Chapter 9
Many years ago, Old Mrs. Anderson had hinted at wanting to arrange a marriage between our families. Back then, I hesitated, unwilling to leave the Miller brothers, holding onto a fantasy of marrying for love. So, I delayed my decision. During that time, Philip had no shortage of better options, yet he chose to wait, unwavering. I didn’t know why–perhaps it was out of respect for Old Mrs. Anderson, a business consideration, or maybe the compatibility of our family backgrounds, a destiny written in the stars. But whatever the true reason was, he alone was the one who, from beginning to end, resolutely chose me.
Benjamin scoffed, “So, you’re really just competing with Maya out of jealousy?”
“Annalise, is it necessary? We have twenty years of friendship. Maya could never replace you–there will always be a place for you in the Miller family.”
Jensen, after a moment of thought, suddenly stepped forward and grabbed my hand.
“Don’t throw away your life over a moment of pride.”
“Come back with me. I’ll handle things with the Andersons.”
Just as he finished speaking, he was abruptly kicked aside. Before I could react, I was pulled into a firm embrace, the scent of sandalwood filling the air. Instantly, a calm settled over my once–tense heart. I looked up to see Philip’s face, more refined and striking than his picture on our marriage certificate.
“The lady of the Anderson family doesn’t need your leftover charity,” Philip declared, his grip on my hand protective and resolute.
The warmth from his hand seemed to flow into me, giving me newfound strength. I tightened my hold on his hand and looked back at the Miller brothers.
“Did you hear that? I have my own family and my own life. I won’t be circling around you anymore, nor will I wait around, begging for your scraps. And I’m not acting out of spite–I truly want to spend the rest of my life with him.”
Once, I had stubbornly questioned why someone else could come before me. Now, I understood.
The person who truly loves you wouldn’t make you wait endlessly. A story that has dragged
on for twenty years, unresolved, is bound to end in regret. They were willing to throw away two decades of memories with me for someone they barely knew. So, why should I hold onto the past?
