83.Annabel couldn't believe her past was finally back to haunt her. How did he find out? Did Carson tell him?She shook her head frantically. Carson would never do such a thing to her.Roland crossed his arms, waiting for her reply. “I'll ask again, Miss. Walter. Do you have a daughter?” He asked.“W… W… what?” She asked.“I didn't want to do this but I need to know the truth. Are you engaged to anyone?”“No.” She answered.“But you do have a daughter, don't you?” Annabel sighed. What's the use of hiding it from him. He would find out sooner or later anyway.“Yes.” She answered and Roland could feel his heart shatter to pieces.“I guess it's Olivia, right?” He asked and she nodded. He became hurt. “You told me you were babysitting Olivia and that she wasn't your daughter.” He complained, trying his best to stop himself from snapping at her.“Yes, I did but I can explain.”“You can explain? Annabel, you lied to me. You put my hopes up for nothing. I trusted you, I trusted everything
84.“This is all Roland's fault!” Carson yelled, throwing a bottle of whiskey to the floor. The bottle shattered to pieces and all its contents spilled on the finely placed rug in the bar.“He only gets everything and leaves me with nothing. It has been like this for years!” He yelled, throwing another bottle to the ground.Liam, who heard the sound of things breaking, rushed to him and was shocked to see the mess Carson was creating. That wasn't all. Carson threw all the glass cups on the floor and yelled angrily.“What's going on?” Liam asked. “Why are you so furious to the extent of trying to hurt yourself?” He questioned, pointing to the chards of glasses on the floor.“Annabel rejected me, Liam. My plan failed!” He yelled.Liam blinked. “Wait… I don't understand what you're saying. What did she reject you for? The job offer?” He asked.“I finally told her how I felt, Liam, but she rejected my love, and I know it's all Roland's fault. He told her everything I told him, even though
85.THE NEXT DAY…Annabel walked into the company and looked around, smiling. She was no longer entering the company as Mr. Roland's personal assistant but someone dear and close to his heart.As she reached for the elevator and opened it, she saw a hand turning it off and it closed. When she turned, her eyes met with that of Roland.She just stared at him with a smile, not knowing what to say. But when Roland's hand took hers and he intertwined their fingers, her eyes shot open.“What are you doing?” She asked.Roland smiled and started walking, taking her with him. “We're going to use my elevator. You aren't permitted to use the ones the employees use anymore.” He answered.“But must we hold hands? The employees —”“Can think whatever they want to think,” He cut her off and tapped his elevator button. “I am in charge.” He smirked and they entered.Annabel knew the employees would be gossiping about her soon because while they were going to the elevator, she noticed their stares and
86.“You look unusually happy these days. What's the secret?” Brian asked Annabel when they bumped into each other in the company one day. She had told Roland, she wanted to deliver somethings to the technical department so they could work on. He didn't want her to leave and wanted to call someone to get it done, but she insisted, and he let her go.Annabel smiled. “Don't I deserve to be happy?” She asked.“Of course you do. I'm just surprised because you aren't usually this cheerful, especially to Mr. Roland of course. But these days, there's this smile you always have on your face that makes me wonder what might have actually happened with you.” Brian smiled. Annabel sighed, wondering if she should tell Brian what was going on or not. Well, they just started, so she might as well keep it a secret. Besides, she didn't want anyone to know about them yet.“I'm just happy, that's all.” She smiled dreamily.Brian was determined to get the truth out of her at all costs “I know those kind
87.The day went by faster than expected and it was almost closing hours. Roland allowed Annabel to close early so she could go home and prepare for their dinner night while he remained in the office.Ashton came to meet him as he sat working. “Aren't you going to prepare for your dinner date with Annabel tonight?” He asked, taking a seat, facing Roland.Roland looked up at him with a smile. “Of course I will. I just need to get some things done first.” He replied.“I think it's about time you showed her to your parents. I always tell you that delay is dangerous and with Carson lurking around every corner, you need to officially announce her as yours before he makes any move.” Ashton sighed.Roland massaged his forehead. “Yes, I understand what you're trying to say. I also have that in mind, but don't you think she'd feel that it's too sudden?” He asked.“Nothing is sudden. You two have loved each other for some time now. The only reason the confession delayed is because the two of you
88.“Your parents?” Annabel's eyes widened. Seeing his parents sounded too sudden and urgent for her and she had no idea how to even react to this.She dropped the fork and cleared her throat. “Isn't that too sudden?” She asked.“I know it sounds too sudden for you but I have a reason why I want to show you to my parents now. I want them to see the woman who finally gave me her heart.” He covered her palm which was rested on the table with his palm and intertwined their fingers.Annabel couldn't help the feeling of anxiety that crept up her body that particular time. The feeling of meeting his parents was a nostalgic one. She had heard about them, and how strict they were.She had expected to finally see them during the dinner party in the company but they didn't later come and now she had to see them face to face; one on one and they'd been talking to her. How was she going to handle that pressure?Roland noticed her tension and gave her hand a little squeeze. “I know you're nervous a
89.“Wait, Roland, don't tell me this is the girl you told me and your father about.” Mrs. D. Ville said and looked at Annabel from head to toes. She could tell from Annabel's dressing and looks that the lady wasn't from a classy family.With just a glimpse, she's able to tell a first class lady whenever she saw her but this one? No, this can't be for her son.Mr. D. Ville had a frown on his face. When he told Roland to bring a lady and show to him, this wasn't what he meant at all. He didn't expect a middle class lady.“What's the meaning of this?” He asked Roland.Annabel's heart was racing. From the way they looked at her and how they spoke, she knew these people didn't like her one bit. Roland helped her to sit and gestured for his parents to sit as well.“Don't jump into conclusions this easily. You have to meet her first to know if she has class or not. I don't see class or anything relating to it in money or material things. I look at character.” Roland said and his mother sigh
90“How did it go?” Sasha asked after Annabel entered the house.Annabel placed her hand on her forehead, and with a sigh, slumped on the couch. Her face held an unreadable expression, making Sasha to wonder what was wrong with her. Sasha sat on the couch and moved close to her, wrapping her hands around Annabel's neck.“Talk to me, Annie. What happened at his parents' place? They welcomed you with open arms and his mother showed you embarrassing pictures of his childhood right?” She asked.Annabel shook her head. “They didn't like me. They said I'm not a lady with class,” She said and Sasha gasped. “I heard everything they said about me, Sasha. I just acted cool.” A tear was about to slip from her eyes but Sasha held her.“Hey, stop it. You're a strong woman. They don't know what they're missing out on. They're wrong about you.”“No, Sasha, they're right. Everything they said was true. This was my fear all along and it's finally reality. I always had this fear that I and Roland were f