Anxiously, she awaited Lilyana's answer. Without hesitation, Lilyana recollected slowly.

"Oh, Marley, you mean the young Lady who resided in the Stone House across the creek?"

Ariana nodded.

“I know her," Lilyana said, her smile radiating warmth.

"I have witnessed Marley's growth. She is a beautiful girl. In her youth, I crafted all her garments, and she used to visit every year to procure new ones."

As Lilyana uttered these words, doubt began to creep into Ariana's mind.

The details she heard did not align with Helen's account.

Suddenly, Lilyana's tone shifted, imbued with regret. She sighed, "It's a shame that her family was involved in a hunting accident, and Marley lost her parents during her teenage years."

Ariana's heart clenched at these words, and she hurriedly inquired, “What happened to Marley?"

Lilyana shook her head.

“I am unaware of the events that followed.

Marley was taken away by relatives and never returned."

This corroborated the administrator's earlier statement.

A mix of emotions swirled within Ariana.

"Do you have any knowledge of who took her away and where they went?" she asked.

Lilyana shook her head pensively.

“I cannot provide any certainty on that matter. It has been over a decade since those times."

As she spoke, her gaze drifted towards the window, seemingly conjuring Marley's visage. In a nostalgic tone, she remarked, “Marley should be around 23 or 24 years old now. She was an enchanting child, and I am certain she has blossomed into a stunning beauty.”

Ariana's heart ached upon hearing this. She observed Lilyana's wistful expression, yearning to convey the truth but finding herself unable to disclose Marley's untimely demise.

Ariana listened intently, her mind drifting along with Lilyana's reminiscence. She refrained from interrupting, allowing the story to unfold before her.