Chapter 8
Reflecting on it, Leanna should actually be grateful to Brenton for cutting off his own path to freedom.
When she initially received the heartbreaking news of Brenton’s sacrifice, she was so distraught that she developed neurasthenia.. Occasionally, she confused him, now her brother–in–law, with her late
husband.
To ensure she moved on, or perhaps for another reason, Brenton made a solemn vow in front of everyone at the family estate, declaring that he would remain Crystal’s husband forever. Furthermore, he destroyed. all evidence proving his identity as Brenton, claiming it was to help. Leanna fully understand that her husband was indeed gone.
Now, there is no one and no evidence left to confirm his identity as
Brenton.
If he had insisted on proving his identity as Brenton, he would have either ended up in a psychiatric hospital for being deemed insane or in prison for fraud once it had been proven.
Either way, it would have been a lose–lose situation.
For Leanna, this had resolved any potential future issues.
Hearing this, Ethan had felt a sense of relief wash over him, as the tension he had carried suddenly dissipated.
In his memories, Brenton had always been a decisive and meticulous man, and Ethan had never imagined he would have sabotaged himself over so–called love. But this outcome had been advantageous for
Ethan.
Brenton would never be able to take Leanna away from him again.
From then on, Leanna would always have been his.
With this thought, the smile he had previously hidden had returned, and he had squeezed Leanna’s hand in response to her firm hold.
“Ethan, by choosing to marry you and share a life together, I’m leaving my past behind and won’t look back for anyone. However, I expect that once we’re married, you won’t disappoint me. You know me well. If you do, I will walk away forever and make you…”
Before Leanna could finish, Ethan wrapped her in his arms. The scent. of soap and the warmth of the sun clung to him, enveloping her in a comforting calm.
“Leanna, I’ve had feelings for you for ten years and waited patiently all this time. I understand deeply how precious your agreement is. I know the bravery it takes for you to leave your past and start anew with me. I promise to cherish and support you, not bring you pain.
“I realize you may doubt my words since you’re just starting to accept and get to know me. You’re not ready to give me your whole heart yet. But we have so much ahead of us, and I’ll show you the depth of my love.”
From start to finish, Ethan spoke with a calm yet resolute tone.
It felt as though a warm hand enveloped Leanna’s cold, lifeless heart, gradually bringing it back to life with new growth.
For reasons she couldn’t explain, her eyes became slightly teary, yet she remained silent. Instead, she extended her arms and gently caressed Ethan’s back, slowly tightening her embrace.
Chapter B
Just then, the ship docked at the port and blew its horn, prompting the remaining passengers on the shore to board.
Ethan was the first to let go, then picked up their luggage and took Leanna’s hand, smiling at her.
“Let’s go,” he said, ready to start a new life with her.
“Okay,” Leanna replied with a smile, and together they joined the stream of passengers boarding the ship.
As the horn sounded again, Leanna and Ethan leaned into each other, quietly watching the port fade into the distance until it disappeared from view.
