Chapter 2 Show Me Your Face

Annabelle was stunned, her brows knitting in confusion. She thought to herself, "It's easy to break off an engagement, yet things are much more complicated when it comes to a divorce. Why bother?' She pondered for a second and said, "OK. But I have a demand." Kendrick smiled helplessly and thought, 'That's rich' But still, he said, "Name it. I can't guarantee you a yes, though." He had a playful expression on his face, making him look like a cunning fox. No one could tell what was on his mind. Annabelle frowned and said righteously, "Sex is definitely off the table after we get married." She looked like a soldier trying to defend her territory. Seeing that, Kendrick couldn't help but grin. "Seriously, Ms. Sanchez? You think having sex with me is a loss for you?" Annabelle felt that her cheeks were burning. She thought, 'What a narcissist! Who knows what it's gonna be like? Well, it's true that he is handsome, tall, upright, and dignified in every manner. Yet I'm no nympho, and I don't want to get involved with rich men at all." Therefore, she said, "I surely do. You're eight years older than me after all." Kendrick squinted and thought, 'Really? She thinks I'm too old for her when I don't think less of her given her disfigured face? I'm now curious about what she looks like. Her eyes are gorgeous and her facial contours under the veil look fine, too. Besides, she has a good shape and she acts elegantly. She's not like the bumpkin people say she is. Is she hiding her true self? I'm even more curious.' "I don't like your request, but I will say yes." Only then did Annabelle feel relieved. She thought, 'Though it's just a verbal promise, I don't think a proud man like Kendrick will go back on his word. I can't come up with a perfect plan now, so I'll have to take it one step at a time.' Then the two of them walked over to their parents hand in hand. Lydia Gregory, Kendrick's stepmother, frowned with an embarrassed look on her face as she saw Annabelle and Kendrick holding hands. Lydia said, "Kendrick, Annabelle is your future sister-in-law. What are you doing?" Kendrick smiled calmly and said, "Lydia, Marvin just said he was not going to get engaged to Annabelle. How could she be my future sister-in-law?" Lydia pouted her mouth and said, "I know, but it's Marvin's engagement party after all. Even if he has ditched Ms. Sanchez, you shouldn't have held her hands. Don't you see anything wrong with it?" Kendrick smiled, "Well, in that case, let's make it the engagement party for Annabelle and me. That way, nothing will be wrong, right?" Upon hearing that, everyone was shocked. "Are you serious?" Colten asked, frowning. Even when Colten had to face the mess left by Marvin, he didn't want Kendrick to sacrifice himself. He adored Kendrick a lot and had already found Kendrick a wife from a rich family, who was at least more worthy of him than Annabelle. "Yes, I am," Kendrick said firmly. Colten's heart sank. Then he looked at Annabelle. "Annabelle, do you want to marry Kendrick?" Before Annabelle could utter a word, Briley poked her back hard and urged her hurriedly, "Say yes! Now!" Meanwhile, Gavyn was looking at her expectantly, too. Annabelle knew very well that for her, even marrying Marvin was marrying up, not to mention Kendrick. Briley and Gavyn would never let such a fat chance away. And it was also clear to her that her parents didn't give a damn about her happiness. They just wanted to ride the coattails of the Gregory family. Having cleared her mind, she then said firmly, "Yes." Briley and Gavyn breathed a sigh of relief when they heard that. Colten sighed silently. 'I guess it's time to let the kids mind their own business,' he thought to himself. "Now that both of you wanna marry each other, let's pick a date for your wedding." Kendrick nodded. "There's no rush for the wedding ceremony, but we'll go to the city hall for the marriage certificates tomorrow." The corners of Annabelle's mouth twitched as she glared at Kendrick, who was standing beside her. She thought, 'I can't believe he just made the decision all by himself! Even if I said yes, it doesn't mean we have to get married tomorrow. He's so hot-headed!' She glared at Kendrick, who noticed her sharp gaze. He thought to himself, 'What a fierce kitten she is! How interesting!' Colten shook his head and smiled bitterly. "Well, we are getting old, and we don't know what young people are thinking about. Fine. Do whatever you want." The emcee then officially announced the engagement of Kendrick and Annabelle. The guests were stunned, clearly shocked by the dramatic turn of events. Yet after all, they were people who had seen all kinds of scenes, so they soon put away their judging and doubting faces and congratulated the couple and their families instead. The party went on until 10:00 p.m., yet the guests still showed no intention of leaving. Annabelle was exhausted. She came to the city from Springvale Temple early in the morning to attend the party. It had been a long day for her. Kendrick glanced at her as he sipped some wine. "Tired?" Annabelle was surprised that he could tell her tiredness. She nodded and looked at him for help. "Can you help me leave as early as possible?" He was not surprised to learn that she wanted to leave before the party ended. He smiled and put down his glass. "Sure. No one will stop you as long as you leave with me." Annabelle glanced at him with great gratitude. "Thank you so much." "We're about to get married. So, you're welcome." He said in a deep voice and a flirtatious tone. Feeling that her face was burning, Annabelle glared at Kendrick. Kendrick, however, didn't seem to care. With a chuckle, he took Annabelle's hand and led her to their parents. Annabelle was worried that Gavyn and Briley wouldn't agree with her leaving in advance, yet thanks to Kendrick, both of their parents were generous enough to nod. They left the banquet and got into the car. Since Kendrick had drunk, he couldn't drive, so he took the back seat together with Annabelle. When the driver started the car, Kendrick suddenly raised the panel separating the front and the back. Annabelle was wary at once. She thought, 'Is he going to unveil himself and make a move on me?' "What are you doing?" Annabelle asked as she moved warily to the side, leaning against the car door. Kendrick stared at her veiled face and said in a deep voice, "Show me your face." After making sure that Kendrick wasn't going to take advantage of her, Annabelle was relieved. Then she looked away and said coldly, "It's not even worth a look." Over the years, she had become accustomed to wearing the veil, because her face had never done her any good. Kendrick suddenly approached her and said teasingly, "We have to take a photo when we get our marriage certificates tomorrow. Do you think you can hide your face from me for the rest of your life?" She thought, 'The rest of my life? Oh, come on, I don't have to! Our marriage won't last over 6 months! What a forgetful man!' Yet right now, she had no time to correct him. He was so close to her!