servantsaid.

Martha checked the time to find it was already 10.00PM. At that, she nodded, then turned to Sophia.“You should get some rest as well, Miss Goodwin. You’re more than welcome if you want to join us forthe wedding.”

“Thank you, Old Madam Weiss.” After seeing Martha off, Sophia allowed the servant to take her to herroom.

Meanwhile, a back sedan drove into the manor. As the door opened, Arthur stepped out of the vehicle.His back suit, complimented with subtle embroidery that showed off his nobility, made him domineeringlike he was a lord in the dark.