Her father continued. “I’ve told him everything. About your first marriage and your divorce. I also told her about your pregnancy, and he still accepted.”
Anabel’s lips parted slightly in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. Reuben was a very cute guy, but looking at him, she doesn't see herself gisting with someone like him. She shifted in her seat before speaking. “I appreciate you looking out for me, Father. And I thank the Johnsons for coming.”
Sir Johnson smiled faintly, observing her with an unreadable expression. Reuben remained unmoved as he continued to watch her with silent interest.
Anabel took a breath and continued, “Under normal circumstances, I might have asked for time to think it over because we have never talked about it. But there is no need for that.”
Her father leaned forward slightly and asked. “And why is that?”
"I don't know how this will sound, but I am not interested in marriage now.” She answered, and the room went silent.
No one was expecting that response. It was a direct rejection even though she tried to present it indirectly.
Sir Orton’s jaw tightened, his fingers twitching slightly in reaction, but he managed to suppress his anger. He wasn't expecting that response from her, but it came anyway. “Anabel…” he started but couldn't continue.
Reuben remained composed, though it hurt to get rejected in front of everyone. He began to regret ever visiting them, but his dad, Sir Johnson, simply nodded, as if he was expecting it.
“I mean no offense to anyone here,” Anabel continued. “I am grateful for the consideration, truly. But I am not looking for marriage—especially not now. I'm yet to recover from the trauma of my previous marriage.”
"I'm certain my son will be able to show you love. A kind of love that can erase the trauma in days." Reuben's father said. "You have all your time to think about it. My son is perfect for you."
Her father took a slow breath, controlling his emotions, clearly displeased but unwilling to make a scene. He cleared his throat and turned to the Johnsons with a smile. “Don't take her response as final. She acted on instinct,” he said diplomatically. “She will have more time to think about it, and then we’ll reach out again.”
Sir Johnson exchanged glances with his sons before nodding, accepting the explanation without further comment. He extended his hand toward Sir Orton, shaking it firmly. “We understand."
Edward and Reuben followed suit, exchanging polite goodbyes before making their way toward the door. The sound of expensive leather shoes clicked against the floor as they exited the room. Moments later, the roar of engines followed, and their cars disappeared down the driveway.
Sir Orton watched them drive out of sight before turning back. Anabel was no longer there.
"Where is Anabel?" He asked.
"She has left to her room." The wife replied.
"You can see what your daughter did. She just rejected one of the wealthiest families in the state. A family that had willingly accepted her past and her situation, and offered her a future. What else does she want?" He asked and exhaled slowly, setting his jaw as he headed to her room to hear her reasons.
His wife followed him from the back. When they got to her door, her dad knocked and waited for her to open up.
"I'm coming." They heard her answer from the inside. A moment later, the door finally creaked open. Anabel opened the door and stepped aside to let them in. She knew why they came and was ready to stand her ground.
Her father stepped in, and the mom joined and closed the door behind her. Their eyes scanned the neatly arranged room.
Anabel sat on the edge of her bed and crossed her arms as she prepared for the conversation she knew was coming.