Chapter 427

At dawn, Juliana instinctively reached out to the side, as if seeking someone's warmth—only to find the cold, empty sheets. The realization jolted her from sweet dreams. She sat up quickly, staring at the untouched mattress beside her. The house was strangely silent, the quiet pressing against her chest like an unknown fear. She threw off the covers and looked around the room hastily, and then her gaze landed on a letter resting on the nightstand. It was from Arthur, in his own handwriting. "Juliana, urgent family matters called me away. Trust me—I’ll return to you soon. Once things are settled here, I’ll bring you home to prepare for our wedding." Yours always, Arthur A faint sigh of relief escaped her lips, though his sudden departure had left a touch of bitterness in her heart. Had he said goodbye properly, she might have clung to him, making the parting even more difficult. Instead, his words on the page felt like a promise, holding her heart steady. She would wait—for however long