6. Not worth it

Seated at the table, Evelyn clenched her fists. With every second that passed and Anna was still absent, gnawed at her skin, testing her patience. How could she embarrass her mother like this? Evelyn thought.

Just when her anger would have boiled over, the sound of Anna's approaching footsteps echoed, and she let out a breath that she didn't know she was holding. "You are finally here, Anna," she said, trying hard to conceal the strain in her voice.

"Of course, Mother. I promised to be here, and I always keep my word," Anna said. She pulled a seat and sat down.

"Quite an admirable trait you have there, Anna," Stella said, all smiles. She was satisfied with what had seen so far in the woman who would become her daughter in law.

"I am flattered, Mrs. Dillon," Anna said. Her means address clearly puts a distinction between them. Stella was quick to notice this, and so were Heath and Evelyn. "You must be young master Dillon, Heath. Am I right?" She said, looking at Heath, who stared at her for a moment he nodded and replied,

"Yes, I am. It is nice to see you again, Anna," he said, and she paused.

Did we know each other before? Anna thought.

"You do not remember me, do you?" Heath muttered upon noticing her confusion. He smiled subtly even though she didn't reply.

"Why don't we all eat? Let's not make the dinner go cold," Evelyn thought to intervene since Anna was doing a terrible job at making their guests and future in-laws feel at home.

With an understanding smile from everyone, they started tearing, but soon the silence became so heavy that the meal no longer looked as appetizing as it did at the beginning. With every passing minute, it began losing its taste, and Anna could no longer take it. So she dropped her silverware and wiped her mouth with the napkin.

"Mrs Dillon," she began. She knew they all felt the same way as she did…awkward. But they were trying to be polite and continued a meal that now lacked its taste. "I am aware of your reason for coming here today. But I am afraid I do not share the same sentiments as my mother."

Once she said that, thick and heavy silence enveloped the dining room. Evelyn could not believe her ears and stared at her daughter as if she were someone who she could no longer recognize.

"Anna…" Evelyn started but was unintentionally interrupted by Stella.

"What do you mean, Anna dear?" She asked. Her tone was still as calm as before, but Anna could see that her restraint was only skin deep.

"I am sorry to say this, Mrs Dillon, Young Master Dillon," she alternated her gaze between mother and son. "I do not consent to this marriage," she replied, her voice clear and without a hint of reluctance or hesitation. Her eyes were as clear as her words and left no room for doubt.

"Evelyn, what is going on? I thought this was decided and…" Stella said and trailed off a little overwhelmed by the words of Anna.

"It's not as she says, Stella. Anna knows what is right and what should be done. She may not agree to this now but trust me when I say she will come around—" Evelyn said, trying her best to fix the cracks that were threatening the fragile relationship that was taking root between their families.

"May I have a word with you alone?" Heath asked, his gaze trained and Anna. He didn't want to hear what their mothers had to say anymore. Anna had spoken her mind, and their parents may think that it was nothing to worry about, but he knew differently. He had seen the look in her eyes and she meant every word and was determined to go against their union.

His question managed to draw everyone's attention to him and then to Anna as they awaited her response.

Anna sighed inwardly but smiled, "Of course," she said and stood up and he followed her lead.

Anna led him to the drawing room, once inside, she turned to face him. "You wanted to talk? I think this is far enough and safe for a conversation."

For a moment, Heath was at a loss for words. If he had any doubts before about her determination, it was all cleared now. In her eyes, he was nothing more than just another man she encountered. And acquaintance that will last only for a fleeting moment.

"I do not think there is any need for that anymore," he said. Anna's brows knitted together but he smiled and then shrugged. "I have gotten the answers to my questions already. I am sorry for the waste of time."

"Mr Dillon," Anna called just before he could fully turn and leave. He stopped and looked at her. "I am sorry you had to come all this way. It wasn't worth it," she said, feeling sorry for the guy. He was in the same boat as she was. Forced into this arrangement against his will. The only difference was that he was willing to take the paddle and row it while she wanted to jump onto the water and swim away.

"Miss Henshaw, I do hope that whoever he is, he is worth all of your time and effort," he said and she frowned. Heath chuckled, tugged his hands into his pocket as continued. "I can see it, Anna, your heart belongs to someone else already. I am not blind nor am I a fool to ignore it. But I truly do hope that he is worth it." he turned around and began walking away. "Don't worry about my mother. I'll talk to her and when my father returns, he too, will understand."

"Thank you," Anna couldn't help the smile that appeared on his face. He was much more understanding than she thought. Not wasting any more time, she followed behind him.

Once they both returned to the dining room, Evelyn and Stella stared at them with eyes full of expectations.