Chapter 130
Anastasia heard a loud ringing in her ears. You’ve gone too far this time, Nigel. “I knew you wouldn’t reject me, Anastasia. I know you love me too!” Nigel cried happily. His voice was so loud that the crowd could hear him even though he wasn’t using the microphone.
By then, Harriet had already arrived at the front of the stage. She looked up to see Nigel and Anastasia hugging each other, and she was too stunned to say anything for a moment. Did both my grandsons switch roles? Was Anastasia more interested in Nigel all along? Either way, I just want Anastasia to be a part of our family. It doesn’t matter who she gets married to; I’ll be happy just to have her with us. If the one Anastasia truly likes is Nigel, then I’d be happy to support their marriage as well.
Elliot watched the whole proposal from the second floor without a hint of emotion on his face. However, he tightened his grip on the railing, and veins popped up on the back of his hands. He looked like he was trying to crush the railing
“Get off the stage. Stop fooling around,” Anastasia told Nigel. Nigel held her hand before he grabbed the mic and addressed the crowd below him. “Thank you for the wishes, everyone. I’m really happy that my proposal was a success.”
Anastasia eyed him speechlessly. Fine! I’ll have to explain myself to him later.
At the same time, the Harts wore grim looks on their faces as they turned to glare at the Mansons. “What’s going on, Mr. and Mrs. Manson? Does Nigel want to marry someone else?”
“We’re not too sure about this. That woman once saved Nigel,” Brenda explained before letting out a sigh. Brenda knew that Nigel had always been thankful for the girl who had saved her, but she hadn’t expected her son to propose to the girl tonight.
“I still hope for Nigel and Leah to get married. We would gladly marry our daughter to him if we get the chance to do so,” Leah’s mother uttered. She still hoped that there was a chance for changes to happen.
Brenda and Jonathan could do nothing but give them an apologetic smile. “Okay. Let’s talk about this in the future. You guys should enjoy the party for now.”
Anastasia dragged Nigel off the stage and through the crowd to find somewhere quiet where they could talk. She found an empty room by the side, and Anastasia pulled him into the room. He shut the door behind him, muting the loud noises that came from the crowd outside. Anastasia quickly grabbed Nigel’s hand before shoving the ring back into his palm. “We’re just friends, Nigel. I’m sorry. I can’t say yes to your proposal,” she uttered in a firm voice.
A dumbfounded look formed on Nigel’s handsome face, and he looked down at the diamond ring in his hand. “Why? Why can’t you marry me? Am I not good enough? Did I do something wrong?” he asked anxiously.
Anastasia shook her head before looking at him with a gentle gaze. “You’re a great man, Nigel. This is my problem-it has got nothing to do with you,” she replied.
“What’s your problem? You’re the best woman I’ve ever met, and you’re the one I love the most.” Nigel held onto her hands while staring at her with passion burning in his eyes.
Anastasia racked her brains to come up with reasons she could use to reject him. In the end, she found the best way to do it. “Nigel, I’ve never thought of remarrying ever since I had Jared. I’ve been hurt a lot of times in the past, and I haven’t fully healed from all the traumatic events. So, I can’t bring myself to date men,” she uttered before sighing.
Concern gathered in Nigel’s eyes as he looked at her. “Did Jared’s father hurt you in the past? Tell me, Anastasia. What did you go through in the past? Who is Jared’s father?” he asked worriedly.
But Anastasia rejected him without any hesitation. “I don’t want to talk about this. Anyway, I can’t – – say yes to your proposal. I’m sorry.” Nigel didn’t seem too mad, nor did he look dejected after hearing what she said. He had planned the entire proposal with the intention of trying his luck, so he didn’t have high hopes of succeeding from the start.
“It doesn’t matter if you say no to me, Anastasia. I just want you to know that I’ll always be by your side. I’ll always be around to protect you,” he uttered.
“That’s good enough for me, Nigel. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.” Anastasia emphasized their friendship as she had only treated him as a friend all along.
