A Marriage of His Convenience

, Anna had known Honor to be near emotionless and stoic. Stern and steadfast. The entire Raibu family had this staunchness about them that trickled down to each of the seven children. They had made

him her Nige

them to go beyond dating. Honor loved Maddie with a persistent pursuit. Anna remembered randomly by watching them that she had spoken to Sofia, Maddi

nusually tight-lipped Anna knew she had to come, wear something formal, abd she was going to debut with Jaxon. We

ondered how she could be so blind. But why was Maddie keeping it a secret? Why hadn't she realized? Of c

ted everyone and had them surprise her so she could pretend to be surprised. Now it all made sense. Anna glanced at Maddie, and it also dawned on her, Maddie didn't just look gorgeou

r Maddie. His sun rose with this woman and it was apparent to anyone who saw him, he would do anything for her. He spared

he bullied her hand into his again. Desperate not to cause a scene she left

over the ceiling from which hung countless tiny sparkling white lights. The entire scene seemed like they weren't in a ballroom at all, but in some distant enchanted castle garden. The floor was black

a were to the right and Maddie and Honor to the left. Everything was precise and over the top in opulence. Everything seemed wrong. Sofia and Brent

ica Schultz, Dylan Moore, and Marissa Mishra were all eagerly waving and gushing thier way over.Maddie and Jaxon used

in the best her family could afford. Erica obviously had so much work done in her face she was unrecognizable from the awkward girl Anna met when they were 14. Her brown hair dyed a deep auburn. Her once aquiline nose had been change

going to propose t

world's finest layers of yellow gold. No one but Marissa could make this look effortless and classy. Marissa looked as if she was a Bollywood Starlette. She wore a stunnung sari that was wrapped around

n't help but smile briefly but it faded the moment she saw Jaxon checki

ay with Honor and Jaxom as Anna

m the bangles there. Marissa cocked her head quizzically before Anna met he

Anna's eyes made her understand in an instant. This was importa

purpose for in a fancy restroom. They sat there for a moment while Anna collected her scattered thoughts. She attempted to pour it out but her

pped her arms around her friend and rocked her, "For what sa

a was confident. Marissa held her friend, unsure what to do when the door leading to the toilets opened. Marissa failed at words or warnings as a woman strode elegantly into the powde

as if it were a thin layer of translucent oil, that never let you quite see everything. Her jewelry made Anna's "heirloom" prices seem

s begging to be freed. Glimmering depths of her coal black eyes were framed with a stark almond shape. Her lips were full, naturally s

even joy for Maddie. She dried her cheeks which were damp. Faith walked directly to the pair. She said in a tone that was rich a

gazing into her very soul. Faith didn't soften her gaze but instead offered something aki

her word to exit the room leavi

ruin Maddie's proposal?! Anna glanced in panic at Marissa, who star

Don't mind her." Then Marissa's expression softened. "If you are s

s perhaps the most gentle person Annabelle had ever known, "I can't.

to right away. Tonight - " but before a word came out M

ing face and untangled from Mari

ncern that almost screams of imminent danger. Anna recognized this and her unease grew.

no listen. Tonight is important, " and befo

d crowded Anna too, "Is ever

but Anna interrupted, "Nothing! It is so much bigger t

ely caught Anna's drift and started ushering Ma

ng her voice. "No, Anna needs t

insisting. "Time to goooo!". Anna glanced at Marissa apologetically and grabb

a small dance floor directly dacing the raised center table. Marissa fumbled in her purse gesturing as much as she could to Anna before locati

her face as she scrambled for her phone in her clutch, "Don't tell me

the audacity to ask if SHE was talking to anyone? Her cheeks flashed red but her hand hesitated. All she could h

e gave her a single glance. Marissa changed tatics quickly explained to her father. Mr. Mishra's face drew red as Ann

live music stilled entirely. Anna shoved it on silent and tried to peek but Brent interrupted. He was a portly man, an

l to a remarkable event. You know

ing down on her and there was no way to escape. She tried to blaze through Marissa's messages but the words were jumbled. She couldn't focus. An

et me say it isn't about me. Tonight is about

iles. That's when Anna saw Honor stand up and Maddie turn toward him. Anna was caught off-guard while Jaxon stood up beside Anna. The lights dimmed and a beautiful stirring melody of strings accompanied i

k as she was led front and center of the ballroom. The crowd gasped and cooed and the music swelled as the images of the happy couples display

oo dim. Anna squinted but could only see where they stood. Then Jaxon stopped in the right spotlight on the ground and dropped to one knee. Anna

ove. Jaxon posed there on one knee, and upon the other an obvious antique box, flipped open. The sparkle from inside the box under the light was captivating. The moment was offset with diffused lighting. The ivy framed the c

d toward Marissa and Mr. Mishra who had looks of horror etched on their features. She managed to fight the bile in her throat as

as Jaxon clasped her hand again. She tried to pull away but he jammed a huge diamond ring, his grandmother's ring, onto her finger. She tried to look for Maddie again panic fully swelling in her throat. Anna wanted

at his eyes until she recognized the expression. Jaxon looked concerned for her. Caught off guard he stared up at her still holding her left hand. And