Annabelle was stunned, her brows knitting in confusion.
She thought to herself, "It's easy to break off an engagement, yet things are much more complicated when it comes to a divorce. Why bother?'
She pondered for a second and said, "OK. But I have a demand."
Kendrick smiled helplessly and thought, 'That's rich'
But still, he said, "Name it. I can't guarantee you a yes, though."
He had a playful expression on his face, making him look like a cunning fox. No one could tell what was on his mind.
Annabelle frowned and said righteously, "Sex is definitely off the table after we get married."
She looked like a soldier trying to defend her territory. Seeing that, Kendrick couldn't help but grin.
"Seriously, Ms. Sanchez? You think having sex with me is a loss for you?"
Annabelle felt that her cheeks were burning. She thought, 'What a narcissist! Who knows what it's gonna be like? Well, it's true that he is handsome, tall, upright, and dignified in every manner. Yet I'm no nympho, and I don't want to get involved with rich men at all."
Therefore, she said, "I surely do. You're eight years older than me after all."
Kendrick squinted and thought, 'Really? She thinks I'm too old for her when I don't think less of her given her disfigured face? I'm now curious about what she looks like. Her eyes are gorgeous and her facial contours under the veil look fine, too. Besides, she has a good shape and she acts elegantly. She's not like the bumpkin people say she is. Is she hiding her true self? I'm even more curious.'
"I don't like your request, but I will say yes."
Only then did Annabelle feel relieved. She thought, 'Though it's just a verbal promise, I don't think a proud man like Kendrick will go back on his word. I can't come up with a perfect plan now, so I'll have to take it one step at a time.'
Then the two of them walked over to their parents hand in hand.
Lydia Gregory, Kendrick's stepmother, frowned with an embarrassed look on her face as she saw Annabelle and Kendrick holding hands.
Lydia said, "Kendrick, Annabelle is your future sister-in-law. What are you doing?"
Kendrick smiled calmly and said, "Lydia, Marvin just said he was not going to get engaged to Annabelle. How could she be my future sister-in-law?"
Lydia pouted her mouth and said, "I know, but it's Marvin's engagement party after all. Even if he has ditched Ms. Sanchez, you shouldn't have held her hands. Don't you see anything wrong with it?"
Kendrick smiled, "Well, in that case, let's make it the engagement party for Annabelle and me. That way, nothing will be wrong, right?"
Upon hearing that, everyone was shocked.
"Are you serious?" Colten asked, frowning.
Even when Colten had to face the mess left by Marvin, he didn't want Kendrick to sacrifice himself.
He adored Kendrick a lot and had already found Kendrick a wife from a rich family, who was at least more worthy of him than Annabelle.
"Yes, I am," Kendrick said firmly.
Colten's heart sank. Then he looked at Annabelle. "Annabelle, do you want to marry Kendrick?"
Before Annabelle could utter a word, Briley poked her back hard and urged her hurriedly, "Say yes! Now!"
Meanwhile, Gavyn was looking at her expectantly, too.
Annabelle knew very well that for her, even marrying Marvin was marrying up, not to mention Kendrick. Briley and Gavyn would never let such a fat chance away.
And it was also clear to her that her parents didn't give a damn about her happiness. They just wanted to ride the coattails of the Gregory family.
Having cleared her mind, she then said firmly, "Yes."
Briley and Gavyn breathed a sigh of relief when they heard that.
Colten sighed silently. 'I guess it's time to let the kids mind their own business,' he thought to himself.
"Now that both of you wanna marry each other, let's pick a date for your wedding."
Kendrick nodded. "There's no rush for the wedding ceremony, but we'll go to the city hall for the marriage certificates tomorrow."
The corners of Annabelle's mouth twitched as she glared at Kendrick, who was standing beside her.
She thought, 'I can't believe he just made the decision all by himself! Even if I said yes, it doesn't mean we have to get married tomorrow. He's so hot-headed!'
She glared at Kendrick, who noticed her sharp gaze.
He thought to himself, 'What a fierce kitten she is! How interesting!'
Colten shook his head and smiled bitterly. "Well, we are getting old, and we don't know what young people are thinking about. Fine. Do whatever you want."
