Annie woke up the next morning to the sound of someone knocking on her door. She pulled the blanket over her head. “Miss Annie?” Annie remained silent. The knocking came again. “Miss Annie, it’s seven-thirty.” “That’s unfortunate.” There was a brief pause outside. “Your mother asked me to wake you.” “Tell my mother I’m already awake.” “But you haven’t opened the door.” “I’m awake emotionally.” The silence that followed was so long that Annie suspected the housekeeper had walked away. Then Margaret’s voice returned. “Breakfast will be served at eight.” Annie opened one eye. “Eight?” “Yes.” “That’s too early.” “Your mother will be waiting.” Annie groaned and sat up. “Why does everyone in this house wake up as if they’re being chased?” She dragged herself out of bed, washed, and changed into a simple lavender blouse and jeans. She left her hair loose around her shoulders and walked downstairs with the expression of someone who had been personally betrayed by the morning. Eleanor was already seated at the dining table. The moment she saw Annie, her face brightened. “Good morning, sweetheart.” Annie stopped. Sweetheart. The word felt unfamiliar coming from her mother, but not unpleasant. “Good morning.” Eleanor pulled out the chair beside her. “Come and sit.” Annie sat down, and a maid immediately served her breakfast. She stared at the carefully arranged dishes. “Do you people eat like this every morning?” Nicholas, who was already eating, glanced up. “Like what?” “Like you’re preparing for a royal inspection.” “It’s just breakfast.” Annie picked up a piece of toast. “If this is just breakfast, I’m afraid to see what dinner looks like.” Nicholas grinned. “You’ll get used to it.” “I don’t plan on getting used to anything. I’m only visiting.” Eleanor’s smile faltered slightly. Annie noticed and quickly added, “For now.” That seemed to reassure her mother. Across the table, Linda lowered her coffee cup. “Have you decided whether you’ll attend university here?” Annie looked at her. “I’m already studying.” “What are you studying?” “Medicine.” Nicholas raised his eyebrows. “Really?” Annie turned toward him. “Is that surprising?” “Not surprising. You just don’t look like someone who enjoys studying.” Annie placed her toast down. “I’m a top student.” Nicholas stared. Emily, who had just entered the dining room, smiled. “You sound very confident.” “I’m not sounding confident. I’m stating a fact.” Linda folded her arms. “Being a top student in the countryside may not mean much here.” The table became quiet. Annie slowly turned toward her. “Are you trying to encourage me, or are you simply bad at conversation?” Nicholas choked on his coffee. Emily gave him a warning look. Linda’s expression hardened. “I’m only saying that standards differ.” “Then you should be happy. It means you’ll have someone new to compete with.” Annie picked up her toast again. Linda said nothing. Eleanor looked between them, worried that the tension would grow. But before she could speak, William entered the room. His gaze moved across the table. “Annie, I need to discuss something with you.” Annie swallowed her food. “If it’s about waking up early, I refuse to apologize.” William blinked. Nicholas lowered his head. William sat down opposite her. “It concerns your future.” Annie’s expression immediately became cautious. “What about it?” “Now that you’ve returned, there are certain people you need to meet.” “Relatives?” “Not exactly.” “Business partners?” “No.” Annie put down her fork. “Then what?” William exchanged a glance with Eleanor. Eleanor reached for Annie’s hand. “Your father believes you should have someone reliable by your side.” Annie stared at her. “I have Auntie Mei.” “Someone closer to your age,” William explained. Annie looked from one parent to the other. “Are you trying to find me a boyfriend?” Nicholas coughed again. William’s face darkened. “It’s not as simple as that.” “Of course it isn’t. You people never say anything simply.” Eleanor squeezed her hand. “There is a man we would like you to meet.” Annie leaned back in her chair. “Does he know he’s being volunteered?” William ignored the question. “His name is Brian Starks.” The name immediately changed the atmosphere. Nicholas stopped smiling. Emily’s expression became thoughtful. Even Linda looked up from her phone. Annie noticed every reaction. “Who is he?” “Brian Starks is the CEO of Starks International,” Emily answered. “He is one of the most influential businessmen in the city.” “Is he old?” Nicholas nearly dropped his spoon. William frowned. “He is twenty-eight.” “Only eight years older than me. That’s manageable.” “He is also very busy,” Emily continued. “He’s known for being difficult to approach.” Annie shrugged. “Then I won’t approach him.” William leaned forward. “Annie, listen carefully. Brian is a responsible man. His family is well established, and—” “Ah.” Annie raised one finger. “There it is.” William stopped. “The real reason.” Eleanor’s eyes widened. “Annie…” “You’re not asking me to meet him because he’s responsible. You’re asking because he’s rich, powerful, and suitable.” William remained silent. Annie leaned back. “I’ve been home for less than twenty-four hours, and you’re already trying to arrange my life.” “We only want what is best for you,” Eleanor said gently. Annie’s expression softened when she looked at her mother. “I know.” She