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"I can't believe she actually invited me to their engagement," Ana said,.
Her voice tight as her hand gripped the steering wheel.
While she drove home.
Joyce’s voice came through the speaker, concerned.
“What? So… you’re actually going to go?”
“I think I have to,” Ana replied calmly, though everything inside her felt like a storm.
“What’s there to lose? She wants me there, so I’ll go.”
“No, Anna. You don’t have to do this to yourself. You’re just going to end up hurting, standing there watching him put a ring on someone else.”
Ana stopped on the red light and exhaled sharply.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. Maybe if I just see it happen..see him with her...I’ll finally be able to let go. Maybe that’s what I need. Closure. I’ll go. It won’t hurt… not anymore.”
Joyce didn’t answer immediately.
Ana’s tone sharpened again.
“Look, if Fatima gave me that invitation just to provoke me, then I’ll give her the reaction she’s looking for. I’ll show up. I’m not running anymore.”
“She didn’t mean it kindly, Ana. You know that. She wants to mess with your head,” Joyce warned.
Ana gave a dry laugh.
“Then I’ll play along. I’ll take Ryan with me. Let her see I’m not falling apart.”
Joyce hesitated. “Are you sure you can handle it? Watching him, watching them?”
Ana keep quiet for a bit
No… she couldn’t. But she had to.
“I don’t know, Joyce. But I’m going anyway. I should be happy for him, right?” she said bitterly.
“Maybe he has his reasons. Maybe this is how it’s meant to be. Either way… it’s over.”
*******
The next day at Ana's House
“So you mean to tell me that her boss is getting married, and she’s actually going there?” Ana’s mom asked as she placed the food on the table.
Joyce nodded.
“Yes, Auntie.”
“Can’t you talk to her? Try to put some sense into her?” Joyce added, clearly concerned.
“I don’t know why she feels the need to go. If it were me, and Alison was marrying someone else, I wouldn’t go. Watching the person you love get engaged to someone else,that’s painful.”
Joyce sighed.
“Ana is stubborn, Auntie. She’s determined to go, and no matter what I say, she won’t listen.”
Mrs Evans sat down slowly, thinking.
“So this is what’s been bothering her all these days… But why is he marrying someone else? I thought things were fine between them.”
Joyce rolled her eyes.
“I don’t know anymore, Auntie. Charlie..is the most confusing man I’ve ever met. When I was younger, he was never like this. Now he’s out here marrying someone while clearly in love with someone else. I don’t get it.”
“Do you think he really loves Ana?” Mrs Evans asked quietly.
“I think he does,” Joyce replied.
“But maybe he’s marrying Fatima for someone else’s sake. Still, I wish Ana wouldn’t go. This is just going to break her. Watching the man she loves put a ring on another woman’s finger… that’s not something you easily recover from.”
Mrs Evans nodded.
“I’ll try talking to her. But you know how she is. If she’s made up her mind…”
Just then, Anna walked into the kitchen,.
Her voice cutting through their conversation.
“Joyce, seriously?”
Joyce turned, startled.
“What?”
“Why would you involve my mom in this?” Anna asked, her tone calm but firm.
“Because you won’t listen to me,” Joyce answered.
“Maybe if Auntie talks to you, you’ll finally hear someone.”
Ana let out a long breath and faced her mom.
“Come on, Mom. You don’t need to be dragged into this. I want to go. It’s my boss's engagement, and Fatima invited me. So why shouldn’t I go?”
“Because it’s clearly hurting you, baby,” Her mother said gently.
“Why put yourself through that?”
“I said I’m fine!” Ana snapped.
“You’re all acting like I’m falling apart. I’m not. I’m going, and that’s final. Can we just eat now? I’m starving.”
She pulled out a chair and sat down.
Her mother exchanged a look with Joyce, worried.
Then Anna suddenly covered her mouth,.
Her face twisting in discomfort.
“Mom… what did you cook?” she asked, gagging slightly.
“It’s just pork,” her mom replied, puzzled.
Ana stood abruptly, covering her mouth.
“It smells… rotten. Oh God, I feel like throwing up.”
She rushed out of the kitchen, hand over her mouth.
Joyce and Mrs Evans stared at each other,.
Both confused and now even more concerned.
**
Ana stepped out of the bathroom slowly, wiping her mouth with a towel.
Her face was pale, and her eyes avoided Joyce and her mother as she made her way back to the kitchen.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Her mom asked gently.
Ana nodded quickly. “Yeah… I think something just didn’t sit right. I’m fine now.”
Joyce frowned. “Are you sure? You don’t look fine.”
Ana forced a small smile.
“It’s nothing, Joyce. I probably just ate something bad earlier.”
Mrs Evans studied her daughter carefully,.
Then walked over and placed a hand on her forehead.
