Chapter 11
Danger often unlocked a person’s hidden strength, and Daisy ran with a fierce, unstoppable energy. For a long while, no one could catch up to her. It wasn’t until they reached the cliff’s edge that Heather, breathless and seething with frustration, finally stopped. Teeth gritted, she sneered, “Sister, below is a wild, untamed wilderness. It’s full of beasts and poison. If you step into it, you won’t make it out alive.”
But Daisy didn’t even hesitate. Without a second thought, she leaped into the void, disappearing into the unknown.
Heather’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected Daisy to actually jump, and the shock was written all over her face. She wasn’t lying, the forest below was a deadly labyrinth, a place where a previous expedition had been found scattered across the land in pieces. Entering that forest was as good as signing a death sentence.
But despite the unexpected turn of events, Heather’s lips curled into a slow smile. It hadn’t gone exactly as planned, but this outcome was still satisfying. “Leave a few men here,” she ordered coldly. “Don’t let her return.”
Heather turned and descended the mountain, keeping Daisy’s escape under wraps for now, already planning her next move. Meanwhile, the preparations for the wedding continued, with everyone oblivious to the storm that was quietly gathering.
Back in the quiet of their home, Daisy’s parents exchanged worried glances as they held the wedding invitations in their hands. “Desmond,” Daisy’s mother began softly, “are you sure about this? How can Daisy possibly be your bride?” They hesitated for a moment, then added, “And Heather… she’s loved you for so long. If you marry Daisy, it will break her heart.”
Desmond’s face softened, his voice calm and steady. “I’ve known Daisy my whole life. There’s no question about her worth. Even if her face is scarred, my love for her hasn’t changed.”
He paused, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses with an almost tender touch. “As for Heather… I’ve always thought of her as a sister. There’s no romance there.” His eyes held a deep, unwavering affection as he continued, “Heather’s condition has stabilized. It’s time for Daisy and me to have our wedding. We can’t keep delaying.”
Daisy’s parents exchanged a knowing look but didn’t speak. Their eyes shifted toward Heather, filled with silent sympathy. Heather’s gaze hardened, the sharp edges of her emotions betraying her composure. Desmond’s heart was as cold and immovable as stone. She knew all too well that her attempts to manipulate him through her depression and threats of suicide wouldn’t work forever. If she kept playing that card, he would eventually lose patience.
She swallowed her resentment and forced a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I understand. My love for Desmond has always been one-sided,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m learning to let go. I wish Desmond and Daisy a lifetime of happiness.”
Tears welled in Heather’s eyes, streaming down her cheeks as she spoke. Desmond hesitated, his gaze lingering on her, but he didn’t step forward. Deep down, he knew he couldn’t offer her any more hope.
With a steady breath, he turned and left.
The moment Desmond was gone, Daisy’s mother rushed forward, gently wiping Heather’s tears. “Don’t cry, Heather. You deserve someone better than Desmond,” she whispered. After a pause, her expression softened with resolve. “I’ll give you Daisy’s dowry,” she added, her words like a gesture of unexpected kindness. Then, after a brief moment, she made a bolder decision. “I’ll transfer my company shares to you.”
Heather exchanged a knowing glance with Samuel, pretending to hesitate before finally relenting. A small, satisfied smile played at her lips.
Back at his home, Desmond wasted no time. He sent out the wedding invitations, determined to make this event different. In the past, he had kept the wedding small, mindful of Heather’s feelings, with only close family members in the know. But despite all the secrecy, the wedding had never come to fruition because of Heather. This time, Desmond couldn’t shake the feeling that he owed Daisy something. So he went all out, chartering an entire cruise ship and inviting a long list of guests. He was determined to make sure this wedding would happen, no matter what.
