The day of the banquet finally arrived.
Annabelle woke up feeling nervous.
She had attended several banquets as a businesswoman, but this one felt different. Today, some of the most prominent people in the country would be meeting her as Ms. Grayson.
She knew the marriage contract stated that only their families were supposed to know about the marriage. However, Jason's grandfather had insisted on inviting some of his close friends, many of whom were also prominent businessmen.
The banquet was scheduled for 2 p.m., so Annabelle decided to spend the morning at the gym.
She left her room and found Jason in the living room, sipping tea while standing beside the French windows.
"Good morning."
"Hmm."
Jason turned to look at her.
"I'm heading to the gym."
"The house has an in-built gym. You can use it."
"Alright. Can you show me where it is?"
"Okay."
Jason placed his cup on the table and walked toward a large double door at the end of the corridor.
He opened it, revealing a spacious room filled with different gym equipment.
"This is it."
"Thank you."
Jason nodded and walked back to the living room, leaving Annabelle alone.
A few hours later, Annabelle left the gym, exhausted from the workout. She returned to her room and checked the time.
11 a.m.
She still had three hours before the banquet.
She quickly began getting ready.
By 1:30 p.m., Annabelle was completely dressed.
She had done her makeup herself, despite her mother-in-law's offer to get a professional makeup artist.
When she finished, she stood in front of the full-length mirror.
She looked at herself for a few seconds.
She was satisfied with what she saw.
Annabelle had always known that she was beautiful. Her grandfather often told her that she had inherited her mother's beauty.
She wished her mother were still alive to see her today.
The thought made her expression change.
She quickly pushed it away.
Picking up her bag, she left the room.
She was about to call Jason when she saw him already seated in the living room.
He was dressed in a black suit and looked as composed as ever.
"We can leave now," she said as she approached him.
Jason stood up.
The moment he turned toward her, he paused.
He had seen Annabelle in casual clothes several times since she moved into the villa, but seeing her dressed for the banquet caught him off guard.
He remained silent for a few seconds.
"Hmm."
Annabelle looked at him.
"Is something wrong?"
"Nothing."
Jason picked up his phone.
"Let's go."
They left the house, and a driver took them to the hotel where the banquet was being held.
Although the banquet was private, a few selected media companies had been invited to cover the red carpet.
By the time Jason and Annabelle arrived, several bodyguards were already waiting for them, along with the invited media personnel.
The moment they stepped out of the car, cameras began flashing.
Everyone wanted pictures of Jason Grayson and his new wife.
Although the pictures were not going to be published, the media personnel were still excited to capture the moment.
Annabelle stepped out of the car in an elegant maroon dress, while Jason wore a black suit.
The two of them immediately attracted attention.
The bodyguards quickly escorted them into the hall.
Several guests had already arrived.
Members of the Grayson family were also present, talking among themselves.
Jason and Annabelle walked toward Jason's grandfather, who was seated beside Annabelle's grandfather.
"Good afternoon, Grandpas."
"My dear granddaughter, good afternoon," her grandfather replied with a smile.
"My good girl, good afternoon. How are you doing?" Jason's grandfather asked enthusiastically.
"I'm fine, Grandfather."
"Good."
Jason greeted his grandfather.
"Good afternoon, Grandpa."
"Good afternoon, young man," Annabelle's grandfather replied.
He looked at Jason carefully before smiling.
"This young man really resembles you."
"Of course," Jason's grandfather replied proudly.
He then turned his attention to Annabelle.
"Your granddaughter is beautiful. Unlike you."
Annabelle's grandfather laughed.
"She resembles her mother."
The smile on Annabelle's face faded slightly.
Her mother's name had always been a sensitive subject for her.
She lowered her eyes.
At the same moment, Jason's grandfather suddenly stiffened.
It lasted only a few seconds, and most people didn't notice.
But Jason did.
He looked at his grandfather carefully.
"What is it?" he asked quietly.
Jason's grandfather quickly composed himself.
"Nothing."
He turned back to his old friend.
"Let's not talk about such things today. This is a happy occasion. We should be celebrating the young couple."
Annabelle's grandfather nodded.
"You're right."
The conversation continued for a while before Jason's father arrived.
After exchanging greetings, he looked around the hall.
"The guests are already waiting for us," he said. "We should address everyone now. Annabelle also needs to be introduced to the rest of the family."
Jason's grandfather nodded.
"That's right."
He looked at Annabelle with a smile.
"Come, my dear. Today, you officially become part of the Grayson family."