Chapter 1082
Annabel lowered her gaze and smiled shyly. Rupert grinned, unmistakably proud, as he took her hand.
“This is my fiancée, Annabel. Annabel, meet my good friend, Prince Calvert.”
Annabel greeted Calvert with a polite nod, and the three of them sat on the sofa to chat. Just then, a well-dressed young girl ran in.
“Daddy!”
She called out excitedly, and as she noticed the two guests beside Calvert, she slowed, momentarily stunned when she saw Annabel. Then her face lit up.
“Annabel! We haven’t seen each other in a long time. What brings you here today?”
“Do you two know each other?” Calvert asked, clearly surprised to hear his daughter call Annabel by name.
Annabel was just as taken aback. “It’s you. It really has been a while!”
Rupert glanced at Calvert, confused. “Who is this?”
Calvert smiled. “She is my daughter, Michelle. And she is a princess.”
“When I was first setting up my studio, I met Michelle several times and had some great conversations with her. We eventually became good friends,” Annabel explained to Rupert and Calvert.
Michelle rushed over to Annabel, about to speak again, but her attention snagged on Rupert. She had never seen a man so handsome before. Her heart seemed to stutter, and warmth crept into her ears.
“Annabel, is this your friend?” Michelle asked cautiously, forcing herself to look away from Rupert.
Annabel shook her head. “He’s my fiancé, Rupert.”
“Your fiancé…”
Michelle’s smile faltered, disappointment flashing across her face. She hadn’t expected Rupert and Annabel to be engaged. For a young girl like her, it was only natural to feel discouraged after realizing the man she had a crush on was already someone else’s fiancé.
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“Daddy, I’m a little tired. I want to go upstairs and rest,” Michelle said to Calvert after gathering herself.
Calvert nodded, and she headed upstairs. Annabel watched her for a moment, thoughtful, before turning her gaze away.
Calvert didn’t think much of it. They continued chatting, and before long, dusk settled in. Glancing at the clock, Calvert suggested, “Rupert, this is the first time you’ve come here with your fiancée. It’s almost dinner time. Why don’t you let us host a dinner to welcome you both?”
“Well… I don’t think that’s necessary.” Annabel politely declined, remembering the way Michelle had looked at Rupert. “We already prepared some food at home. Besides, we’ve been here since the afternoon, and I’m a little tired. It’s probably best if we head back now.”
Rupert looked at her with concern. “What’s wrong? Do you feel uncomfortable?”
“I’m fine. Just a little sleepy, that’s all. Let’s go,” Annabel said, shaking her head.
Upon leaving the villa, Annabel’s mood soured on the way home. As he drove, Rupert couldn’t help stealing glances at her. With genuine concern, he asked, “What’s the matter, Annabel? Why do you seem so out of sorts after we left Michelle’s place? Is something bothering you?”