Chapter 4 Annulment of Engagement

Despite stepping out from such a lavish setting, with the grandeur of the Moore estate behind him, Arthur exuded an air of crisp elegance. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, lighting a cigarette. As he took a slow drag, the thin veil of smoke drifted around him, and his gaze landed on her.

He smoked quietly, watching her in silence. Anne's heart pounded-growing warm, racing wildly-but she remained still, simply staring back at him.

Their gazes locked, thick with tension.

The cigarette burned shorter in his fingers until he finally stubbed out the last ember in the ashtray beside him. Without another word, he turned and walked toward his car.

Anne felt her heart tremble with anticipation. She hesitated no longer and followed him, slipping into the back seat.

As soon as she settled in, he pressed against her and kissed her fiercely. The taste of alcohol and tobacco, mixed with the fresh pine scent unique to him, flooded her senses-making her crave more, making her want to cry, yet also sending a thrill of panic through her.

They were in an outdoor parking lot. The banquet hall was just ahead, bustling with guests. His driver, Jackie, and Assistant Donne stood by the car outside.

In the brief moment she could catch her breath, she pushed against his chest and whispered, "Arthur... Let's go to a hotel."

Hearing her voice, he paused and released her. "Weren't you bold just now? And now you're scared?"

He leaned back against the seat, resting one hand casually on the armrest, and with his other, he lowered the car windows-letting the cool night air dispel the lingering heat of their moment.

Anne stared at him in confusion. Was he... stopping?

Arthur's posture was relaxed, his long fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. He didn't look at her when he spoke, his voice smooth and authoritative. "Austin will return in half a year. Before he comes back, cancel your engagement with him."

The warmth from their intimate moment vanished instantly. His tone had no trace of affection-just the usual commanding edge.

Anne was stunned. "Isn't this demand coming a little late? Why didn't you bring it up before you started sleeping with me?"

Arthur ignored her provocation. Instead, he reached over, his palm gently cradling the back of her neck, as if he was about to pull her in again.

Anne trembled, meeting his gaze. But he only used his thumb to wipe away a smudge of lipstick at the corner of her mouth. Then, withdrawing his hand, he grabbed a wet tissue from the compartment and wiped his fingers clean-calmly and methodically.

As he did, he spoke nonchalantly. "I'm giving you a month to sort it out. If you don't, we can't continue."

With that, he stepped out of the car and walked away-without hesitation, without looking back.

Anne understood-those four words, "we can't continue," were the real message.

Why couldn't they continue?

Firstly, Mrs. Old Moore was already arranging marriage prospects for him-family alliances that would further his ambitions. Secondly, with Austin returning, Arthur needed to maintain his image as the perfect older brother. A man as meticulous as him would never allow anyone to discover that he had slept with his own "future sister-in-law." The scandal would send shockwaves through the Moore family.

This was Arthur's brilliance-he wanted to end this forbidden relationship but didn't want to be the one at fault. So, he placed the decision in her hands, forcing her to make the difficult choice.

But Anne wasn't ready to let go.

She watched his retreating figure, mind racing with ways to respond to his ultimatum.

Just then, her phone lit up.

On the screen, the name "Austin" flashed.

A cold shiver ran down her spine.