The emcee then officially announced the engagement of Kendrick and Annabelle.
The guests were stunned, clearly shocked by the dramatic turn of events. Yet after all, they were people who had seen all kinds of scenes, so they soon put away their judging and doubting faces and congratulated the couple and their families instead.
The party went on until 10:00 p.m., yet the guests still showed no intention of leaving.
Annabelle was exhausted.
She came to the city from Springvale Temple early in the morning to attend the party. It had been a long day for her.
Kendrick glanced at her as he sipped some wine. "Tired?"
Annabelle was surprised that he could tell her tiredness. She nodded and looked at him for help. "Can you help me leave as early as possible?"
He was not surprised to learn that she wanted to leave before the party ended.
He smiled and put down his glass. "Sure. No one will stop you as long as you leave with me."
Annabelle glanced at him with great gratitude. "Thank you so much."
"We're about to get married. So, you're welcome."
He said in a deep voice and a flirtatious tone. Feeling that her face was burning, Annabelle glared at Kendrick.
Kendrick, however, didn't seem to care. With a chuckle, he took Annabelle's hand and led her to their parents.
Annabelle was worried that Gavyn and Briley wouldn't agree with her leaving in advance, yet thanks to Kendrick, both of their parents were generous enough to nod.
They left the banquet and got into the car.
Since Kendrick had drunk, he couldn't drive, so he took the back seat together with Annabelle.
When the driver started the car, Kendrick suddenly raised the panel separating the front and the back.
Annabelle was wary at once. She thought, 'Is he going to unveil himself and make a move on me?'
"What are you doing?" Annabelle asked as she moved warily to the side, leaning against the car door.
Kendrick stared at her veiled face and said in a deep voice, "Show me your face."
After making sure that Kendrick wasn't going to take advantage of her, Annabelle was relieved. Then she looked away and said coldly, "It's not even worth a look."
Over the years, she had become accustomed to wearing the veil, because her face had never done her any good.
Kendrick suddenly approached her and said teasingly, "We have to take a photo when we get our marriage certificates tomorrow. Do you think you can hide your face from me for the rest of your life?"
She thought, 'The rest of my life? Oh, come on, I don't have to! Our marriage won't last over 6 months! What a forgetful man!'
Yet right now, she had no time to correct him.
He was so close to her!
Annabelle could distinctly smell the faint aroma of cedar, mixed with a faint smell of alcohol, coming from Kendrick. Combined with the dim light in the car, she felt that the atmosphere was way too erotic.She felt her face getting hotter and hotter. When she tried to push him away, he grabbed her wrist.Kendrick clutched her slender wrist as he raised the corners of his lips, looking discontented."Ms. Sanchez, we're getting married, and yet you won't even let me see your face? That's not very sincere. Don't you think so?Annabelle thought, 'It seems that I just can't get away from it. Fine, then. I'll show him what he wants. Sooner or later, he's gonna see it anyway'.She sighed silently and said, "Step back a little, please."Kendrick grinned as he let go of her wrist."What? You don't wanna scare me?"While he was teasing, she had already taken off her veil.Kendrick was stunned.He had a feeling that she wouldn't be ugly, yet he didn't expect her to be that pretty.With fine fea
Kendrick acted seriously and stroked Annabelle's hair. "All done now. Let's go."She pressed her hair which he had tousled while thinking, 'I know that he was about to rub my head. What a cunning fox! He's such an actor!'Holding that thought in mind, she walked into the lobby together with Kendrick.The marriage registration went smoothly. When it came to the wedding photo session, they came to the studio together and were seated in a chair.Kendrick naturally put his hand on Annabelle's shoulder.Annabelle frowned and glanced at his hand, and then she glared at him.Yet Kendrick didn't see any problem. "It's what couples do when taking photos.""Mr. Gregory, it sounds like you're quite experienced."Annabelle said so with a smile, and then she shoved his hand away without hesitation.Seeing the slightly angry look on her face, Kendrick found her just like a gentle kitten who suddenly flashed its claws and scratched his heart.He felt ... a bit itchy. To be more accurate, he felt a b
