Chapter 725
Suddenly, Lilyana’s tone shifted, imbued with regret.
She sighed, “It’s a shame that her family was involved in a hunting accident, and Marley lost her parents during her teenage years.
”
Ariana’s heart clenched at these words, and she hurriedly inquired, “What happened to Marley?”
Lilyana shook her head.
“I am unaware of the events that followed.
Marley was taken away by relatives and never returned.
”
This corroborated the administrator’s earlier statement.
A mix of emotions swirled within Ariana.
“Do you have any knowledge of who took her away and where they went?” she asked.
Lilyana shook her head pensively.
“I cannot provide any certainty on that matter.
It has been over a decade since those times.
”
As she spoke, her gaze drifted towards the window, seemingly conjuring Marley’s visage.
In a nostalgic tone, she remarked, “Marley should be around 23 or 24 years old now.
She was an enchanting child, and I am certain she has blossomed into a stunning beauty.
”
Ariana’s heart ached upon hearing this.
She observed Lilyana’s wistful expression, yearning to convey the truth but finding herself unable to disclose Marley’s untimely demise.
Ariana listened intently, her mind drifting along with Lilyana’s reminiscence.
She refrained from interrupting, allowing the story to unfold before her.
“Alas, my traditional clothing business has been on a steady decline.
I finally closed the shop two years ago.
Since my child has found stability in the city, I decided to move there as well.
” Lilyana spoke with a touch of sadness, coughing twice before reaching for a cup of water to quench her parched throat.
It appeared that Lilyana had been absent for quite some time, so why had she suddenly returned and opened the shop today? The timing seemed too coincidental.
Lost in curiosity, Ariana couldn’t help but inquire, “What prompted your return today? Is there something going on?”
Lilyana laughed softly as she met Ariana’s gaze.
“There’s an old customer, you see.
Starting eight years ago, this customer would come back every year around this time to order clothes from me.
Previously, I would make the clothes and leave them in the shop for the customer to pick up.
But this year, due to a family trip, I got delayed on my way back.
Luckily, the customer was still waiting and came to pick up the clothes just two hours ago.
”
Ariana’s mind raced, thinking about the clothes tucked away in the wardrobe on the fourth floor of the Anderson family’s house.
She couldn’t forget Helen’s mention of Theodore preparing a special piece of clothing for Marley every year on her birthday.
As Lilyana finished speaking, the realization dawned upon Ariana-the old customer she referred to was none other than Theodore.
So the urgent matter Theodore mentioned in the Letter was to pick up Marley’s clothes?
Mixed emotions swelled within Ariana, an amalgamation of various feelings intertwining and causing a slight ache in her heart.
After a brief moment of silence, Ariana mustered a soft voice and inquired, “The customer you mentioned, did he buy the clothes for his girlfriend?”
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Though bitterness clouded her heart, she forced a smile.
“Buying clothes for eight years without interruption, their relationship must be quite strong.
”
Unaware of the subtle loss in her own tone, Ariana’s attention remained fixated on Lilyana, awaiting her response.
Lilyana regarded her with a smile, her eyes filled with affection and a trace of regret.
Shaking her head gently, she replied, “Having made clothes for so many years, I have developed a sense for these things When he comes to buy clothes, it doesn’t feel like he’s purchasing them for a lover.
It’s more akin to buying for a family member.
Perhaps, he’s buying them for his sister.
”
Upon hearing this, Ariana’s heart stirred, and the bitter feelings within her began to ease.
However, before she could fully embrace the notion, a question nagged at her thoughts: How could there be a sister when the Anderson family was known to have only two sons?
Ariana’s mood sank as she dwelled on the matter once again.
It was true, as far as she knew, that everyone had always spoken of the Anderson family having solely two sons.