The Millionaire’s Bride Mocked a Poor Maid—She Never Expected What Happened Next
Chapter 10
Anna read the letter alone.
Samuel wrote that he had known Richard intended to kill him.
He had escaped.
But he had been badly injured.
He had planned to return for Anna.
He never reached home.
The old stable keeper explained that Samuel had died in a distant village after leaving the box with him.
Anna finally knew.
Her father had not abandoned her.
He had spent his final days trying to protect her.
She held the pocket watch against her chest.
For the first time since childhood, she allowed herself to cry like a daughter instead of grieving like an orphan.
William found her later.
He said nothing.
He simply sat beside her.
Anna leaned against his shoulder.
“He loved me.”
“Yes.”
“He tried to come home.”
“I know.”
She closed her eyes.
That moment changed something between them.
Not romance.
Not yet.
Something deeper.
Trust.
Months passed.
William continued rebuilding the trading house.
Anna became known not as the poor maid who inherited money, but as the woman who refused to let wealth become another weapon.
Beatrice stayed at the manor.
She began helping in the school.
She served meals to children herself.
At first, everyone noticed.
Later, nobody did.
That was when Anna knew the change was real.
One spring morning, William found Anna in the garden.
She was kneeling beside a bed of white roses.
“I have something to ask you.”
Anna looked up.
“What?”
“Would you consider staying here?”
She smiled.
“I already live here.”
“You know what I mean.”
She stood.
“You’re asking me to remain as what?”
William took a breath.
“As the woman I trust most.”
Anna’s expression softened.
“And what happens when you no longer have a fortune?”
William smiled.
“Then perhaps you will finally stop calling me wealthy.”
Anna laughed.
It was the first time they laughed together.
But their happiness was not immediate.
They knew what money had done to their families.
So they built their relationship slowly.
Without contracts.
Without bargains.
Without anyone telling either of them what they owed the other.
