Chapter Five: The Game has Started

At Hospital

"How is her condition, Doctor? When will she get the surgery?" Anastasia was praying in her mind for mercy. "God, please have mercy on my daughter"

"I am sorry, Ms. William. I can't help your daughter. Even if I do the surgery on her, she won't be able to stand on her feet." The doctor apologizes sadly.

Anastasia's heart ached in pain. "I can't see my daughter bound to that wheelchair forever. My daughter doesn't deserve it. Please help me lift the burden from my heart. Please tell me isn't there any way?" Tears rolled down her cheeks.

"There is a way" The doctor spoke up

"What is it? I will do anything for my daughter. Kindly please tell me what I need to do" Anastasia pleaded earnestly.

"She needs a bone marrow transplantation," The doctor said

"Then take mine. What are you waiting for?"

"I respect your emotion but I can't take yours. You didn't match with her. Ms. William, you need to bring the child's father. Only he can help Alina. You need to bring him as soon as possible. The time is running out of our hands. You have three months to bring him here" The doctor said

"Father!?" "Arthur!?

"He won't help me," Anastasia whispered when her eyes fell on her daughter, who was lying on the hospital bed. She looked almost lifeless.

Anastasia's eyes turned red in rage. "It doesn't matter whether he wants it or not. I will drag him here even if I have to kill him for that. The time had come. Now he has to pay for his unforgivable sins"

"I will bring him here. Please prepare everything for the operation" Anastasia spoke up coldly.

At Home

"What are you saying, dear?" Mr. William was shocked to hear this.

"I need to go back, Grandpa. I can't watch my daughter suffer and do nothing. I will bring him here. Alina needs him" Anastasia said in a broken tone.

"Dear, it is dangerous. You know him very well" Mrs. William was worried for her safety. She didn't want to lose her again.

"I know him, but he doesn't know this face. Anastasia Smith is dead, Grandma. Now I am Anastasia William. A top model. I want to join his rival company. Grandpa, please help me with that" Anastasia requested to his Grandfather.

"Alright then. Get ready for the hunt dear. Don't forget you are not alone in this game. You are William's only heir. Don't let anyone look down at you," Mr. William said, and Anastasia nodded at him.

"The Hunt Begins Now"

One Week Later

"Please save my babies" Anastasia's heart skipped a beat, and she opened her eyes. The nightmare frightened her.

“Mommy, did you have a nightmare again?” A soft voice asked from right next to her. Ethan saw his Mother crying and begging in her sleep almost every night. Every time she begged to save her babies.

Ethan didn't know what happened to his Mother in the past, but he bet it was horrible. His mother went through a lot.

He wants to find out everything and get revenge for hurting his mom.

It was only then that Anastasia realized that she had fallen asleep in her private jet and had dreamt about that terrifying day.

Five years had passed since that day but still she felt like it was tomorrow.

Anastasia looked down and met her son’s eyes full of worry. She felt sorry for making them worry about her. “I am fine, honey. The long flight has just tired me out. My back started hurting.”

Evan poured a warm cup of water for her. “Mommy, drink this. You will feel better once you drink it.”

Ethan closed the file his Mother was working on “Mommy stop working and lay on the bed. You have been working since we started the journey. You will feel better if you get some sleep comfortably on the bed”

Anastasia's heart melted at their care. "Why are they so cute?! Thank you, God", "Thank you for not taking them away from me"

Anastasia kissed their cheeks, “Honey, you both are my greatest blessing in life. Thank you for being strong for mommy"

Anastasia gulped down the water when Alina woke up.

"Mommy" Alina spoke up like a kitten. Anastasia looked at her beautiful daughter. She had beautiful big eyes. They are deep blue like the ocean.

"You are awake. Are you thirsty, honey?" Anastasia held her soft hand. Alina rubbed her eyes and then touched her legs.

Anastasia squashed the regret and sadness in her heart before she chuckled and said, “Don't worry, honey. Soon you will be able to stand on your feet?”

Alina smiled innocently hearing this."I want to run with my brothers," Alina spoke up in a dreamy voice.

"Sis, why don't you drink this warm milk? Mommy prepared this for you. Here, take this," Ethan handed the milk bottle to her.

"Thank you, Ethan" Alina spoke up softly. She took the bottle and started drinking.

Soon, the time passed, and the airplane reached New York.

Anastasia took her children to retrieve their luggage. Soon, Sara joined them. Lara is Anastasia's assistant.

