True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45 Naomi’s Plea

As she spoke, she searched desperately for an explanation. “Matthew, is something else going on? Are you worried I’d face hardship if we were together? Please don’t be–I’m not afraid. As long as I’m with you, I can handle anything…

In that moment, Naomi wanted only to change Matthew’s mind,

She didn’t care that others were watching, nor whether her words might displease anyone.

She just wanted to hold onto him. He had been her emotional anchor, part of the reason she felt she belonged in the Hamilton family. Now, with so much already shifting, she couldn’t lose him too.

Lena was deeply moved by Naomi’s words, her own eyes growing moist. Oh, you dear, foolish girl. Why must you care so deeply?

“Naomi, that’s enough now. Matthew has his reasons. I will introduce you to other fine young men later, alright?”

But Naomi shook her head, tears already welling in her eyes.

“No… please don’t. We grew up side by side. He’s always looked out for me… I always believed we would. marry someday. The more she spoke, the more her hurt surfaced, until she was crying openly, her composure completely undone.

Arabella observed quietly. Though it didn’t directly involve her, she couldn’t help feeling a pang of sympathy for Naomi.

As a Hamilton daughter, Naomi ran her own company competently.

But in matters of the heart, she seemed like an innocent, almost naive girl.

This Matthew clearly wasn’t worth such devotion. When she had treated Robert yesterday, he’d been suspicious and difficult. A man like that simply didn’t deserve this level of attachment.

Yet Naomi saw something in him. It was like the old saying about seeing what you want to see….

Naomi was a gem, no two ways about it. So why on earth would Matthew insist he only thought of her as a sister? It made no sense!

Arabella felt a quiet indignation on Naomi’s behalf. But in a situation like this, no outsider should intervene it was something they had to resolve themselves.

Still, she couldn’t approve of Matthew’s approach. He could have spoken to Naomi privately first, then come to the Hamiltons to formally dissolve the arrangement.

Doing it this publicly felt needlessly disrespectful to Naomi’s feelings.

Matthew, for his part, seemed unconcerned with what the Hamiltons thought of him now. He simply delivered what sounded like a rehearsed, gentle letdown. “Naomi, you’re a wonderful person. We’re just not right for each other. I’m certain you’ll find someone who is.”

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Though they’d grown up together, he had never felt romantic affection for her. He no longer wanted to pretend otherwise.

Besides, Robert’s pressure had become too much. If he didn’t end the understanding now, he feared he’d be pushed into an engagement by year’s end.

With that in mind, he turned to discuss terms with Ryan.

“Mr. Hamilton, since I’m the one proposing to dissolve the arrangement, I’m prepared to bear the consequences. You may set any reasonable condition–I’ll do my best to meet it.”

Ryan’s expression darkened instantly. “This is a family understanding, not a business transaction. Even if the arrangement is to be set aside, it should be because we elders don’t wish to force two young people together–not for the sake of deals or concessions. You may leave. This isn’t the right time to discuss this further.”

Ryan had no interest in hearing Matthew’s diplomatic phrasing.

If he wished to end it, so be it. His granddaughter was hardly unmarriageable.

In fact, he’d even considered redirecting the match toward his dear Arabella today. Matthew simply didn’t recognize his own good fortune.

Seeing Ryan’s dismissal, Matthew didn’t linger. “Very well. I’ll take my leave today. Please give it some thought. I’ll call again another time.”

Matthew offered a polite farewell to Ryan.

Then his gaze shifted to Arabella. “Dr. Macdonald, I’m heading to the hospital. Would you care to ride with me?”

He was reminding her that regardless of the dissolved engagement, she still had a professional commitment to his grandfather’s care.

Ryan’s frown returned at once.

Was Matthew now trying to pull Arabella into the situation?

He instinctively wanted to refuse, but the patient in question was his old friend. Reluctantly, he conceded. “Go on, then. Be careful”

Though Arabella had no desire to leave with Matthew, since her grandfather had agreed, she rose and said to Ryan and Lena, “Grandpa, Grandma, I’ll go check on Mr. Stewart. I’ll visit again soon.”

“Go ahead,” Ryan replied with a nod.

He was privately turning the situation over. Matthew had been so determined to end the engagement moments ago, and now he was taking Arabella with him.

Was he reading too much into it?

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