Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 9

Chapter 15

Matthew's eyes burned with fury, his rage bright enough to pierce the darkness that surrounded him. He couldn't believe it- he had been utterly manipulated by the woman before him, someone who appeared fragile on the surface but harbored a venomous heart.

Grabbing Charlotte by the shoulders with an iron grip, Matthew unleashed the anger and disappointment that had been building inside him.

"Charlotte, I never imagined your lies could run so deep, that you would twist and manipulate me so completely!"

Charlotte, instead of backing down, leaned gently against his chest with an almost taunting smile.

"Matthew," she said softly, a trace of triumph in her tone, "why get so angry? Daphne is no longer here. We can leave the past behind and start fresh."

Her words only fanned the flames of Matthew's rage. He shoved her away with such force that his disgust radiated like a chill in the air.

"Start fresh? After everything you've done - faking illness, spreading lies, sending Daphne fake messages from my phone - you think we can start over? What else are you hiding from me?"

Charlotte threw her head back in a wild laugh, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Does it even matter anymore? The only thing that matters is that Daphne has divorced you. I'm the one who truly loves you."

Charlotte's words struck Matthew like a bolt of lightning, waking him from a haze of denial. For the first time, regret surged through him, an overwhelming tide he couldn't suppress.

He thought back to everything he had done to Daphne- collaborating with others to oppress her, forcing her to sign the divorce papers, and ultimately driving her out of their home.

The pain was unbearable, clawing at his chest like a feral beast.

Matthew said nothing more. He trudged upstairs and locked himself in what had once been Daphne's room.

The room still carried traces of her presence, as though she had never left. Seeking solace, Matthew allowed himself to be enveloped by the memories she had left behind.

Two weeks later, in the Walker family's study, Jonathan stood before a shelf lined with Daphne's certificates and awards. His emotions were complicated as he gazed at the tangible reminders of her achievements.

Determined to pull his sister out of her current idle state, he brought Daphne to the study.

"Daphne, look at these. These are all the honors and accomplishments you achieved," Jonathan said, pointing to the certificates.

Daphne's eyes lingered on the familiar documents, a flicker of recognition crossing her face.

"Jonathan, why are you showing me these? They're just my diplomas."

Jonathan's heart leapt with hope. If she remembered these, perhaps not all of her memories were lost.