The silence that followed was thick save for the sobs coming from Lillian. But that only made the tension heavier.
Beside her was Samantha feeling helpless and useless, unsure of what to do to calm her daughter.
On the side, Annabelle was at a loss for words. She didn't know anything about Lillian, but she already didn't like her. Not because she had come to steal everything that she had worked hard for, but because she could already see through her pitiful act.
Lillian was someone who would do anything to get what she wanted, and that included manipulating others.
Annabelle nearly scoffed at her own thoughts and assessments of the young woman, but she held her tongue.
"Tell me, sweety, what is the cause of your tears?" Samantha asked, her brows pulled together in deep worry and concern, her hands gently holding Lillian's with urgency as she tried to restrain her anxiousness.
"You have nothing to worry about, just say it," Mrs Tate said, also consoling her.
Having had enough, Annabelle walked away. Listening to them any more would further infuriate and hurt her. As soon as she left, Julian followed her. Behind them, Katherine could only shake her head. She couldn't understand why Samantha and the Marudas were so cold towards a child they had known for more than two decades. One who has worked harder than anyone to lift the family and improve their business.
Outside, Annabelle stopped beside her car, her emotions everywhere. She wanted to leave but didn't know where to go. With her eyes closed and fists tightly clenched, she felt like shouting. Yelling out all the frustration, but that would only make her look vulnerable, and she didn't want to look even more pathetic before anyone inside that house, not anymore.
"Anna, we need to talk," Julian, standing behind, said, startling a bit, but she didn't turn to face him. "I know you are mad at me, and you have every right to be. All I ask is that you give me the chance to explain."
He waited but received no response from Annabelle.
"Believe me, I had no choice. It was either I accepted the arrangements or…." He started, but Annabelle cut him midsentence.
"Tell me, Julian, why was our marriage agreed upon in the first place?" She asked, her back still to him.
Julian frowned but gave it some thought.
"Because we have known each other since childhood," he replied, and Annabelle nodded her head.
"Even before the families' arrangements, you were my boyfriend. They just found us compatible and agreed upon our marriage even before we thought about it," she turned and looked at him. He averted his gaze. "You once told me how much you loved me. Where is that love now? Do the benefits of marrying a Marudas outweigh the love you once so proclaimed? Or were you just in love with the Marudas name?"
"Annabelle, I didn't mean to…"
"Do you know why I did not protest about having our families pull something like that about my love life?" She asked, and without giving him the chance to answer, she spoke again, "It's because I believed even without their involvement, it was inevitable. That it was fate that brought us together."
"I'm sorry," he said, not knowing what else to say.
Annabelle's smile was weak and self-deprecating. After all, it was her fault for believing in things that were never hers. Believing the lies that were perfectly woven to trap her and when they were done with her….
"You have nothing to apologize for, Julian,"
Annabelle's thoughts were interrupted by the voice of her grandfather, who had just stepped out of his car. How did she not notice the car there before?
"Chairman Marudas," Julain greeted with a curt bow.
"There is no need for such formality," Judas Marudas said. Stopping in front of Annabelle, he held her gaze. "Julian merely did as he is obligated to. There is no shame in being obedient and fulfilling one's duty in a family." He said, speaking to Annabelle.
"I suppose I no longer have any roles and duties to fulfill within this family then. That's why I've been cast out like some stray," she said, but Judas didn't reply. "I'm such a fool. I should have known after all this time."
Yes, the hints were there. She had always felt the distance the family never dared to cross, no matter what she did. She used to think if she worked harder, they'd come to love her unconditionally, but that never happened. Their expectations grew, but their bond dulled even further.
She used to think that their coldness was just who they were, especially knowing the way high society worked. Only now did she realize all of that were just boundaries set that she could never cross. They knew she wasn't theirs and never made any attempts to fully accept her. Maintaining enough distance to walk away with no attachments whatsoever and also staying close enough to fool and use her.
"Although not blood, you bear the Marudas name. We will find you a suitable partner, you'll still live a good life, Annabelle," Judas continued, and Annabelle scoffed.
"You take away everything, even going as far as erasing my name from the family register, yet you still call me a Marudas. You are heartless, Grand… Chairman Marudas."
Yes, that was all he was to her now. He was never her grandfather, and right now, he wasn't hiding it.
"I know that you have been hurt deeply by our actions and deeds, and I dare not to ask for your forgiveness. I only ask for your understanding, child. It has always been blood over all else. That is the way of the Marudas. It will change in my time." After saying that, he walked away.
Alone again with Julian, the awkwardness and tension were thick.
"Anna…." Julian called.
Without looking at him a second longer. She turned, entered her car, and drove off. It didn't matter where she went. She just wanted to leave that compound and everyone in it behind.
After driving aimlessly for almost an hour, the car came to a halt. It was a busy and dazzling street, but Annabelle could appreciate the sight before her. Her mind reeling and heart clenching and aching at the betrayal from her family.
Relaxing, she threw her head back and through the rearview mirror, she caught sight of a familiar tower behind.
"Colossus," she uttered, eyes narrowing.