"Mommy, why don't you stay here with Alina. Ethan and I will get our luggage" Evan said cutely.

Anastasia wanted to refuse, but looking at their faces, she stopped.

"Okay. But stay together and don't get any trouble," Anastasia knew her sons would never get lost. They are mature than their ages.

"Mommy" Alina rubbed her face against Anastasia's neck.

"Yes, honey. Do you want something?" Anastasia kissed her forehead.

"I want to pee," Alina said

Anastasia looked at Sara to tell her to wait here, but Sara spoke up, "Ma'am, I need to use the restroom too. I will take Alina. Please wait here"

Anastasia nodded and gave Alina to her. She trusted Sara. She is a good person.

Anastasia looked around the crowded airport. Suddenly, she spotted reporters.

"Oh, Shit.. How did they know about my coming?" Anastasia put on black sunglasses. She already had a mask on her face. Being a top model she has a huge fan base.

She didn't want to be recognized by them at the moment. Just then, the reporters shouted excitedly and started taking pictures.

Anastasia looked at the way and saw Ashley. She was waving her hands at the reporters. She had put on an innocent face and a gentle smile. Anyone could be fooled by it.

Anastasia's body started trembling in rage. She wanted to kill that woman.

"Come down, Anastasia. She doesn't deserve a simple death. She will pay deadly" Anastasia took out her phone to call Ethan and Sara to meet her outside the airport. She didn't want to take a risk standing there. She was afraid she would do something that could harm her plan.

Anastasia was about to leave when she bumped into someone. “I am sorry. I didn't see you. Are you okay?” Anastasia quickly looked up to apologize, but was instantly startled when she lifted her head.

It was her nightmare. The reason for her daughter's suffering?

It was Arthur George. Her long-forgotten Ex-husband.

Anastasia looked strictly at his eyes. His eyes were cold as before, but the difference was that she was not afraid of those eyes anymore.

"Look, where are you going, Mister?" Anastasia snapped at him. Disgust was clearly visible in her eyes, which didn't go unnoticed by Arthur.

Arthur's eyes turned red in anger. No one in this city dared to speak with him in that tone. Did this woman have a death wish? And why the hell is she showing a disgusting expression as if he is a nasty person?

"It was you who bumped into me like a shameless person. Now don't pretend that you didn't notice me. If you're here to get my attention, then get the hell out of here," Arthur said coldly.

He was already annoyed spotting reporters at the airport. He forbade Ashley from leaking this news of her returning, yet she did. And now this woman is making it worse.

"As if you don't have eyes to see. Don't try to play these dirty tricks on me. You may be handsome, but not enough to make me take a move on you. I don't have the cheap habit of using second-hand things." Anastasia was so angry and could not help but clench her fists.

Arthur's anger surged. He was about to say something when Ashley came there.

"Did you come to receive me, Arthur? I am so happy" Ashley hugged him happily. She wanted to show the world that Arthur George is hers.

Arthur pushed her away. "Noah, tell the driver to send her home"

"But, aren't we going to have lunch together?" Ashley was confused. What's the matter with him today? Why did he look so angry?" Ashley was wondering when she spotted Anastasia.

"Who are you?" Ashley asked her coldly. Jealousy was visible in her eyes. Although Anastasia had a mask on her face but it still couldn't hide her beauty.

"Just a passer-by," Anastasia looked at the culprit right before her, she was so eager to tear her face. "You will feel the same pain. I will make sure of it"

Excusing herself, Anastasia left from there.

Arthur looked at the woman and felt inexplicably angry for some unknown reason. And for some reason, he wanted to follow her. She looks so mysterious.

Ashley followed his gaze, and anger surged through her veins. "Who the hell is she?" Looking at Arthur's angry face she cursed that woman and left quietly.

"Mr. George, you have a meeting in an hour." Noah looked at his angry boss. He wondered who dared to piss off this lion.

“I will go to the washroom for a while,” Arthur said. He did not know what had happened to him. He was frustrated. He turned around and headed to the washroom with quick steps.

Arthur entered the washroom, twisted the water tap open, and splashed water on his face.

He was trying to calm himself down but failed badly. He looked at the mirror, his hair was drenched, and locks of hair were clinging to his forehead. His eyes with dark circles were filled with rage.

He came out and looked at Noah who was waiting outside for him.

"Find all the information on the woman," Arthur said as he walked out.