DARK SEDUCTION

chapter:65

Max stood motionless, watching Anna sprint out of the office, her sudden departure leaving a hollow echo in the room. His mind raced, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions that had just torn through their conversation. He knew Anna wasn't used to confrontations, but this reaction was extreme, even for her. She wasn’t just fleeing a heated argument she was fleeing him.

He turned slowly to face his parents, who had been silently observing the entire scene. The expressions on their faces were a mix of disappointment, confusion, and a hint of incredulity. His father, tall and imposing with a stern look, was the first to speak, his voice filled with authority and frustration.

"Max," his father began, his tone stern, "we came here today because we are deeply disappointed in you. What on earth has come over you? You've been dragging the Donovan name through the mud, and it's unacceptable."

Max's mother, a graceful woman who had always been the softer presence in his life, looked equally troubled, though her eyes held more worry than anger.

"You've always been level-headed, Max," she added quietly. "But lately, you've been making rash decisions, decisions that are affecting not just you, but the entire family."

His father continued, his voice growing more intense. "What is the meaning of this engagement this broken engagement?" His father's words cut through Max like a knife. "It hasn't even been two weeks since you announced your engagement, and now you've called it off, causing a scandal that has shaken the entire Cherry Bloom community. This is not just a personal matter, Max. This is affecting our company, our shares, everything we have built."

Max winced inwardly. He knew his father was right. The Donovan family name was synonymous with prestige and respect. Any scandal, especially one involving a broken engagement, could send ripples through the business world, shaking the very foundations of their empire.

"You know how much our brand hates scandal," his father went on. "We've already received calls questioning your fitness to take over from me. People are starting to doubt you, Max."

Max opened his mouth to speak, but his father held up a hand, silencing him.

"And now, you have another woman in tow," his father said, his voice tinged with frustration. "Young man, you need to make up your mind about what you want. If we give our consent to this girl, Anna, then that's it. You must marry her and put this gossip to rest."

Max nodded, his mind reeling. The idea of marriage had always been a distant thought, something he knew would come eventually but never anticipated so soon. He had been so caught up in the whirlwind with Leila that he hadn’t stopped to consider the broader implications.

His father sighed, his tone softening slightly. "The Leila match would have been wonderful for our business, considering the connections her father holds in politics. But our family is built on more than just connections, Max. We are built on love. If it's this Anna girl that you're in love with, then so be it."

Max's mother looked at him, her eyes gentle but firm. "From what you've told us about Anna, and from what our private investigators have dug up, she seems like a good sort and her family are comfortable. She's bit on the conservative side, but a good sort nonetheless. You must stick with her, no matter what happens."

Max nodded again, feeling the weight of their expectations pressing down on him.

"Yes, Dad," he said quietly, though his heart wasn't entirely in it. He wasn’t sure if it was love he felt for Anna, or if it was just the safety and stability she represented.

His father studied him closely, his gaze piercing. "And what about Leila? You never told us anything about her. We just woke up one day to news of your sudden almost-engagement, and then that outrageous party."