Claudia, excited, pulls Charlotte closer to Damien Monroe, chuckling. I didn't get it wrong. You sent those expensive engagement gifts to our home for Charlotte. We couldn't agree more on this marriage! I assumed tonight's banquet celebrated Charlotte's engagement!
Monroe's eyes widen as he realizes the misunderstanding. Smiling awkwardly. "I'm afraid there's been a mistake, Mrs. Reed. I only have two married children. Both happily married and no intention to have divorced and re-married to another woman.
Claudia confused. "But..the betrothal gifts?". To whom are they intended to be given?
Claudia pondered for a moment, and her face darkened. "Well, Mr. Monroe, since your son is already married, with these betrothal gifts... Your family may be quite affluent, but Charlotte is a young bachelorette with a bright future ahead of her. She can't be your son's second wife without a suitable standing."
Charlotte paled in horror at her mother's words. She'd heard rumors of affluent men having multiple wives, even if only one was legally married to them. But she didn't want to be in such a relationship!
Monroe was speechless. He had not expected Claudia to think this way. Initially, he considered helping Ethan by giving him expensive presents to elevate his standing. But Ethan's refusal to reveal his identity is a topmost priority but complicates the situation.
Damien Monroe firmly said..Mrs. Reed! Hear me out. The gifts were for Anastasia's…,
Before Monroe could continue and mention 'husband,' Claudia shrieked in disbelief. "What? For Anastasia?! Do you want Anastasia to be your second wife? This... Anastasia is already married with a child. If your family doesn't mind, we will... Don't worry. Anastasia's husband is a loser and good-for-nothing. I'll get them to divorce right away!"
"Mother! What nonsense are you saying?" Charlotte was shocked that her mother would consent to Anastasia being a second wife. She was immediately enraged and anxious.
Monroe broke out in a cold sweat at Claudia's words. Who would dare accept Ethan Knight's wife as their second wife? Is she insane? If only she knew that Monroe was sweating profusely because of her assumptions.
Monroe hastily interrupted Claudia. "Mrs. Reed! Listen to me. The gifts were intended for your daughter's husband, Mr. Ethan Knight. Mr. Knight had previously done me a great service, so I wanted to show my appreciation. There must have been a misunderstanding."
"Don't worry. My children are all married. They have no intention of pursuing your daughter," Monroe quickly clarified.
Claudia and Charlotte stunned. Claudia's face shows disbelief. Those extravagant gifts, the million-dollar car and villa, the stocks and cash, were all for that mediocre Ethan? How could that loser receive such expensive presents from the Monroes?
Charlotte begins to piece things together, feeling humiliated. The gifts were for Ethan, not her. Yet she had flaunted them before him, mocking his inability to purchase them. Oh goodness! What was Ethan thinking when I flaunted those gifts? Charlotte and Claudia feel ashamed and embarrassed and reluctantly enter the private room.
Meanwhile, Anastasia stands on the top level, almost afraid to step outside. The floor is adorned with fresh flowers, green plants, romantic lights, and balloons. At the end of the path, a tall figure stands. His features are familiar but also new in his sophisticated white military uniform.
His features, appearance, and figure were those of the man beside her daily. But dressed in a sophisticated white military uniform with a metal shoulder emblem shaped like an eagle feather, he looked handsome, sharp, and refined, contrasting her previous experiences.
Seeing Anastasia frozen in place, the man grinned and called softly, "Anastasia."
It was Ethan.
Anastasia watched as Ethan, in his heroic white military uniform, walked toward her, the flower petals crunching softly underfoot. She couldn't tell if this was real.
Ethan approached her, his eyes filled with warmth. "Back then, I had nothing. I couldn't afford a decent wedding or any gifts. I made you suffer. Now, I'd like to make it up to you."
Ethan knelt on one knee, holding a sparkling diamond ring. The pink diamond ring, valued at tens of millions of dollars, immediately caught everyone's attention!
Anastasia grasped her chest with both hands, stunned beyond words. Her mind was racing with the things happening to her and around her.
The diamond ring and the mysterious young man Boysen mentioned all point to one man, her man.
Her younger sister joked that it could be Ethan, which she hadn't believed moments before. She laughed about it, but it seemed true!
"Anastasia Reed, I was a man with nothing seven years ago. Despite our huge differences, you still accepted me as who I am. I have been waiting for this moment and wanted to make it right. I have been rehearsing this moment for seven years, so I want to ask you: Anastasia Reed, will you marry me?" Ethan's voice was full of love, warmth, and expectation.