Unwanted Sweethearts

The instant her wobbling feet stepped into the moderately spacious living room, her eyes beheld her entire family.

It was a rare occurrence but due to their formal and elegant clothing, Annalise knew the reason — they were going to visit her betrothed.

“Why you'd come back home so late is unexplainable! Do you want to leave a bad impression on your soon-to-be in-laws?” The frown that danced on his tightened lips and the raging expression on his face mattered shit to Annalise.

“Who knew? Perhaps she was out there selling her body to countless men!” Such a nasty comment was from none other than the wife of Mr. Gregory, Janice.

In her right hand was lipstick, and in the other was a face mirror — as always, she was incessantly checking on her face.

One would expect a father to defend his daughter when spoken ill of, but when it was Annalise, her father, Kingston acted nonchalant about it.

A response was never given to any of them as Annalise retained her gaze on the streets as the SUV rode along it.

They were headed for the Rome Manor.

And why?

Today, she'd be meeting the jerk she was going to get married to in about a week or so — it felt utterly shitty to Annalise!

Who would want to get married like this?

“This is bullshit.” She muttered, evidently displeased about the whole thing, yet Mr. Gregory would be the last person to give a damn about his daughter's feelings.

“Anna.” Her hand was held by another, and turning to glance at her, beheld a worried Melissa.

“Lissa.” She smiled lightly, yet Melissa's worry didn't lessen. “Are you okay? You came back late from work, and you were… limping."

Annalise gulped down emptiness nervously — everyone noticed that, huh?

Well, how wouldn't they when her virginity was lost to a man who rammed her like a beast!

Inwardly, she hadn't stopped cursing him; that handsome stranger was a jerk.

A massive one that she despised and wished never to meet again.

“It's nothing — I'm fine, okay? How's studying?" She tried to divert their conversation to something else from last night.

Melissa, although suspicious and worried about Annalise, decided to let the matter be.

Her sister wasn't involved in anything unholy — she's a waitress by day and a bartender at night. That was all.

As the sisters conversed, the wheels of the fleshly SUV halted in front of a building synonymous with… gorgeous.

“Get down, and Annalise, be on your best behavior. Don't screw up.” Mr. Gregory spoke warningly and got no response or reaction from Annalise.

As they alighted from the car, and their eyes fell on the Manor, jaws were dropped in awe.

The Palace was… otherworldly magnificent! It was almost like a Palace from the olden century or so, yet outrageously classy.

“It's my honor to welcome the Gregory Family. Please, this way” An aged man, dressed formally in a suit, had his head lowered while speaking.

Undoubtedly, he was the Butler of the family. While being led into the Manor, Melissa unceasingly made gushing remarks about the place.

“I know you're upset about breaking up with Seven, but look at the bright side — you're going to be part of a fucking rich family!”

Annalise remained expressionless about it — fuck their wealth. All she wants is Seven's love — it doesn't matter shit to her that he isn't rich.

The massive yet brilliantly crafted wooden doors were parted to pave the way for the Gregory as they walked into the glamorous living room.

It was twice the size of their whole penthouse!

So this was the Rome Manor? — it certainly did live up to its hype.

“Mr. and Mrs. Gregory. Welcome!” The kind voice of a middle-aged woman was heard, and, glancing ahead, came Mrs. Rome.

Even the simplicity of her gown dripped in richness, and Annalise grew worried. Rich folks were usually haughty, right?

However, Mrs. Rome was far from that. They were welcomed warmly, and then Annalise's hand was held.

“You must be Annalise — my, you're so beautiful!”

“Thank you… Ma'am."

“Call me mother. Please” It was truly a sweet compliment, yet Annalise couldn't bring herself to smile at all.

She would rather not get married to anyone else, but Seven — was that too challenging to ask for?

Afterward, they were led further into the living room, and Melissa was still dumbfounded by the beauty of the Manor.

“My son, Luciano, will be here soon. And he is a bit…cold, but he truly is a sweetheart once you get to know him."

Throughout the entire thing, Annalise's hands were held by Mrs. Rome — her sweetness was wholesome, but she felt uncomfortable.

As the adults drove deeper into their conversation, Annalise had to excuse herself.

“Do take the fourth staircase — it'll lead you to the restroom.”

Yeah, the living was that spacious, and the hallways were hindered at each staircase turn.

Moving closer to it, Annalise noticed the rails were made of…gold.

“I still want Seven.” A frown curved on her plump lips, and perhaps her vexation towards everything made her oblivious of the water on the fourth step.

The instant her heels stepped on it, she slipped and then fell hard on her backside and a painful whimper escaped her lips.

“Anna!” Melissa shouted worriedly as it caught everyone's attention. While they all ran to her, a cute 6-year-old descended the same stairs.

Any could tell she was part of the Rome family due to her beautiful blue eyes, and walking behind her in a maid's outfit was unarguably her personal Nanny.

The haughtiness Mrs. Rome didn't possess was owned entirely by the brat — Lorene Rome was bratty to the core.

“She can't even walk properly.” She entirely disregarded Annalise as she stepped on the glassy marble tiles while flashing her a hateful glare.

“You purposely spilled water? How dare you, you curly-haired brat!” Annalise was furious, and perhaps the pains from yesterday made it difficult to stand up.

“Curly-haired brat?” Lorene frowned at hair then balled her tiny hands.

“Lorene, apologize.” Mrs. Rome went to help Annalise on her feet, yet she remained tight-lipped.

Another word was yet to be said when the sound of a car horn was heard.

“Dad!”

Excitedly, the bratty kid turned to the door, and almost immediately, he came in.

She jumped straight into his arms and hoisting her properly placed a kiss on her cheeks.

Annalise, however, was beyond shocked by his presence — what was he doing here? Her eyes widened, and her teeth gnashed angrily. And Melissa…

“He's so…dreamy.” she whispered silently as her heart began thudding crazily.

“Luciano…” Mrs. Rome muttered while smiling a bit, but his cold countenance remained.

“Apologize? Why should my daughter apologize to this… gold digger?”

“The fuck did you just call me!” Annalise, fueled by rage, tried to march up to him, but her wobbling kegs once again gave way.

She fell directly on her face, and Lorene laughed mockingly.