A call from home

The rules felt cold and detached, as if Mr. Quinn was trying to create an emotional barrier between them. Her heart sank a little, disappointed by the lack of emotional connection he seemed to be seeking.

"Isn't this a bit excessive?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mr. Quinn looked at her, his expression serious but not unkind. "No, Annabelle. It's a necessary precaution. It will help save us from the stress and complications that come with catching unnecessary feelings. I don't believe in commitment or the word 'forever.' There's no such thing as true love."

Annabelle felt a hint of sadness wash over her, but she was determined not to let it deter her from their plan. She believed that she was capable of making him fall for her, and she knew it would only take time and patience.

As they continued their conversation, Mr. Quinn mentioned their upcoming court wedding with just a few members of their families in attendance. He explained that his father could be quite suspicious and would likely ask about her family. He advised her to say that they had been together for almost three months if questioned about their relationship. Annabelle's heart skipped a beat at the mention of family. That was where there had always been a problem for her.

The food arrived, and the rest of the dinner was mostly spent in silence as they silently enjoyed their meals. Annabelle couldn't help but feel a bit distant and cold during the dinner, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of how she would keep her true identity hidden.

As the dinner came to an end, they both headed outside the restaurant. Mr. Quinn couldn't help but notice Annabelle's change in demeanor, and he asked if she was okay.

"I'm fine," she replied, her voice a bit shaky. She quickly walked towards her car, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the evening's events. She sat inside and let out a deep breath, her mind racing with reckless thoughts.

How was she going to keep her true identity hidden? How would she navigate the expectations of their fake marriage without revealing her own desires and hopes for a real relationship? And most importantly, how would she protect her heart from getting hurt in the process?

Annabelle knew that this plan was risky, but she also knew that it was her best chance at getting the man she loved and a future with the man she had always dreamt of. She was determined to make it work, to create a facade that would fool everyone around them, even if it meant sacrificing a piece of her own happiness.

As she drove home that evening, Annabelle made a silent promise to herself. She would give this plan her all, but she wouldn't lose sight of her own dreams and desires along the way. She would stay true to herself, even in the midst of their fake marriage contract.

****

Annabelle arrived home exhausted, feeling the weight of the long day on her shoulders. She kicked off her shoes and rushed into the bathroom, desperate for a moment of solitude. The sound of the water running from the shower enveloped her, washing away the stress and weariness of the day. As the warm droplets soaked her hair and cascaded down her body, she closed her eyes and leaned against the cool tiles, momentarily shutting out the world.

After she had cooled herself down, Annabelle began to wash up, letting the steady stream of water cleanse her body and rejuvenate her spirit. As she stepped out from the bathroom, she wrapped a towel around her dripping hair and sat on the stool before her mirror stand. She picked up her favorite face cream and started to apply it on her skin, following her normal night routine. The soothing scent and gentle touch of the cream brought a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Once she was done with her skincare, Annabelle stood up and walked towards her wardrobe. She reached in and pulled out her favorite cozy nightwear. Slipping into the soft fabric of her nightgown, she let out a sigh of relief as she felt the weight of the day slipping away. She slowly made her way to the bed and slumped onto the soft mattress, ready to finally get some much-needed rest.

Just as Annabelle was about to drift off to sleep, a sudden vibration startled her. She reached over to her nightstand and picked up her phone, her tired eyes blinking against the brightness of the screen. Recognizing the caller ID, she answered the call with a yawn.

"Hello brother?" she greeted, her voice still laced with drowsiness.

"Do you still remember you have a brother?" the deep, masculine voice on the other end of the line asked teasingly.

Annabelle couldn't help but smile at the familiarity of her brother's playful tone. "Of course I do," she replied affectionately. "You're my best brother in the whole wide world."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before her brother's voice turned serious. "Then come back home," he pleaded. "Our parents miss you. Father regrets his actions. Come home, little sister."

Annabelle took a deep breath, conflicted by the emotions swirling within her. She knew her family longed for her presence, but she also had her own dreams and ambitions to pursue. "I appreciate your concern, brother," she began slowly. "But I'm perfectly fine where I am. I'm chasing my dreams and building my future."

Her voice trailed off as a yawn escaped her lips. "Can we talk tomorrow? My eyes are heavy, and sleep is calling my name."

Her brother sighed, his concern evident in his voice. "Fine," he relented. "Think about it, Annabelle. You're always welcome home, and I'll be here to watch over you and protect you. Don't let anyone bully you or take advantage of your kindness."

A sense of warmth spread through Annabelle's chest as she listened to her brother's words. She knew he cared deeply for her and would always be there for her. "Thank you, brother," she whispered. "I'll think about it, I promise. But for now, please let me rest. I'll talk to you soon."

They said their goodbyes, and Annabelle ended the call, placing her phone back on the nightstand. Snuggling under the covers, she closed her eyes and let herself drift off into a peaceful sleep, knowing that no matter where she chose to be, her family's love and support would always be with her.