CHAPTER 350: CHAPTER 350: THE SECRET SHE HIDES IN HER HEART

It was supposed to be a joyous wedding day for Basil Smith and Emma Lewis, but nobody expected it to end this way.

Everyone felt heavy-hearted, but still quickly followed Basil Smith’s arrangements.

Finding the person is crucial!

Basil Smith kicked Hailey Smith, who was sitting on the ground, and said with a stern face, "Get up and start looking! I’ve told you before, ever since we were sold, we’ve had no parents. Are my words just nonsense to you? If anything happens to the Young Master, even sacrificing our lives wouldn’t suffice!"

Godfery Shaw wasn’t just their boss; he was their benefactor, the one who rescued them from suffering.

Hailey Smith’s eyes were filled with pain, mixed with blood on his face, giving him a rather pitiful appearance.

It was all his fault. He knew Hardy was no good, yet he still went easy on him.

His death was of no consequence, but how could he endanger the Young Master and Young Madam?

Hailey Smith got up from the ground, murmuring, "Find the person, I... I’ll go find the person."

A bodyguard took Hailey Smith away, at least to wipe the blood off his face.

...

At this time, Godfery Shaw emerged from the water downstream, holding Nancy Allen.

In such raging currents, even swimmers were helpless, let alone holding a frail Nancy Allen.

Godfery Shaw tightly held Nancy Allen, whispering in her ear, "Nancy, reach out to grab the board in front of you. Don’t be afraid, I’m here."

The water was cold, and the waves were hitting them, causing Nancy Allen to swallow a few mouthfuls, her eyes barely open.

She raised her hand to wipe the water from her eyes, staring blankly at Godfery Shaw.

At the moment of the explosion, Godfery Shaw was in the middle of the bridge, not far from the shore. Jumping into the water and swimming to the shore would have gotten him to safety.

But at that moment, Godfery Shaw unhesitatingly rushed towards her.

Nancy Allen’s voice trembled, "Godfery Shaw, how can you be so foolish! I’m no longer who I used to be, how many times has it been already—how many times..."

As they bobbed in the river, one couldn’t tell if Nancy’s face was drenched with water or tears.

Every time.

Every time it was like this.

He unhesitatingly went with her to die; he unhesitatingly stepped into danger for her.

How did it come to this! Why did it have to come to this!

She didn’t deserve it!

Godfery Shaw didn’t answer Nancy’s question. The current was too strong—he exerted all his strength just to keep them from being swept away, comforting her softly, "Nancy, listen to me, hold onto the board first."

An emotional Nancy, guided by Godfery Shaw, held onto the board in front of her.

In the turbulent waters, Godfery Shaw kept one hand tightly around Nancy, his voice calm and gentle despite the storm, "It doesn’t matter how many times it’s been, I told you, I would protect you."

A wave rolled over, with Godfery Shaw’s broad chest taking the brunt of it for Nancy, who accused him, "Godfery Shaw, you know, don’t you? I’m no longer that naive, kind person. Now I harm people, I can kill without a trace, I can bring ruin and destruction as revenge—you know, don’t you? I’m no longer the person worthy of your affection."

Finally, Nancy Allen spoke.

In such a life-or-death situation, with Godfery Shaw once again acting so recklessly, she finally dared to voice the question she didn’t dare to ask.

Seeing Godfery Shaw rushing to her time and again, she felt heartache for him.

Godfery Shaw held Nancy Allen as they drifted along with the current, turning to her, "Do you think I love you now because of your kindness?"

"Isn’t it? I’ve heard you say it yourself."

Deep in mud, Nancy Allen’s soul was a mess. Death didn’t scare her, yet she dared not turn back to look at Godfery Shaw.

Godfery Shaw couldn’t recall when he said those words—it must have been the night after he was drunk.

Godfery Shaw sheltered Nancy in his embrace, shielding her from the winds and waves, "Nancy, I seem to always forget to tell you. I liked who you were, but I... love who you are now."

Nancy was stunned.

Godfery Shaw continued speaking.

"In our youth, your appearance was like a light to me. When I found you, at first I just wanted to see and protect you, then it became a habit. Knowing how it was for you at the Wright family, knowing you were unwilling to marry, I devised a marriage swap and forcibly brought you to my side."

"Regardless of your objection, I insisted on staying by your side. I watched you awaken, watched you seek revenge when you were hurt, watched you torment yourself—I didn’t know why, didn’t know what had happened to you, but I knew I loved you. All I could do was accompany you, even follow you to die."

"Five years ago on that day, I told you I liked you very much."

"Not love at first sight, but a love that grew over time."

Godfery Shaw rarely spoke so much in one go.

Most of the time, he would express his thoughts succinctly and indifferently.

Nancy Allen listened blankly, beginning to recall.

She remembered her past life, when she had first married Godfery Shaw. Apart from refusing to divorce, he allowed her to cause a fuss, always protecting her but rarely interfering.

Later, when she wouldn’t listen to advice, burying herself in disaster, disfigured and gravely ill, Godfery Shaw had actually changed towards her. He was desperate to save her life, no longer patient and restrained—like a wolf watching its dying mate, desperate and agitated.

But in her past life, she couldn’t understand Godfery Shaw’s feelings.

Because of her rejection and refusal, Godfery Shaw dared not reveal his feelings.

So this is how it was?

Godfery Shaw liked the innocent and kind girl from the past, but that was only the beginning.

His constant observation and protection, gradually understanding and caring, this was the result.

Godfery Shaw saw her entire being, including her darkness.

Nancy didn’t look back, gazing at the endless river ahead, asking, "Godfery Shaw, am I a bad person?"

Godfery’s gentle voice reached Nancy’s ears, "No, it’s my fault. I wasn’t able to protect you well. I’ve watched you all these years; I know you wouldn’t do such things without reason."

In this world, after doing so many bad things, only Godfery Shaw would say it’s not her fault.

Even though Godfery knew nothing, he firmly believed there must be reasons for what she did.

Suddenly, Nancy let go of the board and turned to hug Godfery Shaw’s neck.

The white dress clung wetly to her body, her hairpin long lost, long black hair cascading down her back like a water-dwelling enchantress leaping from the depths.

Holding onto Godfery Shaw, she spoke earnestly, "Godfery Shaw, I won’t leave anymore."

Godfery Shaw was startled by Nancy’s action; the current was strong, and he hurriedly embraced her waist with one hand, gripping the board with the other.

Upon hearing Nancy’s words, Godfery Shaw’s body stiffened slightly.

She said she wouldn’t leave anymore, but he... didn’t believe it.