Chapter 621 Surprise
Chapter 621 Surprise
All she could think of was Song Jing’s well-being and best interest.
"Young lady, why are you making it so hard on yourself?" Ira said heavy heartedly.
When Vanessa heard that, she smiled bitterly, "Ira, you don’t understand. When you fall in love one
day, you will be able to understand me!" After saying that, she looked upstairs.
Ira felt that the young lady was out of her mind, but there was just nothing she could do. Ira felt that
everything was wrong and unfair.
……
When Alistair wanted to announce his marriage, Ralphy’s sudden engagement interrupted them.
Normally, Alistair wouldn’t give in and lay low for others. However, the man decided to go low-profile
and let Ralphy take the spotlights.
In the Xia household.
Renee An was choosing the pictures from her pre-engagement shoots. Annabelle accompanied her to
choose while Alistair sat lazily on the couch. The man crossed his legs and sat beside Annabelle, his
gesture was showing ownership and protection.
Ralphy simply sat beside and looked at them. The man was expressionless.
"Annabelle, what do you think of this one?" Renee An moved closer to ask Annabelle. Her face was
filled with happiness.
Annabelle looked at it carefully and commented, "Not bad, this one is also quite good…"
"I think so too!" Renee An pouted her lips, "Which one should I choose?"
"Brother and you took a good album. Let’s just chose this, you guys look happy together!" Annabelle
finally made up her mind.
After Renee An heard Annabelle, she nodded, "I think so too, all right, let’s choose this one!"
"By the way, I should still choose a gown. Annabelle, can you help me to choose it?" Renee An said.
Annabelle nodded, "Sure!"
"All the gowns are upstairs. Come on, let’s go take a look!"
Annabelle nodded and turned her head back to look at Alistair. The two of them exchanged a glance
and Alistair nodded in approval. After that, Annabelle went upstairs with a smile.
At that time, Alistair and Ralphy was the only one left in the living room downstairs.
Alistair looked at the man and said, "President Xia, congratulations!" Alistair lifted his wineglass.
Ralphy simply ignored the man. Although Annabelle had decided to be together with Alistair, that
doesn’t necessarily mean that he should get into a good relationship with Alistair. Not only that, their
relationship became worse.
Ralphy glanced at Alistair and said, "There’s no need to be so pretentious!" He said blatantly.
Alistair raised his eyebrows, "We should still put up an act!"
"I haven’t thought that you are such a sly and distasteful person!" Ralphy said menacingly.
Alistair’s gaze deepened and he broke into a chuckle, "That is all on you, you shouldn’t covet other
people’s belonging!"
Ralphy had a grim expression, "Do you really think you are suitable for Annabelle?"
"Are you the one to talk? It doesn’t matter we are suitable or not, because it has nothing to do with
you!" Alistair reclined to the couch and shook his wine glass gently.
"I am her brother, it has everything to do with me!"
Right after he said that, Alistair spoke, "At least you still know that you are her brother. I hope you can
always remember what you said!" After saying that, he glanced over at Ralphy and lifted his wine glass
and finished it.
At that time, Annabelle got down from upstairs, "Bro, Renee is looking for you and she asks you to go
up for a bit!"
Annabelle’s voice interrupted the men.
Annabelle came down and walked directly to Alistair.
Ralphy stared at the couple for some time. After that, he nodded and stood up to walk upstairs.
Right after he left, Annabelle looked at Alistair and sat by his side, "What were the two of you talking
about?"
Alistair stretched his arms out and wrapped around her shoulder leisurely, "What else? I was
congratulating your brother!"
When Annabelle looked at Alistair, she couldn’t explain why but she just had a hunch that Alistair knew
everything. The man was just keeping quiet…
The date of the engagement was decided.
Previously, Annabelle was contemplating whether she should stop Ralphy from sending an invitation
card to Dorie. However, it would be too obvious if she were to do that.
Moreover, she knew that Dorie was a prideful person.
Finally, Annabelle was the one that handed the invitation card to Dorie.
When Dorie saw the invitation card, she was noticeably stunned. After that, she chuckled, "All right, I
will make sure to reach on time!"
Annabelle looked at Dorie and pondered a while before speaking, "Sigh, I was wondering if it was a
good decision to invite you!"
"Why not? No matter what, the three of us grew up together. Even if I didn’t end up being together with
your brother, we are still friends. Rest assured and don’t worry about me. I am completely fine!" Dorie
smiled.
When Annabelle heard Dorie, she nodded, "All right, if that’s the case then I can rest my heart. Do you
need me to pick you up that day??"
"There’s no need, I can go myself!"
Annabelle nodded, "By the way, do you want to invite Su?" Annabelle noticed that whenever Su was
around, Dorie would be extra lively. And she could be more restful with Su around.
When Dorie heard that, her eyes dimmed, "There’s no need, I can go myself!"
