Chapter 8 The Unwelcome Anouncement

• In the past few days, I've been busier with work due to our new project. I need to closely monitor it as I don't want it to fail. The budget is significant, and any mistake would be a huge loss for our company. Dad would be furious with me. I feel sorry for my sister, Eleanor, as she has no escape from her impending marriage to Julian Dante Moore, especially since the wedding is next week. Dad is rushing everything, and I'm still nervous about his unexpected moves.
• Since Marcus came to our house to talk to Dad, I haven't seen him again. Dad has also stopped bothering me about the wedding with Marcus. Is it really not going to happen? Did Marcus find a way to stop Dad's plans? I believe he can do it; he's more powerful and wealthier than my father.
• I genuinely hope that the wedding with Marcus doesn't push through. I can't marry a man I don't love. Despite my situation, I still believe that marriage is more beautiful and joyful when you marry someone you love, not just out of obligation. I don't want to end up like my parents, constantly arguing and shouting at each other. And I hope my sister Eleanor won't have the same fate as our parents, especially when I investigated the man destined for her, Julian Dante Moore, I discovered he's the kindest and most responsible among the Moore siblings. Knowing this, I felt relieved because my sister is in good hands. I hope Julian treats her well and learns to love her. All I want is for my sister to be happy; that's my only wish.
• "Ma'am Evelyn, Sir Donovan is outside and would like to speak with you," my secretary said as she entered my office.
• I stopped what I was doing, straightened my posture, and looked at my secretary with a smile.
• "Alright. Let him in," I instructed.
• She nodded and went out of my office to let Tristan in. After a few seconds, I saw hiim entering, also dressed in business attire, and he seemed a bit grim. Probably his dad is pressuring him again because all their family businesses would be inherited by him. Theodore Donovan, their eldest sibling, chose to live quietly in New Zealand with his wife and children. Since Tristan is the next in line, he inherited all the responsibilities, especially since their next sibling, Elias, also declined to handle the family businesses. My friend Tristan has no other choice.
• "Work problem? Or family problem?" I asked him as he sat on the couch nearby.
• Tristan sighed heavily and looked up at me. "Maybe both? Damn. Why did all the responsibilities of our family's business fall on me? I just want to enjoy my life, but what I feel right now is not enjoyment; it's too much pressure," Tristan complained.
• I took a deep breath and decided to approach him. I sat beside him, put my arm around him, and gave his shoulder a reassuring pat.
• "You can rant about whatever you want. I'm here to listen, and if you need advice, I'll offer one," I said with a smile.
• He looked at me, smiled faintly, and began sharing everything that was troubling his mind and his life. Tristan is the only friend who truly trusts me, and the feeling is mutual. Our different genders never hindered us from being best friends. There's no hint of malice in our closeness and in our affectionate gestures—just typical best friend things. After Tristan poured out all his problems to me, I provided him with my words of wisdom, helping him understand his situation and guiding him on what to do and what not to do. I wasn't trying to take control of Tristan's life, but as his best friend, I'm here to support him, and I don't want him to make the wrong decisions.
• "Thanks, Princess. It was the right decision to come to you. You know, you're like my guidance counselor," he said with a grin. Tristan hugged me and quickly kissed my cheek.
• I chuckled at his gesture and playfully pinched his cheek, happy to see him smiling again. Tristan and I decided to have lunch together, leaving the office early. We went to our favorite Korean restaurant and indulged in samgyeopsal for lunch. While enjoying our meal, Tristan continued with his jokes, and we laughed together. My laughter ceased when Tristan opened up about Marcus and me.
• "Is the wedding canceled?" he asked with a serious tone.
• Before answering his question, I took a sip of water, looked at him seriously, and replied.
• "I-I don't know, Tri. Dad and I haven't discussed the wedding with Marcus because Dad has been busy with Eleanor's wedding to Julian Moore. I want to ask him, but I'm afraid he might suddenly decide to marry me off to Marcus and call me excited. I'm hesitant," I responded to his question.
• He chuckled softly and smirked at me.
• "For sure, that's what Uncle will think if you ask. Just don't ask and wait for what he'll say, but you still need to prepare for possible outcomes, Eve," Tristan advised.
• I sighed and nodded. I focused on my food and temporarily set aside that problem.
• After lunch with Tristan, he drove me back to my office because I still had a lot of work to do. I concentrated on finishing my tasks for the day, and by 5 pm, I decided to pack my things as I planned to go home. Mommy texted me earlier, saying we have a family dinner, and I needed to get home early because we'll have someone joining us. I assumed Mommy meant the Moore family, as my sister Eleanor is getting married soon.
• I got into my car and left for home. When I arrived, I was surprised to see a Bugatti parked outside. Wow. Whose car could this be? Julian's, perhaps? If so, he and Marcus have the same car brand.
• I entered our house and froze in my steps upon seeing an unfamiliar person. She looked around Mom's age, had a stern face, and I couldn't help but feel scared due to her intimidating aura.
• She glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. Slowly, she approached me and stopped when she was right in front of me.
• "You must be Evelyn Grace Wilson?" she asked coldly.
• I swallowed nervously. Even her voice was frightening. She was too intimidating. Who is she?
• I professionally smiled and nodded. "Yes, Madame. I'm Evelyn Wilson. Nice to meet you, Madame." I don’t know what happened to me but I immediately chose to address her Madame.
• She gave a slight smile. "Lauren. Miss Lauren Halloway. I'm Lucien's aunt, Miss Wilson."
• My eyes widened in surprise upon learning her full name. OMG.
• What's the meaning of this? Why is Marcus's aunt in our house? Are we not having dinner with the Moores tonight?
• "Great! Lucien is already here."
• I looked up the stairs when I heard Dad's voice. I was even more surprised when I saw him with Marcus. Marcus had a serious expression, looking like he was about to eat someone. When our eyes met, my heart jumped with nervousness. Marcus gave me a sharp look, as if I committed a grave mistake.
• As they both descended, Dad approached me and put his arm around me. I felt weak, not knowing what to say or how to react.
• "Good thing you're already here, my lovely daughter. The Halloway family is here to discuss your wedding with Lucien!" Dad said with a smile, looking at Lucien and his Aunt Lauren. Aunt Lauren gave a slight smile and nodded.
• I looked at Dad again, my forehead furrowing in confusion. "D-Dad, what do you mean about the wedding? I-I'm not getting married!" I raised my voice slightly as I addressed Dad.
• He looked at me, the smile disappearing from his face, replaced by a serious expression. Dad held my arm, leaned closer to my ear, and whispered something.
• "Evelyn, don't be stubborn. Don't create a scene in front of the Halloways, for God's sake," Dad whispered.
• I felt like I ran out of breath when he said that, but I still resisted. I forced myself not to explode in front of them and remained calm. Perhaps, being calm had become my talent by now.
• "I'm marrying Evelyn Grace Wilson, and I want it as soon as possible," Marcus declared.
• My eyes widened upon hearing Marcus say that. I looked at him, and he returned a cold expression, as if he didn't care about what I thought or what I would do—what mattered was that he got what he wanted.
• I felt like crying.
• Didn't he also not want to marry me? Why has his mind changed now?
• F-ck!
• Do I have no escape? Is this really happening? Do I have no right to refuse?
• Am I finally marrying the devil billionaire?
• For real?