Annabelle thought about it and realized that Kendrick wasn't asking too much.She thought, 'Now that we're married, even though we're just a couple in name, still, we have to put on an act in front of others. Besides, after spending time with him this morning, I feel that he is kind of reasonable. Maybe he just likes to make jokes sometimes.'While thinking that way, she felt much more at ease."Fine. I'll live at your place."Kendrick couldn't help but smile bitterly.Deep down, he couldn't help but complain, 'Just fine? She sounds so reluctant. Come on! I am the eldest son of the Gregory family as well as the CEO of the Gregory Group. I stand out when it comes to both appearance and family background. Yet why do I feel like I'm not attractive at all to her? Is it because I'm getting old?'The same morning, Kendrick took Annabelle to his villa in the western suburb, showed her around briefly, arranged a bedroom for her, and then went to his office.After he left, Annabelle called hom
Annabelle blushed, and even her neck became reddish. She panicked so much that she didn't even know where to look. She looked away hastily."You... Get dressed.""All right. I thought I had to be naked," Kendrick said, lying through his teeth.Annabelle turned around and had her back facing him. She felt a bit helpless and said, "No. I will only apply medicine to your forehead."She thought, 'The shower only serves to improve his circulation so that the ointment will work better. When did I say it was for his whole body? Never mind. It's probably my fault. I didn't make it clear.'Five minutes later, Kendrick changed into a set of casual loungewear, which looked clean and comfortable. In a plain white T-shirt and light gray slacks, he looked more relaxed, his demeanor softer than when he was in his suit.Annabelle sized him up and admitted that he looked good."Do I look good?"Annabelle felt a bit awkward being seen through by him."Well, I guess so." She looked away coldly and glanc
The next day, Kendrick took Annabelle to the Gregory's old residence, and she officially met her in-laws as Kendrick's wife.After entering the antique mahogany door, Annabelle asked, "By the way, is Marvin here, too?"Kendrick turned to look at her. "Are you worried about running into him?"She shook her head. "I'm not worried, but it may be a bit awkward.""Relax. He's not here."In fact, Kendrick didn't want Annabelle to see Marvin, either.'I won't let you run into Marvin again,' thought Kendrick. ' It's the first time we come back to the old residence, so I definitely want no trouble. Marvin humiliated you the other day, so I won't let you two meet today. Besides, even if that happens again in the future, I won't let him off the hook. After all, you're my wife now.'Annabelle was relieved to hear that and then she started to observe the Gregory's residence.Unlike the Sanchez's residence, the Gregory's came with a traditional decoration style. There were pavilions and fountains,
When Marvin saw Annabelle, standing beautifully by the lake, he became slack-jawed as if he had been hit by a bolt of thunder.He tried to describe her beauty, but his mind went blank. He simply felt that he had seen a fairy.Annabelle, on the other hand, felt helpless. She didn't want to see Marvin at all, yet she just bumped into him.She then figured that she would see him sooner or later anyway, so she decided to greet him calmly, and then she would leave.Marvin beat her to it and said, "I think... Have we met somewhere before?"Annabelle was taken aback and suddenly realized what was going on. "That's right. He hasn't seen my face yet, and he always thinks I'm just an ugly bumpkin, so he probably won't recognize me right away.""Take your time to recall. I'm leaving now."After saying so, Annabelle turned to leave. Now that Marvin didn't recognize her, she could just walk away.Things would be easier for her in such a way. After all, she didn't like Marvin anyway.However, Marvi
Neither of them said anything along the way. Feeling bitter, Kendrick sent Annabelle home.Then he went to the office as usual, and when he came back, it was already 10:00 p.m.He went upstairs and found her asleep.Then he went to his study, poured himself half a glass of wine as usual, and turned on his phone.He was browsing casually and came across a post on Timeline.It was Marvin's post that said, "Although I don't know your name, the moment I saw you, I knew that our fate would be bonded."He attached a photo of the lake in front of the Gregory's place.Kendrick suddenly realized the reason why Annabelle was smirking.He thought, 'Annabelle and Marvin met. He didn't recognize her, so she took advantage of that and played a prank on him. She did so perhaps to get back at Marvin for being a jerk at their engagement party. Who knows? She is actually as wild as a cat with a vendetta. She has no idea that she has already attracted Marvin greatly. Marvin is very promiscuous and has n
Annabelle didn't get it. She thought, 'How come Mom hates it so much when she sees that I've restored my face? Am I not her daughter?'Annabelle felt disappointed, though she had long known how cruel Briley was.The reactions of Jocelyn Sanchez, the eldest daughter of the Sanchez family, and Myla Sanchez, the second eldest daughter of the Sanchez family, were within her expectations.They complimented Annabelle on her beauty and asked her why she had not taken off her veil all these years.Myla meant what she said. She was always an honest and straightforward person who was used to speaking and doing things straight.Jocelyn, on the contrary, was being a bit sarcastic. She was in fact mocking Annabelle for being pretentious.Annabelle felt uncomfortable being stared at. She explained her situation briefly."I've long restored my face. I wore the veil, only because I was used to it. That's it."She didn't want to say anything anymore, and she wanted them to stop staring at her.Kendric
