“I Feel Sorry for the Man Who Marries Her,” He Said — By Autumn, He Was the One Saying the Vows
Chapter 10
Edmund fled that night.
Daniel reported everything to the magistrate.
The documents were examined.
Witnesses came forward.
Several families told similar stories.
Edmund had been stealing land for years.
Clara’s farm was only one piece of a much larger scheme.
By September, Edmund was arrested.
The county changed overnight.
People who had feared him suddenly found their voices.
Clara’s father’s name was cleared.
Daniel’s father was remembered not as a silent businessman, but as a man who had tried too late to stop his brother.
The wedding was almost canceled.
Clara thought Daniel needed time.
Instead, he said:
“No.”
She looked at him.
“No?”
“I’ve spent enough of my life waiting for the perfect moment.”
He took her hands.
“I want to marry you.”
She smiled.
“Even after everything?”
“Especially after everything.”
He kissed her.
“I once said I felt sorry for the man who married you.”
Clara laughed.
“And now?”
Daniel smiled.
“Now I feel sorry for every man who never got the chance.”
She shook her head.
“You’re becoming shameless.”
“You’re the reason.”