When Annabelle saw that Dorie’s expression changed, she moved closer and asked frowningly,
"What’s wrong? Did anything happen?"
"Stop talking about that heartless log!" Dorie fumed.
Annabelle, "……"
She knew there must be more to it.
"Su, he…"
"After he recovered, he went MIA. He even moved out from his apartment!"
Annabelle, "……"
She hadn’t thought that it would be like that.
She looked at Dorie and didn’t know how to comfort her.
At that time, Dorie looked back at Annabelle and said, "Don’t worry, I am fine. I will make sure to be
there on time!"
As Annabelle heard that, she nodded, "All right, see you!"
Dorie nodded.
Annabelle did not stay for long as she had many things to handle. She hugged Dorie to comfort her and
then left. However, she just couldn’t shake off the worry towards Dorie. Annabelle decided that after the
engagement was done, she will find some time to accompany her friend.
On the other side.
Song Jing was in his office and working on some documents. At that time, Mike came inside.
"President Song, this is from the Xia Group!" Mike passed an envelope to Song Jing.
When Song Jing heard Mike, he raised his head and took over the envelope. After opening it, he was
stunned.
It was an invitation to an engagement party.
Mike saw it from a side as well. The assistant had seen from the news that Ralphy was engaged to the
daughter of the An Group. It was a surprise to receive the invitation card from them.
"President Song, should I reject them?" Mike looked at Song Jing and asked.
The first thing that came into Song Jing’s mind was that it had been so long since he last saw
Annabelle. The moment he thought that he could see Annabelle in Ralphy’s engagement party, Song
Jing refused Mike’s proposal, "There’s no need, I will be there on time. Help me to get my outfit ready!"
Mike stood there and he could understand Song Jing’s motivation. He nodded and said, "All right, I got
it!"
After Mike went out, Song Jing sat behind his desk and stared at the invitation card. The man was in
deep thought.
Although they were in the same city, breathing the same air, it was as if they live in separate worlds. It
had been so long and it was about time to meet.
The next night.
In Washington hotel.
There was a gathering of luxury cars outside the hotel. Many esteemed socialites had come to the
engagement party. Although the Xia family had always been low-profile, they were considered a
prominent family as well. Therefore, many people came.
Dorie came in her evening dress. She wasn’t too used to joining functions like that but she would join
from time to time.
Right when she walked in, she saw Renee An and Ralphy standing together from afar. The man was
wearing a full black suit, he had great posture and he looked amazing.
Renee An stood by his shoulder. She was wearing a white, knee-length dress and she looked classy
and beautiful. The man and woman looked like a perfect match.
All of a sudden, Dorie felt that it was great.
Ralphy and Renee An was a good match.
As she was pondering, Ralphy turned his head back and noticed her.
The moment of their eyes met, they couldn’t help but feel awkward.
Ralphy smiled and Dorie smiled as well. The woman walked towards him.
At that time, Renee An turned towards her direction and she saw Dorie.
"You’re early!" Ralphy said.
Dorie smiled cheerfully and nodded, "Of course, how can I not be!"
Renee An looked at Dorie and then back to Ralphy, "This lady is…?"
Right before Ralphy wanted to answer, Dorie spoke, "I grew up together with Annabelle and we had
known each other since we were kids!"
When Renee An heard that, she nodded and smiled gracefully, "Thank you for attending our
engagement ceremony!"
Dorie lifted her wine glass and looked at the couple. She looked at Ralphy and then to Renee An, "I
wish that the two of you can live happily ever after!"
"Thank you!"
Ralphy’s expression was unnatural and tensed. However, the man replied, "Thank you!" They clinked
their glass and took a sip each.
At that time, someone called for Renee An. The woman looked at Ralphy and said, "Excuse me for a
moment!"
Ralphy nodded and kept Renee An walked away.
At that time, only Dorie and Ralphy were left together.
Ralphy looked at her and smiled, "You look beautiful today!"
Dorie smiled and lowered her face, "Thank you!" After hesitated for a while, Dorie decided to speak her
mind, "I have something to tell you…"
Ralphy was stunned for a while and he said, "Sure!"
Dorie drew a deep breath and looked at him, "Can I call you bro like Annabelle in the future?"
Ralphy looked at Dorie and nodded, "Of course! I had always treated you like my own sister. Both you
and Annabelle are my sisters!" Ralphy said.
If it was in the past, Dorie would few dejected to hear that. But now that she heard it, she felt a sense of
relief. She smiled, "I hadn’t expected this. I’ve liked you for over a decade, but now I am telling you
something like this so suddenly. I know it is inappropriate to say it in such a setting but I wish to have a
closure. At least, I can move on with this!"
When Ralphy heard Dorie, he was surprised. He hadn’t expected Dorie to tell it to him personally.