“You’re not hot, but something’s off with you.”
Ana pulled away gently.
“I said I’m okay, Mom.”
Joyce crossed her arms. “You haven’t been eating properly, and now you’re throwing up? Anna… are you sure you’re not…?”
Ana looked up sharply. “Don’t even finish that sentence.”
Joyce raised an eyebrow.
“I didn’t say anything.”
Ana grabbed a glass of water, .
Her hands trembling slightly.
She didn’t want to think about it.
She couldn’t think about it.
Mrs Evans glanced between the two girls, concern growing in her eyes.
“Ana, when was your last period?”
Anna froze.
Joyce’s eyes widened.
“Oh my God…”
Ana placed the glass down carefully, her voice low. “I… I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” Her mother repeated.
“Ana, how can you not know?”
“Because I haven’t been thinking about that!” she snapped, suddenly overwhelmed.
“I’ve been stressed, confused… and now you’re both jumping to conclusions.”
“Ana,” Joyce said, stepping closer,
“You need to take a test. Just to be sure.”
Anna ran her hands through her hair, .
Her voice shaky.
“This isn’t the time.”
Joyce frowned.
“Then when is the time? Before or after he marries someone else?”
Ana blinked back the sting in her eyes.
She didn’t answer.
The room went quiet.
Mrs Evans sighed deeply.
“Ana… no matter what the result is, you’re not alone. But you have to face it. If you are....”
“I’m not,” Anna cut in quickly.
“I can’t be.”
But even as she said it, a part of her wasn’t so sure.
******
7.30 Pm
“Ana, seriously, I don’t think this is a good idea. You don’t need to go to that… that engagement party,” Joyce said, her voice low as she sat on Ana’s bed.
Ana looked at her for a moment before walking over and placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Joy, you really don’t have to worry about anything. I’m fine, okay? I want to go there.”
“Auntie and I...”
“Stop. Just stop with the nonsense. It’s pissing me off,” Ana cut in sharply.
Joy stared into her eyes.
“It’s not nonsense, Ana. It just looks like your temper is all over the place lately. You’re always angry for no reason. I’m just trying to help you. I care about you. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I said I’m fine,Joy. Okay? I don’t need you or anyone else worrying about me like I’m some kind of baby. I don’t care about Charlie or Fatima or any of this. I’m going to that fucking engagement because I was invited. Why shouldn’t I go? I’ll prove to them that I’m not broken.”
Joy’s voice softened.
“But aren’t you? Aren’t you breaking
....?”
“Oh gosh, Joy, stop,” she snapped, cutting her off.
“You’re pregnant, you shouldn’t be stressing like this."
" And are you not pregnant?"
Ana froze.
She exhaled sharply and looked away.
The silence settled for a moment.
“I’m not pregnant. Whatever you guys are thinking… it’s just that pork that made me vomit. It was rotten, that’s all. I’m not pregnant, okay?”
“But you haven’t gotten your period, Ana.”
“I can skip a month without it. That doesn’t mean I’m pregnant,” Ana said, her voice rising.
“Yes, I haven’t seen my period, but that doesn’t mean anything. Can you please stop talking about this? It’s really pissing me off.”
Joy shook her head and went silent.
Ana walked to her closet, pulled out a red dress, and turned around.
“How is this dress?”
Joy looked at it and sighed.
She didn’t answer.
She didn’t know why Ana was so determined to go.
All she knew was, it was going to hurt her .
And she hated it.
“Are you not going to say anything?” Ana asked.
Joy sighed and stood up, placing her hands on her waist.
“What do you want me to say? The dress is pretty. Of course, you want to impress your ex. What should I say?”
Ana frowned.
“Why are you trying to piss me off, Joy? I’m just asking how the dress looks. You don’t have to be a jerk. What’s wrong with you, bitch?”
They both burst into laughter.
After a moment, as the laughter faded, .
Joy looked at her and took a deep breath.
“I’m worried about you, Ana. And I won’t lie. I feel like that party won’t end well. I don’t know why, but… I’m just going to support you since this is what you want, okay?”
“I know, Joy. I know. And thank you… for always supporting me. I get it. Just let me do this...for myself, okay?” Ana replied.
“In God’s hands,” Joy said, and they hugged quietly in the middle of the room.
Joy laughed softly.
“You’re crazy, Ana. These days, I don’t even understand you anymore. Anyway, since you insist on going to the engagement party, go. Alison’s going to take me, so… you’re going with Ryan, right?”
“Yes,” Ana nodded.
“He wants to come with me. He’s going to be my date.”
“Don’t use Ryan to spite Charlie, Ana,” Joy warned.
“They’re friends, and I’m going to repeat this like five times so you hear it like my sister.”
