'Annabel's POV'
It's a busy day in the KING's house. I just bagged a 2-year modeling contract with one of the biggest luxury brands in California. Aiden has set up a party to commemorate me.
"Good morning baby" Aiden's soft lips pressed a kiss on my forehead. "Get up, it's a big day today" he whispers.
I moaned, rolling deeper into the soft embrace of the sheets. "I'm still sleepy". But before I could settle, a sudden chill ran through me—Aiden had pulled the duvet away. Then came the tickling. My body curled as laughter rippled from my lips, but I fought to keep my eyes shut.
"Besides, I'm the woman of the moment—I get to do what I want"
He didn't even want to listen to me, he went straight to the curtains. He lifted the curtains, and a beautiful ray of sunshine sparked on my face. Excitement filled my face.
Aiden leaned down for one last kiss."Get ready, I am going downstairs to make sure everything is in place".
Once he left, I rose and walked towards the windows. That's when the scent hit me— Fresh daisies. He never forgets.
A delicate bouquet sat by the edge of the window. I reached out and brushed my hands gently over the petals and inhaled the familiar scent.
Where is Kourtney? A thought interrupted my bliss. I need to call her.
I grabbed my phone and dialed. The line barely rang before she picked up.
"Hey, best friend!" Kourtney's voice was light, teasing.
"Where are you? I snapped.
"I am sorry love, I had a quick stop somewhere" she chuckled.
"What's funny? Please hurry, my dress just arrived and I need you to assist the stylist, I also don't want my in-laws to get —a knock on the door cut me off.
"Who is it? I asked, moving towards my dressing table.
"The makeup artist is here, Mrs Annabel," replied one of the maids.
There are about thirty domestic staff here in the King's Mansion. That's what you get for marrying into a billionaire family. Sometimes comforting, mostly overwhelming.
***
As I descended the grand staircase, a warmth spread through my chest. Lights from the chandelier spilled over me, catching the soft gleam on my skin. The air was filled with a strong scent from the roses and vintage wine.
I had married the best man in the world.
My black maxi dress, specifically picked by Aiden, draped beautifully as I walked. Smooth as silk against my skin, spaghetti straps clung delicately to my shoulders and a bold high-thigh slit swayed with every step I took.
Suddenly a voice called out from the crowd.
"Annabel"
That voice. I could recognize it even if I was woken from the dead. I reluctantly turned to respond.
"Yes, Madam Katherine". "Good day ma" faking a polite smile. It was Aiden's mum. She was as elegant as ever—her slim frame draped in the latest Chanel dress. Pale skin, blonde hair swept into a flawless bun. Even at the smallest events, she dressed like she was walking a runway.
She hummed, tapping manicured fingers against her clutch
"Hmmmm" she began "Congratulations on your contract," she said smoothly. Then, with a knowing look she added "Success isn't complete without a complete family, I mean, it's high time you provide an heir for this family".
I swallowed hard.
Her eyes gleamed as she leaned in slightly.
"I got pregnant just 6 months after my wedding with Aiden's father" she continued, "how long has it been now for you guys? Three years right?"
She just wasn't ready to stop talking, I needed a breakthrough from this.
"Oh Ann here you are" Kourtney interrupted the conversation. My heart melted with joy.
"It's time for your appreciation speech", she added, linking her arms with mine.
I gave a grateful look as I followed her leaving Madam Katherine standing there with a puzzled look.
The childbearing issue wasn't much of a big concern to me because I and Aiden are medically well. No health issues that I know of.
The party was over now, guests had left. Now I could spend some relaxing time with my husband but he was nowhere to be found. I walked to my room to have a quick change of outfit when I saw Aiden and his parents in a room arguing.
"Mom I don't tolerate you approaching Annabel about this child-bearing issue" Aiden sharply pointed out. He had earlier noticed his mum's confrontation during the party.
"What do you mean by that Aiden?" His dad asked. Aiden's father, Arthur King, is a very respectable man. He doesn't like interfering in people's affairs or problems.
"I will keep approaching both of you until I see a child running in this house" Katherine yelled. "It's been 3 years already since you got married, if an heir doesn't come from you by the next winter, the ownership of MK cosmetics will be passed unto your Uncle and I won't sit to watch that happen" "Not on my watch Aiden, Never!" she angrily said.
Aiden stood dumbfounded, clenching his fists in anger.
" I don't care if the child comes from Annabel or some other woman, I just need a child from you" she continues.
" Aiden what your mother said is the truth, my brother is waiting for this moment so he can control the company he has Zero ideas on how to run the business" Arthur finally spoke after a long pause.
"I am sure you are not the cause of infertility, that Annabel of a girl must have a barren womb," she said smoothly, her voice suddenly softening without rage, walking towards Aiden, placing her hands on his cheek.
But Aiden shrugged it off, he hated when his mum played the victim card on him.
"Annabel isn't barren, Mum, she is medically fine, I won't stand and listen to you call my wife names", storming out of the room while his parents stood speechless.
I quietly tiptoed into my room not to be heard or seen. Awaiting his arrival in the room, when I heard the sound of his car driving out. My thoughts wandered with him as he drove off.
"Where must he be off to? I questioned myself.