paused before continuing. “But I don’t need a man to make my life better.” Eleanor nodded slowly. William sighed. “No one is forcing you into anything. We only want you to meet him.” Annie considered this. “Where?” “Tonight, at dinner.” “Tonight?” “Yes.” She looked at the clock. “It’s not even nine in the morning. You couldn’t wait until I finished breakfast before planning my romantic future?” Nicholas burst out laughing. William glared at him. Annie reached for another piece of toast. “Fine. I’ll meet him.” Eleanor looked relieved. “But,” Annie added, “if he’s boring, arrogant, or incapable of holding a conversation, I’m leaving.” William nodded. “That’s acceptable.” “And if he insults me?” “Annie.” “I’m warning you in advance.” Nicholas leaned toward her. “You should know something. Brian Starks is rumored to be terrifying.” Annie looked at him. “Terrifying how?” “He can make an entire boardroom go silent with one look.” “Then he should learn to use his words.” Nicholas smiled. “People call him the Devil of the business world.” Annie shrugged. “People call me a troublemaker. Perhaps we’ll get along.” Across the city, Brian Starks sat at the head of a long conference table. The room was silent. Several executives sat before him, their documents neatly arranged. No one dared to speak while Brian studied the financial report in his hands. His dark suit was immaculate, his expression unreadable. Finally, he placed the report on the table. “Explain the missing figures.” The finance director swallowed. “Mr. Starks, the discrepancy came from—” “Don’t give me an explanation.” Brian lifted his eyes. “Give me the reason.” The man’s face paled. At Brian’s right stood Jason Vale, his longtime friend and one of the few people in the company who could smile in the middle of a crisis. Jason glanced at the director. “You heard him. Try honesty. It usually saves time.” The director hurried through his explanation. Brian listened without interruption. When the man finished, Brian gave a short instruction to investigate the department responsible. The meeting continued for another forty minutes before he dismissed everyone. As the executives left, Jason dropped into the nearest chair. “You look like you want to fire the entire company.” Brian picked up his phone. “I’m considering it.” “Good. I was worried you were becoming soft.” Brian ignored him. Jason studied his friend. “You have dinner tonight.” “I know.” “With the Samson family.” Brian’s eyes remained on his phone. “Correct.” “Are you going because you want to?” “No.” Jason grinned. “Then why are you going?” Brian finally looked up. “Because my mother asked me to.” Jason leaned back. “That’s the only person in the world who can order you around.” Brian’s phone vibrated. A message from his mother appeared. Don’t be late tonight. And be polite to Annie. Brian stared at the message. He had heard the name before. Annie Samson. The youngest daughter who had recently returned after disappearing eighteen years ago. He knew very little about her. Only that she had been raised outside the city and had a reputation for being outspoken. Brian locked his phone. Jason noticed. “What?” “Nothing.” “Then why do you look irritated?” “Because you’re still here.” Jason laughed. “You’re welcome.” Brian stood and adjusted his cuffs. “Get out.” Jason rose slowly. “One piece of advice.” Brian gave him a cold look. Jason smiled. “Try not to frighten the girl before dinner.” Brian walked toward the door. “I don’t frighten people.” Jason followed him. “Of course not. People simply lose the ability to breathe whenever you enter a room.” Brian said nothing. But for the first time that day, the corner of his mouth moved slightly. That evening, Annie stood in front of her bedroom mirror while Eleanor adjusted the collar of her dress. “You look beautiful,” her mother said. Annie examined her reflection. The dress was simple, elegant, and comfortable enough for her to move freely. “I look acceptable.” Eleanor smiled. “You don’t have to impress him.” “Good. Because I wasn’t planning to.” Eleanor hesitated before touching her daughter’s hair. “Annie?” “Yes?” “I know this family is unfamiliar to you. I know everything is happening quickly.” Annie looked at her through the mirror. “But I want you to know that you don’t owe us anything.” Annie turned around. Eleanor continued, “You don’t have to pretend to be happy all the time. You don’t have to call me Mother if you’re not ready. And you don’t have to accept anyone simply because we suggest it.” For a moment, Annie had no sarcastic response. She looked down at her hands. “Then why are you introducing me to him?” Eleanor smiled sadly. “Because I hoped you might find someone who treats you well. But your choice is still yours.” Annie studied her mother’s face. Then she smiled faintly. “Alright. I’ll meet him.” Eleanor pulled her into a gentle embrace. Annie stiffened for half a second before slowly returning it. Neither of them spoke. Downstairs, a car horn sounded. Nicholas called from the hallway. “Annie! Your terrifying future husband has arrived!” Annie immediately pulled away. “Tell him to leave!” Eleanor laughed. And for the first time since returning to the Samson residence, Annie laughed with her. Then she picked up her purse. “Come on,” she said. “Let’s go meet the man everyone is afraid of.”

The Man She Was Supposed to Meet