Chapter 667: Be My Lady Augustine
However, his slender fingers extended, recoiled, then extended again… He tried several times, but ultimately didn't reach for her small hand. Marcus followed, and they finally stopped. Alpha produced an exquisite gift bag containing a pair of white furry carmuffs. He gently placed them over Anabelle's small ears.
Anabelle was afraid of the cold; her small ears had reddened during the journey. Marcus, at that time, had limited exposure to luxury goods, but he recalled his teacher's daughter wanting a similar pair of carmuffs—high-end items costing tens of thousands.
This highlighted the vast difference between him and Alpha. Alpha could casually spend a fortune. As the scion of a prominent family, he possessed exceptional taste, his elegance radiating like gold. That day, Anabelle, in her white furry coat and Alpha's gift, looked exceptionally pure and beautiful; her translucent appearance was captivating.
Alpha's large hands remained on the earmuffs. He lowered his gaze, and they exchanged their first words that evening. He spoke softly, "Are you… afraid of me?" Anabelle kept her head lowered, silent.
Marcus knew Anabelle well. Even as a young girl facing life's harsh realities, she possessed a delicate yet resilient heart. That evening, Anabelle was quiet and obedient, her normalcy bordering on the abnormal.
“Are you afraid of me, or of marrying me? Either way, you needn’t fear. The Augustine family is simple; my mother is reasonable and open-minded. She’ll like you. I’ve prepared a new house. After we marry, we’ll move, eliminating any mother-in-law conflicts.”
“I genuinely want to marry you. I will resolve the Midas Family's financial difficulties. I can provide anything you desire. You can rely on me, be with me. Of course, I want a Lady Augustine who sees me in her eyes and heart. Is that acceptable?”
Alpha spoke softly, eschewing empty flattery. He'd addressed all concerns about their future. He would be her mountain, her strongest support. She only needed to see him, to accompany him in marriage and love, and to offer her affection.
Any woman would be moved by Alpha’s words. Anabelle slowly lifted her head, her apricot-colored eyes meeting his handsome face. Tears welled in her eyes.
Alpha lowered his head, intending to kiss her, but a Rolls-Royce Phantom arrived, interrupting the moment. Anabelle blushed and lowered her head.
“Then… I’ll go,” Alpha said.
Anabelle nodded, “Mm.”
Alpha departed quickly in the Rolls-Royce. Marcus watched Anabelle, who remained, gazing in Alpha’s direction for a long time.
Marcus closed his eyes, battling distant memories. He relentlessly knocked on the door, anxious about Anabelle and Alpha’s unpredictable nature. A million ants seemed to crawl upon his heart, a tormenting sensation.
Then, the villa’s main door opened.
“Sir, may I ask who you are?” a maid asked.
Marcus pushed past her, shouting, “Anabelle! Anabelle, where are you?” He searched frantically.
Butler Paulo approached, unsurprised by Marcus’s arrival. “Mr. Bennett, please sit. My master and madam are resting. If urgent, I’ll seek permission.”
Marcus looked at the upstairs room, its door closed. Alpha and Anabelle were inside.
He clenched his fists, demanding, “Where is Alpha? I need to see him now!”
A deep voice boomed from upstairs, “Marcus, are you looking for me?”
Marcus stiffened at the devilish voice. He looked up to see Alpha emerging from the room, clad in black silk pajamas. At his age, the dark hues suited him, conveying a mysterious and powerful presence.
Standing on the second-floor balcony, Alpha looked down. Marcus, drenched from the rain, felt utterly exposed. Over twenty years had passed, yet Alpha seemed little changed.
Marcus clenched his fists. “Alpha, where is Anabelle? What have you done to her? It’s over between you and Anabelle; she won’t be with you anymore…”
“Oh, she won’t be with me? Then who will she be with, you?” Alpha interrupted calmly.
Marcus paused. Alpha descended the stairs gracefully, his steps like an emperor's arrival. Butler Paulo handed him a document, which Alpha briefly scanned. “Marcus, you’ve done well these years, gaining fame in the art world, holding exhibitions worldwide, accumulating considerable property. And you’ve remained unmarried…”
Alpha’s leisurely recounting of Marcus’s life sent a chill down his spine. He felt shocked and terrified. In moments, Butler Paulo had revealed everything about him to Alpha. Whether thirty years ago or now, Marcus possessed no dignity in Alpha’s presence.