After All The Betrayal We Chose Love

Chapter 2

Derek, why didn't you call me sooner?" Annabel pouted softly, hugging a pillow against her chest as she spoke into the phone.

On the other end of the line, Derek let out a tired sigh. "I was busy," he replied. "Some new wood supplies came in today, and I had to inspect them myself."

There was a brief silence before he spoke again, his voice more serious this time.

"So… did you manage to convince your dad about us?"

Annabel's expression fell instantly. She adjusted herself on the bed and looked away, her fingers tightening around the edge of the blanket.

"I tried," she said quietly. "I really did, Derek." She paused for a moment before continuing in a softer voice. "But maybe we should just meet tomorrow and talk about everything face-to-face."

"Sure," Derek replied after a short silence. "I'll pick you up by 8:30 p.m."

Before she could say anything else, the call ended.

Annabel slowly lowered the phone from her ear and stared blankly at the dark screen.

"Oh my God," she whispered to herself, her voice breaking. "I can't seriously do this." She buried her face in her hands and let out a shaky breath. "I love him… but I care about dad too. I can't abandon either of them." Tears welled up in her eyes again as her thoughts spiraled. "I just wish things were different…"

A sudden knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Young miss," Sarah's gentle voice called softly from the other side of the door, "what would you like for dinner tonight?"

Annabel wiped at her eyes quickly before answering.

"I'll pass tonight. Thanks, Sarah," she replied politely, leaving no room for argument.

"Alright, miss," Sarah answered quietly before walking away.

The room soon fell silent again. Emotionally exhausted, Annabel curled up beneath her blankets, and before long, she slowly drifted off to sleep.

It was already 8 p.m., and Annabel was getting ready for her evening meeting with Derek. Although she stood in front of the mirror carefully preparing herself, her mind remained occupied with the painful conversation she had earlier with her father and the heartbreaking news she was about to deliver to Derek.

She styled her long dark hair into a sleek high ponytail and slipped into a body-hugging wine-colored dress that complimented her figure perfectly. Paired with elegant high heels, she looked stunning — but the sadness in her eyes ruined the beauty of her appearance.

With a heavy heart, Annabel slowly made her way downstairs.

In the living room, Mr. Dutchman sat comfortably on the couch with a newspaper spread open before him. The moment he sensed someone's presence, he lowered the paper slightly and looked up.

His eyes immediately settled on Annabel.

"Heading out?" he asked casually, though his gaze lingered on her face with curiosity.

Startled, Annabel stopped in her tracks. She had been so lost in thought that she hadn't even noticed him sitting there.

"Oh… Dad," she said softly, forcing a small smile. "Yeah."

Mr. Dutchman folded the newspaper neatly onto his lap and studied her more carefully.

"Is it someone's memorial service?" he asked suddenly.

Annabel blinked in confusion. "Sorry?"

"No," she replied slowly, raising an eyebrow. "Why would you even ask me that?"

A small amused smile appeared on his face.

"Because you don't look like someone who's going out to have fun," he said lightly. "You're dressed beautifully, but that long face of yours is telling a completely different story."He slowly rose from his chair and crossed the room before sitting down beside her on the sofa. His expression softened as he looked at her with concern. "You know I love you very much," he said gently, placing a comforting hand over hers. "And I know how deeply you care about Derek. I'm not against your relationship, Anna. I just worry that he may not be able to give you the kind of life you deserve or properly take care of you in the future."

"And I—"

"Dad," Anabel cut in sharply, though her voice trembled slightly with emotion. She looked down for a moment before meeting his eyes again. "I've made up my mind...you have never asked me for anything before I can't deny you this one request"

"I'm glad you've made up your mind, honey," her father said with a warm smile. "I hope everything goes well. Have a nice time."

Anna gave him a small nod just as her phone began to ring. The moment she saw Derek's name flash across the screen, her heart skipped a beat. She quickly answered the call, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice. After the brief conversation, she stood up, picked up her black Chanel bag from the table, and headed out to meet him.

A few minutes later, she spotted Derek waiting beside his car. The moment he saw her, a smile spread across his face.

"Hey, beautiful," he said smoothly, stretching out his right hand toward her. "Shall we?"

Anna hesitated for the briefest second before placing her hand gently into his. "Let's go," she replied softly.

Derek took her to a quiet, elegant restaurant downtown. The atmosphere was calm, filled with soft music and the faint clinking of glasses. After they settled into their seats, they ordered their food and exchanged a few casual conversations, though an unspoken tension lingered between them.

Partway through the meal, Anna carefully dabbed the corners of her mouth with a red serviette before setting it down beside her plate. She looked up at Derek, her expression suddenly serious.

"Derek…" she began quietly, her voice low and uncertain. "There's something I need to discuss with you."