003: Caught In The Trap

ANYA

I couldn’t decide what was worse: the fact that Cross wanted nothing to do with me or that Hunter Steele, of all people, had decided I was going to be his wife.

My chest tightened as the memory of Hunter’s kiss flashed through my mind. I wiped my lips again, as though I could erase the feeling.

"Oh, Cross," I thought miserably. "What can I do to win you back? You were the one who told me to approach Hunter Steele. I only did it for you, but now I’m the one paying the price."

My phone felt heavy in my hand as I scrolled to Cross’s number. Desperation gnawed at me. I just needed to explain, to tell him what really happened. Maybe if he listened, he would forgive me. But when I called, the automated voice informed me that my number had been blocked.

The rejection hit me like a slap. My heart felt like it was being ripped apart. I still remembered the look on his face before he walked out of the bar....the disgust in his eyes, the finality in his voice. And the stares of everyone else in the room as they watched me leave, their expressions a mix of pity and amusement.

I didn’t even know how I managed to get home last night. Everything was a blur. All I knew was that when I slipped into my room, the silence felt heavier than ever. I thought sleep might be a refuge, but it eluded me. My mind was a storm of guilt, confusion, and fear.

After hours of tossing and turning, I came to a decision. I had to find Hunter Steele. I would tell him the truth....that I didn’t mean any of it.....and beg him to let me go. It was wrong to marry him when my heart belonged entirely to Cross.

The thought of facing Hunter sent a shiver down my spine, but I couldn’t wait for him to come to me. I had to stop this before it was too late.

I got up early, showered quickly, and was about to leave when my phone buzzed. It was my best friend, Evans Moore.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” he greeted cheerfully.

“I can’t talk right now, Evans,” I said, cutting him off. “I have too much going on.” Without waiting for a reply, I hung up.

Grabbing my bag, I hurried downstairs, but I stopped short when I saw my entire family waiting in the living room. It wasn’t even six in the morning. What were they doing up so early?

“Congratulations!” my brother Mark exclaimed, leaping up to hug me. “Soon-to-be Mrs. Steele, huh? You finally did something that makes me proud to call you my sister. Honestly, I thought you’d never get over that loser Cross.”

His words hit me like a slap. I was already on edge, and hearing him insult Cross was too much. Before I knew it, I raised my hand to hit him.

“Anya!” my dad barked, his tone sharp. I froze and lowered my hand immediately.

“I know Hunter Steele is the richest man in the country,” my dad said, his voice stern, “but you shouldn’t have taken such a reckless risk. What if he’d hurt you?”

“It doesn’t matter now,” my mom interjected. “The news is everywhere. Everyone knows you’re marrying Hunter Steele today. Don’t you plan to invite your parents to your wedding?”

Her words felt like a punch to the gut. I dropped to my knees, tears streaming down my face.

“Mom, Dad, you have to help me!” I sobbed. “I can’t marry that man. I’ll die if I have to be separated from Cross.” Yes, my undying love for Cross was not exactly a secret to my family.

My dad frowned, clearly confused. “Anya, you proposed to Hunter Steele. You seemed perfectly aware of what you were doing. Why are you panicking now? Let me warn you, Hunter is not someone to mess with.”

I folded my hands, crying harder. “I didn’t mean it!” I wailed. “I never thought he’d say yes. I only did it because Cross asked me to prove my love for him. I thought Hunter would just humiliate me and walk away, but instead, he declared he’d marry me. I don’t want this! Please, help me!”

My mom and dad exchanged a worried glance, but before either of them could speak, a voice from behind me cut through the room like ice.

“How dare you?”

I froze.

Turning slowly, I saw Hunter Steele standing in the doorway. His sharp suit and imposing figure made him look even more intimidating than I remembered. His eyes burned with anger, and his jaw was set in a way that sent chills down my spine.