Breaking Free, Loving Again -The Flash Marriage with Mr. CEO

After finishing breakfast at home, Arwen left to attend her scheduled meeting.

As always, Mia had kept everything arranged. So, the moment Arwen arrived at the venue, they headed straight for the meeting.

"Mr. Darson, it's been a pleasure working with you," Arwen said with a polite smile as she stood up, extending her hand toward the middle-aged man. "I hope we get more opportunities to collaborate in the future."

Mr. Darson smiled heartily as he accepted the handshake. "It was a pleasant surprise to find out that you were the brain behind this project," he admitted, his voice still tinged with a lingering disbelief. "Honestly, I always thought Idris's Quinn's daughter was just the top socialite in our circle."

Arwen held her smile, unfazed by his words. She had long been aware of how people perceived her —as nothing more than a rich heiress of the Quinn family, a woman raised to bask in the privileges of her lineage.

They never expected her to be capable of anything beyond attending high-profile galas, and managing her social image.

And she didn't blame them. Because she had never cared to prove them otherwise. All these years, she had remained hidden, just to appease her mother.

But now … she didn't care anymore.

"Appearances can be deceiving Mr. Darson," she replied smoothly, lacing her tone with a hint of amusement. "But I am glad this collaboration has given me the chance to help you see me in a different light."

Mr. Darson let out a chuckle, clearly impressed. "Indeed. If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have boasted my son in front of your father. Given how the project has developed, he still has a long way to match your capability." he sighed before adding, "But there is still time for him. I am sure he can learn a lot from you.

The smile on Arwen's lips remained, though she merely nodded, maintaining the professional etiquette.

However, Mr. Darson seemed to have other plans.

His gaze lingered on her thoughtfully before he suddenly said, "Oh, that reminds me —you must have met my son before. He attended the same university as you before moving abroad. How about you two meet up and catch up? Believe me, he has grown as handsome as I was in my younger days."

Arwen arched her brows as the realization dawned upon her. Then, smiling, she rubbed her nose, searching for the right way to refuse.

Her hesitation was so obvious that Mr. Darson caught on immediately.

Chuckling, he continued, "Women shouldn't limit themselves to one option. Just because you met the wrong one before doesn't mean you don't deserve the right one in the future. My son is just as good-looking as Ryan Foster, and unlike him, he wouldn't mind the past of a beautiful girl like you. Just meet him once and see if you two are compatible."

The objective couldn't have been put more blatantly.

Arwen felt momentarily speechless.

Scratching the corner of her brows, she looked at Mr. Darson before speaking. "Uncle Darson, I think you misunderstood my awkwardness."

Pulling her lips in a gentle, yet polite smile, she continued. "I wasn't refusing your proposal because I am heartbroken over my previous relationship. I just don't think it's appropriate, given that —"

The man frowned, growing impatient. If it had been before when he saw her as nothing more than a rich socialite, he wouldn't have been so persistent.

But now, knowing that she was the brain behind Davies Empire —and might even become its future leader —he couldn't let go of the opportunity.

If his son ended up with her, the Darson family would undoubtedly benefit. And with her as the daughter-in-law, the incapability of his son would also remain under the wraps.

So, when she sensed her rejection, he cut her off. "How is it inappropriate? You should at least meet my son once before you decide."

Mia, who had been standing quietly on the side, felt helpless. She hadn't expected the meeting to take such a turn. If she had known, she would have come up with a better way to handle it.

But now, with no plans in place, she stepped forward and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"Ma'am," she interrupted, earning a sharp glance from Mr. Darson, who clearly didn't appreciate being cut off. Quickly bowing apologetically, she then turned to Arwen and continued, "I am sorry to not inform you earlier, while you were in the meeting, Sir … I mean, your husband called several times. I believe he has something important to discuss with you."

Arwen arched her brows at her secretary, clearly impressed by her presence of mind.

But before she could respond, she heard Mr. Darson's shocked voice.

"Husband?"

He stared in disbelief.

Arwen turned to him with a composed smile and nodded without holding any hesitation. "Yes, Uncle Darson. That's what I was trying to tell you earlier. I am not refusing because your son is not good enough —I am refusing because I am not single. I am married."

"But the news clearly said that your engagement with Ryan Foster was just a rumour." Mr. Darson argued, still struggling to process the revelation.

Although he knew the engagement had been real, he had assumed the two families had quietly dissolved it.

Arwen found herself amused by his selective memory.

Was this how the old generation functioned? Remembering half the truth conveniently forgetting the rest?

This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom.

Nevertheless, she maintained her politeness, given the man's age. "That's true, Uncle Darson. But I think you missed another announcement that was revealed just after that where I revealed my marriage."

"I—"

"It's understandable," Arwen cut in smoothly. "You have company to run. You might now have had time to notice."

Glancing at her watch, she continued, "I still have an appointment to attend, Mr. Darson. I hope you won't mind if I take my leave first."

With that, she gestured for Mia to follow her.

Just as she was about to leave, she heard him ask.

"Which family did you marry into?"

There was a tinge of disappointment in his voice —one that Arwen didn't bother acknowledging.

Pausing, she glanced over her shoulders and replied with a knowing smile. "I will be attending the annual event of Davies International with my husband. I will make sure to introduce him then."

Then, without waiting for a response, she walked away. Mia hurried after her, barely containing her excitement.