CH 15.1

Forced to Marry (1)

After Anna left the earl’s court, she put the troublesome matters to the back of her mind.

In this strange world, at least her family members were lovable.

Anna had just reached Pomegranate Lane when she saw Mark in front of her, holding a bouquet of flowers. He held it in front of her and said smiling, “Anna, for you!”

Anna paused, and said exasperatedly, “Didn’t I say not to send me anymore?”

Mark was also taken aback. “When did you say that?”

Anna wanted to answer when she suddenly thought of something. She asked him: "You didn't send the flowers that were placed at my door?"

Mark shook his head, confused.

Anna suddenly understood that the person who sent flowers to her house a few days ago but did not show up was probably little Tim. Because Mark sent flowers before, she thought these were also sent by Mark, but like this time, Mark had given the flowers in person. He didn’t run and hide because of shyness. The practice of leaving the flowers on her front door and running away seemed more like little Tim's character.

Anna took the flowers that Mark gave her and smiled at him: "Thank you this time, but you don't need to send me flowers anymore."

Mark smiled honestly: "You don’t like these flowers? I can bring you something else next time."

Anna shook her head: "I mean, don't waste time on me. I am still young and have no plans to get married in the near future."

Anna was straightforward. Of course Mark wouldn’t misunderstand her. He showed disappointment, scratched his head, and thought for a while before saying, “I’m still young, so I’m not in a hurry to get married... When you want to get married, can you consider me?"

Anna chuckled, thinking he was a little cute. She nodded and said, "Okay."

Mark smiled and left with satisfaction.

Anna was in a good mood. When she went home, she cooled down when she saw the sad look on Gaea's face. She quickly asked, "Mom, what's the matter?"

Gaea looked at Anna with a sad face and sighed before saying, "Bobby came over today."

Bobby?

The butcher who beat his wife to death without receiving any punishment?

A bad premonition rose in Anna's heart. She looked at Gaea, waiting for her next words.

Gaea said, upset,"He wants you to marry him."

Anna did not show any fierce emotions because she knew Gaea would not agree.

"Mama, did you reject him? What else did he say?" Anna sat next to Gaea and asked seriously.

She realized the possible risks in this.

Gaea nodded: "He...he said he will marry you. When your father comes home, we will discuss what to do."

Anna had no other plan for the time being. After playing with Adele and little Evan for a while, she took a short nap, and only got up when her father Evan came home from work.

Evan was a taciturn and honest man. Because of his working hours, Anna rarely saw him, let alone talked to him.

Jim, Adele, and Little Evan were all sleeping in the bedroom; Anna, Evan, and Gaea were sitting in the master bedroom to discuss.

"Goddess, when did Bobby become interested in Anna?" Gaea looked sad.

"Bobby went to the tavern just now." Evan said.

Both Anna and Gaea looked at him, and Evan continued: "He...he said that if we don’t marry Anna to him, he will make me lose my job."

He really was awful.

Anna took a deep breath to prevent her anger from making her lose sanity.

Bobby, a domestically violent man, was obviously a rascal. Anna tried to prevent him from beating a child before, but was pushed down by him. Violence seemed to be engraved in Bobby's genes. He habitually used violence to solve problems; he beat his wife and children, and now even threatened Evan with violence.

"Anna, don't worry. Mama and Papa will not be threatened by Bobby." Gaea noticed Anna's expression and rushed to appease her.

Anna nodded: "I know, Mama and Papa treat me best."

She paused, and then said: "It doesn't matter if Bobby causes Papa to lose his job for a while. I still have a job as a maid in Earls Court, and the monthly salary is enough for us to survive."

For this reason, although Anna was troubled, she did not panic.

The kind of "worries" when one has money are not of the same magnitude as the "worries" when one does not have money.

Evan and Gaea were both upset about Bobby's matter, but Anna's words gave them some comfort.

As long as Anna continued to work in Earls Court, the life of her family could be guaranteed. Bobby might be able to cause Evan to lose his job, but he couldn't extend his reach to the earl's mansion.

In the end, the three of them did not reach a solution, but reached a consensus to wait and see the changes. Anna's job now gave them confidence.

It was just that Anna has a secret worry in her heart-there was an even more maddening and dangerous demon in the earl's mansion, and she didn’t know if he would affect her work.

Anna did not manage to leave Pomegranate Lane the next day before being stopped by Bobby. Who knew how long he had been waiting for her?