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
91.CS Haute Couture CompanyCarson sat in his office one day, swaying left and right on his chair. He had different thoughts swirling through his head in diverse directions. He couldn't believe Annabel fell for Roland after all his efforts to make sure she loved him and no one else.He took care of her when she was pregnant and offered to be her backbone and shoulder to lean on. He was her hope when she had nowhere to run to, and now all he did had been thrown into the sea by no other person than Roland D. Ville, a man who once claimed to be his best friend.Liam sat opposite him, staring at him with a look of sadness in his eyes. Ever since Annabel rejected Carson, the fella hadn't been himself and was always so withdrawn and quiet. He knew Carson's quietness meant bad news, and he wanted to know what the mischievous fellow was up to, so he decided to engage him in a conversation.“You're awfully quiet these days. It's quite unusual.” He started.Carson grinned. “What do you expect m
92.Annabel returned to the office, maintaining a straight face. She was still annoyed over what the ladies said about her. She couldn't comprehend why people loved assuming unnecessary things. What's their business if she decides to keep her relationship with Roland hidden?Roland watched her. He could see that she was lost in thoughts. “What's going on?” He asked and she looked at him, forcing a smile.“Nothing is wrong. I'm just exhausted.” She lied and it was so smooth that it even shocked her.Roland wasn't convinced. “I don't think that's what's wrong with you but if you're exhausted, you can take a break and rest at home today.” He demanded.Annabel shook her head. “Don't worry, I'm okay.” She smiled.Roland watched her and sighed before nodding his head. She picked up her phone to check some messages when she saw Carson's text. She went through it and saw that he wanted to have lunch with her.She contemplated on whether to accept it or not but she started to think. If she do
93. Annabel returned to the company after the lunch date with Carson. She entered the office but couldn't find Roland there. Her phone beeped and she saw a text message from him, asking her to come into the suite. She dropped her handbag on her desk and tapped the button that was to take her in. When she entered, he wasn't in the living room. She looked around, wondering where he had gone to. Her phone beeped again. She checked it and saw a text, asking her to follow the kitchen door to the backyard. “It has a backyard?” She asked no one in particular as she looked around the place. She entered the kitchen and took the kitchen door. Her eyes widened at what she saw. It was so beautiful. It was like an indoor swimming pool with amazing umbrellas for relaxation. Roland wouldn't cease to amaze her. She was sure none of the employees knew about this place. “Wow!” Sue exclaimed, still looking around with a smile on her face. “I knew you'd be wowed.” Roland said behind her ears and
94. The next day was finally the day they were to go for the picnic. Annabel took Olivia outside the house and Roland drove them to the amusement park. When they got there, Olivia couldn't help but run around Roland happily. “Mr. Roland, I'm happy you finally fulfilled your promise of playing with me.” She smiled and he winked at her. “I'm happy to spend some time with you too. Where's the picnic blanket?” He asked and Olivia pointed at Annabel, who stood at one end lost in thoughts. She was wondering how Roland's reaction would be when she finally told him that Olivia was his daughter. She knew he was going to be beyond shocked but what else can she do? She had to tell him. She felt someone tap her and gasped. “Are you alright?” Roland asked and she nodded. “Yes, I was just admiring the scenery. I haven't been to the amusement park before. I went as a kid but I think it was only once.” “Jeez! Why?” Roland asked and she gave him a small smile. “We couldn't afford it.” “Oops