I’ve actually been thinking about this from the opposite perspective. How is it going to look to everyone else in SB if Belle remembers and happily goes to Gold??? Won’t that seem a bit weird and wouldn’t that ruin the reputation he wants for himself in SB? As pointed out above, aside from the fact he is at least 20 years older than her, he beat her father with a cane, and is an incredibly shady “business man.”. Who in their right mind would allow her to get anywhere near him??? And Gold can’t suddenly go running around after her like a lovesick puppy or his reputation will be ruined. So even if Belle does remember and still loves him and wants to be with him, and even if he wants to be with her – it’s going to be pretty tricky unless something major happens to shake up the status quo in SB. And even then with Rumple’s reputation – he can’t really be known as a lovesick puppy. I think I am beginning to understand why he felt he had to kick her out. And I think I am still liking my theory that his goal is to do away with his curse and all magic – it’s really the only way he could ever be with her.