Novel-novel oleh Penwitch

“I don’t think I’m interested in playing any of these games,” Annabel said softly, barely audible over the pulsing music. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her dress. “Sir, I think we should leave,” she added, her gaze locked on Albert’s hand.Andrew, standing nearby with a drink loosely gripped in one hand, narrowed his eyes. Jealousy flickered in them like a storm ready to erupt.“Why can’t you play?” he asked sharply, his voice cutting through the music. “You running from something… or someone?”Annabel didn’t answer. Neither did Albert. Instead, Albert reached out, lacing his fingers through hers as if shielding her from the moment, and turned to leave.“You can’t just walk out!” Andrew snapped, voice rising above the club beats. “What the hell are you doing, Albert? You have a fucking fiancée, so why are you holding her hand like that?”Albert stopped in his tracks. His eyes met Andrew’s, dark with irritation.“That’s none of your damn business,” he bit back coldly.“Okay, oka

Annabel’s eyes widened in shock at what Andrew had just done. “What is the matter with you?” she demanded, rising quickly and hurrying over to where Albert lay sprawled on the floor to help him up.Andrew’s face flushed with anger and disbelief as he barked, “What is wrong with me? You were both about to fucking kiss—and he’s got a fucking fiancée!”Annabel’s tone was icy as she scoffed, “He was trying to get something out of my eye, you weirdo!” She steadied Albert, whose eyes darted around in embarrassment over the scene he’d just witnessed.Albert cleared his throat and, with a calm steadiness that contrasted sharply with the chaos, asked, “Why would you do that, Andrew?”“I wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry,” Andrew mumbled, his voice softening as he turned and stalked away toward Esme. “Let’s get out of here now,” he said, gripping Esme’s wrist firmly as they left the café behind. Annabel and Albert exchanged glances while watching them disappear through the door.Albert let out a sigh.

Annabel couldn’t shake the nagging uncertainty about where Albert was taking her. Dressed in a simple outfit—a basic top paired with worn jeans—she hoped she wasn’t underdressed for whatever surprise lay ahead. As the car cruised along the quiet road, Albert’s eyes flicked over to her, catching the subtle tension in her posture.“Are you okay, Annabel?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.Startled, she turned to him, forcing a small smile. “There’s no problem, sir. I’m good,” she replied softly, though the tremor in her tone betrayed her. “I’m just a little cold—that’s all,” she added, a gentle lie meant to smooth over the awkward silence between them.Albert’s concern didn’t waver. “That’s no problem at all,” he said, immediately reaching over to switch off the car’s AC. “Better now,” he added with a warm smile. Annabel returned his smile, and the drive passed quietly, punctuated only by the hum of the engine and the soft whisper of the road.When they finally arrived, A

Andrew took a step back, putting distance between himself and Esme. A smirk curled on her lips, her eyes glinting with amusement."I’m glad I make you uneasy. That just means you feel something for me," she said confidently, tilting her head slightly.Andrew’s left eyebrow arched at her words."Feel something for you?" he scoffed. "I don’t give a damn about you, okay? And don’t get too close to me again. I’ve told you before, and I’ll say it again—I’m in love with someone else. So whatever you’re hoping for? It’s never going to happen." His tone was sharp, laced with clear irritation.Before Esme could respond, movement caught Andrew’s attention.Annabel.His eyes widened slightly as she approached, a sudden rush of worry washing over him. Had she seen what just happened?"Excuse me, sir. I'd like to get through," Annabel said, her voice calm, controlled.Esme turned to her, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Oh my, are you a housekeeper here?" she asked, her gaze sweeping over Annabe

Andrew's mind reels as he watches Esme, confusion clouding his thoughts. Why is she saying this? What game is she playing?"I'm serious, okay?" Esme insists, her tone light yet unwavering. "When my dad told me I’d be meeting someone, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. He’s always setting me up with people I have no interest in. But with you… it’s different.” She tilts her head, watching him closely. “The way you stood up to your parents, refusing the marriage—it was something I’ve never seen a rich boy do before. It was… attractive." She smiles, but Andrew feels no warmth from it—only amusement, like she’s enjoying a game he never agreed to play.His frown deepens. "Don't get the wrong idea," he says sharply. "I said that because I don’t want to marry you—not because I was trying to impress you."Esme’s smile widens, as if his frustration is nothing more than entertainment to her. "I know. But now I want to marry you.”Andrew exhales sharply, barely containing his irritation. "Well, I don’t w

Andrew’s POVI loved the shocked look on my mom’s face. Now I was sure—this marriage would never happen."Hi, everyone. I’m Esme," she said in a nonchalant tone, barely looking up from her phone as she found a seat."This is my daughter, Esme," Griffen said nervously. I mean, who could blame him? Just look at his daughter."She doesn’t look shy to me," I said with amusement, only to be silenced by my mother’s sharp glare. I rolled my eyes but didn’t push it further."I think we should all eat," my mom said with a forced smile, trying to keep things civil.My gaze stayed on Esme. I wanted to tell her how relieved I was that she was the one here. There was no way my mom would ever accept her as her daughter-in-law.As we started eating, Griffen reached over and took Esme’s phone away. "Eat properly," he told her.Surprisingly, she listened without protest. She actually obeyed him. Well, I guess that wasn’t a bad thing."I know you all might have some questions about my daughter," Griffe