Chapter 44

Chapter 44 Proposal to End the Engagement

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Naomi felt a pang of displeasure seeing Matthew’s attention remain fixed on Arabella. Matthew rarely visited Hamilton Manor, and now he seemed thoroughly distracted by Arabella.

Really, why hadn’t Grandpa brought up their engagement yet?

With that thought, Naomi gently steered the conversation. “Grandpa, earlier Matthew mentioned he came today to discuss something with you p>

Now she could only hope Matthew would take the initiative to raise the matter himself.

“Oh? Matthew, what did you wish to speak to me about?” Ryan was also quite curious about the reason for Matthew’s visit.

Though the two families were old friends and an understanding existed between them, Matthew usually limited his communication to sending seasonal gifts–rarely appearing in person. So his visit today surely. had a specific purpose.

As everyone’s focus returned to him, Naomi also watched Matthew with quiet expectancy,

Matthew then shifted his gaze away from Arabella and decided to address the matter directly.

After all, there were no outsiders present. He spoke plainly, “Perhaps my timing isn’t ideal, but since the whole family is gathered, I’ll come straight to the point p>

Ryan grew somewhat wary–what could make Matthew so serious? His own demeanor turned more attentive. “What is it? Please speak freely p>

Since Matthew had taken the helm of the Stewart family’s affairs, he had shown decisive judgment and achieved notable results. If he needed support in business, Ryan would certainly have been willing to help.

Seeing Ryan’s open attitude, Matthew stated clearly, “Mr. Hamilton, today I wish to discuss dissolving the understanding of marriage between our families p>

The words hung in the air. Every Hamilton in the room except Arabella seemed to freeze.

Jonathan, Florence, and Naomi all looked at Matthew with profound surprise.

“Dissolve the understanding?” Ryan had never expected Matthew to raise this matter.

Although he himself had considered revising the arrangement today, hearing Matthew propose to end it altogether came as a shock.

If the match wasn’t right, one could simply change the intended partner–there was no need to dissolve the agreement entirely.

But Matthew affirmed firmly, “Yes p>

Seeing Matthew’s composure, Ryan understood he had already made up his mind.

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Chapter 44 Proposal to End the Engagement

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Yet he strongly suspected Matthew hadn’t consulted Robert on this. He asked in a measured tone, “Does your grandfather know of this p>

Matthew replied calmly. “My personal decisions are my own to make p>

Hearing this, Ryan’s brow furrowed slightly as he considered the situation.

So Matthew had come here without Robert’s knowledge.

In that case, he would need to consider the matter carefully.

Meanwhile, Naomi’s face had paled p>

She had thought Matthew’s mention of the engagement meant he wished to formalize it soon.

But hearing him calmly propose to end it left her staring at him in disbelief.

What? End the understanding?

Was she not good enough?

Or… did he now prefer Arabella?

Was he dissolving the arrangement with her… So that he could later pursue Arabella instead?

The thought made Naomi’s face turn ashen. She could only bite her lip, humiliation and hurt welling

inside her.

Lena noticed Naomi’s struggle to contain her emotions and looked at her with deep sympathy.

But with Matthew still present, she wasn’t sure what to say to comfort her. For the moment, she simply took Naomi’s hand and held it gently.

Jonathan and Florence were only now regaining their bearings.

They had never imagined Matthew’s purpose in visiting today was this.

Although in one sense this might seem fair to both young people, it would undoubtedly deal a painful

blow to Naomi.

After all, they could see Naomi had developed genuine feelings for Matthew.

For him to disregard her feelings entirely and announce the dissolution so directly p>

It was clear he did not share her affection.

How could Naomi not be heartbroken?

Ryan, too, noted Naomi’s distressed state and opted for a temporizing response. “The understanding was made between your grandfather and me. Even if it is to be dissolved, the elders of both families should sit down together and discuss it. Your grandfather is unwell at present. Let’s wait until he has recovered. If he

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Chapter 44 Proposal to End the Engagement

then agrees with your view, ending the arrangement may certainly be considered p>

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Naomi hadn’t expected her grandfather’s words to sound so open to the idea. For a moment, she could no longer hold back her anguish. She looked at Matthew with tear–brightened eyes and asked in a soft, trembling voice, “Matthew… did you misspeak? Didn’t you come today to discuss our engagement with Grandpa? Why… why are you saying you wish to end it p>

This was the year when, by their grandfathers‘ earlier understanding, they would have been formally betrothed. She had thought Matthew had come to talk about moving forward–not to walk away.

Naomi couldn’t bring herself to believe it and instinctively spoke in his defense.

But Matthew looked at her with polite detachment and said in a low, firm voice, “Naomi, I have always regarded you as a younger sister. The arrangement was made by our elders. I cannot go against my own heart, and I do not wish to mislead you or allow a misunderstanding to continue p>

Though his tone was cool, it carried a ring of sincerity–this was clearly his true feeling.

But Naomi couldn’t accept his honest words. She replied with rising emotion, “No, that can’t be true. You’re just saying this now, aren’t you? We grew up together. I could feel that you cared for me. And Mr. Stewart has always been so fond of me–our families have always supported the idea of us being together…

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Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.