Daniel hugged Maisie tightly, his strength almost suffocating her. It was as if holding her tightly was the only way to keep her from running away. "Daniel..." Maisie gently patted his back. "What happened? Can you please tell me..."

"I lost my appetite." Daniel released her and took a deep breath, adjusting his emotions. He managed to force a smile. "Can we not eat at home?"

"Sure..." Maisie nodded, feeling more concerned about him than curious about what had happened. She was ready to follow his lead.

Daniel held her hand and fled the house as though he was escaping. He had never thought he would experience fear like this-fear that the sealed-off past would resurface, fear that the old scars would be ripped open again. Most of all, he was afraid he would lose her forever.

"Maisie, let's get married as soon as possible," he said, his voice strained, almost pleading in her ear.

Maisie, who was taken aback, stared at him in astonishment. His eyes were red, and there was something she couldn't quite comprehend in his gaze.

"When we get married, we'll leave this place right away. Where do you want to go? Centrolis? Or abroad? I'll take you wherever you want. I could give up everything here... I..." Daniel began to speak incoherently, his mind restless.

Maisie stood on her tiptoes and gently embraced him. Her scent comforted him somewhat.

"Daniel," she said softly. "Owen can be annoying sometimes, but don't take his words to heart. I can call and scold him to help you vent your anger, okay?"

Daniel looked at her with a bitter smile. She thought that Owen had said something offensive to provoke such a reaction. However, if she ever remembered their past, or even recalled where that child was buried, she would hate him to the core and she wouldn't be so gentle with him anymore.

"I'm willing to marry you." Maisie's eyes sparkled with a smile. "But shouldn't you also introduce me to your family? Do you really want me to follow you in secret and be with you unofficially?"

"Of course not! I'll marry you openly. I want to tell the whole world that you're my wife!"

"Why are you reacting so strongly?"

Maisie wiped the sweat off his forehead and chuckled. Although she was surprised by his reaction, it filled her heart with warmth.

"So let's take our time getting married," she said softly, "You don't want to make things hard for me either, right?"

Daniel couldn't find the words to respond, so he simply held her close.

She didn't understand his thoughts, the urgency he felt, and the deep guilt and regret he carried within him.

Then, Maisie's phone rang. She looked at the screen and answered the call.

"Hello!" A cheerful voice came from the other end of the line. "Is this... Dansie?"

Maisie paused. This voice sounded familiar. Not long ago, she had submitted a manuscript to test the waters. Surprisingly, the woman she had met at the coffee shop had decided to call her.

"Well, I think it's time we stop beating around the bush!" Lily laughed. "Let me introduce myself formally. I'm Lily Reyes, also known as Lilian on my business card. I've already read your submission, and I like your writing style. If you're interested, you're welcome to visit my company!"

"Really?" Maisie's heart leaped with joy.

"Don't worry. I don't run a scam company."

"No, no... I'm just a little excited. I didn't expect to be recognized on my first submission!"

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