Chapter 1648
Evelyn's story did not end there. Instead of earning respect for identifying the assailant, she found herself subjected
to further humiliation when details of the incident leaked among the community.
Many believed that she survived not due to luck but rather because she was compliant with the perpetrator's
wishes compared to the previous victims who met their end. Some of her co-workers even commented that her
preference for stylish attire may have made her a target as it seemed too flashy.
In an era where a woman's chastity was valued above all else, people often resorted to victim blaming.
Even the Thornfields claimed that she was an embarrassment to the family. Despite increasing the dowry in the
beginning, they ultimately proposed lowering it, perhaps out of fear that Arthur might feel repulsed by Evelyn.
Evelyn was filled with a strong sense of Injustice and could not endure any longer. In a fit of anger, she attempted
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtto take her own life.
Thankfully, someone noticed this and saved her. Not wanting Arthur to become the subject of mockery, Evelyn took
the initiative to end their engagement.
Overwhelmed with sorrow, Arthur saw through the true nature of the people in their community. Without telling
anyone, he took Evelyn and left their hometown forever, settling hundreds of miles away in Jorgeville.
The couple built a new life together there. Arthur found work, and everything seemed to be moving in a positive
direction. However, Evelyn became pregnant two months later.
Upon checking the dates, it became evident that the child was not Arthur's. Evelyn considered getting an abortion
as they struggled to even put food on the table, let alone afford medical expenses. Arthur suggested keeping the
child, but Evelyn was reluctant and sought various means to try and terminate the pregnancy. She even resorted to
misguided remedies like drinking water with crushed porcelain shards.
Fortunately, Arthur intervened and prevented a tragedy from occurring.
No matter how hard Evelyn tried, the child remained unharmed. Arthur believed it was due to fate and persuaded
his partner to keep the child, wanting to raise it as his own.
Evelyn cried for several days but ultimately accepted the reality.
Arthur's eldest son, Albert's father, had no biological relation to Arthur. However, he upheld his promise to Evelyn
and treated the child as his own. No one knew about this other than the two of them.
Arthur had assumed this matter would go with him to the grave if Stella had not brought it up today.
The character of his eldest son's family was distinctly
different from that of his own two children. They were extremely selfish and self-serving.
Upon hearing the news of Albert's misfortune, Arthur was stunned for a long while. 'Like father, like son,' he
thought,
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe paused for a moment and said about Stella not being Albert's daughter, "Actually, Keegan told me about your
parentage a while ago.”
Stella's heart skipped a beat, "What? When?"
Keegan never told her about this.
"It was a while back; I can't recall exactly," Arthur said.
"He returned the money I left for you then and told me to pretend not to know. It's not like I treated you well just
because you're a descendant of the Jewell family!" he added, slightly irritated.
Arthur's fondness for Stella was initially rooted in his affection for Rainee; his impression of her was exceptionally
favorable. He loved everything about her and naturally held high regard for her daughter. Arthur's indirect liking
toward Stella evolved into a sincere adoration as time passed.
The reason for this was simple-Stella was charming in appearance and sensible.
Arthur still remembered vividly the time he gave her candy. She wrinkled her nose as if she might spit it out at any
moment. Yet when he asked, she mustered a smile and said it was delicious.