Albert, immersed in his phone, briskly traversed the corridor toward Andrew’s room, driven by an urgency to share something significant. Without a second thought, he swung the door open, neglecting the courtesy of a knock, and began uttering, “Hey, bro, you need to see this.” However, his sentence waned into silence as he took in the surroundings—Andrew was conspicuously absent. A quizzical expression painted Albert’s face as he called out, “Andrew?” The ensuing quietude compelled Albert to conduct a thorough sweep of Andrew’s room, methodically checking each corner, even peering into the bathroom. The elusive Andrew remained a mystery, nowhere to be found. In an exasperated sigh, Albert closed the bathroom door, vocalizing his realization, “I guess Mom was wrong; Andrew isn’t in his room.” As he exited, shutting the door behind him, Albert found himself momentarily rooted in front of Andrew’s room. Lost in the digital landscape of his phone, the significance of seeking out Andr
As Annabel pondered the peculiar encounter with Andrew, the atmosphere in the room remained charged with a subtle tension. She retrieved the first aid kit and began addressing her wound. In the solitude of his room, Andrew found himself engulfed in contemplation. The vivid memory of Annabel seated on his lap lingered, creating a symphony of emotions that resonated within him. Pressing against his chest, Andrew grappled with an unfamiliar rush of feelings. He questioned the source of these emotions, bewildered by the intensity that surged whenever Annabel occupied his thoughts. A reflexive movement led Andrew to his counter, where a jug of water awaited. Pouring himself a glass, he hastily consumed its contents, hoping to quell the swirling thoughts. Yet, the mental reel persisted, projecting images of Annabel that danced before his mind's eye. Frustration etched across his face, Andrew ran his hand over his features, groaning audibly. "I must be going crazy," he admitted wit
Juliet chuckled, leading Annabel into the spacious living room. “Sit down, Annabel. There’s a lot to catch up on,” she said with a mysterious glint in her eyes. As they settled on the plush sofas, Juliet began unraveling her recent journey. “You won’t believe what happened. It turns out I have a distant relative who passed away and left me a significant inheritance,” she explained, her excitement evident. Annabel’s eyes widened in amazement, trying to process the unexpected revelation. “So, you’re rich now?” she asked, still absorbing the news in a doubtful manner. Annabel and Juliet, having shared a longstanding friendship, were attuned to each other's nuances. Annabel possessed an intuitive ability to discern when Juliet was being less than truthful, detecting a subtle discord in her energy, as if she were grappling with rehearsed words in her mind. Sensing the tension, Juliet, raising an inquisitive eyebrow, nervously questioned, "What's wrong?" The palpable unease hung i
Annabel’s jaw hung open, caught off guard by the revelation. The room fell into an awkward silence as Annabel grappled with the sudden realization that Juliet had a husband, and he was the uninvited guest casually munching on chips. Trying to compose herself, Annabel mustered, “Your husband?” Her tone conveyed a mix of disbelief and confusion, still processing the unexpected twist. Juliet nodded, her eyes avoiding Annabel’s gaze. “I was planning to tell you, Annabel. I just didn’t know how,” Juliet admitted, a hint of guilt in her voice. The man, seemingly unbothered by the tension, chuckled and said, “Surprise, surprise. Sorry for the confusion, young lady.” His casual demeanor irked Annabel, who was struggling to make sense of the situation. Feeling a surge of conflicting emotions, Annabel sighed and managed to say, “I wish you had mentioned it earlier, Juliet.” She couldn’t help but wonder why her best friend hadn’t shared such a significant detail. Juliet, now looking
Andrew’s face registered concern as he saw Annabel in tears. “Annabel, what happened?” he asked, rushing over to her side. Annabel, startled by his sudden appearance, hastily wiped away her tears, attempting to compose herself. “Sir Andrew, you shouldn’t be here,” she stammered, avoiding eye contact. Ignoring her attempt to divert his attention, Andrew gently reached out and touched her shoulder. “Tell me what’s going on. Why are you crying?” he insisted, worry etched across his face. Annabel hesitated before finally breaking down. “It’s just… everything is falling apart. I’m struggling with personal issues, and today has been particularly difficult,” she confessed, her vulnerability showing. Andrew, understanding the weight of her words, pulled her into a comforting hug. “You don’t have to face everything alone. I’m here for you,” he reassured her, his genuine concern evident in his voice. Andrew, surprised by Annabel's sudden push, managed to maintain his balance. Her ab
“What did you just say?” Andrew asked, totally confused, trying to confirm if he had heard Annabel correctly or if he had imagined her saying something. “I said, what do you want me to do,” Annabel blurted out loudly, making Andrew’s ears throb as he hissed at her. “Just go and wait for me in the living room. I will be there in five,” Andrew coldly replied, turning away from her. Annabel bowed a little before leaving the room. As Andrew held his chest, feeling his heart beat rapidly, he groaned, questioning, “What’s happening to me?” He took a moment to breathe in and out, attempting to regain composure before making his way to the living room. In the living room, Annabel sat nervously, fidgeting with her hands as she waited for Andrew. Annabel, deep in thought, mused about Andrew's intentions. "It's silly of me to think that I would stay in this house without getting into trouble," she blurted out, her hand instinctively meeting her forehead in a display of frustration.
