The wedding dilemma

As Mr. Brown Quinn descended the staircase, Annabelle's heart began to race. She could feel the weight of his presence, his authority and power filling the room. She had heard so much about him from Edwards, even from the staff when he frequently visited the company. She knew that making a good impression on him was crucial, not only for her relationship with Edwards, but also for her place in the Quinn family.

With each step Mr. Quinn took, Annabelle's anxiety grew. She could see the determination in his eyes, the sharpness of his gaze as he looked her up and down. She hoped that her carefully chosen outfit would meet his standards, but deep down, she knew that her worth would be judged not just by her appearance, but by her character and values.

As Mr. Quinn joined them in the sitting room, the atmosphere became tense. Annabelle could feel the weight of his scrutiny as he looked at her, studying her every move. Edwards, sitting beside her, squeezed her hand gently, offering a silent reassurance.

"Mr. Quinn, this is Annabelle," Edwards introduced, breaking the silence. "Annabelle, meet my father, Mr. Brown Quinn."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Annabelle said, her voice steady and confident. She extended her hand towards him, praying that he would see her sincerity and determination.

Mr. Quinn took her hand in his, his grip firm and strong. His eyes bore into hers, searching for something deeper. "The pleasure is mine, Annabelle," he replied, his voice low and commanding. "Edwards has spoken highly of you."

A wave of relief washed over Annabelle. Edwards' words of praise had clearly made an impact on his father. But she knew that this was just the first step. She had to prove herself further, show Mr. Quinn that she was worthy of his son's love and trust.

As the conversation carried on, Annabelle discovered that Mr. Quinn was a man of few words. He asked her about her background, her aspirations, and her values. She answered each question honestly aside that of her background, trying to convey her strong work ethic and genuine nature. She spoke about her love for Edwards, how he had changed her life and made her a better person.

Throughout the conversation, Annabelle could feel Mr. Quinn's penetrating gaze upon her. He was observing her every word, every expression, seeking any sign of weakness or insincerity. It was both daunting and empowering to have his undivided attention.

Mr. Quin turned to Annabelle, his face a mask of curiosity mixed with concern. He was genuinely interested in knowing more about their relationship and why they had chosen to keep it private. His question hung in the air for a few moments before Edwards blurted out, "Three months!"

Annabelle, taken aback by the sudden declaration, glanced at Edwards before turning her attention back to Mr. Quin. She mustered up a smile and replied, "Yes, it's been three months. We decided to keep our relationship private, at least until we were sure about where it was headed."

Mr. Quin nodded thoughtfully, understanding their decision. Keeping personal relationships separate from work life was a common practice, ensuring that any potential complications or distractions could be avoided until things became official. It was clear to him that Annabelle needed assurance from Edwards that he was serious about taking their relationship to the next level.

"I see," Mr. Quin said, his tone filled with understanding. "Well, now that things seem to be progressing, I believe it's time we start discussing the next steps. Specifically, I'd like to meet with your close relatives to discuss the wedding."

Annabelle's eyes widened in surprise, her confusion evident. She turned to look at Edwards, hoping for an explanation. After all, they had agreed upon a contract marriage plan, and a wedding was never part of the plan.

Edward cleared his throat, stepping in to address the situation. "Well, Father," he began cautiously, "I appreciate your intentions, but I was hoping for a simple court marriage. I don't want it to be a big affair."

His parents, sitting across from him, exchanged disapproving glances before voicing their dissent in unison. "No, Edward!" his father declared firmly. "This is a momentous occasion, and it should be celebrated accordingly. A simple court marriage won't do justice to the beginning of your life together."

His mother's eyes narrowed, and she leaned forward, her voice filled with determination. "Edward,your father is right, you may be getting married, but you are still our son. We want this to be a grand celebration, and we won't settle for anything less. Money is not an issue, and we have a reputation to uphold. The press must be there to cover it all."

Edwards stood up, his anger evident in his voice. "No, mother, I won't let you decide everything for me. This is my wedding, and I will do it my way. Annabelle and I have made our decision, and we hope you can respect that."

His father spoke up again, his tone stern. "If there's nothing fishy, then why don't you want to publicize the marriage? Why do you want a court marriage?"

Annabelle tightened her grip on Edwards' hand, silently urging him to tread carefully. She knew that any slip up might expose their plans.