A Conditional Gift

There were shouts, applause and whistles. But they weren't listening. At that moment, they were sealing the promise of eternal love. Anna was too moved, and a little embarrassed, not to give the man she loved something better than a kiss.

Anna's father interrupted them.

“I think everyone has understood your answer, my child.”

Laughter spread through the hall as he spoke into the microphone.

“Sorry, Dad.” She said, moving a little away from Maxwell, as they were glued to each other.

“No need to apologize, it was a beautiful scene to watch. I only stopped you to give you my belated wedding present.” He said and placed another velvet box in Anna's hands. But this one was red and longer, rectangular.

Anna was curious. She hoped it wasn't a car key, because she liked her own. She looked around and smiled at Beth, who looked like someone else and was standing next to one of Maxwell's men in the middle of the crowd. Jenna and Helen stood next to her father vying for his atte