Goodbye, My Love

Just then, a clear and assertive female voice rang out, “Is that what you call a perfect arrangement? Then how about we

forcefully marry you,

Miss Cooper, to a yokel who needs a wife? Would that also be considered a perfect match for the Cooper family?”

Judie’s expression changed drastically, her arrogance giving way to surprise and irritation. “Who dares to speak to me in such a

disrespectful manner?”

The serene and harmonious voice of the refined woman stood in stark contrast to Judie’s avaricious and shrill tone, reminiscent

of an elegant crane gracefully emerging amidst a gaggle of sordid, mindless hens.

The surrounding crowd was instantly drawn to the spectacle, with intrigued gazes pivoting towards them.

Upon hearing the voice, Eloise spun around.

“Why are you here alone?

Where’s Marco?”

Loraine stepped forward and gently grasped Eloise’s hand, her smile brimming with reassurance.

“My boyfriend isn’t known here, and the villagers are unfamiliar with him, causing some delay during registration. I apologize for making you face such an individual alone.”

Eloise patted her hand fondly. “It’s alright, Lorrie…”

“Lorrie? Are you Loraine?” Judie was taken aback, incredulous.

At first, she didn’t recognize Loraine.

During her younger years, Loraine, while delicate and adorable as a porcelain doll, was marked by the austere conditions of the orphanage.

Angela’s Library

Her patchwork clothes and her pallid complexion hinted at malnutrition.

Judie, ever haughty, habitually tormented Loraine, barely affording the girl she despised a second glance.

But upon hearing Eloise utter her name, Judie recognized Loraine immediately.

Staring at the woman in front of her, attired simply yet exuding an ethereal beauty, Judie found it hard to comprehend. “No! It’s

impossible, you can’t be Loraine!”

How could Loraine outshine her so drastically, glowing with an irresistible radiance? And that sophisticated aura, how could it

belong to the unassuming girl from their shared past?

The truth was unbearable; the person she used to bully now eclipsed her, not just by a factor of ten, but perhaps even a hundred.

Protectively, Eloise shot Judie a cautious look and swiftly moved to shield Loraine, reminiscent of a mother hen safeguarding her

chick.

While Eloise might shield Loraine from Judie’s prying eyes, she couldn’t protect Loraine from the collective scrutiny of the

banquet attendees.

The moment Loraine’s name was revealed, more eyes darted her way, the villagers’ expressions shifting from surprise to

skepticism.