Kept But Beloved: Always Been You

Chapter 9 Pick One

At Evans Manor, today marked the day for Noah and Faith to try on their wedding attire. Excitement buzzed as everyone gathered, waiting for the dress to arrive.

Eager to try on her gown, Faith emanated a contagious enthusiasm. In contrast, Noah couldn't help but feel a subtle discomfort, imagining how much more interesting it would be if it were Anabelle in the bridal ensemble.

"The dress has arrived!"

The atmosphere shifted as a servant's announcement broke the anticipation. Attendees from the bridal shop entered, catching Noah's attention. A slight smirk played on his lips.

It was Anabelle.

He narrowed his eyes as Faith's surprised voice followed, "Ms. Blair?"

Lifting her head Anabelle greeted, "Hello, Ms. Moore. This is the customized dress you ordered."

Nathan approached Anabelle, seemingly surprised as he asked, "Since when did you start working as a delivery person?"

Maintaining a polite smile, Anabelle explained, "Business in the makeup studio has been down lately, so I'm earning some extra income."

Despite her explanation, there was an air of detachment, as if she were just a delivery man. However, she couldn't ignore the burning gaze from Noah, scrutinizing her every move.

Facing the expansive mirror, Faith admired her striking reflection, a smile playing on her lips. Glancing through the reflective surface, Faith turned to Anabelle and slowly spoke, "You and Noah seem to share more than meets the eye."

Anabelle chuckled, "I've had a few encounters with him."

"Is that so?"

"I'm Nathan's ex-girlfriend. I doubt someone as sophisticated as Mr. Noah would bother with his brother's former flame."

Faith stayed silent, her gaze intense, as if trying to uncover any hidden truths.

Truth be told, Anabelle's words revealed no obvious flaws.

However, Faith found it hard to let go of her hostility toward Anabelle.

On the day Faith first saw Anabelle in the makeup studio, she promptly contacted Nathan and followed his suggestion to send Noah a photo composite of Anabelle and Nathan. Faith thought it would create a rift between Noah and Anabelle.

Yet, the next day, the paparazzo she hired sent her clear photos of Noah and Anabelle leaving Noah's villa in the early morning. The realization left Faith seething!

Now, Anabelle pulled out a pair of high heels. "How about trying these on?"

Faith said nothing and extended her foot.

She wanted Anabelle to personally help her with the shoes!

Understanding the unspoken request, Anabelle gracefully crouched down, carefully assisting Faith in putting on the shoes.

The moment they were on, Faith stepped on Anabelle's hand firmly onto the ground.

"Ahh," Anabelle couldn't help but grown in pain. "You fuc..."

A venomous smile crept on her face as she moved her foot and twisted it harder.

"For god's sake, ahhh..."

Only when she saw beans of sweat forming on Anabelle's face did she list her foot.

"Don't waste your time on Noah, he's mine, Anabelle. I will be his fiancee no matter what happens."

So, Faith finally stopped pretending her innocence! She showed her true colors!

The moment she lifted her foot Annebelle retreated her hand ruined and covered by bruises.

The burning pain reminded Anabelle that Faith Moore would be everything but kind.

On a second thought she remained calm and packed up the shoebox. On her way out, she casually stated, "Ms. Moore, I sincerely wish you two long live the happiness."

Faith didn't expect such a response. Speechless, she could only watch Anabelle walk away, a storm brewing in her eyes.

As night fell, Anabelle stayed in Evans Manor. The next morning marked the scheduled gathering between the Evans and Moore families, so Anabelle had to stay to apply makeup for Faith.

Upon Anabelle entering the room, the door swung open.

"Who is it!" she exclaimed.

"Oh? I thought you would spend the night with Nathan."

It was Noah!

For some inexplicable reason, Anabelle felt a sense of relief.

As she recalled Faith's fearless move, a mischievous thought sprang up in her heart.

"You must be tired already. Why don't you come in?"

She left the words hanging in the air, ushering in a flirty atmosphere.

Noah raised an eyebrow, pondering Anabelle's intentions. Then he was drawn into the room by the gentle pull of Anabelle's finger on his tie.

Still clad in the attire from delivering the dress, her slightly transparent black dress accentuating her curves, stood like an enigma. Noah undone her last button, unveiling her like unwrapping his Christmas gift.

His lips brushed against her earlobe, sending shivers down Anabelle's spine, her breath hitching involuntarily which made his breathing unsteady.

He asked, "Have you talked to Nathan?"

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she whispered, drawing forth a moan, "We don't have time to catch up yet."

Before Noah said anything, a phone call shattered the sensuous ambiance within the room.

It was a call from the prison where her father was held.

Seemingly anticipating the call, Noah leisurely placed both hands on Anabelle's side, caressing.

"Ms. Blair, your father got into a fight, his right hand is broken, and he's currently undergoing treatment."

Before Anabelle could say anything, the call was abruptly disconnected. Looking at Anabelle's face now turned ice-cold, Noah reached out to feel her shock.

Snapped back to reality, she trembled and said, "Was it you?"

The tension lingered in the room as Noah chuckled, "He's a murderer, why are you asking me?"

Frustrated, she accused, "Did you send someone to beat him up? He's always fine inside. But after I broke up with you, he was beaten up behind bars. Who else would it be?"

Noah's slow response shattered Anabelle's accusatory tone. "He was fine because you begged me to arrange for someone to take care of him. Sweetie, have you forgotten our deal?"

The realization hit Anabelle hard, bringing her back to the past. Her father's well-being in prison was all thanks to Noah! Now that she had broken up with him, he wouldn't continue looking out for her father!

"Anyway... I didn't do that. Someone is behind this, but not me," Noah asserted confidently, capturing Anabelle's intrigue.

"Tell me who is it!" Anabelle urged.

"But first, I need you to tell me... which one would you choose, me or Nathan?"