Harris watched her as she spoke. He just couldn't take his eyes off her. The sharp green of Annabelle's eyes, her soft pink lips—it all seemed so familiar, yet unreal. He blinked, breaking his trance, but the memory lingered.
Ezekiel nudged him hard, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Bro, you hearing this? What's your take on what she's saying?"
Harris straightened, glancing back at Annabelle. "I think I remember now. Her face… yeah, I remember. It was at that party you dragged me to. I was wasted after Uncle Gregory returned, and I lost control. I think… I think that's when I gave her the ring."
Annabelle leaned forward, eyes twinkling. "Not gave, Harris, she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. You gave it to me. You proposed." Her words hung in the air, laced with nostalgia and hope. You asked me to marry you, right there. You slid the ring onto my finger."
Harris stared, baffled. "I… proposed?"
"Yeah you did, Annabelle said dreamily, smiling. You promised we would get married, and I've been waiting for you ever since."
Ezekiel burst into laughter, trying to diffuse the tension.
"Okay, okay, weird moment, Harris muttered, shaking his head. He opened his mouth to speak, "Can I have my—"
Before he could finish, Ezekiel slapped Harris's hand down. "No, no, no,bEzekiel said, grinning widely. He means, can he have your number? He's asking for your number, right Harris?" Ezekiel shot him a warning look.
Harris sighed, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone. "Yeah, sure, your number." He took it down while Ezekiel gave him a sly thumbs-up.
Annabelle smiled, placing her hand over Harris's. "Harris, I'll do anything for you. Anything. I'm already in love with you"
Harris quickly pulled his hand back, awkwardly clearing his throat. "We'll call you later, but please… no one needs to know about the ring. And for the love of God, do not lose it."
Annabelle nodded. "I won't tell anyone, but who are you guys?"
Harris hesitated, exchanging a glance with Ezekiel. "We'll explain everything soon. Right now, though, we need your help."
Annabelle tilted her head, intrigued. "Help with what?"
Harris took a deep breath. "I need you to marry me. Like, for real."
Annabelle blinked, confusion flickering across her face. "But… we're already married, right?"
"No, Harris said more firmly. I need you to marry me. For real. I need you to be my wife."
The serious tone in his voice made Annabelle pause. She studied him for a moment, then slowly nodded. "You're serious. Her voice wavered. Am I going to get hurt in all of this?"
"No, Harris assured her, his voice steady. No one's getting hurt. I promise."
Annabelle bit her lip before speaking. "Alright, I'm free tomorrow evening. But I've got this new boss keeping us on our toes—total jerk, by the way. Everyone loved the former boss, but this new one? Ugh. Fires people left and right."
Harris raised an eyebrow. "Boss, huh?"
"Yeah," she continued, oblivious to his change in mood. His son's handsome, but a complete nightmare. So rude."
Ezekiel laughed awkwardly. "Right, sounds like fun."
"Anyway, Harris interjected. Tomorrow evening, you're having dinner with my parents."
Annabelle's eyes widened. "Dinner? With your parents? Isn't that… a bit fast?"
"Yeah, well, we don't have much time. Can't wait to wife you. Harris replied sharply with a bit of scorn. Can you make it?"
She hesitated, then smiled. "Of course. Can I bring my friend?"
Ezekiel perked up. "Is she beautiful like you?"
Annabelle blushed. "Yeah, she's gorgeous. Curvy too." She raised her brows
"Enough. Harris snapped, glaring at Ezekiel. We'll text you the address. He hesitated, as if remembering something. Wait… no, I'll pick you up myself."
"Good, Annabelle said, flashing him a playful grin. My husband should at least do that."
They parted ways, with Harris and Ezekiel retreating back to the car. As soon as they were out of sight, Ezekiel let out a long sigh of relief. "Man, that was tense."
Harris nodded, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, but now we've got another problem."
Ezekiel frowned. "What now?"
Harris sighed deeply. "Veronica."
Ezekiel grimaced. "What about her?"
"She's staying at my parents' place, she's gonna be trouble. Harris muttered. You know how much they want me to marry her. They've been pushing it for months."
Ezekiel shrugged. "Mom and Dad want you married. You've got a wife now, even if it's all crazy. Veronica will have to deal."
"Let's just hope it all works out, Harris said grimly. Otherwise, this could get messy."
---------------------
The Next Evening.....
The daylight ran quickly, as it was evening. Harris knocked on Annabelle's door, he found himself holding his breath. The door creaked open, and there she was, standing at the top of the stairs in a stunning red gown, golden earrings sparkling in the soft light.
"Just a minute! she called out, rushing down toward him. Could you help me with this?" She handed him a delicate necklace, which he carefully fastened around her neck. She looked up at him with a soft smile. Thanks. Do I look alright?"
Harris swallowed hard. "You look good. Let's go."
His tone was formal, almost cold. He opened the door for her, and they stepped into the night. As they approached his car, he called Ezekiel. "Where are you?"
"Right behind you, man," Ezekiel's voice crackled through the speaker. I went to pick up her friend. Hot stuff" he added cheekily
"You're crazy. Overall it's Fine," Harris replied, hanging up. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease building inside him.
As they pulled up to the sprawling Lancaster estate, Harris's heart raced. The mansion gleamed in the fading twilight, its towering silhouette casting long shadows across the garden.
Veronica was already watching from the window.
"He's here...." She sang sweetly and bounded down the stairs. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Harris's car.
"Harris, I've been wai..." She suddenly became tongue tied as she saw Harris walk to the passenger seat to help a lady out.
'Who the hell is that?' Her excitement quickly turned to shock as she saw him step out with the beautiful lady.
Harris stepped out, offering his arm to Annabelle. Veronica's eyes narrowed as she rushed back inside, Her heart pounding fast, suddenly, the front doors opened just as Harris and Annabelle reached the entrance. His parents were standing there, waiting.
"Harris?" his father began, eyes flicking between him and Annabelle. What's going on?"
Harris took a deep breath, tightening his grip on Annabelle's hand. "Oh, thank God you all are here. Mom, Dad, this is Annabelle… my wife to be."
His father's expression hardened. "Wife to be?"
Veronica froze in place, the shock written all over her face.
The air was thick with tension, but just before anyone could react, the door behind them creaked open. A shadow appeared at the entrance. Harris turned slowly, his heart pounding
"Well, what did I miss?" He asked as he puffed the cigarette smoke in the air.