“It’s fine, Joy. I’m not like that,” Ana said.
“I don’t love Ryan. He knows that. He knows his limits. We’re just friends,close, yes,but not romantic. I’m not using him, I promise.”
Joy nodded slowly, though concern still lingered in her eyes.
*****
***
“How do I look, Mom?” Ana asked as she spun around.
Mrs. Evans' mouth hung open as she stared at her daughter.
“Oh my God, Anna… you look so beautiful. This dress is stunning, baby. I just wish it was worth wearing it for…” her mother said.
Ana rolled her eyes, her arms dropping.
“Mom, don’t ruin my mood. I just want to know how the dress looks on me..not whether it’s worth it or not. What’s with all this?”
Her mother chuckled, bursting into laughter.
“Relax, sweetheart. I was just joking with you, okay?” she said.
“Sometimes your jokes aren’t funny anymore, guys.”
“Ana! Ryan’s already here,” Joyce called from inside.
“He’s waiting for you.”
“Ryan?” Her mom asked with a sly smile.
“Is that a new love?”
Anna gave Joyce a dead stare.
Joyce raised her hands and laughed.
Ana shook her head and picked up her bag.
“So when are you arriving at the party?” Ana asked.
“Well, if Ali comes,” Joyce said.
“But for now, I just want to relax. My baby’s craving fish, so Auntie is going to make it for me. I’ll eat, then I’ll come to the party.You go and enjoy yourself.”
Ana sighed and walked over to hug her.
She also hugged her mom and kissed her cheek.
“I have to go. I’ll see you at the party. Please don’t be late..I’ll be bored without you.”
“I’ll come. It’s my friend’s engagement anyway..why wouldn’t I?” Joyce replied.
Anna swallowed hard and nodded before walking out of the house.
Joyce looked at Mrs. Evans.
“Auntie… I just don’t have a good feeling about this.”
Mrs. Evans sighed and placed a hand on Joyce’s shoulder.
“It’s okay. I know Anna..she’s strong. She’ll handle this. I hope. She’s too strong for her own good sometimes. I can see she’s hurting, but she just won’t open up. And I hate that. But let’s be there for her. Let her do what she feels is right.”
Joyce nodded and rested her head on Mrs. Evans’ lap.
She gently rubbed her head.
“And how are you feeling?” Ana’s mom asked softly.
Joyce sighed. “I’m happy Juliet is finally back. But I’m scared to forgive her. What if I forgive her and she do what she did again ?”
Mrs. Evans was quiet for a moment before speaking.
“It’s okay to feel like that. I know your sister hurt you, and I know she’s not proud of herself. But your mom wouldn’t be happy seeing you two fight. You need to forgive each other. Support each other like you always did. People make mistakes..even when they think they’re doing the right thing. We can’t hold onto that forever. If she’s really sorry, try to forgive her...for your baby, and for your soon-to-be husband.”
Joyce swallowed hard.
She knew Ana’s mom was right.
But was it really that easy?
“I’ll try, Auntie,” Joyce said quietly.
“I just need to see if she’s really worth it. I forgave Kelvin..maybe because he wasn't related to me. But she’s my sister. We’re twins. After our parents died, we only had each other. I didn’t expect her to betray me like that.”
Ana’s mom nodded gently.
“It’s okay, Joy. Take your time. When it feels right… you’ll know.”
Joyce nodded again, .
Her eyes closing as her head rested softly on Mrs. Evans’ lap.
*****
“Acting like a true gentleman,” Ana teased, as Ryan open, the car door for her.
Ryan chuckled and shook his head, sliding comfortably into his seat.
“You look nice,” he said, his gaze lingering on her.
Anna smiled. “Thank you. I had to look my best.”
“But tonight…” she added with a teasing smirk,.
“You gonna make someone faint in there.”
Ana grinned. “If someone faints, let them. It’s not my fault they can’t handle the heat.”
" Really," Ryan said
Ana laughed, then leaned back. “Exactly. I don’t give a fuck.”
“Whoa—when did you start swearing?” Ryan asked, surprised.
“Huh,” she shrugged.
“When I realized being a good girl doesn’t get you anywhere. Sometimes, you have to be a bad girl.”
Ryan raised a brow as he drove through the streets. “Noted. You sure you’re okay, though?”
“Yeah,” she replied.
“Tonight, I’m more than okay.”
“You know where we’re going, right?” she asked, glancing at him.
“Yeah, I do,” Ryan replied, eyes focused ahead.
“Let’s get this done.”
***
Ryan parked his car,.
Then he stepped out he opened the door for Ana.
Ana smiled and Thank him .
He glanced around before looking back at Ana.
“Looks like there are a lot of people here,” he said.
Ana nodded nervously.
“Yeah… seems like everyone came to congratulate him,” she replied bitterly.
