Signed a marriage contract with a stranger he just met to take full possession of Musk's wealth but Annabelle turned out to be more than expected. Faced with her past life and history, knowing all was a disguise and a trap set for him. Will he choose to follow and fight or will he surrender to his addiction?
Chapter 1 The Hidden Agenda
The Deceptive proposal
The city of Hangzhou buzzed with life,it's vibrant energy a stark contrast to the mounting troubles weighing on Annabelle Yang's shoulders with her father dead and her mother ailling, she knew how desperate measures were needed to save what remained of her family's once prestigious legacy,An idea began to take shape in her mind, one rhat hinged on the formidable Musk family's influence and resources.
Annabelle's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Rayon Musk, the wealthy and enigmatic heir to the musk empire. As he strode into the modest yang residence, his commanding presence seemed to fill the room. A flicker of guilt crossed Annabelle's face, but she quickly composed herself, her resolve unwavering.
"Annabelle, it's good to see you again," Rayon said, a hint of warmth in his voice. "I've come with a proposal that could be mutually beneficial for both families".
She offered a faint smile, playing the part of a vulnerable heiress struggling to maintain her family's dignity.
"Please, have a seat. I'm eager to hear what you have in mind."
As they sat down, Rayon outlined his plan. "As you are aware, our competitors have been making significant strides in the market. We need an alliance with a family that possesses valuable assets and potential to strengthen our position".
Annabelle nodded, her expression carefully neutral. "But what does this have to do with me? As you can see, my family's circumstances are less than ideal for a traditional partnership".
Rayon leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "I'm not proposing a conventional arrangement. I'm offering a marriage contract between the two of us. Your family's reputation, though tarnished, still holds sway with key figures in the city. In return, I'll ensure your mother receives the best medical care and help restore your family's status back.
Annabelle pretended to consider the proposal, knowing full well that it played perfectly into her hidden agenda. "This is quite unexpected, but I can't deny that your offer is quite tempting."
"Then you'll accept?" Rayon asked, a glimmer of triumph in his eyes.
"On one condition", she countered. "I want a stake in the Musk family's business ventures. I won't be a pawn in your games, Rayon".
He studied her for a minute, then nodded, a hint of admiration in his gaze. "Very well. I'll have my lawyer draw up the contract by Monday. I believe this is the start of a profitable partnership for us both".
As Rayon departed, Annabelle couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for her deception. But with her mother's life hanging in the balance and the fate of her family at stake, she knew she had no choice but to play the game, and hope that the truth wouldn't come to light until it was too late for rayon to back out.
Annabelle knew the time had come to tell her mother the truth.As she embark on a journey to the other side of town since her family is now in crises and she couldn't afford the bills. As the cab growled on, Annabelle thought about the dark clouds that surround her families. Her father dead and her mother diagnosed with a terrible illness. Annabelle has been trying to hold it together for a mother and their company, but it was already taken a toll on her. Now, with this news, she felt like everything is coming back. She wiped away a tear as the cab pulled up to her stop.
It was time for her mother to know the news, Annabelle thought as she walk through the poor,small structure room. The hospital room poorly arranged and lit. Taking a deep breath, she sat down on the edge of her mother's bed,the only piece of furniture that was accessible.
"Mom", she began, her voice trembling, "I need to tell you something important".
Martha, Annabelle's mother, lay on the bed, her feeble body consume by illness. Despite her sick state, her eyes remained bright and sharp. "What is it my dear?".
"Rayon, has proposed a marriage to me". Annabelle blurted out.
Martha's eyes widened in shock. "Marriage? annabelle, I don't see any connection with you and him and beside our family isn't influential anymore........ what could he possibly want from us?".
Annabelle swallowed hard, her voice barely a whisper filled with guilt and pain. " I know it's absurd, but let me explain. Rayon isn't interested in our company market value; we had a connection in the past before, so he wants to repay it back".
"Why would he mention marriage?, why did he choose you? What about Melanie". Martha persisted her suspicion evidently in her voice.
"Mom I asked him the same thing. He said he admire me and wants to repay the favor back. You know our marriage can benefit us. You need a proper medical care which he can give".
Martha frowned. "But what about love? You deserve to marry someone you truly love, Annabelle".
"Mom. This arrangement doesn't mean I can't find love someday and beside maybe he is my one true love". Annabelle joke as she tries to ease the tension in the room.
" I am more worried about your situation that my love life".
Martha's expression softened as she reached out to squeeze Annabelle's hand. " I just want you to be happy". " You cannot always put me first". "What would society say cause I know they are going to bully you knowing fully well that we are poor".
"I am happy knowing that you would get the care you need and we won't struggle anymore, society won't mock us anymore." Annabelle voice filled with determination.
Annabelle leaned in to embrace her mother, as tears of gratitude streamed down her face. As they held each other close, both mother and daughter find solace in their peace and love for each other. Each with a thousand thought in their mind that can be hear out but with the determination to faced what is coming their way.
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