"Dorie, sorry…" He said apologetically.
"You don’t have to apologize to me, because you owed me nothing. However, I must thank you. NôvelDrama.Org © content.
Because you have never lied to me!" Dorie interrupted him and looked him in the eyes seriously,
"Actually, I am here to give you my sincerest blessings. I told you my feelings not because I expect
something from you. I simply wish to give myself a closure. And it was truly a relief to finally say it. Not
only that, I don’t like you that way anymore. I simply wish to treat you like a brother just like
Annabelle…"
When Ralphy heard that, he smiled, "If you are willing, just call be bro like Annabelle. I am more than
happy to have sister like you!"
Dorie smiled, "Then I shall call you bro just like Annabelle in the future!"
Ralphy nodded.
At that time, Dorie lifted her glass and proposed a toast, "Bro, happy engagement, may you have a
happy life!"
"Thank you!"
The two of them clinked their glasses and smiled genuinely. After that, they drank their wine.
At that time, Annabelle appeared from behind.
"Dorie…" She called out to her.
When Dorie and Ralphy heard her, they looked over to her direction. Annabelle was wearing a purple
evening long gown, showing her fair clavicle. She appeared graceful, elegant and stunning.
Her beauty was beaming from inside out.
The moment Ralphy saw Annabelle, his gaze was fixed on her.
No matter when and where, she would always look so beautiful and charming.
"Annabelle…" Dorie looked at her and smiled.
Annabelle walked over and hugged Dorie, "What were you guys talking about?"
"Wishing bro a happy engagement!" Dorie said.
When Annabelle saw Dorie’s smile, she was stunned for a moment. After that, she stopped a passing
by waiter and got herself a glass of wine.
"Bro, happy engagement!"
Ralphy came back to his senses and he replied, "Thank you!"
After the toast, Renee An came back. The moment Annabelle saw her, she said smilingly, "Renee, oh
no, I should call you sister in law from now on! Sis, you are beautiful today!"
When Renee An heard that, she was shy, "You are the most striking beauty here!" Annabelle’s
sensational beauty was undeniable.
"That’s not true, you are the prettiest one here! Alright, we shall not interrupt the two of you now. Dorie
and I will go over that side!"
Renee An and Ralphy nodded and Annabelle and Dorie walked away.
At that time, Dorie looked at Annabelle and asked, "Where is Alistair?"
"Over there~ don’t mind him for now. What happened earlier? Tell me!" Annabelle asked.
Dorie looked at her smilingly, "What could happen?"
"You and my brother…" Annabelle looked at Dorie.
Dorie drew a deep breath, "I confessed to him just now…"
"Huh?"
"From now onwards, we will be just friends, just like your relationship with him!" Dorie said.
Annabelle looked at Dorie and Dorie smiled, "Don’t worry, I don’t like your brother anymore… Not only
that, I believe that I can find a better one!" Dorie said.
If Annabelle were to hear her saying that in the past, she would definitely worry. But now that she heard
her again, she didn’t know why but she believed her.
"Dorie, let me apologize to you on my brother’s behalf…" Annabelle said apologetically. She had
always thought that the two of them would end up together, but it ended up this way instead. She was a
little worried earlier. But now that she saw Dorie, she finally rested her heart.
Dorie chuckled, "You are you and you are not your brother. You couldn’t replace him. Not only that,
there is no need for apology. Your brother had never deceived me in any way’s!" Dorie said. The
woman had completely moved on and she didn’t feel any discomfort or heavy heartedness.
Annabelle looked at Dorie and she smiled.
"I hope things can be just like in the past!"
"It most definitely will!"
The two of them looked at each other, clinked their glass and smiled.
At that time, Alistair came forward and stood behind Annabelle protectively.
"What were the two of you talking about?"
When Annabelle turned back and saw Alistair, she smiled.
Dorie said, "We were just wondering when do you plan to marry Annabelle!" Dorie chuckled.
When Alistair heard that, his eyes smiled into a crescent and he looked at Annabelle, "I have my own
arrangements for that!"
When Dorie heard that, she raised an eyebrow and showed a surprised expression, "I see, someone
has been doing their homework! When is it? I want to be the bridesmaid!" Dorie said.
Annabelle smiled happily and she didn’t deny.
At that moment, there was a furore in the entrance.
Annabelle and Alistair looked over together. At that time, they saw Song Jing walking in from outside
towards Ralphy.
The man was wearing an all-black suit and he looked mature and modest. Since the last time they met,
the man had gained a more serious demeanor.
The moment Annabelle saw him, she was stunned.
Alistair didn’t think that Ralphy would give them such a surprise as well.
He looked at the two men and his gaze was a chilling cold.
"Congratulations, I wish the best for the two of you!" Song Jing said.
Ralphy’s lips curled up. He knew Alistair was looking at their direction and he purposely clinked his
glass with something.
