Chapter 6: Tension

(Anna’s POV)

I looked closely at Alex’s face and saw his jaw tighten a little. 

His eyes flickered, and for the first time since morning, he looked… Uncomfortable.

But why?

“I… well…” he started, then stopped. He cleared his throat. “Robert.”

I blinked. “Robert?”

“Yes. Your chauffeur, Robert.” He said looking a bit nervous.

“He followed you. To the club. He was worried about you going alone that late, so he stayed outside. Waiting.”

Robert dear, he must have been worried about me after I ran off like that in the middle of the night.

“When I brought you outside, he was there. He knew me. We’ve met before at family events. He seemed worried. Said you left your purse with him and ran off."

"He told me who you were and helped me get you safely in the car before I cleaned up and we drove home." Alex quickly explained.

Something inside me relaxed.

I didn’t know why, but I felt relieved.

“Robert…” I breathed out softly. “He always worries too much.”

A small, weak smile touched my lips.

“I need to thank him,” I said quietly. “And apologize for worrying him.”

“I’m sure he’ll just be happy you’re okay,” Alex said softly.

“Thank you,” I said quietly. “For taking care of me.”

“It was nothing,” he said after a moment.

But it didn’t feel like nothing.

I quickly shook my head, trying to push away the uncomfortable thoughts.

I took another sip of my tea, then looked at him again.

“So...how long will you be staying?” I asked desperate to change the topic. 

He leaned back slightly in the chair.

"A month," he said. "I've taken leave from my current projects and cleared my schedule. "

My eyes widened a little.

“One month?”

“Yes,” he nodded. “I missed your wedding because I was sick. So I decided to come visit and spend some time with family.”

Hearing that he would be staying for a month made my heart skip and stomach flutter awkwardly.

"Besides Richard mentioned he has some important developments happening with the company, and I thought it would be a good to be here."

"That's... that's nice," I managed to say. "I'm sure Richard will appreciate having you here."

He simply shrugged.

“So how is your health now?”

He gave a small smile. “I’m fine,” he replied. “Much better.”

“You’re sure? I heard it was critical. Is it true?” I asked.

His expression softened. "Yes it was..." He looked far off in thought then quickly got himself.

"But I'm very fine now Anna. Thank you for asking."

The way he said my name, I've never heard anyone call it like that.

So soft and warm...it made my heart skip.

I studied his face for a moment and couldn't help but notice the grey strand of hair that framed his handsome face.

It made him look alluring in a very dangerous way.

His gaze suddenly shifted to me and I quickly looked away when he caught me staring.

He chuckled lightly.

“So what about you?” he asked.

“Me?”

“Yes. “What are your plans today?” he asked. “Do you have work or meetings?”

I almost laughed.

“No,” I said.

His frown grew deeper. “What about your job?”

“I don’t work,” I said quietly.

He looked surprised. “You don’t work at all?”

I shook my head.

“But why? You’re young and educated. Richard said you studied business and marketing strategy and you worked before marriage.”

"After we got married, he said it wouldn't look right. The wife of Richard Anderson working for some small marketing firm. It would seem like he couldn't provide for me." 

*It reflects poorly on me, Anna. You understand that, don't you?* He would say each time I brought up the topic of working.

"So you quit," Alex said.

“Yes,” I said. “I thought I could work from home. But he also refused. He said my job was to take care of the house, attend events, and maintain our public image.”

“So you do nothing,” Alex said, sounding a bit disappointed.

“I do a lot,” I said quickly. “I manage the staff. I plan events. I attend dinners and charity events. I keep relationships with other wives—”

“Anna—”

Before he could continue, the door suddenly opened.

I flinched slightly.

It was Margaret.

“Sir,” she said, looking at Alex. “Mr. Richard is asking to see you. He said it’s urgent.”

Alex's jaw tightened slightly, but he nodded. "Of course. Tell him I'll be right down."

Margaret left, closing the door softly behind her.

Alex stood, and I felt a strange sense of loss at the distance that immediately opened between us.

"I should go see what Richard needs," he said, then paused, looking at me with an intensity that made my breath hitch. 

"In the meantime you should get ready."

I blinked. "Ready for what?"

"Tennis," he said simply.

I stared at him like he had suggested we fly to the moon.

"Tennis?" I repeated stupidly.

"Yes. There's a country club not far from here. Beautiful courts. I thought we could play a game this afternoon."

"I... I don't play tennis," I stammered. "I mean, I know the rules, I've watched plenty of games, but I've never actually—"

"Then it's time you played," Alex said with a smile. "I'll teach you. It'll be fun."

Fun. 

When was the last time I'd done something just for fun?

"But I'm grounded," I said, the word tasting bitter on my tongue. 

"Richard said I can't leave the house without his permission."

Something dangerous flashed across Alex's face. 

“I’m giving you permission,” Alex said firmly. “And unless Richard wants to argue with me, he won’t stop you.”

I felt a strange surge of adrenaline rush through me.

This was the first time someone was standing up to Richard on my behalf.

"Okay," I heard myself say. "Okay, I'll... I'll get ready."

Alex's smile widened, and that was when I noticed a soft dimple on his left cheek that though I didn't want to admit made him even more attractive.

"Good. Wear something comfortable, sports wear to be precise. I'll handle Richard."

And then he was gone, leaving me sitting on my bed, my tea already turned cold and my heart beating faster than it had in years.

Then I stood up slowly.

My body felt light. Almost like I had been asleep for years and just woke up.

I quickly rushed to the bathroom and had the fastest shower of my entire life.

For the first time in five years, I was going to do something I actually wanted to do.

I was going to play tennis.

But what if Richard blatantly disagrees with his father?

I tried not to think about that and quickly dried off, pulling on one of the expensive tennis outfits that I usually wear to accompany Richard to his tennis games with business associates. 

I would stand on the sidelines with the other wives, sipping mimosas and discussing charity events while the men played.

I'd never actually stepped on the court myself.

But I'd wanted to, so many times.

I had begged Richard in the past to let me play but his answers were always the same.

*That's not appropriate, Anna. You're here to socialize, not to play.*

I eventually gave up asking as it was pointless.

I ripped the five thousand dollars tag from the dress and put it on.

The fabric felt lighter against my skin.

I didn't have proper tennis shoes for playing, but I had designer sneakers that would have to do. 

I pulled my hair back into a ponytail, applied minimal makeup and looked at myself in the mirror.

My lips curved into a small smile.

“I’m really doing this…” I whispered.

Just then the door flew open.

My body froze and I turned around slowly.

It was Richard.

His eyes traveled over my outfit and he looked genuinely surprised.

"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice cold.

My heart skipped.

"I have no tennis games scheduled today, so why are you dressed like that?" He continued, now slowly advancing towards me.

I opened my mouth to answer, but no words came out.

Before I could say anything a deep voice responded from behind him.

“She’s going with me.”