Ryan chuckled. “You know, you don’t have to go in there if you’re not comfortable.”
Ana smiled at him and took a deep breath.
“Oh, I have to. What’s the point of hiding? I was invited..so I have to show up. You don’t just throw away an invitation, right?”
Ryan nodded and took her hand as they walked into the King’s mansion.
At the entrance, Anna paused and drew in another deep breath.
She had never been to the Kings’s residence before.
This was her first time.
And she had to admit, the house was massive, luxurious, and undeniably sophisticated.
She smiled at Ryan as people’s eyes turned toward them the moment they stepped into the ballroom.
“Why is everyone looking at us?” she whispered.
“Maybe because you look like the one about to get married,” Ryan said with a teasing smile.
Ana rolled her eyes.
“I can’t believe this,” she muttered.
“I can’t believe everyone’s looking at us like that… crazy.”
“It’s because you look beautiful,” Ryan replied.
“How can they not stare when you look this good?”
Ana looked down with a shy smile as they walked further into the ballroom.
Then her breath caught.
She felt it, the intensity of someone’s gaze on her.
Slowly, she turned around.
Their eyes met.
Her heart began to race,louder than her thoughts.
Mr. Kings's eyes were locked on her, dark and intense. Possessive.
She swallowed hard.
He looked so handsome. So damn tempting.
She shook her head and scolded herself silently,.
Then smiled at Ryan.
“Looks like someone can’t take his eyes off you,” Ryan said
“And he’s not even hiding it,” Ryan added with a smirk.
Ana nodded slightly, just as Mr. Kings and Fatima began walking toward them.
“Oh, Ana. I didn’t think you’d actually come,” Fatima said, eyeing Anna from head to toe.
Anna smiled politely, carefully avoiding Mr. King's gaze.
“Well, I had to. I couldn't possibly miss my boss’s engagement party, right?” she replied, her tone light but layered.
Her attention briefly shifted to Mr Kings.
Their eyes locked for a moment.
She caught him biting down on his lip before.
She quickly looked away.
“Well, I’ll admit, you look nice,” Fatima said, then added with a smirk,
“Though I don’t see the need to dress this nicely when you’re not the one getting married.”
Ana rolled her eyes.
“Maybe I just like looking good..for myself. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that,” she said coolly.
Fatima gave a slow nod.
Mr. Kings, still watching Ana,.
His gaze drop to her hand entwined with Ryan’s.
His jaw tensed slightly.
“You two look like a couple,” he muttered, coldly .
Ryan chuckled.
“Well, I am Ana’s date tonight. So I guess we’re supposed to look like a couple, right, Anna?” he said, turning to her with a grin.
Ana nodded with a small smile.
“Exactly.”
“Enjoy yourselves, then” Fatima said after a brief silence.
She then grabbed Mr. Kings’s hand and led him away, while Ana watched them walk off.
Her smile faded.
Anna swallowed hard.
A wave of pain rose in her chest.
Ryan looked at her, concerned.
“You okay?” he asked gently.
“I’m fine. Thank you,” she said with a tight nod.
They continued walking, mingling and taking glasses from passing servers.
Ana reached for a glass of red wine and drank deeply, trying to soothe the burn in her throat and in her heart.
Her eyes drifted across the room and landed on Mr. King, now standing with Fatima.
Her breath caught when she saw Fatima kiss him on the cheek… then on the lips.
Ana blinked rapidly, her chest tightening with jealousy and quiet rage.
She looked away quickly.
Ryan, noticing the shift in her mood, smiled softly and leaned in.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asked again.
She nodded, forcing a smile.
Then, without warning, Ryan placed a hand gently on the small of her back, making her stiffen.
He leaned in and kissed her cheek.
“Feeling better now?” he whispered.
Anna smiled, nodding again.
Across the room, Mr. King’s gaze snapped to them like a hawk spotting prey.
His eyes darkened as he took in the sight of Ryan’s hand resting possessively on the small of Anna’s back.
Then he saw the kiss Ryan planted on her cheek.
His jaw clenched.
His chest rose and fell once, sharply.
A storm brewed behind his eyes.
The room was loud, but all he could hear was the blood roaring in his ears.
His grip tightened around the glass in his hand until his knuckles whitened.
Fatima was still talking beside him, smiling like nothing was wrong, completely unaware that the man standing next to her was no longer present in that moment.
Ana laughed at something Ryan said.
It was soft, easy, and real, the kind of laugh she used to give him.
Mr. Kingd’s face turned unreadable.
Ice-cold.
His gaze sharpened like a blade.
His tie suddenly felt like a noose.
He tugged at it once, slowly, and exhaled through his nose,.
Fuck what was that feeling he was feeling all of sudden
T.....B.....
