Chapter 8: A New Proposal

I always knew Marcus wouldn’t write anything pleasant in the letter of separation.

But those venomous words still stabbed my eyes and heart.

After two years as husband and wife, with all my devotion, this was all I got in return.

How absurd…

Aubrey, on the other hand, was overjoyed and couldn’t wait to urge me to return to the Carter family.

“Hurry up and leave. The first time I saw you, I felt you were bad luck for me.”

“If you really stayed here as house manager, who knows how many years less I’d live!”

I ignored her sarcasm and walked straight out to the Carter family’s car.

The driver, old Hank, tipped his hat sadly as he opened the door. The sight of the familiar leather seats made my throat tighten.

But just as I was about to get in, Marcus—who should have been in the front office—suddenly appeared.

He looked at me with a deep, searching gaze.

“Natalie Carter, a day as husband and wife is worth a hundred days of grace.”

“For the sake of that bond, I’ll give you one last chance.”

“If your car turns back today, I will take back the letter of separation.”

“Stupid dummy, what nonsense are you saying?”

Aubrey pouted unhappily.

But Marcus did not change his words.

……

Our house isn’t far from the Carter family home.

In the time it takes to drive across town, I returned to that familiar place.

Maple Heights was so small you could cross it in ten minutes, the streets winding between century-old oaks and the county fairgrounds.

Just as Marcus said, my father—always so calculating—upon hearing I’d been separated, could not wait to sever all ties with me.

“I’ve been shrewd all my life—how did I end up with such a pig-headed daughter?”

“You can’t even outdo a girl with no background or connections. Why should I keep you?”

“Just go and get out of my sight!”

He slammed his fist on the armrest of his old recliner, making the lamp rattle.

My mother wept silently at my side.

She handed me a handkerchief, her own eyes swollen from crying. She squeezed my hand beneath the table, as if her grip alone could shield me from the world.

I sat quietly, enduring all the scolding.

Suddenly, someone came over and whispered something to my father.

He looked shocked, then hurriedly pulled me to my feet.

“Marcus said if you go back today, the letter of separation will be void?”

I hesitated for a moment, but still nodded.

The anger on my father’s face instantly faded.

He immediately ordered the staff to get the car ready, pushing me out as he spoke.

“Hurry back and apologize to Marcus. Accept whatever punishment he gives you.”

“Dad.” I shook off his hand. “I won’t go back.”

My father was stunned, then erupted in rage:

“You’re always disgracing the Carter family. If you don’t go back, I’ll never be able to show my face again!”

“So just for your reputation, you want to push me back into the fire?”

“You brat! When did I ever push you into a fire? It’s your own fault for not winning Marcus’s heart in two years!”

As he spoke, my father raised his hand high.

My mother hurriedly clung to him:

“If she won’t go back, she won’t. Our daughter is outstanding in every way. Are we afraid she won’t be able to remarry?”

“You two are just alike—both stubborn as mules!”

My father flung my mother aside in anger.

“That’s Marcus! If even Marcus doesn’t want you, who else would dare take you?”

“Sir!”

Just then, another staff member burst in.

Already furious, my father shouted:

“What is it? Running in such a panic—are you trying to get fired?”

“No, sir, it’s… Someone from the Johnson family just arrived to propose marriage. They’re already at the door!”

In Maple Heights, news traveled faster than a summer storm. I hadn’t even unpacked my suitcase before another family came knocking—proof a Carter name was never out of season.