No way out

Walker Mansion....

The Walker mansion was unusually quiet.

The long dining table that could seat more than twenty people was already set for dinner. Crystal glasses sparkled beneath the chandelier, and the aroma of expensive meals filled the room.

Yet no one reached for their cutlery.

They were waiting.

The black SUV stopped in front of the entrance.

The front door opened.

Slow, measured footsteps echoed through the mansion.

Damien Walker walked in without the slightest sign of panic, his black suit sleek as ever.

His face was void of any particular emotion.

Every pair of eyes in the dining room followed him.

Some with concern.

Some with curiosity.

And a few with satisfaction.

Damien glanced around the table before pulling out a chair.

"You wanted to see me."

"Is that all you have to say?" His father said.

"I'm sure you know the reason why we wanted to see you." His stepmother added.

"The food is getting cold." Grandpa said quietly.

"Eat." The older man ordered.

The whole room fell into silence as they all started eating.

After eating, the servants cleared out the dishes.

"Tell me, Damien. What exactly is going on?" The older man asked. His voice a little stern, even though he was worried about his grandson.

"I'm taking care of it, grandpa."

"What? Taking care of what exactly? Did you see how the stocks dropped?" Jessica spat.

"It is your personal life. We don't care how you choose to live, but don't drag this family's name through the mud. Your father and grandfather spent decades building this company."

"Damien, this is a very huge blow to our reputation and business. I can't believe you're not even saying anything reasonable" his father spoke with disappointment

"What can he say? The pictures are not fake. I'm so ashamed."

"Jessica!!"

Grandpa stood up from his seat.

"By tomorrow, I expect this disgrace to be over."

He walked away leaving the rest of his family at the table.

Dean Walker got up too. He left with out saying a word.

"You see the problems you're causing for this family."

Damien walked out of the dining hall leaving his so-called mother.

She clenched her fists.

"That arrogant boy."

She finally stood and headed for her room.

"No one suspects anything?" Katherine asked after closing the bedroom door.

Martin smiled

"No darling."

A sigh of relief washed over her.

"Don't worry. They're too busy cleaning up the mess."

Hours later, Damien stepped out of his room to get coffee from the kitchen.

"Damien."

He stopped but didn't turn immediately.

"Congratulations," she said quietly. "You've managed to become the talk of the country."

He finally looked at her.

"Is there something you need?"

"I just wanted to see if the great Damien Walker finally knows what humiliation feels like." Mockery laced in her voice

A faint smile tugged at Damien's lips, but there was no warmth in it.

"You should show that concern towards your husband."

He walked away, leaving her standing there.

Roxy Apartments....

Anastasia finally arrived at the front of the apartment door, after taking the wrong turn twice.

Windy welcomed her immediately she opened the door.

She bent down to pat windy.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry Windy." She realized she had forgotten to leave food or water for windy.

She looked at the windy who was still coddling her. Her heart sank. Realization hitting her.

Her tears rolled down her cheeks.

This time, she cried harder than she had in a long while.

The morning sun pierced through Anna's curtain, stirring her from her sleep.

Her eyes were puffy from crying last night

She got ready for the day. She was going to see a legal adviser for the matter at hand.

She made sure she didn't forget to fill Windy's plate with food and water.

The sudden knock on her door startled her.

"Who is that?"

"Open the door, Anastasia."

That voice, it definitely belonged to her landlord. She rushed to the door, fixed her appearance.

"Good morning Sir," She gave the man a bright smile.

"There is nothing good about this morning. Your rent is a month due."

"Sorry Sir, I'll get it to you before the week runs out I promise."

"Well, I just came to inform you that I have someone on ground already. The new tenant is moving in a week's time unless you manage to pay before then." The man said

"What, sir you can't just give out my room without my consent"

"You have been avoiding me, how do you expect me to tell you."

"Well, I explained the situation and I asked for a week so if you pay then you get to keep your room" he added

Anastasia was dumbfounded.

All these problems, they were too much to bear. Her deposit for her college loan was this week too.

"Jail shouldn't be a bad idea. At least I'll be free from these debts."

Who was she kidding? Her mother and brother would be next in line to suffer.

She would never allow something like that. Her mother's restaurant could barely assist their daily lives.

"Ann" Kelly called out

"Kelly?"

"You came. When did you come?"

"I arrived early this morning. You didn't think I'll let you fight this on your own now do you?"

"Thank you" She hugged her tightly.

Legacy Law Firm....

"I'm sorry miss Anastasia, but there is nothing you can do at this point."

"What do you mean by that Sir?" Kelly asked concerned.

"I'm sorry but there is no way out. If Walker Enterprises wants to go through with this."

"The best option here is a settlement and other condition they have." The advisor added.

They both walked out of the office. The evidence of their defeat and disappointment was clearly written all over their faces.

"I have to report to work Kelly."

"Oh yes Ann.We'll talk when you're back."

"I'm staying at yours for now."

Anastasia smiled. She was so grateful for having Kelly by her side.

Daily Prints.....

Anastasia walked into her office, she noticed the number of stares she received.

Her tiny heart squeezed. "Did they know?"

She went inside to meet her boss.

"Good morning Sir. I have something to tell you."

"There is no need for that."

"What?"

He handed her an envelope.

She opened it. The contents made her vision teary.

"I can explain Sir."

"Please leave Anastasia. We can't get involved in this matter. Walker Enterprises already sent a legal notice."

"I signed an NDA. Nobody knows the reason you're leaving."

"NDA?" She was totally confused.

"You're fired, Anastasia Hayes."

Those words echoed multiple times inside her head.

She placed her belongings inside the brown box.

Her colleagues looked at her with mixed feelings.

A notification popped up.

"You are to appear at Walker Enterprises tomorrow by 10:00 am without fail."

Her hands trembled around the phone.

Walker Enterprises.

Tomorrow.

Ten o'clock.

For the first time in her life..

Anastasia realized there was nowhere left to run.