.......C
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"I can't believe she actually invited me to their engagement," Ana said,.
Her voice tight as her hand gripped the steering wheel.
While she drove home.
Joyce’s voice came through the speaker, concerned.
“What? So… you’re actually going to go?”
“I think I have to,” Ana replied calmly, though everything inside her felt like a storm.
“What’s there to lose? She wants me there, so I’ll go.”
“No, Anna. You don’t have to do this to yourself. You’re just going to end up hurting, standing there watching him put a ring on someone else.”
Ana stopped on the red light and exhaled sharply.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. Maybe if I just see it happen..see him with her...I’ll finally be able to let go. Maybe that’s what I need. Closure. I’ll go. It won’t hurt… not anymore.”
Joyce didn’t answer immediately.
Ana’s tone sharpened again.
“Look, if Fatima gave me that invitation just to provoke me, then I’ll give her the reaction she’s looking for. I’ll show up. I’m not running anymore.”
“She didn’t mean it kindly, Ana. You know that. She wants to mess with your head,” Joyce warned.
Ana gave a dry laugh.
“Then I’ll play along. I’ll take Ryan with me. Let her see I’m not falling apart.”
Joyce hesitated. “Are you sure you can handle it? Watching him, watching them?”
Ana keep quiet for a bit
No… she couldn’t. But she had to.
“I don’t know, Joyce. But I’m going anyway. I should be happy for him, right?” she said bitterly.
“Maybe he has his reasons. Maybe this is how it’s meant to be. Either way… it’s over.”
*******
The next day at Ana's House
“So you mean to tell me that her boss is getting married, and she’s actually going there?” Ana’s mom asked as she placed the food on the table.
Joyce nodded.
“Yes, Auntie.”
“Can’t you talk to her? Try to put some sense into her?” Joyce added, clearly concerned.
“I don’t know why she feels the need to go. If it were me, and Alison was marrying someone else, I wouldn’t go. Watching the person you love get engaged to someone else,that’s painful.”
Joyce sighed.
“Ana is stubborn, Auntie. She’s determined to go, and no matter what I say, she won’t listen.”
Mrs Evans sat down slowly, thinking.
“So this is what’s been bothering her all these days… But why is he marrying someone else? I thought things were fine between them.”
Joyce rolled her eyes.
“I don’t know anymore, Auntie. Charlie..is the most confusing man I’ve ever met. When I was younger, he was never like this. Now he’s out here marrying someone while clearly in love with someone else. I don’t get it.”
“Do you think he really loves Ana?” Mrs Evans asked quietly.
“I think he does,” Joyce replied.
“But maybe he’s marrying Fatima for someone else’s sake. Still, I wish Ana wouldn’t go. This is just going to break her. Watching the man she loves put a ring on another woman’s finger… that’s not something you easily recover from.”
Mrs Evans nodded.
“I’ll try talking to her. But you know how she is. If she’s made up her mind…”
Just then, Anna walked into the kitchen,.
Her voice cutting through their conversation.
“Joyce, seriously?”
Joyce turned, startled.
“What?”
“Why would you involve my mom in this?” Anna asked, her tone calm but firm.
“Because you won’t listen to me,” Joyce answered.
“Maybe if Auntie talks to you, you’ll finally hear someone.”
Ana let out a long breath and faced her mom.
“Come on, Mom. You don’t need to be dragged into this. I want to go. It’s my boss's engagement, and Fatima invited me. So why shouldn’t I go?”
“Because it’s clearly hurting you, baby,” Her mother said gently.
“Why put yourself through that?”
“I said I’m fine!” Ana snapped.
“You’re all acting like I’m falling apart. I’m not. I’m going, and that’s final. Can we just eat now? I’m starving.”
She pulled out a chair and sat down.
Her mother exchanged a look with Joyce, worried.
Then Anna suddenly covered her mouth,.
Her face twisting in discomfort.
“Mom… what did you cook?” she asked, gagging slightly.
“It’s just pork,” her mom replied, puzzled.
Ana stood abruptly, covering her mouth.
“It smells… rotten. Oh God, I feel like throwing up.”
She rushed out of the kitchen, hand over her mouth.
Joyce and Mrs Evans stared at each other,.
Both confused and now even more concerned.
**
Ana stepped out of the bathroom slowly, wiping her mouth with a towel.
Her face was pale, and her eyes avoided Joyce and her mother as she made her way back to the kitchen.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Her mom asked gently.
Ana nodded quickly. “Yeah… I think something just didn’t sit right. I’m fine now.”
Joyce frowned. “Are you sure? You don’t look fine.”
Ana forced a small smile.
“It’s nothing, Joyce. I probably just ate something bad earlier.”
Mrs Evans studied her daughter carefully,.
Then walked over and placed a hand on her forehead.
