Chapter 394 Tainted Marriage
Dalton took a moment to appreciate his own ability to intimidate others. Observing Ava's impassive response, he seemed to grasp something. "I'm aware that you don't hold me in high regard," he began, "but every action I've taken is rooted in logic. As a father, my son's happiness is my primary concern. However, he's currently without a partner, leaving me with no means to assist him. I understand my son's mindset, but I can't predict when he'll choose to marry. The young woman I've selected for him is quite charming. I'm confident that given time, they'll discover their compatibility."
Dalton paused, allowing his words to settle.
"Mr. Bennett," Ava interjected, "you believe that they'll find common ground after spending time together, but William may not share your perspective. What if he rejects your arrangement?" She was curious about the potential repercussions for William.
Dalton's tone hardened. "He'd do well not to defy me," he warned. "Ava, you could also encourage him to accept the family's decision."
"Encourage him?" Ava was taken aback by the absurdity of the suggestion. She hadn't even met the woman William was expected to marry. Why should she persuade him? Furthermore, even if she had met the woman, the decision to marry her was ultimately William's. If William genuinely cared for the woman and sought her assistance, she would willingly offer her support, as she had done for Elinor.
She recalled the time when William had sought her advice on courting a woman. However, she couldn't possibly coerce him into a relationship with a woman he didn't care for.
Dalton insisted, "Yes, Ava, you can persuade him."
"Mr. Bennett," Ava countered, "have you considered William's feelings? What if he's already in love with someone else..."
Dalton dismissed her concerns. "And what if he is?" he retorted. "Whether it's infatuation or love, it all sours after marriage. Love-driven marriages are fleeting in this world. The ones that endure are those built on shared interests, with clear objectives and reasons for matrimony."
Ava was left speechless. She found his brutally pragmatic perspective repugnant. It was disheartening to think that the world was devoid of genuine emotion, leaving only self-interest. Everything seemed bleak. If love did exist, it was fleeting.
She pondered on the melancholy state of the world. Marriage, once a sacred union between two individuals in love, had been stripped of its essence, becoming a repugnant transaction.
If marriage was merely a means to further self-interest, then people should directly exchange benefits without sullying the sanctity of marriage. If a lifetime commitment was sustained solely by self-interest, who could guarantee lifelong benefits to each other?
Dalton exuded confidence. "My wife and I also entered into a marriage of convenience. We're doing just fine, no issues. Most of the people I know who married for love are either divorced or constantly at odds."
Ava responded, her anger barely concealed. "I had thought you to be a man of broader perspective, Mr. Bennett. But it seems you only consider the experiences of those within your immediate circle."
Why did some people believe that their immediate surroundings were representative of the entire world? Dalton retorted, "I admire your tenacity. It's important to retain some idealism. However, there are times when one must confront reality. After all, you and your husband divorced, didn't you? Wasn't your marriage based on love?"
Ava's fists clenched in her lap. Yes, she and Alexander had divorced. Their marriage had lasted a mere year. What right did she have to dictate the nature of marriage? She could barely make sense of her own failed union.
