Stefanie was in a state of confusion. For years, she felt that her father had been tirelessly searching for Charlie. This search had taken a toll on him, causing him sleepless nights and loss of appetite, and it weighed heavily on Stefanie’s heart.


    Having now unexpectedly met Charlie, she felt an overwhelming urge to share this wonderful news with her father, a wish he had held for so long.


    In her excitement, she quickly asked, “Charlie, why can’t I share with others that I’ve seen you?”


    Charlie let out a soft sigh and replied, “Well, no matter what happened over a decade ago, what’s the point in dwelling on it? I’m quite happy living in Aurous Hill right now, so I’d prefer to keep my distance from Eastcliff.”


    Stefanie, filled with emotion, said, “Charlie, you are the heir of the Wade family. Why would you choose to stay in a ce like Aurous Hill? If you returned to Eastcliff, at least 20-30% of the Wade family’s trillions in assets would be yours!”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Charlie waved his hand dismissively. “I’m not in need of money, and the Wade family’s assets don’t interest me. What I truly desire is a peaceful life in Aurous Hill with my wife.”


    “Wife?” Stefanie eximed in surprise. “Charlie, you… are you married?”


    “Yes,” Charlie replied nonchntly. “I’ve been married for over three years…”


    Stefanie was taken aback, blurting out, “Charlie! Did you forget about our marriage contract?”


    “Marriage contract?” Charlie said, slightly embarrassed. He chuckled and added, “That was just a yful agreement between our parents when we were kids. We were just innocent children then. How can we count that? Are you really taking it seriously?”<fn9cb2> Original content can be found at Find?Novel</fn9cb2>


    Indignant, Stefanie responded, “Why shouldn’t it count? For all these years since you vanished, my dad has reminded me every single day that I’m already a ‘married woman.’ He’s told me repeatedly that I must never fall in love with another boy. I’ve believed it all this time!”


    Charlie was left speechless.


    He had left Eastcliff at just eight years old, while Stefanie was merely six, almost seven. She had likely forgotten about their childhood agreement, but her family had kept it alive in their memories.


    This realization made Charlie feel a bit awkward. After all, he had long moved on from something that others ced such significance on, and it left him feeling somewhat guilty.


    Thus, he could only apologize, saying, “Honestly, Stefanie, my life has been quite difficult for many years. I spent the first decade in a welfare institution, and the following years working at various construction sites before I met my wife.”


    Stefanie’s eyes filled with tears as she asked, “Did you ever think about our marriage contract when you married her?”


    “I’m sorry,” Charlie admitted sincerely. “I didn’t really consider it. I was in a tough situation at the time, and many things were beyond my control.”


    Stefanie pressed on, “So, what does your current wife do? Which prominent family does shee from?”


    “She’s not from a prominent family,” Charlie smiled. “She’s just an ordinary girl.”


    “Ordinary girl?!” Stefanie was taken aback, and soon her expression shifted to anger. “You are the renowned heir of the Wade family, my fiancé! My father and I have searched for you for so many years. How could you marry someone else?!”<h3 ss="has-text-align-center" id="chapter-list"><strong></strong>