Semua Bab The Price Of Us: Bab 91 - Bab 100

ANNA POV.For a long beat, I just stood there, watching Sophie’s face twist in rage, her chest heaving like she couldn’t breathe.And then—I laughed.I threw my head back, a rich, throaty laugh that filled her cramped little apartment. “Oh, Sophie,” I said, shaking my head like I was indulging a child. “You really are delusional, aren’t you?”Her eyes narrowed, her hand still clutching her cheek. “I’m not delusional,” she hissed. “You’re the one living in a fantasy. He wants me. He’s always wanted me. He’s just too guilty to admit it.”I let my eyes drag over her again, slow and scathing, from her messy bun to her cheap little robe. I crossed my arms and tilted my head, savoring every word. “Do you honestly think—” I gave a soft, mocking laugh, “—that you are his endgame? Honey… you’re just a pit stop. A distraction. A cheap thrill. If that.”Sophie’s face turned red, her hands curling into fists at her sides. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. He’s with you because of obliga

ANNA POV.And just like that, it all came crashing down.I sat there, staring at him—his eyes wet, his voice cracking, hands gripping my thighs like he was drowning. But I wasn’t even really seeing him. My mind was spinning, heart racing, pieces snapping together in this ugly, jagged puzzle I didn’t want to solve.That night.The memory slammed into me like a freight train. The night he came home late—eyes avoiding mine, shoulders tense, voice clipped and distant. I'd asked if everything was okay, and he brushed me off, saying he was tired.And the smell.God, I remembered it now—the faint, cloying scent of perfume on his shirt when I hugged him, one I didn’t recognize, one that made my stomach turn even then. But I’d swallowed my gut feeling. I’d told myself I was overthinking, that I was insecure, and paranoid.But I wasn’t.I choked on a sob, my hand flying to my mouth as the realization crushed me. “Oh my God,” I whispered, shaking my head, tears spilling fast now. “You came hom

ANNA POV.I couldn’t stop smiling. My heart felt light, my body buzzing with happiness like I’d been holding my breath for weeks and was finally breathing again.Santorini.Just the thought of it made me giddy. I twirled around the living room, fingers brushing the new diamond chain around my neck, the sparkle catching the light. The flowers Jace brought were sitting in a vase now, filling the room with their fresh, calming scent.I needed to tell someone.I grabbed my phone and tapped Teresa’s name, my hands shaking with excitement. She picked up on the second ring.“Anna! My love!” she greeted, her voice warm and familiar. “What’s going on?”“Teresa!” I practically squealed, flopping onto the couch. “You will not believe the past two days I’ve had.”“Oh no.” She gasped. “What happened? Are you okay?”I laughed, the sound bubbling out of me. “I’m more than okay. But it was crazy. Let me tell you everything.”And I did. I spilled it all—starting from the moment I stormed over to Soph

ANNA POV.We’d been exploring Santorini for hours, walking hand-in-hand down winding cobblestone streets, the sun casting long shadows as it began its descent toward the horizon. The sky had transformed into a gradient of gold and purple, the soft hues reflecting off the whitewashed buildings, making everything feel like a dream. Nathan was in his stroller, his chubby hands reaching out to catch the warm breeze, his little giggles filling the air with joy.I had almost forgotten how beautiful this place was—how much we needed this escape. The stress of everything that had happened back in Auckland felt like a distant memory. It was just us here, in this perfect little bubble, exploring a place so far removed from everything.Jace was beside me, looking every bit as radiant as the scenery around us. I could see the way he looked at me, like I was the only thing in the world that mattered, and it made my chest tighten with a mix of love and gratitude.We stopped for a moment, leaning

ANNA POVThe months seemed to fly by in a blur of laughter, cuddles, and sleepless nights that somehow still felt magical. Before I knew it, I was standing in Nathan’s nursery, staring down at my little boy who was fast asleep, his chest rising and falling gently, his tiny lips parted. My heart clenched with so much love I thought I might burst.Tomorrow… my baby would be one.It didn’t even feel real. I traced his soft cheek with my finger, whispering, “Where did the time go, little love?”The house was buzzing with quiet excitement. Jace had gone completely overboard—of course. We were planning the grandest first birthday party anyone had ever seen. Balloons, cakes, themed decorations, entertainers, even a petting zoo in the backyard. I kept teasing him, telling him Nathan wouldn’t even remember it, but deep down, I loved how invested Jace was. It meant everything to me.I wandered down to the living room, where the last of the decorations had been set up. The place looked magic