After the two had their toast, Song Jing looked over their direction and his eyes were fixed on
Annabelle right away. The moment their gazes met, Song Jing’s heart felt a sharp pain.
No matter when or where she saw her, she could always intrude his heart.
When Alistair saw that Song Jing looked over their direction and stared at Annabelle, he hugged the
woman to mark his territory.
Dorie stood by the side and watched what happened. She knew Song Jing liked Annabelle as well and
the atmosphere was awkward. It seemed that Annabelle was in a worse spot than hers today.
She sneaked away quietly.
At that time, Song Jing came over. The moment he saw Annabelle, his eyes were gentle, "Long time no
see!"
Annabelle smiled back courteously, "Long time no see!"
Ever since the previous episode, the two of them had never contacted each other again.
Now that they met again, Annabelle couldn’t describe what she was feeling. After all, Song Jing had
taken great care of her during the two years she was overseas. If it weren’t for what happened that day,
they wouldn’t be so awkward together.
However, she continued to smile courteously at the man, pretending nothing ever happened.
At that time, Alistair hugged Annabelle closely to himself. After that, he looked at Song Jing and smiled,
"President Song, how are you?"
Song Jing raised his gaze. The moment he saw Alistair hugging Annabelle, there was pain that flashed
in his eyes. It was only justifiable that he felt uncomfortable. But there was nothing he could say,
because Annabelle had chosen him.
"I’m great, thank you!"
"What a surprise to see you here, president Song!" Alistair said.
"It is president Xia’s big day, of course I should be here!" As he said that, he was glancing over at
Annabelle all the time, exposing his true objective of coming here.
Alistair smiled. The moment he wanted to say something, they heard someone calling from behind.
"Song Jing!"
The moment they heard that, everyone turned their head around. And of course, that included Song
Jing.
The moment the man saw Vanessa in an evening dress, he frowned, "Vanessa?"
What was she doing here?
Ira followed closely behind her. It was her responsibility to protect Vanessa.
Vanessa walked forward smilingly and held Song Jing’s arm, "Why didn’t you ask me along?"
"What are you doing here?"
"Because you came, and so I followed…" Vanessa said smilingly. Her gaze was serene and completely
pure. She wasn’t disturbed by how the others looked at her.
Her beauty and her elegance attracted a lot of attention.
At that time, several people looked over to check her out.
Annabelle looked at Vanessa as well. Her eyebrows lowered faintly, wasn’t this woman the one she
saw in the restaurant few days ago?
She knew Song Jing?
Not only that, they seem to have some special relationship…
Alistair wouldn’t let the chance go. He looked at Song Jing and said, "So president Song had already
gotten himself such a beauty!"
The moment Song Jing heard that, his first reaction was to look at Annabelle.
Annabelle simply stood there and looked at the man and woman. Her gaze was undisturbed but she
appeared to be a little puzzled.
The moment Song Jing saw Annabelle’s gaze and expression, he couldn’t help but feel dispirited.
If the woman had even shown the slightest upset or unhappiness, he would explain to her right away.
But she didn’t…
She looked at them as if she was looking the most ordinary people.
The man felt a bitterness in his heart… There was nothing he could do but to swallow it in.
At that time, Vanessa looked at Annabelle and Alistair and recognized them. After that, she said
smilingly, "I grew up together with Song Jing. My name is Vanessa!" She introduced herself. However,
she did not introduce that she was his betrothed wife.
A humble and elegant beauty like that wouldn’t cause anyone to dislike her.
At that time, Alistair raised his eyebrows lazily and his lips curled up, "Growing up together?"
Vanessa simply smiled and didn’t say anything. The woman looked at Annabelle.
Annabelle was stunned. Because the way Vanessa looked at her felt as if it wasn’t her first time
meeting her.
"Hi, we meet again!" Vanessa said.
Annabelle was stunned and she knew that the woman was referring to the encounter few days ago.
She nodded, "Yeah, what a coincidence!"
Alistair lowered his gaze and looked at Annabelle, "You know her?"
"We met at the restaurant few days ago!" She said straightforwardly.
Alistair nodded. The man recalled something like that happening.
At that time, Song Jing looked at Vanessa and frowned. The man hadn’t thought that Vanessa would
follow after him without his permission. He looked over at Ira and the woman lowered his head,
pretending not to see him.
At that time, Alistair said smilingly, "President Song, how can you be so ungentlemanly, letting this fine
lady come over herself?"
Song Jing stood there and his jaw was tensed. He couldn’t say anything in return.
At that time, Vanessa spoke gently, "That’s because I didn’t say that I will be coming!" As she said that,
she looked at Song Jing. Her words and her body language showed that she was defensive of Song
Jing. However, no one would feel that she was doing it deliberately. They find her pleasant and likable.