Chapter 8

Sarah P.O.V

It's been four days since I signed the agreement at home. I was about to leave for the company with Grandpa that day when suddenly Grandma started feeling uneasy. We immediately called our family doctor, who examined Grandma and told us that her blood pressure had dropped, causing her discomfort. He prescribed some medication and advised her to stay in bed for the next two days. Grandpa wanted to cancel the meeting, but Grandma insisted that we proceed as planned. Therefore, I signed the papers at home and asked Grandpa to handle the meeting.

A few hours after Grandpa left for the company, Grandma began to feel a bit better. I was in the kitchen preparing soup for her when Grandpa walked back into the house. He asked about Grandma's health and later informed me that the agreement had been signed. Adrian and I will be engaged at Adrian's parents' anniversary party, which is scheduled for this week.

The rest of the week passed in a blur. I was mostly preoccupied with adjusting to the new environment and spent the last two days thoroughly researching Parker Enterprises. I learned that Adrian, at the age of 25, is now a successful young billionaire. Over the years, he has taken the company to new heights since becoming CEO, and it has gained a stellar reputation in the construction sector.

Aside from business, there is little information about his personal life in the tabloids. He has never been seen dating anyone or involved in any scandal, which is quite unusual for a billionaire.

Tonight, I will finally meet Adrian and his family at the anniversary celebration. I still don't know how Adrian feels about this merger and our impending marriage. I don't expect him to fall in love with me or to live as a typical couple, but I do hope we can handle this situation with civility.

I glanced at the time—it was almost 6 in the evening, and I needed to be at the event by 8. Grandma had ordered a dress for me and insisted that I get ready with the help of a professional, but I declined. I prefer getting ready on my own, though she made sure our maid Emma was available to assist me.

I took a quick shower and entered my vanity room to start my makeup. I concealed a few blemishes, used bronzer to add some definition to my face, and applied a light eyeshadow base with smokey winged eyeliner. I finished with mascara and opted for nude lipstick.

I then took out the dress Grandma had bought for me—a beautiful strapless evening blue gown. I put it on and admired myself in the mirror; the dress was indeed gorgeous.

"You look very beautiful, Mam," Emma said as she stood at the door.

"Thank you, Emma. Please call me Sarah," I replied politely. She nodded and began helping me style my hair since I rarely do anything creative with it. She fashioned my hair into a sleek side bun, leaving a few strands around my face.

Once my hair was done, I put on the diamond studs that belonged to my mother. I checked the time; it was already 7:50. I told Grandma and Grandpa to go ahead with the event without me, as I wasn't quite ready yet and I didn't want them to wait for me.

I put on my heels and headed downstairs to my car. The driver was already waiting and opened the door for me. I got into the car, and he started driving towards the venue. Due to traffic, it took another 30 minutes to get there. By the time I arrived at 8:30, I thanked the driver, exited the car, and headed inside the venue.

As I entered the vast hall, it was clear that most guests had already arrived. I walked down the stairs slowly, feeling the eyes of the crowd on me. Many men were ogling, while some women gave me disapproving looks.

I searched for a familiar face in the crowd and finally spotted Grandpa and Grandma talking to a few people. I made my way over to them.

"Hey, Grandpa and Grandma," I greeted them.

"Oh my goodness, Sarah, you look so gorgeous," Grandma exclaimed.

"You look lovely, sweetheart," Grandpa added while sipping his wine.

"Thank you both for this amazing dress," I said, giving them a quick hug.

A waiter offered me a drink, which I accepted, and began chatting with Grandma and some of her friends.

"Sarah, dear, please come here," Grandpa called from behind. I excused myself from Grandma's friends and followed Grandpa. He led me to where Mr. and Mrs. Parker were standing.

It had been years since I last saw them.

"James, Lauren, meet my granddaughter, Sarah Darrell," Grandpa introduced me.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Parker! Happy Anniversary to you both," I said with a polite smile.

Mrs. Parker and my mother had been close friends. After my mother's death, Mrs Parker and her family used to visit us every weekend, but they eventually moved to London.

"Oh my, you've grown so much and look beautiful, Sarah. The last time I saw you, you were a teenager. You look just like Sophia," Mrs. Parker said, hugging me.

"Thank you, Mrs. Parker," I said, returning her hug with a tight smile.

"Oh, please call us James and Lauren. We're going to be family now," Mr. Parker said, taking a sip of his wine. I smiled at them as we continued discussing my education, life in Boston, and my business plans.

"Sarah, have you met Adrian yet? He would be thrilled to see you," Lauren asked. I realized she might not know that Adrian and I were no longer in touch.

"No, we haven't met yet," I said, and Lauren immediately began searching the crowd for Adrian, but he was nowhere to be found. They soon became busy attending to other guests, so I took the opportunity to excuse myself and went to find the restroom. After searching for a few minutes, I entered the restroom, did what I needed to, and was about to leave when I heard voices.

"I can't believe Adrian gifted you such an expensive necklace; it's almost worth millions," one girl said.

"Of course, it's expensive. Adrian always gives me the best," I recognized Jessica's voice.

"I don't understand why they want Adrian to marry that ugly fat bitch, Sarah," Jessica continued.

"Maybe she's just after his money; after all, he is one of the richest bachelors," another voice added. They continued to gossip about me for a few more minutes before finally leaving.

I sighed with relief once they were gone. It seems some people never change. I fixed my lipstick in the mirror and quickly exited the restroom.

I headed straight to the bar and asked for a drink. As I scanned the room, I felt someone's gaze on me. I looked up to see Adrian watching me intently.

He looked even more handsome in person, with his sharp jawline and stubble enhancing his attractiveness. He wore a navy blue suit, and his tall, fit form was striking.

I noticed Jessica beside him, talking animatedly, but Adrian kept his eyes on me. I turned back to the bartender and requested more wine.

While I was sipping my wine, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find Adrian standing behind me.

"Hey, have we met before?" he asked with a polite smile.

I was about to introduce myself as Sarah Darrell, his childhood friend whom he had left behind when Mr. Parker cleared his throat over the mic.

"May I have your attention, please? I am delighted that everyone could join us for this celebration."

I saw Mrs. Parker standing beside him with a sweet smile. She noticed me standing next to Adrian and her smile widened.

"It's been almost 27 years since I married this beautiful woman, and it was one of the best decisions of my life," Mr. Parker said, holding Mrs. Parker's hand.

"We also have a very special announcement. Today, our son Adrian Parker is going to begin a new phase of his life," he continued, and Adrian excused himself, walking toward the stage.

"We wanted our son to start this new journey with someone who can handle him, or rather, tolerate him and his messy habits," Mrs Parker said, holding the mic. The crowd chuckled, and I saw Adrian standing on stage, forcing a smile as if he were being coerced.

I suppose we both find ourselves in a situation we'd rather avoid.

"Luckily, that wonderful woman who will be marrying our son is here with us today. Please welcome Miss Sarah Darrell, the heiress of Amario Enterprises."

"Sarah, could you please come on stage, dear?" Mrs. Parker called, waving her hand in my direction.

Several people turned their attention toward me. Taking a deep breath, I set down my wine and made my way to the stage.

This is it.

My new journey begins now. I walked with confidence and climbed onto the stage.

YOU CAN DO THIS, SARAH...