“You’re not hot, but something’s off with you.”
Ana pulled away gently.
“I said I’m okay, Mom.”
Joyce crossed her arms. “You haven’t been eating properly, and now you’re throwing up? Anna… are you sure you’re not…?”
Ana looked up sharply. “Don’t even finish that sentence.”
Joyce raised an eyebrow.
“I didn’t say anything.”
Ana grabbed a glass of water, .
Her hands trembling slightly.
She didn’t want to think about it.
She couldn’t think about it.
Mrs Evans glanced between the two girls, concern growing in her eyes.
“Ana, when was your last period?”
Anna froze.
Joyce’s eyes widened.
“Oh my God…”
Ana placed the glass down carefully, her voice low. “I… I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” Her mother repeated.
“Ana, how can you not know?”
“Because I haven’t been thinking about that!” she snapped, suddenly overwhelmed.
“I’ve been stressed, confused… and now you’re both jumping to conclusions.”
“Ana,” Joyce said, stepping closer,
“You need to take a test. Just to be sure.”
Anna ran her hands through her hair, .
Her voice shaky.
“This isn’t the time.”
Joyce frowned.
“Then when is the time? Before or after he marries someone else?”
Ana blinked back the sting in her eyes.
She didn’t answer.
The room went quiet.
Mrs Evans sighed deeply.
“Ana… no matter what the result is, you’re not alone. But you have to face it. If you are....”
“I’m not,” Anna cut in quickly.
“I can’t be.”
But even as she said it, a part of her wasn’t so sure.
******
7.30 Pm
“Ana, seriously, I don’t think this is a good idea. You don’t need to go to that… that engagement party,” Joyce said, her voice low as she sat on Ana’s bed.
Ana looked at her for a moment before walking over and placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Joy, you really don’t have to worry about anything. I’m fine, okay? I want to go there.”
“Auntie and I...”
“Stop. Just stop with the nonsense. It’s pissing me off,” Ana cut in sharply.
Joy stared into her eyes.
“It’s not nonsense, Ana. It just looks like your temper is all over the place lately. You’re always angry for no reason. I’m just trying to help you. I care about you. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I said I’m fine,Joy. Okay? I don’t need you or anyone else worrying about me like I’m some kind of baby. I don’t care about Charlie or Fatima or any of this. I’m going to that fucking engagement because I was invited. Why shouldn’t I go? I’ll prove to them that I’m not broken.”
Joy’s voice softened.
“But aren’t you? Aren’t you breaking
....?”
“Oh gosh, Joy, stop,” she snapped, cutting her off.
“You’re pregnant, you shouldn’t be stressing like this."
" And are you not pregnant?"
Ana froze.
She exhaled sharply and looked away.
The silence settled for a moment.
“I’m not pregnant. Whatever you guys are thinking… it’s just that pork that made me vomit. It was rotten, that’s all. I’m not pregnant, okay?”
“But you haven’t gotten your period, Ana.”
“I can skip a month without it. That doesn’t mean I’m pregnant,” Ana said, her voice rising.
“Yes, I haven’t seen my period, but that doesn’t mean anything. Can you please stop talking about this? It’s really pissing me off.”
Joy shook her head and went silent.
Ana walked to her closet, pulled out a red dress, and turned around.
“How is this dress?”
Joy looked at it and sighed.
She didn’t answer.
She didn’t know why Ana was so determined to go.
All she knew was, it was going to hurt her .
And she hated it.
“Are you not going to say anything?” Ana asked.
Joy sighed and stood up, placing her hands on her waist.
“What do you want me to say? The dress is pretty. Of course, you want to impress your ex. What should I say?”
Ana frowned.
“Why are you trying to piss me off, Joy? I’m just asking how the dress looks. You don’t have to be a jerk. What’s wrong with you, bitch?”
They both burst into laughter.
After a moment, as the laughter faded, .
Joy looked at her and took a deep breath.
“I’m worried about you, Ana. And I won’t lie. I feel like that party won’t end well. I don’t know why, but… I’m just going to support you since this is what you want, okay?”
“I know, Joy. I know. And thank you… for always supporting me. I get it. Just let me do this...for myself, okay?” Ana replied.
“In God’s hands,” Joy said, and they hugged quietly in the middle of the room.
Joy laughed softly.
“You’re crazy, Ana. These days, I don’t even understand you anymore. Anyway, since you insist on going to the engagement party, go. Alison’s going to take me, so… you’re going with Ryan, right?”
“Yes,” Ana nodded.
“He wants to come with me. He’s going to be my date.”
“Don’t use Ryan to spite Charlie, Ana,” Joy warned.
“They’re friends, and I’m going to repeat this like five times so you hear it like my sister.”
