Chapter: 543
Immaculately clean and imbued with a faint warmth, as if the room’s owner still resided there.
The furnishings in the room were simple and warm, with a predominant blue color scheme. There was a light-colored sofa, floral
curtains, a cello in the corner, and several dolls, crystal balls, and young girls’ comic books neatly arranged on the shelves. At
the head and end of the bed, there were dolls adorning the space.
Ariana meticulously observed each corner of the room before her gaze settled upon. the cloakroom. There were two rows of
pristine white wardrobes, with over ten doors in all, waiting to be explored. Driven by an inexplicable curiosity, Ariana found
herself drawn to open the wardrobe.
To her astonishment, the wardrobe contained an assortment of brand new dresses, each exuding a distinct air of luxury. Some of
the dresses still had their tags attached, indicating their recent acquisition. It was evident that these dresses had been carefully
chosen and acquired over the years.
Helen approached Ariana, her expression marked by a mixture of complexity and intrigue. She directed her attention towards the
dresses, her words tinged with a hint of melancholy. “Every year, for Marley’s birthday and various other special occasions,
Theodore personally selects one of Marley’s favorite garments and arranges it here.”
She continued, her voice carrying a weight of nostalgia. “These wardrobes simply cannot contain them all, and as a result, many
have been relocated to the attic after meticulous organization.”
“Who is Marley?” ©
Ariana’s memories stirred as she pondered the information Judy had shared shortly after her arrival at the Anderson mansion.
According to Judy, Darian, Theodore’s father, had only two children—Theodore and Jasper.
With Jasper being brought back to the family when Theodore was twelve years old, Ariana deduced that the girl named Marley
couldn’t possibly be a relative of Theodore.
This realization left her with burning questions: If they were not related, why did Theodore exhibit such care and concern for
Marley? How was it that she could live here? Could she be his first love?
The mere possibility of Marley being Theodore’s first love left a bitter taste in Ariana’s mouth. If Marley truly held a place in his
heart, then Theodore would never forget her. This would explain why he kept the room locked, refusing entry to anyone else.
Ariana’s complexion grew paler as these thoughts swirled in her mind. Sensing her distress, Helen couldn’t help but smile, a hint
of mischief in her eyes. “Theodore’s mother has a devoted maid named Marianna,” she began, her voice laced with intrigue.
“Marianna has been by his side for many years, raising him practically as her own child. Their relationship is far from ordinary.” ©
A pause followed, as if Helen relished the anticipation. “Marley is Marianna’s daughter,” she finally revealed, her fingers
delicately grazing the beautiful dresses before her. “Tragically, Marley’s father passed away in a car accident shortly after her
birth. Due to Marianna’s close ties with Theodore’s mother, Marley has resided here since childhood and even possesses her
own room, making her a true member of the Anderson family.” ©
“So Theodore and Marley aren’t siblings?” Ariana asked, her voice steady.
Helen, her smile undeterred, swiftly responded, “No, they are not siblings in the conventional sense. Their connection runs much
deeper. In Theodore’s heart, Marley represents his first love, a love untouched by impurity.” Helen’s lips curled, and her white
teeth peeked through. “Growing up together, their bond is unbreakable. Marley possesses a gentle spirit that surpasses any
words used to describe her beauty. Even Theodore’s mother holds a deep fondness for her.” ©
“So what?” Ariana’s gaze flickered coldly.
Unfazed by the lack of reaction, Helen pursed her lips and pressed on, determined to elicit a response. “Don’t you feel any
sorrow, Ariana? If Marley had not met her untimely demise at the age of fifteen, you would not have found yourself married into
the Anderson family.”
“That is all in the past, is it not? Iam Theodore’s rightful wife now. The past cannot be altered.” Ariana sneered, her voice dripping
with defiance.
No matter the depth of her sadness, she refused to reveal it to Helen. She knew very well that Helen wanted her to be sad, but
she would not give her that satisfaction.
“No, the past can never truly be left behind. And Theodore’s love for Marley has softened him. When it comes to her, he is not as
cold and ruthless as he once was,”
Helen persisted in provoking Ariana. She didn’t come here to engage in idle conversation, but to compel Ariana to give up.
Regardless of how much Helen may have despised Marley, the reality remained that the deceased could not be brought back to
life, and despite her efforts, the past could not be changed. However, the situation with Ariana was different. Helen was uncertain
about the tactics Ariana had employed to truly win over Theodore’s heart.