"Ethan?" Marleen asked over the phone. She, who had been sitting near Flynn's bed all this time, stood up. Heading to the window, she asked, "Where is it?"
Bella, who was sitting on the sofa, started to show her interest. She had been silent since she arrived at the hospital room earlier, but the name Ethan suddenly got her curious.
"Okay, you too. Make sure you get something to eat. Don't worry. I already ate earlier." Marleen's voice was clear to Bella's ear. She was sure the call was from Anastasia from the way Marleen talked.
"Anna?" Bella suddenly asked after Marleen hung up the phone.
Marleen, surprised by the sudden question, nodded immediately. Bella had been quiet since the day Flynn had the accident, and she had been ignoring her and Anastasia. "She said she would be late today, as she has a dinner meeting." She smiled, happy to share more information in response to Bella's question.
"Dinner meeting?" Bella tried to dig deeper.
Marleen's eyes were a bit hesitant when the question was asked. She seemed to know what was on Bella's mind.
"Ethan?" Bella continued, her eyes narrowing slightly. "So she is going to meet Ethan?" The silence from Marleen prompted her to continue. "I guess she decided to proceed with the wedding?" A light snicker escaped her lips.
"No, Bella. It's not like that," Marleen tried to explain, but before she could continue, Bella interrupted.
"Then what is it? With Dad lying unconscious, she still wants to proceed with the marriage. Is she that desperate to steal him from me?" Bella stood up, ready to storm out, but Marleen rushed to stop her.
"Where are you going, Bella?" Marleen held onto her hand.
"Why? Are you afraid I'm going to ruin your daughter's plan?" Bella tilted her head slightly, smirking. "Just because Dad is unconscious, you're showing your true self, stepmother."
"Bella! I think you are starting to cross the line." Marleen who was shocked with Bella's attitude just now raised her voice.
"Which line? The one you drew yourself or the one where you think you can control everything?" Bella shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Marleen took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "No, the line of respect and understanding. Your father would never want us to fight like this."
"Respect? Understanding? How about understanding that your precious daughter is trying to steal my future?" Bella retorted.
Marleen shook her head, her eyes softening. "Bella, this isn't about stealing anything. Anastasia is just trying to do what's best for everyone, including your father."
Bella rolled her eyes. "Sure, best for everyone. Keep telling yourself that. But don't expect me to play along with your little family charade." She harshly pulled her hand from Marleen and rushed out of the room.
Nervous, Bella immediately dialled Ethan's number right after she was out.
"The number you have dialled–"
She cursed as she ended the call. Ethan would never pick up, especially after the incident the past few days. Angry, she typed a long message, hoping Ethan would read it before he met Anastasia.
=====
Anastasia walked into the restaurant, extending her neck and peering towards the tables. She spotted the table at the far end on the right side. Seeing the number and reservation sign, she confirmed it was the one Ethan mentioned in his message.
Taking a deep breath, she turned on her phone's front camera to check herself one more time. She grinned to make sure nothing was stuck between her teeth. Brushing her blouse and skirt, she tried to smooth out wrinkles that weren't even there.
She then walked towards the table, never realising that her behaviour had caught the interest of a man sitting nearby. He had been watching her from the moment she entered.
Anxiously took a seat, she glanced around. The high-end restaurant was a place she wouldn't likely enter, though she could afford it. When she looked to her right, she saw a man who was emitting a cold aura just by walking towards her. Calming her jumping heart, she gripped the handle of her handbag just on the edge of being too tight and tried her best to form a light smile.
"Ethan… Harrington?" Anastasia stood up, holding out her hand for a handshake.
"Anna?" The man asked without even acknowledging Anastasia's question earlier.
"Ah yes, Anna. Anastasia." She smiled, pulling back her hand that was left hanging. As her nerves escalated, she fixed her hair and said, "Please, have a seat."
"I heard you'll get a lot just by agreeing to this stupid arranged marriage." His sharp words hit Anastasia as soon as they took their seats.
"I'm sorry?" Anastasia was taken aback. The words slipped out before she could process them.
"Ah…don't pretend like you don't know anything." He snickered. "I guess you got a lot. Like, a lot…."
Anastasia's mouth went tight. She had never expected him to be this rude.
"Why? Did I hit a sore spot?" He crossed his arms. "Okay, at least let me hear why you wanted to meet." The smile on his lips, which was supposed to charm every woman who saw it, was unexpectedly annoying to Anastasia.
A few seconds of silence surrounded the table as Anastasia tried her best to stay calm. She took a deep breath, needing to be rational at this moment. "I guess you didn't agree to the marriage your parents proposed?"
"Of course not," he frowned and continued, "Why would I marry a stranger? For your information, I already have someone I like."
Anastasia took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "I understand you're not interested and you have someone you care about. But this marriage is crucial for me and my family right now. Even if you don't want to be with me, can we at least discuss how to move forward? I need this arrangement to work for both of us, even if it's not what you had planned."
He chuckled, "Seriously? Wait, wait. You're telling me you want to proceed with the marriage even though we're not in love?" Disbelief was evident on his face.
"Yes," she said, her desperation showing. "Love couldn't help my family at this moment. I can even sign a contract if you want. I heard rich people agree on a certain time frame and then divorce afterward. If you—"
Her words were cut off when she was suddenly drenched as water dripped down from above of her head.