Chapter 398 A Glimpse into the Truth
The old manor of the Bennett family stood tall and proud.
Within the confines of his cherished collection room, Dalton Bennett unveiled a photograph from a concealed compartment.
The image was of an era long past, capturing the visage of a youthful woman whose smile radiated an ethereal beauty.
A sigh escaped Dalton's lips as he tenderly traced the woman's face in the photograph with his fingers, murmuring to himself, "Mia, why did you leave? What does he possess that I lack?"
From beyond the room's door, the butler's voice echoed, "Ms. Bennett, a message from Mrs. Bennett. She will not be returning this evening."
A crease formed on Dalton's brow as he swiveled around, instructing, "Inform her that William's wedding is imminent and her presence is required for the preparations. Once the nuptials are concluded, she may go wherever she pleases."
"Understood."
After the butler's response, another voice suddenly came from outside the door, "Is my dad in there?"
"You're back. Ms. Bennett is inside. Do you need something?"
"Dad, I need to talk to you," William's voice sounded as he rapped on the door.
Stowing the photograph away and securing the lock, Dalton opened the door.
His gaze fell upon William, his expression icy. "You've finally deemed it necessary to return. I seldom request your presence, yet you never seem to find the right moment."
William cut to the chase, "Dad, I respect your wisdom in all matters, but I insist on choosing my own wife. You cannot force me to marry a woman I barely know."
"Who said you don't know her? You've seen Samantha at numerous social events."
"I refuse to marry her," William declared, displaying a defiance he had never before shown his father.
He had anticipated his father's wrath, yet to his astonishment, Dalton remained composed.
"I recall, when you were but a child, I instilled this belief in you, and you accepted it without question. Now, as marriage looms, you suddenly alter your stance."
William retorted, his tone frosty, "I was naive then, oblivious to the significance of matrimony or the sensation of love. Now, as a man, I cannot wed a woman I do not love."
"So, you're prepared to forfeit everything, even risk expulsion from the Bennett family?" Dalton's voice hardened.
"Yes," William replied, a faint smile gracing his lips, his fear nonexistent. "Even if I lose it all, I refuse to sacrifice the joy of my remaining years."
"Very well," Dalton conceded, nodding. "If that's your stance, I'll respect your wishes. You need not marry, you may leave."
"Great," William responded, "Rest assured, upon my departure, I will not claim any assets of the Bennett family. I won't..."
"I did not suggest you sever ties with the Bennett family," Dalton interjected. "My point is, if you choose not to marry, I'll respect your decision. There's no need for matrimony, nor do I plan to disown you. You remain my son."
"What?" William was taken aback. "Why?"
He had steeled himself for banishment from the Bennett family, yet now his father was asserting his continued status as a Bennett?
Was this really his father?
The expected reaction would be one of fury, perhaps even physical violence.
The absence of such an outburst was already unusual, and now his father was renouncing the arranged marriage and not exiling him.
Could his father be suffering from a terminal illness, seeking to make amends in his final days?
It wasn't that he held his father in low regard, but rather that Dalton's inherent nature was known to be harsh, a fact even his son recognized!
"Why?" Dalton's voice was icy. "As your father, I've failed to meet your expectations over the years. Now, when I finally attempt to act in your best interest, you reject my efforts. So be it."
"Dad, your idea of acting in my best interest was to select a random woman for me to marry, correct? You knew..."
"You're referring to your feelings for Ava, aren't you?" Dalton's gaze pierced through William's facade, revealing his true intentions in an instant.
