Chapter 1039
“That’s not what I meant.” Mavis looked straight at Uriah. Their eyes met, and suddenly both fell into an uneasy silence.
Neither could hold the gaze for long. Almost in unison, they looked away.
“So, what are you trying to say?” Uriah asked.
Mavis drew a breath. “The truth is, I never lost my memory. I was faking it. I lied to you p>
Uriah gave a small, knowing shrug. “I figured as much. You’re not exactly Academy Award material.” He smiled faintly, but there was an ache behind it. “Besides, you acted like you knew everyone except me—it just didn’t add up. There were holes in your story you could drive a truck through p>
He’d suspected all along, but part of him hadn’t wanted to admit it. The thought that she’d fake amnesia just to avoid him gnawed at him, leaving him anxious and unsettled.
“Thank you, for everything,” Mavis said quietly, turning to face him, her sincerity unmistakable. “I owe who I am now to you. Without you, I wouldn’t have made it this far. But what I said before about retiring was real. I’m done with this life. If you need a partner, you’ll have to find someone else p>
Uriah nodded. “Okay p>
Mavis hesitated, then added, “And… now that you know I never lost my memory, you get what I’m saying, right p>
“I do.” His smile faded into something more tentative. “There’s nothing I could do to repay you. The only thing left is, after this, we go our separate ways. We keep our distance p>
She smiled back, gentle but resolute. “Of course, if you ever need me again, you know how to reach me. But for now, let’s stay out of each other’s personal lives, alright? I won’t interfere in yours, and you don’t interfere in mine p>
She glanced away, her voice softening. “And if, someday, I find the right person and
get married-You’ll definitely be on the guest list. I promise p>
Uriah’s eyebrows drew together. “You’re really that set on getting married p>
Mavis gave a simple nod. “Yes p>
He took a steadying breath. “Well… what if that person could be me? Suddenly, Uriah’s expression turned solemn and intent Wherr, you got Hurt, everything changed for me. I realized-I’d do anything you asked p>
“You could marry me. I want to marry you, if you’ll have me p>
“Mavis, you’re incredibly important to me p>
Mavis stared at him for a heartbeat, then suddenly laughed, the tension breaking. “Come on, don’t mess around p>
“I know you don’t like me that way. And I didn’t get hurt because of you—I’m not going to use it against you, or hold it over your head p>
“And I’ve recovered, see? Good as new.” She stretched her arms out, showing him. “I’m back on my feet and feeling like my old self again p>
“So you don’t need to worry, and you don’t need to feel responsible p>
“That’s not it.” Uriah’s frown only deepened. “When you got hurt, I was terrified-I thought I might lose you. Mavis, I think I’ve fallen for you p>
He reached out, trying to take her hand. But Mavis reflexively drew back, her expression guarded.
She remembered what Portia had told her-about Uriah’s family, about obligations and arranged futures. She had no intention of making his life more complicated. Honestly, she’d already given up on him. Nearly dying had only made her
more certain: it was time to move on
for good.
Uriah saw her quick retreat and the pain flashed in his eyes. “Mavis, I know you’re
upset. But… will you at least give me a chance p>
“I’m not upset Mavis answered softly, looking up at him. “Listen, Uriah-our worlds are too far apart I’ve thought this through. We’re not right for each other-we don’t fit ↓ Want to find someone normal. Someone whose life isn’t already mapped out p>
She smiled sadly. “If you do have feelings for me, I appreciate it. Truly. But please—
don’t say it just because you feel guilty p>