Ethan knelt on the ground among the flowers, raised his head, and asked, "Will you marry me?"
Anastasia clutched her mouth as tears streamed down her face.
Surrounded by romantic flowers and lights, being proposed to by a handsome man with an expensive pink diamond ring was the scene that all women fantasized about.
Anastasia's heart was filled with complicated emotions, but she couldn't say yes. "I'm sorry..."
Ethan's eyes flashed with disappointment as he grinned ruefully. He knew he had failed to fulfill his duties as a husband and parent for many years, leaving Anastasia to bear such a heavy burden alone. What made him think he'd be able to convince her to accept him in such a short time?
Ethan's extravagant jewelry and diamond ring were his way of expressing his affection, but he never imagined Anastasia would accept his proposal just because of the gifts. The woman he had adored for years was not that materialistic.
Thus, Ethan was mentally prepared for Anastasia's rejection. Despite his preparations, he couldn't help but feel uneasy after being rejected by the woman he admired.
Anastasia became concerned when she noticed Ethan's eyes dimming. "I'm so sorry, but I can only think of you as Sophia's father. I don't consider you my husband yet. I hope you can understand."
Ethan nodded. He recognized that Anastasia's willingness to let him stay with the Reeds was for the benefit of their daughter.
When he and Anastasia married, they had no feelings for each other, and he left for many years. Now that he had returned, Anastasia wouldn't fall for him so easily.
"Do you hate me, then?" he asked softly.
Anastasia was stunned. After thinking about it carefully, she realized Ethan had never done anything terrible to her before.
The incident that involved them was entirely due to a setup. Seven years ago, Anastasia's parents told her that Ethan had stolen the family's money and abandoned her as he fled.
At that moment, she despised Ethan for being an irresponsible husband and a liar. But when Ethan returned, she realized her parents had lied. He didn't steal their money or leave her on purpose.
Ethan once stated that he left to become worthy of her. His proposal with a diamond ring worth tens of millions of dollars was the most substantial evidence. A proof professing his commitment to her.
Furthermore, since Ethan returned, he had accompanied her to deal with the Reeds, guarded her, played with Sophia, and cared for her when she fell ill on that cold, wet day.
Truthfully, Anastasia didn't dislike Ethan and had a positive image of him.
However, this alone was insufficient for Anastasia to accept Ethan as her husband.
Anastasia bit her lower lip and shook her head slightly.
Ethan gazed at her with hope. "Since you don't dislike me, that's enough. I hope you'll give me a chance. I want to treat you well. And if you see my sincerity in the future and feel you can trust and rely on me, please accept me then and marry me."
"Yes." Anastasia nodded, feeling somewhat reassured. Anastasia's response is enough for Ethan.
When Anastasia returned to the dining hall on the first floor via the elevator, she felt like she was in a cloud and dreaming.
Ethan's sudden proposal and mysterious identity caused quite a stir throughout Emerald Coast County.
"Anastasia! Where have you been? We were so worried about you!" Claudia quickly grabbed Anastasia's arm and pulled her out of her reverie.
"What's the matter, Mom?"
"Do you still dare ask me? You were gone for so long that we couldn't find you! You informed us that you would be just going to the restroom, yet you were gone for ages. Oh, right. Today is your wedding anniversary with Ethan. Did that useless person not give you any gifts?" Claudia asked, her voice low.
Anastasia quickly remembered what had transpired on the top floor just now.
"I'm telling you, that kid Ethan is pretending to be poor in front of us. You need to make him give you more gifts! Don't let him take advantage of you!"
Anastasia was really stunned. Did Mom figure out so quickly that Ethan was the mystery man who appeared at the auction?
Before Anastasia could inquire, Claudia continued, "Hmph, you don't even know, do you? The Monroes' betrothal gifts to our family were not for Charlotte but a mark of appreciation for that good-for-nothing! It's funny. Why does that garbage deserve such lavish gifts from the Monroes?"
Anastasia blinked, taking a while to react. "You mean that large box of gifts wasn't for Charlotte but a thank-you gift for Ethan?"
She had only been gone briefly; how could so much have happened?
However, when Anastasia saw Charlotte's disapproval, she chose not to ask further. It was a delicate matter best left alone.
The family found Anastasia's father, Charles Reed, who was already inebriated and hidden in a corner of the hall. Then they went home.
After returning home, Anastasia finally listened to Claudia explain how they met Damien Monroe and discovered that the gifts were all a big mistake.
Claudia, however, didn't mention that she had almost agreed to have Anastasia as his second wife. She just highlighted how unfortunate it was that Damien Monroe's son was already married, and Charlotte had missed the chance for a successful marriage. She then began scolding Ethan in front of Anastasia.
"Anastasia, your loser husband aided the Monroes and received numerous presents from them, but he kept quiet about it! How heartless of him!"
Anastasia was speechless. "Mom, didn't you put all the gifts away at home? Actually, since those gifts were for Ethan, you should return them to him."
"What?!" Claudia yelled. "You want me to return them to Ethan? Impossible! Ethan is our live-in son-in-law, so anything given to him should rightfully belong to us. Why should we return them to him?"
Claudia pinched Anastasia's forehead while she spoke, clearly expecting more from her.
"How did I give birth to such a foolish girl as you? You're so ready to share the fortune you've received! I didn't tell you anything so you could hand over the valuables to that rubbish, Ethan!"
"What exactly are you trying to say then?" Anastasia asked, feeling embarrassed.
"Don't be such stupid girl! Think about it. Since the Monroes said Ethan benefited them greatly, they must have given him more than just a box of goodies. He must have more! Whatever he possesses is yours. You must act quickly and devise a strategy to reclaim them from him! Otherwise, you'll allow him to reap significant benefits when you separate in the future."