Anastasia’s pair of beautiful eyes shifted from left to right. She also pursed her lips for a moment before
biting on her lower lip. At that point, she looked deeply troubled as she struggled to come up with a
decision.
As for Elliot, he continued to hold his cup as he gracefully sipped some tea. His thick eyelashes formed
a dense canopy and his eyes were covered thus masking the intense, penetrating look in them.
Anastasia suddenly turned to shoot him a fleeting yet pleading look, but she could only manage to
catch his nonchalant look from his handsome side profile. He behaved as if this had nothing to do with
him, and he clearly wasn’t going to offer her any help at all.
She merely shot him a quick look before lowering her eyes. At the same time, she was quite frustrated
as she grumbled to herself, What did I expect from him anyway? He’s just here today to watch me
make a fool of myself, or perhaps he’s just here to have some fun.
“Anastasia, do you find it quite hard to accept Nigel’s marriage proposal?” Harriet’s warm voice
suddenly rang out.
As for Nigel, the expectant look in his eyes was evident because he wanted an answer. It was obvious
that he was mainly after a sincere reply from Anastasia.
Anastasia didn’t blame Nigel for that because she knew that just like Elliot, Nigel’s feelings toward her
included a strong sense of gratitude. Even if he sincerely liked her, she couldn’t accept him anyway.
“I’m sorry, Nigel, and I’m sorry, Old Madam Presgrave. I can’t accept Nigel’s proposal.” Anastasia lifted
her head and she had a clear look in her eyes as she spoke in a firm voice.
Meanwhile, the man seated next to her, who was busy sipping tea, revealed a slight and unnoticeable
smile.
“Why is that so?” Harriet exclaimed in surprise.
Nigel’s heart sank but he wasn’t angry with Anastasia, because he had all the patience in the world for
her. He was determined not to back down despite her multiple rejections all this while.
“That’s because I have made up my mind to remain single for the rest of my life.” Anastasia’s firm voice
rang out once again.
“Pfft!” Suddenly, the man next to her, who was initially elegantly sipping his tea, choked on his drink. He
quickly covered his mouth with his large palm as he hastily turned his head to stare at her.
Meanwhile, Anastasia faced the stunned looks of the three individuals in front of her, and she explained
in an exceptionally calm voice, “I already have a child and he’s my whole world. Old Madam Presgrave,
I hope that you can understand my circumstances as a single mother. Even if I choose to remarry, I
wouldn’t have another child because I want to focus my love and efforts on my son. I think Nigel
deserves a better woman.”
LAN
Anastasia knew that her words would definitely garner Harriet’s support. After all, the latter was a
woman, so she would naturally be able to understand the situation of a mother’s refusal to build a new
family with a kid in tow. If she conceived a second
child, then it was inevitable for the first child to experience some suffering.
Upon hearing that, Nigel instantly expressed himself, “Anastasia, Jared’s just like my own flesh and
blood, and I’ll definitely treat him the same way as I would treat my own son. Also, I’m willing to respect
your wishes and we don’t need to have another child. I’ll focus on raising Jared with you. What do you
think of that?”
Meanwhile, Harriet was quite frantic though she didn’t show it. How can that be fine? Nigel’s father is
not going to agree to that, and my daughter definitely won’t allow that too! The Manson Family line
needs to be passed on.
At that moment, Elliot frowned and turned to speak to Nigel. “Nigel, stop being ridiculous. You have to
respect your parents’ wishes too.”
“Elliot, I can make my own decision on this matter,” Nigel replied calmly, as he intentionally wanted to
show Elliot how determined he was in pursuing Anastasia.
“Nigel, I’m very flattered by your sincere feelings, but I’ve made up my mind to remain single for the
rest of my life. I’m not going to enter into a marriage with any other man, and you’re no exception.”
Anastasia made her stance clear and there was no going back on her words because these were her
actual thoughts too.
Elliot’s expression instantly darkened as soon as she finished her sentence. He was seated next to her,
and he turned to glare at her, “Miss Tillman, you shouldn’t speak so rashly just yet. You should give
yourself some room for changing your mind just in case. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing for you if
you changed your mind in the future.”
In response, Anastasia glared at him. “I’ll definitely do as I said, so there’s no need for you to be
concerned, President Presgrave.”
Suddenly, Harriet was taken aback. What does Elliot mean by that? I don’t get it.
At that moment, their food arrived and Harriet noticed that the atmosphere seemed quite tense so she
quickly gestured at Anastasia. “Come on, girl. Let’s stop chatting and grab a bite. We can talk as we
eat.”
“Here, Anastasia. Try this.” Nigel reached out and served some salad onto her plate over the table.
Upon seeing that, Anastasia politely thanked him. “Thanks, Nigel. I’ll help myself.”
Meanwhile, Harriet suddenly lamented, “Anastasia, it must have been destined for us to meet, so I
sincerely hope that we can come together and become family members.”
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