Even though Aubrey didn't mind her past, Navier couldn't dismiss it so easily.
Just when she thought their relationship would end before it began, Aubrey changed tactics in his pursuit.
He declared his feelings with intensity, practically ready to announce it to the world.
"You don't need to give me your whole heart," he told her bluntly. "Just enjoy my love. I'll wait for the day you fall for me completely."
Eventually, Navier did fall. She told herself there was nothing wrong with embracing the present.
Love earnestly while it lasts and part ways when it fades.
At least her happiness now was genuine—that was enough.
Thinking of it, Navier tightened her arms around him now.
"I love you a little more today than yesterday," she whispered.
Aubrey chuckled softly. "The honor is mine. Same here."
...
Lysander watched as she disappeared from view, his body thrashing against the men restraining him.
Every instinct screamed that he needed to keep her with him.
But with armed bodyguards surrounding him, escape was impossible.
Lysander watched helplessly as she vanished from sight, his heart pounded in his chest
She was meant to stay by his side forever—how dare she leave him for someone else?
He can't accept it!
After being forcibly returned to America, Lysander refused to give up on Navier.
Back home, he tried gathering mementos from their relationship, hoping to use shared memories to win her back.
But the fire had taken everything except Ophelia's possessions.
He couldn't find a single photograph of Navier.
In that moment, he realized with shocking clarity—after years of marriage, they didn't even have a single picture together.
Their arranged marriage had been rushed, and he'd refused to take wedding photos with her.
Now he couldn't find even one snapshot of them together.
Lysander slumped onto the sofa, gripping his hair in frustration.
What could he win Navier back?
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