****"Why?" Ana questioned, her brows knitting together in confusion. "I don't like it. He's not there to ease his boredom; he's out to butter you up. Give that fella the heave-ho, or find yourself a new perch," Richard grumbled, sounding like a wild animal at the sight of Mason cozying up to Ana, even though Phoebe was sitting with them as well.He had practically seen the whole shebang: Mason being casual by the door with Ana, then miraculously finding his way to their table. Ana pushed herself up from her seat and edged away from Phoebe and Mason, to avoid them listening to her conversation."Why do you care? Shouldn't you be focusing on celebrating your fiancé's birthday instead of meddling in my business? And let me make it crystal clear: you have no authority over me. I'm no one to you," Ana spat out angrily, her frustration mounting as she confronted Richard. Earlier, he had feigned to be uninterested in attending Emilia's celebration even though he had arrived far earlier tha
***** "You are going too far, Richard. I am not your property to wield your authority over. Your constant intrusion and control over my life have left me utterly drained," she yelled, her voice cracking with the weight of her emotions, as she struggled to wrench her hand free from his tightening grasp.Ignoring Ana's protests, Richard forcefully guided her to a secluded corner of the venue, a grassy lawn bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. With an indifferent demeanour, he swung her around to face him, his grip on her hand tightening before abruptly releasing her, his actions conveying a sense of dominance. Ana stumbled slightly, her body tense with anger and frustration."I clearly told you to stay away from him, but you deliberately seek him out. Are you trying to make me jealous?" he demanded, his words laced with frustration and insecurity. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, as he struggled to contain the turmoil roiling within him. "Is there any particular reason I w
****"Richard!" Emilia's voice echoed with urgency as she frantically scanned everywhere, her heart racing with anxiety. His unanswered phone calls only ignited her worry, prompting her to fear he might have hastily departed the party with Ana."Excuse me," Emilia's voice trembled with concern as she approached the guard stationed outside the hotel entrance. "Have you seen my fiancé, Richard Hill?"The guard glanced at her with a neutral expression before shaking his head. "No, ma'am. No guest has left the hotel yet. Perhaps he's in the bathroom or enjoying the lawn on the other side."Emilia's heart raced, "Thank you," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper, before hurrying off in search of Richard, her mind plagued with worry.Emilia swiftly pivoted away from the venue, her heels clicking against the pavement as she headed towards the lawn. She had already checked the men's washroom with no sign of Richard."Richard!" Emilia's voice echoed urgently from a nearby pillar as she
******Ana breezed into the washroom, swiftly adjusting her hair, only to find her lipstick absent as she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror."Well, looks like I need a lipstick," Ana quipped to herself, a playful glint in her eye. "I bet after tonight's escapade, I'll be on the fast track to hell," she continued with a chuckle before a soft smile spread across her lips as she reminisced. "Who knew I'd be having such a blast? This feeling is pure bliss," Ana mused aloud, accepting the rush of emotions with open arms, her cheeks tinged with a shy yet satisfied warmth."Easy there, Ana, no need to channel your inner teenager," Ana chuckled to herself, giving her cheeks a gentle pat before heading out. As soon as she stepped out of the bathroom she collided with Kendall, who regarded her with a quizzical expression."When did you come to the washroom?" Kendall inquired, her eyebrows arching in suspension as she took in Ana's appearance."Long!" Ana answered with a casual shrug
*****"Anastasia, come here!" Emilia's sudden shout echoed through the venue, causing heads to turn in surprise. Ana caught off guard, wore a confused expression, unaware of when her relationship with Emilia had blossomed into a close friendship."I am fine here, Emilia, cut the cake!" Ana said, her confusion escalating as Emilia's unexpected closeness seemed increasingly suspicious. There had to be a reason behind Emilia's sudden friendliness, and Ana was determined to uncover it."No, you are one of the guests I've been eagerly anticipating. I'd be over the moon to have you beside me while I'm cutting the cake. Surely, that's not too big an ask, is it?" Emilia's words dripped with honeyed deception as she spoke with a sweet pout. Ana's unease grew like a storm cloud as she stole a glance at Richard, whose expression was as clear as day – he was not on board. Seeking help from him would be like looking for a needle in a haystack."Go Ana, before your best friend ends up swimming in a
*****Ana's heart pounded in her chest as she dashed forward on her stiletto heels, the polished floor threatening to betray her balance with every step. Frustration mounting, she kicked off her heels, her fingers tensing with urgency. Yet, even as she fled, the ominous footsteps of the two men echoed behind her, a chilling reminder of the danger lurking close behind."Bitch! If you do not stop, we will suck you dry once we lay our hands on you," one of the thugs said, continuing to rush after Ana, who paid no attention because all she could think about was finding someone to save her.She dashed toward a vacant corridor. Her breathing was getting labored from running, so she ducked behind a wall and attempted to catch it.She quickly put her hand in her bag grabbed her phone out and straight dialled Richard. On the flip side, Richard hurried back to the bar where he had abandoned his phone earlier. His anger had driven him to leave it behind in his rush to confront Ana."Sir, your ph
****As Richard arrived at the main gate, the guard, mid-stroll, quickly pivoted towards him, his pace picking up. "Sir, is there anything I can assist you with?" he asked, his tone had patience."Where's the emergency exit?!" Richard demanded, his expression deadly serious, yet his piercing gaze added an intimidating edge to his inquiry, leaving no room for hesitation.The guard's throat tightened with nerves, feeling the palpable intensity emanating from the man before him as if a mere delay in response could trigger dire consequences. Stepping back slightly, he mustered his courage and replied, "The emergency exit is just around the corner, sir," his voice dwindled slightly under the weight of Richard's formidable presence.""But alas, at this hour of the day, it remains firmly locked," the guard admitted."I need you to open it immediately," Richard commanded the guard, urgency blazing in his eyes as he conveyed the gravity of the situation."It's not possible," the guard fumbled,
****"Why do you keep ogling at me like that? Have you never seen a beautiful woman before?" Ana teased with a giggle, her face turning a bright cherry red, which only fuelled Richard's curiosity to sneak more glances at her."Your girlfriend is pretty, no doubt, but I must say, I'm prettier," Ana remarked with a sly smile, casting a soft gaze at Richard. Despite being behind the wheel, he found himself momentarily distracted by her every word."Whatever you say," Richard replied, his voice steady as he fought against the temptation to gaze at the woman beside him, who seemed to exude an irresistible allure."Your voice lacks sincerity," Ana remarked, her hand gently resting on his shoulder before trailing down to his thigh as she leaned forward with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes."What are you doing? Go back to your seat and put your seatbelt on!" Richard hastily exclaimed, his heart pounding as he felt butterflies fluttering in his stomach, their intensity increasing with every t