The butler was taken aback. It turned out that Sir Murphy had been so enthusiastic towards Mrs. Gregory earlier because he wanted to invite her to be a spokesperson."It's probably not very appropriate. She is the young lady of the Gregory family, how could she easily show up, especially as the brand ambassador for the Murphy Group."Simon nodded silently, "But I feel like only she is suitable."After leaving the Murphy's residence, Annabelle was in a good mood.Kendrick didn't bother her, and he also didn't expect Gauge's father to be so kind and enthusiastic.Especially when leaving, she even said that she could come and visit often in the future, making her feel like she suddenly gained an additional biological family.She opened the car window, letting a gentle breeze from outside blow in. She also thought about what Kendrick had said earlier, that he would be moving over here next week. This made her feel even more excited.But t
Kendrick voluntarily put an end to the annoying "paper revision" topic that had been bothering him, and then expressed gratitude to Gauge for his previous help, before deciding to leave.However, before he could even get up, Simon asked Annabelle several questions.Kendrick couldn't leave immediately, so he calmly listened to how his wife would respond.As Annabelle answered, she pondered how Gauge's father suddenly became interested in her affairs.Just because she was his son's friend?Her fingers were almost numb from Kendrick's pinching.This guy was jealous. He saw Gauge's father caring for her as if he cared for his future daughter-in-law. When they went out for a while, would Kendrick take matters into his own hands and punish her on the spot?So Simon asked enthusiastically, and Annabelle answered nervously.In my free time, I would read books and practice playing the piano.I didn't dislike traveling, but I pref
Kendrick came to the Murphy's residence today to personally thank Gauge, as it was indeed thanks to Gauge that day.Secondly, it was also to let Simon know that Annabelle was his wife.Simon, being conservative and straightforward by nature, absolutely did not want his son to have too much intimate contact with Mrs. Gregory. Even if Gauge had any crooked intentions towards Annabelle in the future, as long as Simon was there to keep him in check, he would not dare to act recklessly.But why did he feel like Simon also liked Annabelle? Could it be that he was trying to help his son snatch her away?Thinking about this, Kendrick felt a wave of annoyance in his heart.However, he immediately dismissed this absurd speculation. Simon was definitely not a person without discretion. Sending an antique vase and inviting Annabelle as a guest was probably also a way to establish a closer relationship with the Gregory family.Annabelle was really surpri
The car stopped outside the Murphy's residence, and after Annabelle got out, she went to the front gate with Kendrick.Kendrick rang the doorbell, and soon a man in his fifties came out to open the door."Good morning, Mr. Gregory and Mrs. Gregory! I am Kim Reid, the butler of the Murphy family. Sir is currently on a phone call in the living room, so I apologize for not being able to personally greet you. Please follow me."Annabelle was a little surprised and glanced at Kendrick.She thought she would come today just to meet Gauge, say thank you, and then go back. She didn't expect to also have a meeting with Gauge's father. Is it going to be this formal?Kendrick noticed her confusion and leaned in closer to her, whispering, "By the way, let's talk business."Annabelle nodded and didn't ask any more questions, following the butler into the house.Under the guidance of the butler, the two of them walked through the entrance hall and
Annabelle had completely lost her temper. When faced with a rascal, if you couldn't be even more rascally than him, you could only admit defeat.The two of them had breakfast and went out together. Kendrick was driving the car, and Annabelle was sitting in the passenger seat."Don't you have to go to the hospital for an infusion today?"Annabelle noticed that he had dark circles under his eyes and his complexion wasn't very good. She estimated that he hadn't slept well on the sofa last night, and combined with the fact that he had been poisoned before, she couldn't help but worry about him a little."No need, you promptly took me to the hospital and it didn't cause any serious damage.""So you have to thank Gauge."If it weren't for someone driving Kendrick over at three o'clock in the morning, the situation wouldn't have been so optimistic.Kendrick glanced at her and smiled, "Isn't this just to personally come and say thank you?"
