Marry the Waitress

Chapter 1: Marry the Waitress

"Marry the waitress."

The old man's voice was weak, but the command silenced the entire restaurant.

Anna Bell froze on her knees beside him, one hand still supporting his shoulder. A minute ago, he had fallen from his wheelchair onto the marble floor, and everyone had only stared.

She was the only one who dropped her tray and ran to help.

Now Henry Sterling, one of the richest men in the city, was pointing directly at her.

His grandson, Lucas Sterling, stared at him in disbelief.

"Grandpa, what are you saying?"

Henry ignored him. His sharp eyes stayed on Anna.

She was just a waitress in a simple uniform. Her hands were shaking. Broken glass from the tray glittered behind her.

"Sir," Anna whispered, "I only helped you up."

Henry's mouth curved faintly.

"Exactly."

Lucas looked from Anna to his grandfather. "You want me to marry a stranger because she helped you off the floor?"

Henry's expression turned cold.

"She touched me like I was human. You people only touch this family when there is money involved."

The restaurant went silent.

Anna tried to stand. "I should go."

Henry suddenly grabbed her wrist.

Then his eyes dropped to the silver pendant at her throat.

His face changed completely.

"Where did you get that?"

Anna instinctively covered it.

"It was my mother's."

Henry's breathing grew uneven.

Before Lucas could speak, Henry whispered,

"Then she is not a stranger."

Anna's blood ran cold.

"What do you mean?"

Henry looked at Lucas.

"Marry her," he said again. "Before your uncle finds out who she really is."