Andrew's mother raised an eyebrow, a stern expression on her face. "Andrew, we need to talk," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. Andrew's earlier amusement quickly turned into apprehension as they headed to a more private space for the impending conversation. In the secluded space, Andrew's mother fixed him with a piercing gaze. "I hope you have a reasonable explanation for what I just witnessed," she stated, her voice firm. Andrew shifted uncomfortably, attempting to choose his words carefully. "It's just a misunderstanding, Mom. Annabel and I were discussing her new schedule, and things got a bit... intense," he explained, avoiding direct eye contact. His mother's expression remained unyielding. "Intense? That didn't look like a professional discussion to me," she remarked, crossing her arms. "I hope you're not taking advantage of your position, Andrew." Andrew sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "No, Mom, it's not like that. I just wanted to
Meanwhile, outside Andrew’s room, Annabel leaned against the hallway wall, nursing her wounded hand. The sting of the cut was a tangible reminder of the unexpected turn of events. She replayed the scene in her mind, from Mrs. Torres’ stern warning to Andrew’s impulsive reaction. In the sprawling cotton field, Annabel caught sight of Andrew approaching, and a sudden surge of discomfort prompted her to seek refuge amidst the cotton plants, concealing herself from his view. Andrew, oblivious to her evasive maneuver, continued walking until he stood in the midst of the cotton, his eyes scanning the surroundings. “Annabel?” Andrew called out, his brow furrowing in confusion. He trailed his hand through his hair, a gesture of mild frustration. “Where could she be?” Hidden in the cotton, Annabel observed Andrew’s perplexed demeanor and wondered about his persistent attempts to be near her. A fleeting thought crossed her mind – could Andrew be in love with her? She quickly dismissed t
It had been weeks since the incident with Annabel and the brothers. Since that night, Annabel had done everything in her power to avoid them. She followed Juliet’s advice to the letter: don’t get involved, just focus on the job. For now, she had nowhere else to go, and she needed the shelter the mansion provided—even if it meant enduring their presence. Andrew made several attempts to speak with her, but Annabel never gave him the chance. She kept her distance, her voice cold whenever he came close. He started to wonder if her silence had something to do with him being with Esme. Desperate for answers, he confronted Esme about that night. She’d given him a casual shrug and said, “We got drunk. We slept. That’s all.” But Andrew didn’t believe her. Not fully. Still, he didn’t press further. “Esme still hasn’t told you anything?” Albert asked, stepping into Andrew’s office. He leaned on the edge of the desk, watching his brother intently. Andrew just shook his head, eyes fixed
The next morning, Annabel stirred, her head pounding. A groan escaped her lips as she squinted against the light, her vision blurry. Everything around her spun for a moment before the room finally came into focus. “Where… am I?” she whispered, her voice hoarse and dry. She blinked, trying to make sense of her surroundings—and then felt a hand rest gently on her arm. She flinched. Her head snapped to the side. Andrew. Her breath hitched. Her heart pounded against her ribs as panic rose inside her. She shoved her hair back with trembling hands. Her gaze dropped to herself—bare skin, no clothes. Her stomach sank. She was completely naked. Air caught in her throat. Her lungs refused to work. Her chest tightened. No, no, no… Before she could even piece together the nightmare she had woken into, another hand touched her. Albert. Her scream nearly broke free—but she swallowed it down, eyes flying to her other side. Albert lay beside her. Naked. Just like Andrew. H
“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
The house is beautifully decorated, warm lights casting a soft glow over the elegant setup. The scent of fresh flowers lingers in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of baked goods.Annabel moves about the kitchen, wiping down the counters, but her mind is elsewhere. Curiosity tugs at her as she watches the staff rush around with an unusual level of excitement.She finally turns to Mrs. Jones, who’s overseeing the preparations. "Mrs. Jones, what’s happening?" she asks, her tone laced with curiosity.Mrs. Jones pauses, a smile tugging at her lips. "Andrew is about to get engaged."The words hit Annabel like a sudden gust of wind. Her heart skips a beat, her grip tightening slightly on the cloth in her hands."What?" she breathes out, needing confirmation. "Is he really getting engaged today?"Mrs. Jones’ smile fades into a frown. "That’s exactly what I said," she replies with a hint of irritation. "Now, get back to work."Annabel nods absently, turning back to her task, but the news