“It’s fine, Joy. I’m not like that,” Ana said.
“I don’t love Ryan. He knows that. He knows his limits. We’re just friends,close, yes,but not romantic. I’m not using him, I promise.”
Joy nodded slowly, though concern still lingered in her eyes.
*****
***
“How do I look, Mom?” Ana asked as she spun around.
Mrs. Evans' mouth hung open as she stared at her daughter.
“Oh my God, Anna… you look so beautiful. This dress is stunning, baby. I just wish it was worth wearing it for…” her mother said.
Ana rolled her eyes, her arms dropping.
“Mom, don’t ruin my mood. I just want to know how the dress looks on me..not whether it’s worth it or not. What’s with all this?”
Her mother chuckled, bursting into laughter.
“Relax, sweetheart. I was just joking with you, okay?” she said.
“Sometimes your jokes aren’t funny anymore, guys.”
“Ana! Ryan’s already here,” Joyce called from inside.
“He’s waiting for you.”
“Ryan?” Her mom asked with a sly smile.
“Is that a new love?”
Anna gave Joyce a dead stare.
Joyce raised her hands and laughed.
Ana shook her head and picked up her bag.
“So when are you arriving at the party?” Ana asked.
“Well, if Ali comes,” Joyce said.
“But for now, I just want to relax. My baby’s craving fish, so Auntie is going to make it for me. I’ll eat, then I’ll come to the party.You go and enjoy yourself.”
Ana sighed and walked over to hug her.
She also hugged her mom and kissed her cheek.
“I have to go. I’ll see you at the party. Please don’t be late..I’ll be bored without you.”
“I’ll come. It’s my friend’s engagement anyway..why wouldn’t I?” Joyce replied.
Anna swallowed hard and nodded before walking out of the house.
Joyce looked at Mrs. Evans.
“Auntie… I just don’t have a good feeling about this.”
Mrs. Evans sighed and placed a hand on Joyce’s shoulder.
“It’s okay. I know Anna..she’s strong. She’ll handle this. I hope. She’s too strong for her own good sometimes. I can see she’s hurting, but she just won’t open up. And I hate that. But let’s be there for her. Let her do what she feels is right.”
Joyce nodded and rested her head on Mrs. Evans’ lap.
She gently rubbed her head.
“And how are you feeling?” Ana’s mom asked softly.
Joyce sighed. “I’m happy Juliet is finally back. But I’m scared to forgive her. What if I forgive her and she do what she did again ?”
Mrs. Evans was quiet for a moment before speaking.
“It’s okay to feel like that. I know your sister hurt you, and I know she’s not proud of herself. But your mom wouldn’t be happy seeing you two fight. You need to forgive each other. Support each other like you always did. People make mistakes..even when they think they’re doing the right thing. We can’t hold onto that forever. If she’s really sorry, try to forgive her...for your baby, and for your soon-to-be husband.”
Joyce swallowed hard.
She knew Ana’s mom was right.
But was it really that easy?
“I’ll try, Auntie,” Joyce said quietly.
“I just need to see if she’s really worth it. I forgave Kelvin..maybe because he wasn't related to me. But she’s my sister. We’re twins. After our parents died, we only had each other. I didn’t expect her to betray me like that.”
Ana’s mom nodded gently.
“It’s okay, Joy. Take your time. When it feels right… you’ll know.”
Joyce nodded again, .
Her eyes closing as her head rested softly on Mrs. Evans’ lap.
*****
“Acting like a true gentleman,” Ana teased, as Ryan open, the car door for her.
Ryan chuckled and shook his head, sliding comfortably into his seat.
“You look nice,” he said, his gaze lingering on her.
Anna smiled. “Thank you. I had to look my best.”
“But tonight…” she added with a teasing smirk,.
“You gonna make someone faint in there.”
Ana grinned. “If someone faints, let them. It’s not my fault they can’t handle the heat.”
" Really," Ryan said
Ana laughed, then leaned back. “Exactly. I don’t give a fuck.”
“Whoa—when did you start swearing?” Ryan asked, surprised.
“Huh,” she shrugged.
“When I realized being a good girl doesn’t get you anywhere. Sometimes, you have to be a bad girl.”
Ryan raised a brow as he drove through the streets. “Noted. You sure you’re okay, though?”
“Yeah,” she replied.
“Tonight, I’m more than okay.”
“You know where we’re going, right?” she asked, glancing at him.
“Yeah, I do,” Ryan replied, eyes focused ahead.
“Let’s get this done.”
***
Ryan parked his car,.
Then he stepped out he opened the door for Ana.
Ana smiled and Thank him .
He glanced around before looking back at Ana.
“Looks like there are a lot of people here,” he said.
Ana nodded nervously.
“Yeah… seems like everyone came to congratulate him,” she replied bitterly.
