Anna's POV
New beginnings frighten me a lot and I wonder if it frightens other people too. I am frightened of fresh beginnings because I have no idea how it will end and turn out.
Am I weird because I am scared of a new beginning?
Aidan's statement left me with my mouth agape. I thought we were beginning to be civil with each other.
He was calm and gentle a few minutes ago and now he is back to being harsh, arrogant, and rude? I never said I wanted him, why is he making it too obvious that I am unwanted?
I didn't say all of that because I am expecting us to fall in love with each other, I am only trying to see that things don't turn out to be messy on the long run. I am having a second doubt about sticking to Pamela's suggestion. I don't fucking care about what he thinks anymore. He can go to hell for all I care.
The massive gate before us opens and he drives
Aidan's POVI can remember my mother said father shouldn't know about Anna yet until our plan has been executed and that plan will be executed on the award night. Mother and I have a lot to talk about but we couldn't talk because of the presence of Anna.From what we discussed with mother the last time, I need to pretend like I want Tessa too but I know it is going to be hard doing that since I hate pretense. If I let my father think I am agreeing to his term, he will tell Tessa's father and they will help me. But if I don't, I won't get any help even though I wish I can get the help from somewhere else and not from my selfish, monstrous father.Now I remember my mother's bandaged arm as I stand with Anna by the doorway. I want to rush to him and punch the living hell out of my father but I know I can't. I need to control myself. I need to be calm so I won't ruin things way too fast. I seriously need to get my mother out
Anna's POVAFTER THREE WEEKSI used to think rich people have it all and the poor are the unfortunate ones meant to have one problem or the other that they are to solve every single day of their lives, most of which has to do with their finances.My thinking now has changed, ever since the day I visited Aidan's parents and I got to meet his mother and his father. Aidan is a billionaire but he has his unfair share of life challenges.Despite his wealth, his mother is crippled and bedridden and I can sense that all is not well in their home. I am quick-witted, it was easy to detect that Aidan is not on good terms with his father and his father is one of the reasons why he wants us to be married.
Anna's POV The horn of his car is louder now. This is the second time he is honking, I know he doesn't want to come in. I am done with my make-up and dressing up for more than ten minutes now. But I have been staring at the mirror, doing nothing other than admiring myself and thinking about what the future holds for me. When Aidan honks his car again from outside, I know it is time to go before I get on his bad side on a special day like this. I stand up from the small stool facing my mirror and watch myself in the mirror for a while. My new hairstyle is Teased Chignon with tendrils and my red high-end flowing evening party dress is glowing. I am wearing black stiletto heels and black stone earrings. Mother had specifically picked this particular dress out of the five dresses I got for the party. I did my make-up myself and I am proud of the result. I take a deep breath and pick up my black shiny purse from the table before moving out of my bedroom. I am taking a step at a time
Tessa's POVAidan is not picking up his calls. I am going crazy with fear and anger. I am trying to calm myself down as I pace the floor of my room with the phone glued to my ears.I am already dressed and I can't think of one single reason why he hasn't come to pick me up. Why can't he send his driver if he is busy?He sent me the dress I am wearing and I can't even wait for him to see me in it. I have a new hairstyle and I have glamorous makeup on my face.I don't want to go alone because I want us to go to the party together. This is my plan and that of Trevor's. Besides, Aidan also said the same thing yesterday and this morning and now I can't think of anything.
Anna's POVThe hall is silent, everyone is watching the host on the podium, waiting patiently for the announcement of the top 10 best businessman and newest billionaires in New York. I can see the fear and anxiety in Aidan's face, even though he is trying to hide it. I can see through him.I can see Julian's table from where we sit. I can also see his father watching us at intervals, there is a pretty lady beside him.When Aidan and I entered with my arms intertwined with his, the flashes from the media's camera were enough to intensify my anxiety. Aidan told me not to answer any questions and I was obeying him.When we entered the big hall, I wished for the ground to open so I could go in. My breathing seized because of the large crowd. I was panicking.I have never been in a place where there are so many people like this.Aidan noticed it
Aidan's POVSaying I am happy sounds like an understatement. I am over the moon and I feel fulfilled.Even though I know my father will think I won because of him and Julian, I am going to prove them wrong. Their help didn't take me anywhere.Justine prevailed. I won and Damien lost.After presenting my speech and appreciation to the people who stood by me, I was given another standing ovation. I didn't mention my father and I did that on purpose. I only mentioned the one absent person but I was sure she was watching my success from home.My mother! She stood by me, she sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am today.Even without her legs, she supported me and gave me strength. When I want to give up, she is the one I always run to, she gives me a shoulder to lean on and she keeps telling me my success is close at hand.
Tessa's POV I am a strong woman and I won't let anything break me down, not even Aidan. After crying for a while at home, I decided to come to see things for myself and here I am. I reapplied my makeup and asked the driver to drive me to the party with Zoe who was looking at me with pity. I don't need any pity. Aidan has just trampled upon me and I am going to deal with the idiot, I no longer care if he is the man I love or not. I am no longer here in the event because of Aidan, he is no longer the reason why I am here. I am here to satisfy my curiosity, I want to see the girl Aidan brought to the party in place of me. I want to see the person that took my place. I want to see how worthy she is. I want to see who she is and what she is. That will determine my next line of action. I ask the driver to drop me off at a little distance away from the entrance and I take bold steps out of the car when it comes to a stop. I didn't wait for Zoe before walking to the back of the hall. I
Anna's POVAfter Aidan left, I sit quietly taking into consideration the warnings he pointed out to me on our way here. I don't want to get on his bad side and get him angry on a day like this. I want to stay put and wait till he is back, hoping the meeting with his father won't turn out bad.There are few people left in the hall now and everyone seems to be chatting with other people. The people on the dance floor have stopped dancing and the music is off. I can see some people going to the buffet to get their food.My stomach rumbles at the instant and I shut my eyes to ward my hunger off. I can't eat without Aidan here. I feel unprotected without him here and I feel everyone seems to be looking at me, those I know and even those that I don't know.&nbs