At eighteen, Isabella summoned the courage to confess her feelings to her childhood friend, Arthur.
He stumbled as he fled, turning her down.
She smiled as she turned away, discreetly wiping her tears, then married someone else.
Ten years later, her husband died suddenly, distant relatives took her estate, and her brother got into trouble. She was forced to consider marrying again.
Unsure where else to turn, she returned with the cold wind at her back and stepped into the familiar manor.
Her Arthur had become an earl. He still said nothing and kept everyone at arm's length.
And his eyes still lit up whenever he saw her.
*
Everyone said the Earl of Alston was deaf and mute, unable to speak or love anyone.
But Isabella knew that as a boy, he had once protected her innocence with his silence.
Now she was no longer innocent, and she wouldn't run away again.
This time...
"Arthur, I'm back."
"Will you reject me a second time?"
*
Isabella x Arthur
One-on-one romance. The heroine is inexperienced, while the hero is a deaf-mute.
Set in an alternate nineteenth century.
Theme: Keeping watch in silence, and being reborn through deep love.
This short story is so well written, more complete than Wei Luo's. The characters are well drawn, especially the last dream, which is really clever. The whole tone is consistent and warm, which is great
It's good to meet two people who like each other. It's been ten years. Let's move forward with encouragement.