Chapter 9 

Nolan, Conrad, and Liam’s expressions faltered slightly, but soon, the tender look returned to their faces. 

“Anna, you’ve misunderstood. We really didn’t know.” 

Adrianna didn’t want to hear another word. She turned and walked away. 

On the night before her birthday, the three men showed up at her doorstep again. 

Leaning against the door frame, Nolan asked with burning intensity, “Anna, you’re going to choose James tomorrow, aren’t you?” 

Adrianna looked at them with a stony expression. “I already told you. I won’t choose him.” 

“There’s no need to be like this.” Conrad sighed. “It’s okay if James turns you down. You still have us.” 

“That’s right.” Liam stepped forward before continuing with a low, deep voice, “We love you so much. Why are you only fixated on James? Why won’t you look at us at all?” 

Adrianna found their act laughable. What made them think she would even consider them? 

She turned around, her expression calm. “Don’t worry. I’m not choosing any of you.” 

The three of them exchanged glances, clearly not taking her seriously. They assumed she was just throwing a tantrum and soon left. 

But not long after, James arrived as well. He stood at her door in a sharp, tailored suit. His expression was icy cold. 

“Adrianna, I know you’ll choose me tomorrow. Go ahead. But you must promise not to hurt Ceci ever again. Otherwise-” 

“I’m not going to choose you,” Adrianna interjected. 

James scoffed. “You expect me to believe that?” 

He didn’t bother arguing and left without saying another word. 

Adrainna closed her eyes, feeling exhausted. The silence was finally broken when her phone rang. It was from her mother, 

“Anna, we’ve spoken to Derick. He’ll be there right on time.” Lisa paused, sounding hesitant. “Are you… Really sure about choosing Derick?” 

Adrianna tightened her grip on her phone. Her fingers trembled slightly. 

“I’m sure!” 

On the day of her birthday, the majestic ballroom sparkled under the chandeliers. Adrianna entered in a beautiful red gown. The train flowed like flames behind her, stunning every single guest into silence. 

Nolan, Conrad, and Liam immediately gathered around her. 

“Anna,” Nolan greeted her first. His voice was a deep, low whisper, and his gaze was piercing. “You look breathtaking today.” 

“This dress looks very good on you,” Conrad complimented with a smile. 

Liam handed her a glass of champagne. “Happy birthday, princess.” 

Adrianna was about to respond when a strange silence fell over the ballroom. She turned her head and saw James entering the ballroom, arm in arm with Cecilia. 

And Cecilia was wearing the exact same red dress she had on. 

Gasps echoed through the room. 

The expressions of the three men gathered around Adrianna darkened, and they quickly made up excuses 

to slip away. 

“Anna, something came up, so we’ll have to leave for now. We’ll catch up with you later.” 

Adrianna stood rooted to her spot, feeling her heart drop to her stomach. 

James strode toward her. His voice cut through the air like ice. “Anna, you’re either going to go change 

into something else right now, or-” 

His eyes narrowed dangerously. “I’ll rip it off you myself.” 

Adrianna clutched the hem of her dress tightly, refusing to move. 

James’ patience wore thin, and with a wave of a hand, he ordered, “Help the lady to her room to change.” 

Two bodyguards immediately stepped forward and dragged Adrianna away by force. Ten minutes later, she returned to the ballroom in a plain white gown. Her complexion was as pale as a ghost. 

Finally, the party officially began. 

The emcee asked with a smile, “Ms. Quinnen, who will you be choosing today as your fiancé?” 

Adrianna took a deep breath. “Let’s wait a little longer.” 

Nolan frowned. “Anna, who else could you possibly be waiting for?” 

Right then- 

The ballroom doors were flung open with a loud bang. Adrianna’s parents walked in, and behind them was 

13 

I, imposing man. 

vas dressed in a sleek, perfectly tailored black suit. His chiseled features were cold and striking, and ommanded a presence so intense it stole air from the room. 

vas finally back. 

anna’s eyes welled with tears, blurring her vision. 

walked straight toward him. With a trembling but firm voice, she announced, “I choose him. Derick ord!”