Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 88

Chapter 12

Matthew was forcibly driven out of the hospital by Daphne's brother, Jonathan.

He longed to see Daphne again, but Jonathan's ultimatum was clear -Matthew was not to approach her anymore.

Dragging his battered body out of the hospital, Matthew's mind swirled with a flood of memories, though the dominant feelings were guilt and self-reproach.

He knew all too well that everything was his fault. It was his neglect that had pushed Daphne into the depths of despair.

Matthew stumbled back to the Roberts estate, only to realize that everything in the house had subtly changed.

Hearing him return, Charlotte hurried down the stairs with excitement.

"Matthew, you're back!" she called cheerfully.

But Matthew, consumed by the weight of Daphne's lost memories, had momentarily forgotten about this woman in his home.

Charlotte noticed the blood on the corner of Matthew's mouth and reached out to take his hand, her concern apparent. "What happened to your face?"

Her expression showed a hint of worry, but to Matthew, that concern seemed utterly false.

His eyes were vacant as he forcefully pulled his hand away without even glancing at her.

"Charlotte, what did you say during the wedding?" His voice was low and frigid, carrying the weight of a brewing storm.

A flicker of panic crossed Charlotte's face, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Matthew, you must have misheard. I didn't say anything at all."

The fury within Matthew finally erupted. Striding toward Charlotte, he seized her by the throat and pinned her against the wall.

"Charlotte, did you really think I wouldn't know? I heard every single word you said at the wedding, loud and clear!"

Charlotte, choking under his grip, struggled to speak, her face turning red from the lack of air. She forced out her words, one at a time.

The room was unrecognizable, devoid of any trace of Daphne.

Her clothes, her books, even her favorite novel- all gone.

No matter how much Matthew searched, there was no sign of her. Not even a single photograph remained.

A profound sense of loss engulfed him, as though his entire world had crumbled in that moment.

He slumped to the floor, overwhelmed by memories of the day he proposed to Daphne by the sea.

"Daphne, I swear to love you forever and make you as happy as you are today."

"Then you better keep your word."

Tears slipped from the corners of his eyes. When he opened them again, Daphne's radiant smile was gone, replaced only by the emptiness of the room.

"Daphne... I broke my promise..."