There Is No Paradise Where I Ran Away To (14 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 104

Theo was once again wrestling with the mailbox, rifling through the empty box several more times. Not a single letter bore Vivian’s name among the mail he’d already taken out today.

Not long ago, Maria had unexpectedly appeared and delivered a letter from Lawrence Ebelline before leaving.

Maria had pleaded earnestly, saying she couldn’t abandon her last shred of conscience, and begged not to be punished for running away with money, since she’d at least brought the letter.

“If we were going to punish you, Miss Vivian would have reported you to the authorities already.”

That was all he could say. On the day they learned Maria had fled, while Theo had raged and insisted on reporting her, Vivian merely smiled bitterly and closed the matter, saying this was enough.

Maria had been able to steal the money and run precisely because she knew Vivian’s nature well. Thus, though Maria’s tears seemed crocodile tears, the letter she brought was invaluable—something no amount of stolen jewelry or money could ever replace.

Everyone had firmly concluded that Lawrence Ebelline and Monica Ebelline were dead. Especially Lawrence—they openly speculated that, having vanished years ago under mounting debts, he must have taken his own life in some remote place.

They lamented that only his only daughter remained ignorant of this truth.

Moreover, they unanimously claimed Monica Ebelline, who had left for Preston, wasn’t simply choosing not to return to Newway—she couldn’t return, having likely died there for some unknown reason.

But they were wrong.

The Ebellines were alive. Lawrence’s handwriting, dated two months prior, not only confirmed his survival but also included news of Monica Ebelline’s, serving as proof.

Back at the dress shop, Theo pulled out Lawrence’s letter once more—but not the main letter addressed to Vivian. He reread the postscript left specifically for Maria.

“Maria, I’ve heard the news—that you’re no longer by Vivian’s side. I don’t blame you, for I understand how greed can blind one’s eyes. I have no desire to accuse you. I only beg you earnestly to deliver this letter to Vivian. The Duke Beitnes must never learn of this letter’s existence—and Vivian must never know that I’m even aware of the Duke Beitnes. So I implore you, Maria.”

The Duke Beitnes appeared in Lawrence’s letter—but there was no clear explanation of the exact relationship between the two men. It only stated that the Duke must not find out.

The main body of the letter to Vivian contained nothing but a father’s concern for his daughter’s well-being and gentle reassurances not to worry. He greeted her with longing and urged her to wait just a little longer, as if soothing a little girl who hadn’t yet fully grown.

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