Ryan chuckled. “You know, you don’t have to go in there if you’re not comfortable.”
Ana smiled at him and took a deep breath.
“Oh, I have to. What’s the point of hiding? I was invited..so I have to show up. You don’t just throw away an invitation, right?”
Ryan nodded and took her hand as they walked into the King’s mansion.
At the entrance, Anna paused and drew in another deep breath.
She had never been to the Kings’s residence before.
This was her first time.
And she had to admit, the house was massive, luxurious, and undeniably sophisticated.
She smiled at Ryan as people’s eyes turned toward them the moment they stepped into the ballroom.
“Why is everyone looking at us?” she whispered.
“Maybe because you look like the one about to get married,” Ryan said with a teasing smile.
Ana rolled her eyes.
“I can’t believe this,” she muttered.
“I can’t believe everyone’s looking at us like that… crazy.”
“It’s because you look beautiful,” Ryan replied.
“How can they not stare when you look this good?”
Ana looked down with a shy smile as they walked further into the ballroom.
Then her breath caught.
She felt it, the intensity of someone’s gaze on her.
Slowly, she turned around.
Their eyes met.
Her heart began to race,louder than her thoughts.
Mr. Kings's eyes were locked on her, dark and intense. Possessive.
She swallowed hard.
He looked so handsome. So damn tempting.
She shook her head and scolded herself silently,.
Then smiled at Ryan.
“Looks like someone can’t take his eyes off you,” Ryan said
“And he’s not even hiding it,” Ryan added with a smirk.
Ana nodded slightly, just as Mr. Kings and Fatima began walking toward them.
“Oh, Ana. I didn’t think you’d actually come,” Fatima said, eyeing Anna from head to toe.
Anna smiled politely, carefully avoiding Mr. King's gaze.
“Well, I had to. I couldn't possibly miss my boss’s engagement party, right?” she replied, her tone light but layered.
Her attention briefly shifted to Mr Kings.
Their eyes locked for a moment.
She caught him biting down on his lip before.
She quickly looked away.
“Well, I’ll admit, you look nice,” Fatima said, then added with a smirk,
“Though I don’t see the need to dress this nicely when you’re not the one getting married.”
Ana rolled her eyes.
“Maybe I just like looking good..for myself. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that,” she said coolly.
Fatima gave a slow nod.
Mr. Kings, still watching Ana,.
His gaze drop to her hand entwined with Ryan’s.
His jaw tensed slightly.
“You two look like a couple,” he muttered, coldly .
Ryan chuckled.
“Well, I am Ana’s date tonight. So I guess we’re supposed to look like a couple, right, Anna?” he said, turning to her with a grin.
Ana nodded with a small smile.
“Exactly.”
“Enjoy yourselves, then” Fatima said after a brief silence.
She then grabbed Mr. Kings’s hand and led him away, while Ana watched them walk off.
Her smile faded.
Anna swallowed hard.
A wave of pain rose in her chest.
Ryan looked at her, concerned.
“You okay?” he asked gently.
“I’m fine. Thank you,” she said with a tight nod.
They continued walking, mingling and taking glasses from passing servers.
Ana reached for a glass of red wine and drank deeply, trying to soothe the burn in her throat and in her heart.
Her eyes drifted across the room and landed on Mr. King, now standing with Fatima.
Her breath caught when she saw Fatima kiss him on the cheek… then on the lips.
Ana blinked rapidly, her chest tightening with jealousy and quiet rage.
She looked away quickly.
Ryan, noticing the shift in her mood, smiled softly and leaned in.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asked again.
She nodded, forcing a smile.
Then, without warning, Ryan placed a hand gently on the small of her back, making her stiffen.
He leaned in and kissed her cheek.
“Feeling better now?” he whispered.
Anna smiled, nodding again.
Across the room, Mr. King’s gaze snapped to them like a hawk spotting prey.
His eyes darkened as he took in the sight of Ryan’s hand resting possessively on the small of Anna’s back.
Then he saw the kiss Ryan planted on her cheek.
His jaw clenched.
His chest rose and fell once, sharply.
A storm brewed behind his eyes.
The room was loud, but all he could hear was the blood roaring in his ears.
His grip tightened around the glass in his hand until his knuckles whitened.
Fatima was still talking beside him, smiling like nothing was wrong, completely unaware that the man standing next to her was no longer present in that moment.
Ana laughed at something Ryan said.
It was soft, easy, and real, the kind of laugh she used to give him.
Mr. Kingd’s face turned unreadable.
Ice-cold.
His gaze sharpened like a blade.
His tie suddenly felt like a noose.
He tugged at it once, slowly, and exhaled through his nose,.
Fuck what was that feeling he was feeling all of sudden
T.....B.....
.......C
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