Kendrick's kiss was oppressive, suffocating, and completely passive for Annabelle.Soon, she felt herself severely lacking oxygen, feeling dizzy and her body starting to weaken.And it seems like Kendrick hasn't stopped yet.She had to pat Kendrick's back.Kendrick caught her restless little hand and lifted it above her head, pressing it onto the bed, and continued kissing her.Annabelle couldn't bear it anymore and let out a painful whimper.Kendrick then raised his head slightly and whispered, "This is the price that makes me jealous, remember?"Annabelle pouted her mouth, feeling wronged and on the verge of tears.She felt like the fish on the chopping board, Kendrick could chop and eat her however he pleased."Remembered."Annabelle was scared of this guy and didn't dare to be tough anymore. She had to soften her tone and asked him.Kendrick finally gave in to the little woman and lay down on his side,
Annabelle glanced at the screen and, to her surprise, it was a photo of her and Fabian returning to the apartment together!"Who sent it to you?"Seeing her nervous, Kendrick subtly raised the corners of his lips.I didn't expect that Jax took this photo, and it had this purpose."Anonymously, in order to extort me, they said that if I don't give them money, they will expose this photo, and tomorrow the whole Elfhedge will know that I have been cheated by you."Annabelle's mouth twitched.She didn't expect this consequence."Did you give the money?""Of course I gave it, otherwise, once this news is exposed, not only will I be mocked by others, but the outside world will also speculate that our relationship is breaking down and we are on the verge of divorce. The collaboration between the Sanchez family and the Gregory family will also not last long, which will definitely have a big impact on the Sanchez family and also affect
Annabelle was shocked and whispered to Kendrick, "How did you get in? Get out quickly!""I didn't."Kendrick spoke, then he flipped over and firmly pressed Annabelle onto the bed.Annabelle was wearing a little nightgown, and she was pressed tightly against him, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed."Aren't you afraid that I will shout? Fabian is right next door, and he is very good at fighting."Her whispered threat sounded like a joke to Kendrick.He laughed and said, "I could beat him, you know. And I know you wouldn't dare to call for help, right?"In the dimness, cunning lights flickered in Kendrick's deep eyes.Annabelle bit her lip and could only glare angrily at this scoundrel.She really didn't want to wake Fabian up.What would Fabian think if he saw her hugging Kendrick like that?She had previously said that she wanted to divorce Kendrick and promised not to fall in love with him, but she sudden
Kendrick ignored Fabian and turned to her, saying, "Anna, are you going back or not?"Annabelle was taken aback, "No, I won't go back."Fabian said that he would take her to his studio tomorrow. She thought it would be more convenient for both of them to leave from here tomorrow.Furthermore, Annabelle was still a little upset with Kendrick.Kendrick nodded, "Alright, then I won't go back either."After speaking, he immediately sat back on the sofa."But there's no place for you to stay," Annabelle said. Did he still want to share a room with her?Kendrick looked around and saw that the room was a two-bedroom, two-living room layout.That was her and Fabian, each having their own room, and her so-called husband naturally couldn't stay in her room."It's okay, I slept on the couch."Annabelle was speechless and finally managed to squeeze out a few words, "... Whatever."After saying that, she turned around a