Chapter 743

Nathaniel hesitated for a brief moment, a pang of guilt twisting in his chest. He hadn’t come here to witness a public reunion between Henry and his wife.

While Henry had found his way back to Isabella, Nathaniel had spent three agonizing years apart from Harrison, unable to even share a bed with her.

"I came to discuss something important," Nathaniel said, his voice firm and unyielding.

Isabella tilted her head. "What is it?"

Before he could respond, Arabella burst into the room. She had been waiting inside, but the sound of Nathaniel’s voice had drawn her out like a moth to flame.

"Nathaniel! Perfect timing!" Arabella beamed, looping her arm possessively through his. "Now that Mom’s back, we should finally set a date for our wedding. When are you going to make me your wife?"

Isabella studied Nathaniel thoughtfully. "You and Arabella have been engaged since childhood. It’s time to settle down. Tomorrow, your mother and I will choose an auspicious date for the ceremony."

Henry remained silent, his piercing gaze fixed on Nathaniel.

Nathaniel’s icy stare locked onto Arabella. "Let go."

The command caught her off guard.

He yanked his arm free, his voice sharp as a blade. "Don’t touch me again."

Arabella’s smile faltered.

Isabella frowned, oblivious to the tension between them. "Why are you treating Arabella this way?"

"I’m here to formally dissolve the engagement," Nathaniel declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Dissolve the engagement?

Isabella’s eyes widened. "You’re breaking things off with Arabella?"

Arabella’s face drained of color. She had known this moment would come—but not so soon.

Nathaniel was ending it. Officially.

Panic clawed at her throat. "Our families arranged this marriage when we were children! The entire city knows about our union! You can’t just—"

"Are you deaf?" Nathaniel cut her off coldly. "I said I’m not marrying you. The engagement is over."

Henry’s expression darkened. Arabella was his daughter, after all.

"Think carefully, Nathaniel," he warned, his voice low and dangerous. "This isn’t a decision to make lightly. Are you truly calling off the engagement with my daughter?"

Nathaniel didn’t flinch. "Yes. Without hesitation."

"No!" Arabella’s voice cracked as she shook her head desperately. "I refuse! Mom, Dad, please! I have to marry him!"

She clutched Isabella’s arm, tears streaming down her face.

"Everyone in Metropolia knows I’m meant to be his wife! If he humiliates me like this, how will I ever show my face again? I’d rather die!"

Without warning, Arabella whirled and slammed her forehead against the wall.

Isabella gasped, lunging forward to grab her. "Have you lost your mind? Stop this!"

"Help me!" Arabella sobbed, her body trembling.

Isabella was at a loss. "I—"

Henry’s gaze turned glacial as he addressed Nathaniel. "Arabella is our only daughter. Look what you’ve reduced her to. Are you certain about this?"

Nathaniel met his stare unflinchingly.

"Marriage requires mutual consent. I don’t love Ms. Lancaster. Therefore, I won’t marry her."

Arabella collapsed into hysterics. "Dad, do something! He’s ruining everything!"

Henry’s voice turned deadly quiet. "If you walk away from this engagement today, there will be no turning back. And I swear, you will never have another chance with my daughter."

Nathaniel didn’t hesitate.

"Don’t worry, Mr. Lancaster. There will never come a day when I want her."