Stand Me Up? I'll Marry His Billionaire Uncle novel Chapter 42

Abbot glanced over with an indifferent expression. "Mm."

Annabelle quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Luna, why don't you head upstairs when you're finished?"

She shot Magnus a look.

He caught her meaning. "Dad, I'd like to talk with you and Stellan about that project in Charleston."

Abbot scowled. "Does it have to be right now?"

Magnus hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, it's pretty urgent."

With a reluctant sigh, Abbot got up to follow them, but not before turning back. "Sunny, you just keep eating. Grandpa won't be long."

With that, everyone Annabelle wanted out of the room was gone.

Sunny quietly set down her fork, understanding that Annabelle wanted a private conversation.

"Tristan, go upstairs and bring down that box I left in my room. Now, please!"

Tristan gave Sunny a lingering look before heading out of the room.

Annabelle took Sunny's hand gently. "Sunny, I'm sorry you're going through all this. My son can be dense as a brick—don't let it get to you. But look, you two have been together for five years, and now the wedding's just around the corner. Can't you forgive him for being an idiot just this once?"

She squeezed her hand a little tighter, her voice warm. "Trust me, once you're married, if he ever dares treat you badly, I'll set him straight myself! And if I don't, his grandfather certainly will. Don't stay upset, dear. I truly like you as a daughter-in-law—I've been looking forward to your wedding for so long."

Sunny managed a small smile. "Annabelle…"

"But I've already decided not to marry him. Didn't Tristan tell you?"

Annabelle's smile faltered.

"After we couldn't get the marriage certificate, that was it for me. I knew then, I wasn't going to marry him."

Sunny's gaze turned cold. "Annabelle, that's not fair. If we go through with the ceremony, everyone will think I'm married… Do you really think that's right, for a woman's reputation?"

Annabelle fell silent.

"I'll give you five days," Sunny said quietly. "Figure out how to break it to Grandpa Lawson. Otherwise, I won't be at the wedding."

She rose to leave. "Annabelle, I have things to do. Please let Grandpa Lawson know I've gone."

She had done everything she could to preserve her dignity.

Upstairs, Tristan rummaged around for the box but came up empty-handed. Frustrated, he headed back down, only to find his mother alone.

"Where is she?"

Annabelle shot him a withering look. "Your fiancée's gone. I hope you're happy now!"