Chapter 2 : My Visit to Anthony’s home

I sat in the living room of the apartment that Anthony had gotten for us and whispered a “thank you” for his presence.

He did as he had promised - cleared the debts and got us a new apartment. Today, he sent a box and I stared endlessly before I opened it.

Staring at the red gown and silvery accessories that Anthony had sent me. Could this be happening? Just three days ago, my life was a mess and now everything had changed. I quickly opened the box and read the note – “Get dressed, pick you up by 4 pm." I looked at the clock and realized I only had an hour to get ready.

Rushing to my room, I quickly put on the gorgeous gown, slipped into the silvery shoes, and added the accessories.

When I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but smile. I felt beautiful, confident, and excited about whatever Anthony had planned for us.

As I stood in front of the mirror, admiring myself, I heard a car honk outside. I looked out the window and saw Anthony standing by his car, looking as handsome as ever. I quickly grabbed my purse and headed out to meet him.

As I approached the car, Anthony's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, Catherine, you look absolutely stunning," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

I blushed at his compliment and replied, "Thank you, Anthony. You look pretty handsome yourself in those office pants and white shirt."

He smiled and opened the door for me, gesturing for me to get in. As we drove off, I couldn't help but steal glances at him. There was something different about him  – he seemed more relaxed, more open, and it made me wonder if this was his way of showing me how much he cared.

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Anthony finally spoke, his voice soft and gentle. "Catherine, I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the chance to prove that I could be a better person. You've changed my life in ways I never thought possible."

“How?” 

“I wasn't raised to be nice,” he said and smirked. “I was raised to bully people with the entity that I grew up with - money. My father told me it's the heart of business and politics. To use what you have to oppress others. While my mother told me money builds connections, and that I should only mingle with the rich. But there you are, an epitome of kindness.”

I turned to him, a smile playing on my lips. "And you've changed mine, Anthony. I never imagined that someone like you would come into my life and make such a difference. You have stopped so low to…”

“I didn't stoop low. I did what I was meant to do. What was meant to be,” he cut in.

He reached out and took my hand in his, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "I care about you, Catherine. More than I ever thought I could care about anyone. I want to make you happy, to show you how much you mean to me."

I felt my heart skip a beat as his words sank in. Was this love? Could it be possible that we had found something special in each other in such a short amount of time? I didn't have all the answers, but at that moment, all I knew was that I wanted to be with Anthony to see where this could lead us.

“Where are we going?”

“To see my mother,” he answered.

Suddenly, my heart skipped a beat. He had just talked about his mother and how declaring she could be. To see her? “Why?”

“Don't you want to meet my parents? I have met yours, remember?”

As we drove up the long, winding driveway to the Moyes Mansion, my heart began to race with nervous excitement.

The grand estate loomed before us, its towering pillars and sprawling gardens a testament to the wealth and power of the family who lived there.

I couldn't help but feel small and insignificant as we approached the front gates, the meticulously manicured hedges and colorful flowers creating a sense of opulence and grandeur that made my heart beat even faster.

Anthony must have noticed my unease because he reached over and squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Catherina," he said softly. "My mother can be a bit intimidating, but she's going to love you."

I tried to muster a smile as we pulled up to the front entrance, the massive oak doors swinging open to reveal a grand foyer lined with marble statues and crystal chandeliers. I felt like I was stepping into a fairy tale, except in this story, I was the humble peasant girl surrounded by royalty.

As we made our way through the mansion, I couldn't help but feel like an imposter in such a lavish setting. The ornate furniture, rich tapestries, and priceless art that adorned the walls only served to highlight my modest upbringing. I couldn't help but wonder if a girl like me could ever truly belong in a place like this.

"Please, Anthony, can we come back later?" I whispered to Anthony, my voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Not a chance, Catherina. You're here to meet my mother, and I already told her I was bringing someone.”

My heart skipped a beat as we approached a set of double doors that led to the drawing room. Anthony gave me a reassuring smile before pushing them open, revealing a woman seated on a plush velvet sofa, her perfectly coiffed hair and designer gown a stark contrast to my simple attire.

Beside her was another woman dressed in an elaborate gown. 

“Mother,” Anthony called and strolled with open hands towards her.

I could see Mrs Moyes trying to see behind him, to look at me and I couldn't read the expression on her face. “Madam Cash,” Anthony said after he greeted his mother and turned to the other woman seated in the opposite chair where his mother sat.

The woman rolled her eyes on me and relaxed on the chair with her hands slightly covering her mouth, she was clearly chuckling.

"Mother, this is Catherina," Anthony said, gesturing towards me with pride.

I felt my palms grow clammy as Mrs. Moyes turned her gaze towards me, her piercing blue eyes taking in every detail of my appearance. I couldn't help but feel self-conscious under her scrutiny, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Moyes," I stammered, extending a trembling hand toward her.

She studied me for a moment, her expression unreadable, before finally offering me a small smile. "The pleasure is mine, Catherina….”

“Kent,” I added.

“Oh, Kent, Kent of WaterView isn't it? Minister Kent? she asked.

“No Mother, she is…”

“Hush, Anthony. I hope you know you can't bring a nobody into this house…”

She said and the other girl laughed. I knew it would come to this. A test of my personality. I remained there, riveted on the spot as I anticipated what Mrs Moyes would do to me.