Chapter 13 Nice and Nasty

"Who’s your mother?! Drive away at once, I won't go down." Annie's heart was beating like claps of thunder and her grip was tight on the seat belt. She was adamant to get out of the car. Right outside was a group of aunties who were waiting to pounce on gossip and scandals. If she got out of the car, the juicy gossip would last them for at least three days. Nope, Annie had made up her mind not to get out of the car. However, her little trick had no effect on sly old Myles. He left the car and yelled loudly, "Alright, Annie. You can just stay inside the car. I know where your house is.” When she saw Myles’s figure disappear into the alleyway, Annie could no longer continue to sit down. ‘Sh*t, this man is shameless!’ Moreover, he called out her name loudly. Even if she did not go down, the aunties already knew who she was. "*sshole!" Annie cursed in frustration. ‘Isn’t this the same as forcing young girls of good families to prostitute themselves?’ "Annie, i-is that your boyfriend? He’s so handsome." "Annie, what does your boyfriend do? What a nice car, way cooler than my son's." ... As soon as Annie stepped out of the car, she could hear the murmurs of gossip behind her. Some of their shrill voices made her head pound. The worst people in the world she had to face were not the bad guys, but the aunties. Annie did not dare to say anything but only put a smile on her face. With that fake smile of hers, she hurried over to Myles and walked into the alley. "Mom…" Annie was terrified the whole way back. Myles probably got someone to investigate her a long time ago. ‘This man is too dangerous. What if he scared my mom?’ However, when Annie entered the house and saw the harmonious scene in the room, she realized that she had really underestimated Myles. He had a relaxed and breezy smile on his face when it was as cold as ice just a minute ago. "Annie, you’re back? Mr. Jennings is your boyfriend? Why didn't you tell me? I feel so bad for not preparing anything at home for Mr. Jennings." Sharon smiled but her hands were rubbing against each other in discomfort. She was a little nervous but her face was pleased and one could see the joy in her eyes. She knew that Mason was Annie’s boyfriend and she also knew that he had betrayed Annie. Although she had always pretended to not know, she knew that Annie must be sad. Now that she had a man who was a hundred times better than Mason, Sharon was truly happy for her. After hearing what her mother said, Annie blushed. She looked up at Myles. He was wearing a high-end custom made suit, sitting in that small rustic house. There was a strange feeling because, at that moment, Annie could not help but feel especially relieved. "Mom, don't worry about it. We’ll be leaving soon. Mr. Jennings, you..." That was the first time Annie had addressed Myles in that way and even her tone showed how embarrassed she was. When Myles heard her address him, he frowned. "Auntie, it’s my fault for coming here too abruptly. I apologize for not preparing anything. But I really like Annie. I know she has been hurt so I assure you that I will treat her well. That’s why I’m inviting you to witness us." Annie was still a little dazed when she returned the car with the household registration book that Sharon had forced into her hand. How could her dear mother just "sell" her out like that? In fact, Annie did not know that James had already called and vented his anger on her, adding that Annie had ruined the Lane Family’s name. Even though Sharon did not have much definite view, she grew up with class so she could recognize a man of high status when she saw one. When she saw Myles, she knew that he was not an ordinary person at first glance. She knew he was a hundred times better than Mason and in addition to his status, Annie would not have to endure the Lane Family’s bullying if he covered for her. That was all that Sharon wanted. She also believed that her daughter could subdue this man and perhaps that it was fate. "Annie, it’s too late to regret now." The car soon arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau. Although Myles’s face was blank, the smile in his eyes could not be concealed. Annie sat in the car while she held onto the household registration book in her arms and stared wide-eyed at the man standing outside. The sunlight approaching noon outlined his almost perfect face from behind him. His meticulous attire reflected his exquisite life. His outer appearance showed that he had outstanding qualities and everything in his life was perfect. That only made Annie more baffled. Annie's eyes revealed her confusion. "Myles, why do you want to marry me?" Annie stared directly at Myles. He stood in between the sunlight and her and blocked the dazzling beam of light. The subtle things made Annie tremble and she even felt like she was in a dream. However, Annie was very much sober at the moment. Myles had only met her three times, so why did he like her? When Myles saw how vigilant and wary Annie was being, he chuckled and said flippantly, "I needed to find someone to marry and it just so happens that I don't hate you." Myles's slightly contemptuous laugh tightened Annie's stomach as if a bubble burst in her heart. "Then why do you think I want to marry you?" ‘Just because he doesn't hate me doesn’t mean that I’m going to marry him. Does he think that marriages last just because the couple doesn’t hate each other?’ "Annie, you have no choice now. You were abandoned by your boyfriend, you can’t find a job, and you offended Susie and her daughter. Auntie may very well be hurt by how impulsive you’ve acted. So, Annie, don't you want the chance to change the situation?"