Reginald glanced at her, nodded slightly, gave a faint smile, exchanged a few brief words with the gallery director, and then strode over to where they were standing.Emily suddenly halted, lightly adjusting her dress.Arabella also paused, puzzled. "Why did you stop all of a sudden?" she asked.But at that moment, Emily became flustered as Mr. Reginald approached, unable to pay attention to Arabella's question, her eyes bright as she gazed at him.Before Arabella could speak, Emily enthusiastically extended her hand. "Hello! I'm Emily, nice to meet you. And what should I call you?"Reginald only gave her a cold glance, not taking her hand. "I'm here to see Arabella," he said calmly.Emily looped her arm around Arabella's, flashing a bright smile. "Oh, she's my dearest friend, we share everything, even our birthdays. So, whatever you need to tell her, you can tell me too!"Suppressing a laugh at her friend's boldness, Arabella held back.Reginald evidently had no interest in wasting t

Molly fell silent for a moment, appearing somewhat melancholic. "Mom knows, dear. I just wanted to gift you a wedding dress, regardless of whoever you may eventually marry. I'd still give you one."Arabella felt both touched and pained, as if a cat were scratching at her heart. She managed a forced smile. "Thank you, Aunt Molly, but I really don't need it."Her pace of loving someone was slow. Once she loved, it was difficult to step away.As for remarriage, that seemed distant.Molly grew a bit upset. "Don't call me aunt. Even if you divorce Reginald, I'm still your mother. If you can't be my daughter-in-law, then be my daughter. I designed these, spent several nights perfecting them. If you don't want them, it's disrespectful to me."Tears welled up in Arabella's eyes. Deeply moved, she was close to tears. Unable to refuse, she sat beside Molly and earnestly reviewed the designs.Preferring a simple and elegant style, she chose a sleek, white, floor-length gown. The fabric appeared

Arabella felt as if she had been slapped hard in a public place. Her cheeks burned with a mix of embarrassment and anger.Taking some time to compose herself, she replied, "I didn't break my promise. Reginald just returned from overseas yesterday, and today is the weekend. The court is closed today."Northridge said coldly, "Next Monday, I will have my assistant check Reginald's schedule. I hope Miss Arabella won't break her promise."Arabella murmured her agreement in a low voice.Adding a meaningful tone, Northridge continued, "I have a high regard for Reginald, but if he displeases me, he can be sacrificed. I have another son, though his business acumen is slightly inferior, his character is ruthless and decisive. He won't be distracted by emotions and will listen to me. Our elite family is different from yours—we have a big business to run. Business is war; either you become a king, or you perish, with no room for father-son or brotherly sentiments. If Reginald can't be the king,

The funeral car began to move slowly.Arabella clutched the door handle, crying bitterly, walking out of the village.As they reached the main road, and the hearse accelerated, Arabella had to let go. Her outstretched hand slipped from the cold metal door.It felt like the sky was collapsing on her.Arabella was overwhelmed with grief, not knowing what to say—she just desperately reached out to grab the slowly disappearing vehicle. She held back her tears, running frantically, helplessly chasing after the hearse carrying her grandmother.Reginald, concerned that Arabella might get hurt, rushed over to stop her.She was in utter despair, her legs giving way, collapsing on the ground.Reginald gathered her into his arms, holding her tightly, as if she were a child.Arabella was too weak to stand; she reached out with her hands, as if by sheer willpower, she could pull back the departing funeral car. But it had irrevocably vanished into the distance.Her eyes blurred with tears until it

Arabella looked at Reginald in confusion as he suddenly kissed her lips.Even though it was already nighttime, people were still strolling nearby, occasionally passing by them.Grandmother had just been laid to rest. Engaging in romantic moments during the mourning period was inappropriate.Arabella tried to push him away, but Reginald tightly grasped her wrist with one hand, preventing her from moving. Unable to break free due to his strength, she closed her eyes and allowed him to continue kissing.His kiss was forceful, even a bit assertive, devoid of the usual tenderness. It was as if he were trying to prove a point to someone.Arabella recalled his words spoken into the phone earlier. He must have been talking to Northridge.She thought Reginald was just trying to stand up against Northridge.Not until he had kissed her almost breathless did Reginald finally release her, gently wiping away the moisture from her lips. "We're not getting a divorce," he stated decisively.It wasn't