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
Albert’s keen gaze remained fixed on Andrew, waiting for an explanation. Andrew, struggling to find the right words, stammered, “Uh, I… I was just checking on Annabel. You know, making sure everything’s okay.” Albert raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his tone. “Checking on Annabel? Why all of a sudden? Is there something you’re not telling me?” Andrew hesitated, a mix of guilt and uncertainty crossing his features. “It’s just… things have been a bit complicated lately, and I thought I should see how she’s doing,” he finally admitted. Albert, though intrigued, couldn’t shake the feeling that Andrew wasn’t revealing the whole story. “Complicated? What’s going on, Andrew? Why the sudden concern for Annabel?” The air in the corridor grew tense as Andrew’s frown deepened, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Albert’s barrage of questions had struck a nerve, and Andrew decided it was time to turn the tables on his curious brother. “Albert,” Andrew began, his voice car
Mrs. Torres, perceiving Annabel's evident confusion, addressed her with a blend of concern and curiosity. "Annabel, why do you seem so lost?" Mrs. Torres inquired, her attentive eyes focused on Annabel's troubled expression, sensing there was more beneath the surface. Caught off guard, Annabel met Mrs. Torres's gaze and took a moment before offering a glimpse into her internal turmoil. "It's just... I was thinking about your request," Annabel admitted, her voice tinged with a touch of nervousness as she tried to articulate the complexity of her thoughts. Mrs. Torres, expecting a more elaborate response, raised an eyebrow, prompting Annabel to delve deeper into her contemplation. "What about my request has you so preoccupied?" Mrs. Torres pressed further, her tone firm yet encouraging, urging Annabel to open up. With a sigh, Annabel felt compelled to be honest. "Mrs. Torres, the thing is, I don't have a husband," she confessed, her words carrying the weight of potential c
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
Annabel stuttered, struggling to form words, but nothing came out of her mouth."Are you okay?" Mrs. Torres asked, irritation evident in her voice. She crossed her arms, her sharp gaze cutting into Annabel. "I asked you a simple question—why are you dressed that way?" Her tone grew harsher, laced with anger."Ma’am, I’m dressed this way because—""Because I took her to a party," Andrew interrupted, stepping forward smoothly. His voice was calm, confident, but his mother’s expression didn’t soften. "Mom, I brought Annabel with me because I needed an assistant by my side."Mrs. Torres narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing him as if she could see right through his excuse. "You could have taken a security guard," she pointed out, her gaze flickering back to Annabel, who shifted uncomfortably. "If something bad had happened, Annabel wouldn't have been much help."Annabel swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Mrs. Torres' stare."You know what? I don't want to stress over this," Mrs. Torres final
Annabel’s heart pounded wildly, faster than normal. Fear gripped her as she watched Albert's reaction. He had just walked in on her kissing Andrew. But while she was panicking, Andrew remained unnervingly calm, as if the situation didn’t faze him at all.“Is no one going to say something?” Albert’s voice was sharp, his anger cutting through the thick tension in the air.Andrew shrugged. “What’s there to say? You caught us kissing. It is what it is.”Annabel’s eyes widened in horror. What is he doing?Albert scoffed, his jaw tightening. “Oh, so you mean to tell me this has been going on for a while? You two have been having an affair this whole time?”“No, no! You’ve got it all wrong!” Annabel’s voice trembled as she took a step toward Albert, her hands shaking. “This just happened, I swear! It’s never happened before!”But the words felt empty, even to her. She wanted to run—to disappear. The walls felt like they were closing in, suffocating her. The weight of Albert’s gaze, his anger
Annabel couldn’t help but feel a little uncomfortable as everyone’s eyes landed on her. She shifted in her dress, suddenly self-conscious, adjusting the fabric as if it could somehow shield her from their gazes. Tracy was the first to approach, her signature chameleon smile plastered across her face.“It’s so good to see you here,” Tracy said, pulling Annabel into an unexpected hug.Annabel rolled her eyes internally, not quite understanding why Tracy was suddenly being so friendly. But she didn’t complain—she just forced a polite smile and let it happen.“Come here,” Tracy added, taking Annabel’s hand and leading her straight into the center of attention.“I’m glad you made it,” Albert said warmly.Andrew, however, said nothing. He barely glanced at Annabel before quickly looking away, as if afraid she’d catch him staring.Everyone took their seats at the long table, and Annabel’s eyes widened at the sight of the extravagant feast before her. The variety of food was overwhelming, and
Albert’s POVAndrew is still not ready. My patience thins with every passing second as I check my watch again, exhaling sharply. The morning air is crisp, but irritation burns hotter under my skin. Finally, the door creaks open, and Andrew steps out, adjusting his cufflinks like he has all the time in the world. A wave of relief washes over me, quickly replaced by annoyance.“I told you to be early,” I say, my tone clipped, frustration lacing every word.He grins, unapologetic. “All I can say is that I’m sorry. No excuse.” He strides past me and slides into the car, leaving me to roll my eyes before getting in myself.Settling into my seat, I immediately pull out the documents, flipping through them with practiced efficiency. The low hum of the engine fills the space between us as I make last-minute adjustments, my focus narrowing in on the numbers and projections. The weight of the upcoming meeting presses down on me—this project is mine, and I won’t let anything jeopardize it.By th
Andrew’s POV My mind raced as I stared at Annabel, my throat tightening. What the hell do I even say to her? I hadn’t meant for this to happen—not like this. I should’ve been more careful. I should’ve thought this through. But now? I was caught. And by the look in her eyes, she wasn’t about to let me off easy.“Annabel, listen to me,” I said, keeping my tone calm, but my voice felt tight in my throat. She folded her arms across her chest, her gaze sharp and expectant, waiting for me to speak. But the truth was, I had nothing. Absolutely nothing. “I don’t know what to say,” I admitted, breaking eye contact as guilt settled in my stomach.Her breath hitched, and when she spoke again, her voice was thick with disbelief. “You have to be kidding me right now. You did this, and now you have nothing to say?” Her fingers clenched into fists at her sides. “You knew I wasn’t married this whole time?”“Not the whole time,” I muttered, shifting uncomfortably. “But I figured it out not too long a