“But how did she end up back with the Anderson family?" Ariana inquired, her curiosity still piqued.

With a tender touch, Theodore caressed her neck, explaining, “When her foster parents unexpectedly passed away, Marley had to return to the southern estate. However, by then, my mother's health had deteriorated to the point where she couldn't recognize Marley for a long time."

“Marley Lived a life of isolation and loneliness," Theodore continued, his voice trembling with emotion.

"So, I used to sneak over to visit them, but one day, Darian caught wind of it. He followed me to the southern estate. That was the first time he laid eyes on the grown-up Marley.”

Ariana's heart skipped a beat. Somehow she had a premonition.

Theodore said, his voice cracking.

"Her beauty, resembling my mother's, bewitched that vile creature, and he conceived sinister intentions!"

"What?! That scum! How could he do such a thing? How?!" In the realm of heartache and wrath, Ariana's emotions surged like a tempest at sea, her heart aflame with anger and indignation. But beneath it all, worry gripped her soul like a vice. The thought of Marley's suicide filled her with dread, her heart sinking into a dark abyss. Anxiously, she asked, "Did that scoundrel harm Marley?"

Theodore shook his head solemnly.

"At first glance, Darian feigned affection for Marley, cunningly coaxing her into the mansion's confines. In her innocence and naivety, Marley believed she had finally found paternal warmth, and so she agreed."

This disclosure further heightened Ariana's unease, compelling her to listen as Theodore unraveled the haunting tale.

“Darian orchestrated Marley's stay on the fourth floor, ever finding excuses to get near to her," Theodore continued slowly.

Young Marley, shrouded in naivety, perceived Darian’s attentions as genuine fatherly Love, a blossoming illusion nurtured by his cunning manipulation.

Yet, in the shadows, Theodore discerned the vile intentions concealed behind Darian's Lingering glances on Marley's skirts and his unsettling touches on her back. Each repulsive gesture stirred deep disgust in him.

He bore witness to the sinister thoughts that plagued Darian's mind, and thus, he remained vigilant, cleverly and determinedly thwarting Darian's every attempt to exploit Marley's innocence.

“I sought to part them, to protect Marley from Darian's sinister advances. But, alas, she couldn't fathom my motives. In her eyes, I was the obstruction, depriving her of the fatherly Love she sought,”

Theodore uttered with a heavy heart, the turmoil within him evident.

“I couldn't tell Marley the truth face to face. I couldn't tell her that her father had such filthy thoughts!" Theodore's throat constricted, and he fumbled for words to describe his distress.

He was willing to put up with Marley's confusion and animosity if it meant keeping her safe from the harsh reality.

Ariana probed gently, "So, Marley's animosity toward you stemmed from this misunderstanding?"