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Chapter 15
After he spoke, he opened the door with a gentle creak. “Come on in and take a load off for a bit.” Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and quickly helped Thea into the cozy house. A little sugar water later, and Thea started to come around, blinking as she took in her surroundings. The first thing she did was grab Eliza’s hand with urgency. “Eliza, you finally let us in. Does this mean you’ve forgiven us?”
Eliza pulled her hand back sharply. “No, I haven’t forgiven you,” she said. “I only let you in so you wouldn’t end up collapsing on my doorstep.”
Thea’s eyes dimmed, while Greg and Evan exchanged looks of regret, lowering their heads. Aiden, however, looked up, eyes red–rimmed. “Eliza, I know I hurt you badly. You have every right not to forgive me, but I’m not giving up. I’ll wait on this island until the day you change your mind.”
Eliza met his gaze, disbelief in her eyes. “Aiden, isn’t that a bit ridiculous? You’re the heir to the Owens family. Are you really ready to give all that up just to hang out with me on this island?”
“Yes, I am!”
She thought her words might make him back down, but his answer was as firm as ever. Greg, Thea, and Evan quickly chimed in, standing up in unison. “We’re with Aiden, Eliza. We don’t want anything but your forgiveness. Please come back with us.”
Eliza shook her head gently. “I’m not going back with you. If you want to stay here, that’s your choice. But I’ve decided to move on.”
She had come to the island to cut ties with her past, but now things were different. She’d found solace with her godparents and Dean. Just yesterday, Dean had mentioned needing to deal with some family matters and asked her to come along. At first, she hesitated, but when he said they wouldn’t leave without her, she couldn’t help but smile at their dedication.
It wasn’t about where she was, but who she was with that mattered. So, she chose to leave the island with the Madden family.
Hearing Eliza’s decision, Aiden felt a sting deep in his chest. It was hard to swallow the fact that one word from Dean could sway her, while their three days and nights of waiting had done nothing. It was a reality check he hadn’t wanted. Still, he refused to accept it just yet, blurting out, “Eliza, wherever you go, we’ll be right there.”
Three days later, Eliza departed the island with Orson, Polly, and Dean. The Newells and Aiden weren’t far behind. As soon as Eliza stepped off the plane, she hopped into the Madden family’s car. The Newells and Aiden tried to follow, but Dean blocked them. “Sorry, private property. No visitors allowed.”
It wasn’t the right time, and they were too weary from days without rest, so they decided not to push their luck. They figured there would be more chances down the road.
From her chats with the Madden family, Eliza knew they were wealthy, but stepping inside was still a shock. She’d thought the Newell and Owens families were the pinnacle of luxury, but the Madden family’s home was more like a castle! The grandeur left her speechless. High ceilings, dazzling crystal chandeliers, intricate murals, and priceless antiques–all showcased the Madden family’s immense wealth and aristocratic status.
Orson greeted her with a warm smile. “Eliza, this is your home now. Make yourself comfortable.”
Polly took her by the hand, showing her around the rooms, while Dean followed closely, his gaze full of warmth and affection.
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