Your proposal was quite…. Intriguing, Miss Marudas, but that was all there was to it."
As soon as the words left his lips, Annabelle's hands trembled, albeit subtle. She whipped her head, gazed up, and met his eyes. They gave nothing away.
She bit her lip, panic building up.
"But it piqued your interest, did it not?"she uttered.
"Yes, it did, but then I soon lost interest. There was nothing to gain from it," he replied, his gaze up at the night sky, Annabelle frowned.
"Marudas Inc. is your rival company. You gain the fall of a rival. Colossus would have no opposition," she pressed, and he smirked.
Meeting her gaze, she said, "Even without your help, Colossus will destroy Marudas Inc, Miss Marudas…."
"Just Annabelle would be fine," Annabelle spoke through gritted teeth, glaring at him for calling her by that name every chance he gets.
"Very well… Annabelle," he said, grinning.
Closing her eyes, she breathed, "Thank you…"
"As I was saying, it doesn't matter whether you are involved. If I am to aid you in your revenge plan against your family, I want something in return. Something I would need." He stated, and her frown deepened.
"You lack nothing. What else could I possibly give you that you would find useful, Mr Quinn?"
"Let's see…"
Annabelle watched him tap his chin thoughtfully with furrowed brows.
"....a wife,"
"What?!"
Annabelle nearly choked on her own saliva at his words.
"You are right. I have everything and lack nothing except for one. A wife," he repeated
Had Annabelle thought she hadn't heard him before, she certainly did now.
"So what's it gonna be?" He asked, tilting his head slightly. "Marry me, and we have a deal."
"...."
Annabelle opened her mouth, but no words could make it out. Too stunned to speak and shocked to think of any words.
"You don't have to give me an answer right away…Annabelle. Take your time. Think about it carefully because once we are married, there will be no divorce, but it will be to your utmost benefit. I will treat you right, respect you, and give all that you could ever want. That is if you become my wife."
Annabelle stared at him, hoping he was joking, but the seriousness of his expression gave no such hints. Her hands trembled, and her knees nearly gave out. She stumbled back a bit but was able to gain her composure, but still not enough to speak.
"I will return to the party inside. Everyone must be looking for me. I'll leave to think about it. Once you have decided, you know where to find me. My doors are always open to you," he strutted away after saying that while Annabelle could only stare at his retreating back, clench her fists behind him.
"Jaxon Quinn…" Annabelle uttered through clenched jaws.