Chapter 321

At Lillian's mere mention of the subject, the gathering erupted in hushed debates, their eyes piercing Dulcie with a mix of pity and intrigue.

Why, they wondered, with all the choices she had, did Dulcie choose a man like Theophilus?

She had been pursued by numerous accomplished young men from the University of Los Angeles, always maintaining her aloofness. It was confounding to see her now in such a predicament.

Had she lost her senses?

"Dulcie, I refuse to believe you'd willingly choose such a man. If there’s some undue influence, speak up. We’d help." a young man commented earnestly: "Given your upbringing in a smaller community, reputed to hail from a modest lineage with archaic beliefs, could you have been coerced by your family?"

"No, it's not that." Dulcie hurriedly clarified: "Lillian, and all of you, don’t make it more complicated than it is. It’s straightforward."

"Lillian, feig