Chapter 5: The warning

Third person's POV - 

Liam saw all this from a distance and his jaw clenched as he knew his plan was failing. His hard-to-get strategy was not working anymore and he couldn't understand why Anastasia suddenly turned cold towards him. He remembered her stalking him around the whole day and trying to grab his attention. She had proposed just last week and he knew his plan was working. He had to do something and soon because the look he saw in Hades's eyes was the look of want and he knew he was no match against him. He was panicking and called Cordelia "This isn't working anymore babe, she's lost interest in me." Cordelia was calm, she was confident about Anastasia's fascination with Liam. She thought Liam was overreacting for a very minuscule thing. She assured him and asked him to try and keep approaching her. Maybe she was playing hard to get, to get his attention and it was working they thought. Cordelia was sitting near her dressing table looking at herself in the mirror in a daze and she smiled evilly "My dear sister I'll make sure you end up being Liam's wife one way or another" 

However, she didn't know that there was someone else, someone more powerful who wanted her as well. 

Hades reached his office, his mind occupied by a certain spitfire. Yes, that's what he called her 'A spitfire'. He could not understand why he was fascinated by someone who he had just met. He was crazy to approach her and act the way he did. He was always cold and ruthless unable to show emotions to anyone. Yet here he was chasing after a girl he just met. He decided to push her thoughts at the back of his mind and focus on the work, however, the more he tried to focus the more he pictured her face especially those eyes. Those eyes held pain and rage and it had increased more when the other guy had approached them. He realized there was more to it and wanted to investigate but then decided against it. He wanted to get to know her. He wanted to know what makes her happy, what makes her sad, he wanted to know everything about her. He realized he wanted her in every way possible. He made up his mind to make her his one way or another. 

Anastasia on the to hand was still restless with the events that unfolded that day. She couldn't process Liam's attitude, she wanted to throw her guts out whenever he was near. Then there was Hades 'wait, not Hades it's Mr. Shaw' she thought. Why was he behaving as if he wanted her? 'I liked his touch' she realized what she thought and brushed it away by slapping herself ' are you out of your mind Anastasia Kimberly, after everything you've been through you still want to like someone she reprimanded herself. As she entered her house lost in her thoughts she bumped into Cordelia " Ana I haven't seen you around, where have you been? I've missed spending time with you" There was a time she used to love spending time with her sister but now all she felt was hatred towards her and Liam. "I'm tired Cori I'm sorry, can we please do this later? I also have to prepare for the competition." Cordelia had a look of disbelief as she couldn't comprehend the sudden change in her sister's attitude. Liam was right she thought, something had changed and they needed to set the plan in motion as soon as possible.

Anastasia's Pov -

The next whole week I was busy preparing for the competition. I also decided to go to the company and take some insights from the designing department. Father was elated to see me there, he also proposed to start visiting more often to learn some work under his guidance after the competition was over. He was over the moon when I shared my plans with him. 

The day of the competition was finally here. I felt excited and nervous however I was confident I would win it this time. "Anaaaa" Ashley came running towards me and hugged me "All the best, I know you don't need it but I'm so nervous, there are so many people participating. I heard there are around 200 students that have participated and only 50 will be qualified for the next round. Thankgod I didn't participate, I would have had a panic attack" she kept rambling. The first round is crucial, we had to submit our designs for the dresses we'll be making in the next rounds with the details of the materials that would be used and the detailed thought process behind the design. After registration and submission, we headed home. The list of the top 50 would come out in two days so I was waiting patiently.

 I was walking towards my class when Liam approached "Hey Anastasia!" I had a bored expression when I looked at him. Oh How the tables have turned! "How are you ?" I raised an eyebrow "I'm late for my class so if you'll excuse me" saying I started walking without another glance but I guess he didn't get the hint. He grabbed my arm "I want to speak with you about something, could you please wait for a while?" I was getting frustrated, I crossed my hands "What do you want Mr.Arden? I don't have time for your nonsense" he was taken aback by the coldness in my voice as I could easily see the confusion on his face. "Just hear me out please!" He paused to see if I was willing to and when I didn't say anything he continued "Well I know that you've always loved me and how much of an asshole I have been to you but these past few weeks I've realized that I've had the same feelings for you, I just didn't want to accept it so I pushed you away. Look I'm sorry but I want to give us a chance and see where this goes." I was bemused because all I remembered was how I used to beg for him to love me back till he finally accepted me. "Nice speech Mr.Arden but I'm not interested" I was curt and walked away. I could see how dumbfounded he was with my response and I'm sure that was not what he expected. But I guess that wasn't enough, he followed me and pushed me against the lockers and trapped me "What the hell is wrong with you?" I shrieked. He looked as if he was ready to kill someone "Tell me, Ana, why are you not interested in me anymore? Is it that there's someone else who's pleasing you?" His face was close and he placed a kiss on my neck. I tried to push him but he was stronger. "Tell me who he is Ana? Is it Hades?" I couldn't believe what I just heard. What is he going on about? I hated how close he was, his touch burnt me bringing back the memories of the day they had burnt me alive. "ANSWER ME" he yelled and grabbed my chin in one hand. I was done with him manhandling me and I kicked him where the sun doesn't shine. He fell and I kicked him again haunching beside him "You better stay away from me Liam, I don't owe you anything. As for the stunt that you've pulled today and for everything that you've done I'm gonna make your life a living hell. You better not cross me or you'll regret the day you met me" he was still groaning with pain and I walked away. I could see how stunned the crowd was and some started making videos too. 'That went well I thought to myself.