Chapter 666: Love, Like a Dream
Marcus, an orphan, had learned independence from a young age. A chance street encounter brought him face-to-face with Anabelle, a little girl just over three years old. Petite and thin, she approached him, saying, “Big brother, I haven’t eaten in a long time. Can you share a steamed bun with me?”
He had two steamed buns and readily gave her one. Holding it, young Anabelle bowed politely, murmuring, “Thank you, big brother.” He expected her to eat it, but instead, she ran to her mother and offered it. Her mother quickly consumed the bun, without sharing.
At that time, Anabelle and her mother, ostracized by Lady Midas, were homeless in the Royal Capital, forced to sleep on the streets. The area was rife with ruffians, yet Anabelle’s delicate face, even at her young age, hinted at future beauty, attracting unwanted attention from lecherous men.
He took them in. His own house was dilapidated, but it offered shelter. Anabelle was grateful, always calling him “big brother.” He soon learned her story: due to the illness of the wealthy Miss Lily, Anabelle had been forced to switch lives with her.
On the day Anabelle left to join the Midas family and become Miss Midas’s shadow, her mother fell seriously ill, needing a large sum of money—a seemingly impossible burden for a young girl. Unafraid and resolute, Anabelle bid him farewell quietly, smiling. “Big brother, I’m leaving. I’m going to live in a big house. I will live well. Big brother, please don’t come find me, and don’t say you know me. I don’t want to burden you or put you in danger. Thank you, big brother. I will remember you forever.” She bowed again and left.
Later, he found a package at home, filled with money—the money Anabelle had requested from the Midas family. A small note accompanied it: “Big brother, we will both be fine.” He knew she remembered his kindness. His own circumstances weren't ideal, but her gift, arriving with such gentleness, upheld his pride and dignity. Marcus knew he had met the best girl in the world.
That day, he vowed to succeed, to become wealthy and join the upper class. He had a natural talent for painting, but it required investment. He used Anabelle’s money to find the best teacher and began his studies.
Over a decade passed swiftly. Marcus learned that the Midas family’s daughter flourished in the Royal Capital, a dazzling star. He often secretly watched her, at the family's gate or outside her school. She had become Miss Midas, chauffeured in luxury cars, her youthful face matured into ethereal beauty. She wore white dresses, carried books, attracting numerous admirers.
He was among them; his childhood affection had blossomed into love. But she was exceptional. He tried desperately to catch up, but couldn’t keep pace. He’d pessimistically imagined a wealthy young man winning her heart, but he hadn't anticipated how soon it would happen. The man who appeared was remarkably powerful and charismatic: Lord Alpha.
Marcus first heard of Lord Alpha in a business newspaper. The eldest grandson of a prominent family, the capital’s top businessman, his name was ubiquitous in financial news and on the Forbes list, a highly sought-after bachelor. He represented a business era.
Marcus never imagined his life, or Anabelle’s, would intersect with this remarkable man. The Augustine family was beyond their reach. Yet, he learned that the Midas and Augustine families had set a wedding date—Anabelle was to marry Lord Alpha!
The news stunned him. He'd considered the possibility of Anabelle marrying someone else, but never Lord Alpha, the renowned aristocrat. She would marry into the Augustine family, becoming Lady Augustine.
He couldn’t accept it. That day, he secretly went to the Midas mansion, hiding outside the gate. He saw Lord Alpha for the first time. Lord Alpha was dining at the Midas residence. The mansion was illuminated; a Rolls Royce sat on the lawn. Lord Alpha, in a crisp white shirt and black trousers, exuded the elegance of an elite businessman. His aura commanded admiration.
Seeing him, Marcus realized the vast difference between them. Some are born to greatness, regardless of others’ efforts. Lord Alpha was superior, dazzling, and radiant.
Midas’s father spoke attentively to Lord Alpha, who listened with a distant gaze, seemingly preoccupied. Marcus followed his gaze to Anabelle. She wore a white fur coat, standing by a Christmas tree, demurely watching her feet.
Lord Alpha’s gaze softened, a faint smile playing on his lips. He occasionally glanced at her, captivated. Midas’s father, perceptive, ended the conversation, asking Anabelle to escort Lord Alpha.
They walked together, Marcus following. Anabelle seemed to accept Lord Alpha as her future husband, appearing exceptionally gentle. Neither spoke, but as they walked, Lord Alpha reached into his pocket, then took Anabelle’s small hand.