A Drunken Decision ( Annabelle Ross )

Chapter 9 

Annabelle mused, “My family?” 

She thought about how her parents had not even given her a call these past few days. Even when she sent them text messages, they only gave her impassive replies. 

She immediately disguised the sorrow on her face and put on a faint smile when she noticed the woman was still staring at her unblinkingly. “Of course, they care! They’re afraid I would feel upset staying there, so they let me come out to unwind and relax!” 

“Is that so?” the woman asked softly as she flashed a smile at Annabelle in return. 

“Yes! That’s right! They treat me so well!” Annabelle nodded. 

“That’s good to hear! How far along are you?” The woman nodded. 

Annabelle thought she was asking about her age until she realized that the latter had been staring at her belly for a long time. She immediately came to a realization and counted in her mind before responding, “Almost three months!” 

After finishing her sentence, she suddenly recalled that it was almost time for her to visit the hospital for a pregnancy checkup. 

General Hospital happened to be right across from her. She secretly praised herself for being intelligent, since she did not need to hail a taxi to get a pregnancy checkup. She only had to walk a short distance. 

After chatting for a while, she bade farewell to the woman, and they parted ways to return to their own homes. 

Annabelle was not in a hurry to pack her luggage. Instead, she went around her rooms to note down the necessities she needed to replenish. She planned to buy them online instead of purchasing them at the stores later. Although it was only a rented apartment, she had plans to make it a cozy and welcoming space. 

“Right. There’s also the pregnancy checkup,” she mused as she counted with her fingers. She decided to go for the checkup three days later. 

Unfortunately, even though her plans were flawless, she did not get the chance to carry them out. 

On the second day, there was a knock on her door as she was sleeping. 

Annabelle was still deep in her sleep and could not be bothered to answer the door. However, the person behind the door was stubborn and continued knocking vigorously. It was as if the person was going to knock on the door until she answered. Left without a choice, Annabelle could only get up to answer the door. 

She could not figure out who was looking for her so early in the morning, as she only knew a few people here. 

Annabelle opened the door and yawned sleepily. However, she froze mid–yawn when she recognized the people standing outside. 

They were none other than Madeline and Ashley. 

At that moment, Madeline was glaring at her. 

“Mom?” Annabelle did not understand how her mother had figured out where she was. After all, she had not even had time to tell her brother about her new rented apartment. 

“You! How dare you!” 

Annabelle had paid for three months of rent. She had only managed to stay for two days before Madeline dragged her back. Besides the first sentence Annabelle spoke to them after meeting, Madeline ignored her the entire time. 

On the contrary, Ashley scoffed coldly when she saw Annabelle packing her stuff after Madeline left. She sneered, “What’s the point? Why do you want to suffer when you could be enjoying your life overseas?” 

Annabelle ignored Ashley’s mockery and packed her belongings obediently before leaving the place she did not even get to decorate. 

She pondered, “Enjoy my life? Is going abroad by myself considered enjoying life?” 

She was brought back to the Ross manor, which had all the butlers and housekeepers. Of course, she was not allowed to leave the place. 

The housekeeper had received Madeline’s instructions and followed Annabelle around all day, as if she was afraid the latter would run away. 

Annabelle could only smile bitterly. She did not understand Madeline’s intentions as she thought, “Isn’t it safer for me if I stay at a remote place like Yaleview alone? Why must they bring me back?” 

She could not figure it out and gave up. It was not tough to live in the Ross manor. It was huge, and the air was fresh. Her parents also did not entirely 

Chapter 9 

There were also people cooking for her and doing household chores. It was much more convenient than her staying outside 

alone. 

However, they did not allow her to go for a pregnancy checkup. This made Annabelle feel slightly frustrated. 

Her parents did not pick up her calls, and the butlers and housekeepers did not listen to her instructions. At first, it was fine. 

However, as the days passed, Annabelle could feel her mental health worsening drastically. 

It was not as if she had no other choices. Although she could contact the police, it would just blow things up. 

Nathan came over on New Year’s Day. Annabelle’s gloomy mood lightened up after seeing her family member, and she ate half a portion more for lunch. 

“Why is it only this big?” Nathan asked as his brows furrowed. He was staring at Annabelle’s small bump. 

Upon hearing that, Annabelle chuckled uncontrollably. “Of course. Do you expect it to become this big suddenly?” she asked as her hands gestured at her stomach, drawing circles. 

Nathan was rendered speechless. 

“She has to grow up slowly!” Annabelle explained with a smile as she looked at a confused Nathan. 

In truth, she was unsure as well. She was unable to visit a doctor for a pregnancy checkup, so she had to find all of this information online instead of having it given to her. 

Pregnancy symptoms like vomiting and frequent urination might occur in the early stages of pregnancy. Within three to four months of the pregnancy, the bump would start to show, and some pregnancy symptoms would lessen. She would need to visit the hospital for a Down’s syndrome screening during the fourth month. 

Upon thinking that, the smile on Annabelle’s face froze. She was already four months into her pregnancy, so it was time for her to visit the hospital for a Down’s syndrome screening. 

“Nathan, I want to go out!” Annabelle said anxiously as she grabbed Nathan’s hand. 

Nathan was confused. “Then, just go out. Where do you want to go? I’ll bring you!” 

Nathan did not know his sister was under house arrest and did not think it was a difficult thing to do. “It’s cold outside. You need to wear more clothes!” 

Annabelle looked at her brother and nodded her head vigorously. She quickly wore her outerwear, scarf, and gloves. 

However, she was still stopped when she walked to the entrance of the manor. 

Along with a butler and a housekeeper, there were two additional bodyguards. 

Nathan finally understood that his sister was not simply staying in the Ross manor, but was held captive. 

How could he withstand this kind of situation? 

He immediately went up to reason with the bodyguards blocking the entrance. As the son of the Ross family, the bodyguards should at least listen to his words since they were employed by the family. 

However, it was as if they could not hear Nathan. Only the butler looked at him with a troubled expression. “Mr. Ross, please don’t put us in a tight spot. You have to get Mrs. Ross‘ permission if you want to bring Ms. Ross out, or else we will get into trouble!” 

At that instant, Nathan finally understood that his identity as the son of the Ross family was useless. 

Annabelle looked at Nathan’s darkened expression and suddenly regretted dragging him into this. 

“Let’s return. It’s too cold, so I don’t feel like going out anymore!” She dragged Nathan back into the manor and continued softly, “My nose has almost frozen, even though I’ve only been out for a short while!” 

Nathan’s eyes reddened as if he was going to start crying. He felt angry, as he felt awful for Annabelle. He pondered, “What is Mom doing? Is she happy doing all this to Anna?”