10:14
Chapter 20
Three days later, Riverton was buzzing with shocking news. The Newell family had made the gut–wrenching decision to turn their eldest daughter, Margot, over to the authorities, sending her to jail.
Greg and Thea went through unimaginable pain and turmoil making this call. As they watched Margot being led away by the police, Thea couldn’t hold back her tears, covering her face in sorrow. Greg stood there, his expression heavy with helplessness and determination. They had lavished Margot with love, never thinking she’d end up on such a destructive path.
When Eliza got wind of the news, her emotions were all over the place. Yet, it lasted only a moment. She had already made up her mind to break away from the Newells and Aiden for good.
Meanwhile, the Maddens were slowly bouncing back after their hospital stay. One day, Dean, with a mysterious twinkle in his eye, told Eliza he had a special place to take her.
Curious and intrigued, she followed him to a garden that looked like it was pulled straight from a fairytale. The place was bursting with blooms, with petal–strewn paths leading to a stage decked out with colorful lights and balloons. Her favorite lilies were everywhere, their fragrance lightly perfuming the air.
Eliza was awestruck by the scene, and just as she began to take it all in, soft music started playing. Dean approached, kneeling down on one knee with a bouquet of fresh red roses in his hands, his eyes full of love. “Eliza, from the moment we met, you changed my world. You’re the brightest light in my life. I love you and want to spend forever protecting you. Will you be with me?”
Eliza looked into Dean’s sincere eyes, feeling the weight of his love. She was about to respond when the sudden sound of hurried footsteps shattered the romantic moment. Everyone turned to see Aiden rushing over, breathless and frantic.
His eyes were filled with urgency and longing as he locked eyes with Eliza. Aiden quickly reached them, his voice trembling slightly, “Eliza, please don’t say yes to him. I know I’ve messed up a lot and hurt you, but I’m trying to change. I’ve realized I can’t live without you; my love for you has never wavered. Give me a chance to make things right.”
The atmosphere instantly became tense. Dean stood up, protectively in front of Eliza, his gaze wary as he faced Aiden. “Aiden, Eliza is happy now. Don’t messs up her life. Your actions in the past caused her too much pain.”
Eliza watched the two men before her, her emotions in turmoil. Memories of her past with Aiden rushed back. The love, the sacrifices, and the pain of repeated betrayal… It all pierced her heart.
Still, she had seen Aiden’s efforts to change. He genuinely wanted to earn back her trust. Meanwhile, Dean had been her constant, showing her what real love and care felt like during her darkest times.
Eliza took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Her eyes were a mix of emotions. “Aiden, the past hurt me too much. I’ve finally moved beyond that pain. Dean has given me happiness and security I never knew before.”
Desperation flickered in Aiden’s eyes, but he pressed on, “Eliza, I know I let you down. But I promise, I’ll love you with all my heart and never let you get hurt again.”
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