Chapter 77

Lydia's face turned pale, though she forced herself to smile. "It's alright, Brian. No matter what happens to you, I won't care about that. As long as I can stay by your side, none of that matters to me. Even if the doctor fails to heal you, I can be your eyes." Her words were spoken with deep affection, every sentence dripping with devotion. Several of the elders at the table could not help but feel moved by her sincerity. Estelle, always fond of Lydia, decided to speak up on her behalf once more. "Brian, Lydia is just a young woman. She said all of that from the heart, and you're still rejecting her. Do you think you'll ever find anyone as devoted as she is?" Most men would have softened at such a confession, but Brian remained completely unmoved. "My marriage is my own business. When did it become something to be discussed at the dinner table?" Roxanne could no longer stay quiet. "This isn't just your personal matter. This marriage was arranged between the two families by your