Chapter 22 Archies two older brothers were born to his fathers wife , while he himself was the son of the third mistress .
The Yoder matriarch- a fierce and ruthless woman- tolerated her husbands affairs but drew the line when it came to anyone threatening her sons inheritance .
And so , after giving birth to Archie , his mother was frequently persecuted by her .
The relentless torment eventually took its toll , causing her to suffer severe mental distress and instability .
Without his mothers protection , Archies place within the Yoder family was precarious .
His survival to this point had been nothing short of a miracle .
From a young age , he learned to conceal his talents , playing the fool and projecting an image of incompetence to avoid Mrs.
Yoders wrath .
Calliope had been so infatuated with Gideon in the past that she never really noticed Archies plight .
No matter the trouble she found herself in , Archie was always there smiling , ready to help .
Yet she had never realized just how dire his circumstances were .
It wasnt until after her own demise in her past life that she learned the full extent of Archies hardships .
After taking control of the Yoder family , Archie had eliminated his two brothers without hesitation and driven Mrs.
Yoder to madness .
Now , Calliope knew Archie was once again in a tough spot .
Mrs.
Yoder was scheming to force him into marrying into the Jansen family , trying to pair him with their rather eccentric and not so bright daughter .
Archie was against it , but Mrs.
Yoder used his own mother as leverage .
His father , seeing him as nothing more than a useless layabout , simply turned a blind eye .
Thinking about it now , Calliopes heart ached for Archie .
If only she had known sooner , perhaps his life wouldnt have been so painful .
She remembered when they first met .
She was staying at her grandfathers place in the countryside , and Archie was living with his grandfather next door .
Back then , he hardly spoke , like a little mute .
She would coax him out to catch frogs in the fields , fish in the creek , play all sorts of games , and share her favorite snacks with him .
Over time , he began to open up .
As they grew older , their bond deepened , and Archie became like a protective brother to her .
What could possibly be wrong with me ? Im carefree and happy as can be ! Archie said with his usual cheerful grin .
Yeah , right .

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While we all worry , Archie just drifts around , lazing about without a care .
What could possibly trouble him ? Portia chuckled .
Mavis , however , looked at Archie with a more serious expression .
Calliopes voice softened .
Archie , Ive always seen you as my own brother .
If somethings bothering you , or if you ever need help , promise me youll tell me , okay ? Archie met her gaze , and for a brief moment , it seemed like he wanted to say something .
But just as quickly , he brushed it off with a carefree shrug .
Sure thing , but for now , theres nothing to worry about .
Im really fine .
Werent we planning to hit the shops ? Ill be your pack mule today ! Archie grinned .
Buy as much as you want- Ill carry it all ! Eamon had arranged a family dinner that night .