Chapter 209: The Past [15]

The CEO of Monarch Group? That’s who Annabeth wants to marry... or, better yet, who she chose to marry.

I remember now. Annabeth was so taken over with reading about the Monarch Group for a year now. I didn’t think much of it then; I had simply thought she kept interest because of Father and wanted to impress him with her investment skills.

Was that the reason? And why she had spent so much time researching that company? Because she always had eyes for the CEO?

I must admit I’m shocked. Annabeth never worked hard for anything, but she literally poured her heart and soul into this.

"Ana."

I moved my eyes to Annabeth, smiling broadly. She had been practically beaming the whole time. She took a great amount of time just to get ready.

Annabeth had called in her personal stylist, just to doll her up as though we were attending some event of the century. Her dress was so pretty and complemented every inch of her.

She was like a walking goddess who touched down on earth for a special occasion.

I couldn’t help but smile. Despite feeling inferior to her, I have always admired how she carried herself, like the world had nothing on her.

"You haven’t said a word ever since we left the manor. Nervous?"

I rolled my eyes. "I think you should be the one nervous and not me. You have been waiting for this moment like... forever."

Her smile broadened once again causing her cheeks to swell, and showing those dimples. "True. Pretty much everything has been for today. This day couldn’t be more than a dream come true, hence why I was impatient. But Ana, I can’t help but feel you’re jealous."

I froze at her sudden choice of words. "Je-Jealous?"

"Aren’t you?" she said, amused. "Ever since I told you he’s the CEO of Monarch Group and a Don, you have been scowling."

Scowling? Was I?

"I think you misunderstand."

If anything, I was praying so hard for us to get this done so that I could be on time for my date with Zade.

"Believe me, I understand, Ana, but I just wanna tell you that you shouldn’t be." She faced ahead. "I’m sure when the time comes, you will find someone too. A word of advice: give father some conditions and make sure you choose right."

I clenched the box of cupcakes tightly before shifting my gaze toward the window. A foul feeling settled low on my abdomen as the once comfortable air transformed into something that felt hazardous.

Why was she trying to make me feel worse about myself? I admit when she told me about this, it came as a surprise.

I mean, isn’t that a normal reaction when your big sister tells you she was gonna get married? We won’t be together anymore, and it was like a reminder that we were both adults and things can’t stay the same way forever.

I never had any jealous intent, but now that she said it like that, I couldn’t help but feel like I had fallen behind, and I wouldn’t get that same kind of opportunity to choose who I want with Father.

Growing up as mafia princesses taught me that daughters had no value as sons. It didn’t matter if we partied or lived a fun life every once in a while. At the end of the day, our father decides our future, and that future must benefit the family.

Father practically drilled that into our skull when growing up, and we understood what kind of world we were born into. We were a mafia family, a family that put blood and loyalty above everything else.

Annabeth was lucky enough to be able to decide who she was gonna spend the rest of her life with. I’m not sure I was gonna be that lucky; I can’t even bear to be in the same room as my own Father.

Annabeth was always the star child. She was the perfect heiress, and everything she had done, as well as her studies, had been for the benefit of the family.

I chose ballet. Which was a far cry from anything profitable to the Morri Family, but I never once regretted my decision. I wasn’t as ambitious as my sister to prove everything to Father.

I released a sharp exhale. This car ride was beginning to feel suffocating, and I couldn’t wait for it to end.

"The Old Quarter really is different. You can’t see much of the sea from here. I’m really gonna miss the sight of the sea. But hey, look, there are so many stores, even more than the Harbour Quarter."

Leave it to Annabeth to already picture the future as clear as day even when she hasn’t even met the guy. But I knew in my heart that didn’t matter.

Whoever he was... he’d be a fool not to fall for Annabeth at first sight. I bet the moment he set his eyes on her, he’d grovel.

"Ana."

I was forced to look at her, and she gave me the loveliest smile ever. "Aren’t you happy for me? This means a lot to me; the least you can do is be happy."

She took my hand and placed it on her lap, holding it tightly. She had held my hand so many times, even through nightmares and the storms I feared so much. But now I wanted nothing more than to peel my hand away.

This hurt me more. Why does she always have to make me feel bitter about everything that concerns her? I felt like the bad guy right now.

I smiled. "Of course I’m happy for you."

"I’m really glad you decided to come with me. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I could have done this alone."

Her tone was genuine, and I noted how shaky she was. She was nervous. Wow. That’s something you don’t see every day.

I wonder what kind of man the CEO of Monarch Group was to get her like this. I have seen the news about that company and on social media, but I haven’t quite seen his face.

The car came to a stop, and I could finally breathe.

"Take the cupcakes with you. We can’t have them ruined in this heat, right?"

"You said it wouldn’t take long."

"Well, Ana. It’s hot, and those cupcakes look special. It’d be my fault if anything happened to them."

Her concern for them was out of the blue, but she was right, though. I can’t leave them in the car.

I held the box as I stepped out of the car. I eyed the tall building, all pale stone, towering windows, and aged architecture that screamed of old money.

"It’s beautiful, right?" Annabeth said excitedly. "Shall we?"

We walked through the revolving doors, and I was more amazed by the interior. Every single inch of this place spoke of wealth without being too loud about it.

Thankfully, I wasn’t underdressed.

Annabeth pressed the button, and the elevator doors slid open. We stepped in.

"How did you get an appointment?" I couldn’t help but ask.

She smirked. "I made an appointment as a client."

That was smart.

When we got to the top floor, the doors slid open, and we stepped out onto the reception area with dark wood and floor-to-ceiling windows.

We heard muffled voices, and the owners were two men in smart suits discussing as one of them scrolled through an iPad.

"I’m here to see Mr. Salvero. He’s expecting me. I’m his twelve o’clock," Annabeth said to the secretary.

"Oh, are you sure?"

"Yes. Is something wrong?"

"Actually, he has somewhere to..."

I tuned out the secretary’s voice when my eyes found a bouquet of calla lilies, neatly placed on the desk.

Calla lilies?

"Oh, there he is. Maybe you can see him before he leaves."

I turned, my breath caught in my throat as Mr. Salvero stepped out of the office, casually adjusting his cufflinks, the ring on his fingers catching the light.

The two men were on him instantly, showing him something on the iPad. He spoke, lips moving, eyebrows furrowed.

Z-Zade?

"There he is..." Annabeth said breathlessly.

In shock, I snapped my eyes to her.

"Zade Salvero."

She moved, and my world slowed down as they made contact. The two men left, and it was just the two of them.

"Mr. Salvero," Annabeth said, and he looked in her direction.

I clenched the box tightly and took a step back. T-This can’t be happening

"I’m Annabeth Morri, and this is..." She looked toward me, and Zade did too.

Z-Zade is the CEO of Monarch Group?! He’s the one who Annabeth has fantasized about for over a year?!

"...my sister, Anastasia."

That’s my cue, but I don’t think I can move or even breathe. I had no idea where I found the courage to do so, and before I knew it, I was close.

"P-Pleased to meet you, Mr. Salvero," I said.

The corner of Zade’s lips twitched briefly before he spoke, amusement lacing his tone. "The pleasure’s all mine."