Theodoreâs countenance changed, his emotions swirling Like a tempest within.
After a prolonged struggle, he finally said, âShe took her own life!
After the words escaped her lips, Ariana instantly regretted her question.
Every mention of Marley seemed to stir deep wounds in Theodoreâs heart, Leaving him visibly troubled.
Nonetheless, relieved that he appeared composed, Ariana couldnât resist her surprise and curiosity.
âBut why would she make such a decision?â
Theodore hesitated, the past haunting him like a ghost that refused to be silenced.
âAfter my motherâs departure, Marley and Darian were both scarred, emotionally wounded to their cores.
â
Perplexed, Ariana probed further, âBut why would Darian be affected too?â
With a heavy sigh, Theodore delved into the painful memories.
âIn those days, Darian drove my mother to madness, confining her within the mansionâs walls with no compassion.
Her mental state deteriorated, and in her vulnerability, she suffered the unthinkable, violated by a servant, which led to the birth of my half-sister, Marley.
â
The anguish in Theodoreâs eyes was evident as he continued to recount the sorrowful tale.
Ariana gently reached out and consoled him, saying, âWe donât have to talk about this if itâs too distressing.
â
She felt empathetic and guilty for unearthing these painful memories.
But Theodore shook his head and pulled Ariana closer, seeking solace in her embrace.
âItâs alright.
These burdens have been buried deep within me for years.
Having you here to share them with me provides a measure of relief.
â
Ariana reciprocated the hug, lending her support in silence.
Theodore resumed his narration, âDarian viewed Marley as an embarrassment, a child born out of wedlock.
Consequently, when she came into this world, he abandoned her in a far-flung town, handing her over to an elderly couple who yearned for a child.
He even stripped her of the Anderson surname, and she became Marley Deleon, taking her foster parentsâ name.
â
Arianaâs mind started connecting the dots, all the pieces falling into place like an intricate puzzle.
Thoughts of the small stone house and Lilyanaâs words came together, making perfect sense.
She couldnât help but comment, âMarley must have found some happiness in that little stone house.
â
Though devoid of Luxury, she had parents who cherished and cared for her, providing the love and attention any carefree child would desire.
To a young soul, having Loving parents was the epitome of happiness.
Theodore nodded in agreement, acknowledging that those moments in the small stone house might have been the most joyful ones in Marleyâs life.
âBut how did she end up back with the Anderson family?â Ariana inquired, her curiosity still piqued.
With a tender touch, Theodore caressed her neck, explaining, âWhen her foster parents unexpectedly passed away, Marley had to return to the southern estate.
However, by then, my motherâs health had deteriorated to the point where she couldnât recognize Marley for a long time.
â
âMarley Lived a life of isolation and loneliness,â Theodore continued, his voice trembling with emotion.
âSo, I used to sneak over to visit them, but one day, Darian caught wind of it.
He followed me to the southern estate.
That was the first time he laid eyes on the grown-up Marley.
â
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Arianaâs heart skipped a beat.
Somehow she had a premonition.
Theodore said, his voice cracking.
âHer beauty, resembling my motherâs, bewitched that vile creature, and he conceived sinister intentions!â
âWhat?! That scum! How could he do such a thing? How?!â In the realm of heartache and wrath, Arianaâs emotions surged like a tempest at sea, her heart aflame with anger and indignation.
But beneath it all, worry gripped her soul like a vice.
The thought of Marleyâs suicide filled her with dread, her heart sinking into a dark abyss.
Anxiously, she asked, âDid that scoundrel harm Marley?â
Theodore shook his head solemnly.
âAt first glance, Darian feigned affection for Marley, cunningly coaxing her into the mansionâs confines.
In her innocence and naivety, Marley believed she had finally found paternal warmth, and so she agreed.
â
This disclosure further heightened Arianaâs unease, compelling her to listen as Theodore unraveled the haunting tale.