Chapter 1

Introduction

Chapter 1

Anastasia's POV

When I reached the door of Dave’s condo, I pressed the numbers that made up the password. I was carrying a box of cookies.

“0-4-2-7,” I recited as I punched in the numbers, smiling when the door opened.

The password was still the date of our anniversary — April 27 — and Dave still hadn’t changed it. He really does love me.

Upon entering, I headed straight to the kitchen to place the cookies I had made for him on the table.

Dave is my boyfriend of three years. We were already planning to get married next month. Just thinking about it made me giddy — I would finally become Mrs. Santiago.

I gently held my tummy. Dave would surely be thrilled once he found out that we were expecting. The doctor even said we were having twins.

After placing the cookies on the table, I made my way to Dave’s bedroom. I was about to knock when I heard a woman's moan. My heart immediately filled with anxiety. Without thinking, I pushed the door open — and there she was: my best friend, Katrina, completely naked and on top of Dave, who was also naked.

"Ughhh, Dave, ughhh, shìt," Katrina moaned my boyfriend’s name while riding him.

I was stunned and felt all strength drain from my body.

Was Dave the boyfriend Katrina had been talking about for the past four months?

What a huge mistake it was to introduce my best friend to Dave.

She had stolen him from me.

The pain was unbearable — two of the most important people in my life had betrayed me.

I let out a loud sob, finally catching their attention.

“A-Ana...” Dave stammered in shock.

“A-Ana...” they both echoed, their faces pale.

Tears streamed down my face.

"Why did you deceive me? You monsters! How could you do this to me?" I screamed.

I looked straight into Dave’s eyes.

"Why did you betray me, Dave? If I wasn't enough, you could’ve just told me — not go looking for someone else!" I cried uncontrollably.

"Ana, let me explain," Dave said hurriedly. "Me and Kat are—"

"Explain what, Dave? I can already see everything I need to know!" I cut him off harshly.

Dave looked like he wanted to say more; I could see sadness and regret in his eyes.

Part of me wanted to hear him out, but my anger drowned all those feelings.

Then Katrina spoke up.

"Sorry, Ana... Dave and I love each other now — and he’s going to be a dad. I'm pregnant," she said.

That pushed me over the edge.

Dave clenched his fists.

"Stop it, Katrina!" he snapped, turning to me. "Don't believe her, Ana," he pleaded.

"Oh really? You two already made a baby? You’re unbelievable, Kat!" I screamed.

I stormed over to my so-called best friend and slapped her hard across the face.

She could only stare at me in shock, holding her cheek.

When I turned back to Dave, I laughed bitterly.

"Hahaha... This is hilarious, isn’t it? I came here to surprise you, Dave. I was going to say, ‘Love, you’re going to be a daddy, I’m pregnant,’ but instead, I got the surprise of my life. And what’s worse, it’s with my best friend!" I shouted right at his face.

He glanced at Katrina.

"Was she good, Kat?" I asked her sharply.

Then I turned to Dave again.

"And you, Dave? Was it good having sex with my best friend?"

Dave couldn't answer.

I pointed a finger at him.

"Remember this — I will never forgive what you did to me. I thought I was enough for you, but I wasn’t. Don’t you ever show yourself to me or to your supposed child, because you're dead to me!"

After yelling at Dave, I pointed at Katrina.

"And you, Kat — you're nothing but a snake to me now!"

They both swallowed hard.

"Remember this — if we ever cross paths again, you’ll regret ever making a fool out of me!" I declared, wiping my tears away.

Dave took a deep breath.

"Love, please listen, you know how much I love you, rig—"

"Enough! You two betrayed me! Do you even know how painful this is for me? It’s unbearable!" I said in a cold, emotionless tone.

"You’re a traitor, Dave!"

"No, no, no — she seduced me, Ana! Please listen!" Dave tried to explain.

I shook my head.

"Is that really a good enough excuse, Dave? Even if you loved me, you still gave in to her. That just proves you never truly loved me," I said before turning to Katrina.

"By the way, Kat..."

SMACK!

I slapped her hard again.

She was stunned.

"That’s for betraying me," I said sharply. "And this is so your face gets a little messed up!"

I pushed her onto the bed and grabbed her hair.

Dave quickly pulled me away.

"Please, Ana, stop! Katrina’s pregnant — you might hurt the baby!" he said in panic.

I smiled bitterly.

"Really? Are you even sure that baby is yours? Tsk... you don't even really know her," I chuckled coldly.

I focused on Katrina.

"Be careful, Kat. You know very well what I’m capable of, and you know what I hate the most. I’ll make sure your company goes bankrupt," I warned her.

Her face paled.

I stood up and looked at them one last time.

"From now on, think of it as if Anastasia Clinton never existed. From this day forward, you are my mortal enemies," I declared.

Then I turned to Dave.

"Thank you for the gift, Dave Santiago. I will treasure it — more than my life itself," I said, placing a hand on my belly, referring to the child I was carrying.

I walked away from them.

I heard Dave calling after me, but I didn’t look back.

I pulled out my phone.

"Hello, Tanya? Please pack my things. I’m leaving the country. Prepare the private plane as well. Thanks," I instructed my trusted PA.

I smiled bitterly.

At least, I still had one friend I could truly rely on.

I cradled my stomach.

I will raise my twins and give them the best life possible — even if I have to do it alone.