~ANASTASIA~After the shower, I asked Juliette to leave as she was making me uncomfortable. I then realized the house decor, tulips on the coffee desk instead of the window stand, and coffee mugs on the coffee table, which made it look untidy. I quickly pulled my hair into a ponytail and started cleaning and organizing the place.It took me thirty minutes, and once that was done, I went to wash my face again and apply makeup because, with the way my face was feeling, it was like I hadn't worn makeup in weeks.After that I got in the kitchen and started preparing lunch; it was really confusing as I didn't remember when I got here or when Ivy and Hudson left for work, although Juliette insisted they left in the morning. All I remember was Dad losing consciousness and Trey asking me to get help. Speaking of Dad, I made a mental note to visit him after lunch; I was not sure if he was taken to the hospital or back home.I baked potatoes for Hudson and Ivy while I made salad; there was no s
I was waiting for Hudson to explain why I couldn't go, but he just swallowed his saliva, insisting that I couldn't just go. Well, I really wanted to see my company, so not listening, I told him I would be back before dinner.“Actually… I'm thinking the restaurant. Feels like I've been locked up here for years.” I added it before finally leaving.Outside I was glad to find Matt already waiting by the car.“Mrs. Frost.” He said as he held the door open for me, at least he was the only one who wasn't looking at me like I was a ghost or something.“Thank you, Matt,” I said as I got in, and after closing the door, he got in the driver's seat, and without saying a word, started the car.The ride to the company was quiet.I was wondering what was happening with Hudson, why he didn't want me to come to my company. Well, I was suspecting the part about Dad because he also asked that I not see him, but I didn't want to overthink it; it would just give me unnecessary stress.I was lost in my tho
I mean, she is a cheater since she slept with Harriot too, but Daniella was new and a woman, so how did they already hit it off?I silently watched as she asked Jimena to excuse us—she even called her babe?…Well, Jimena, who looked ashamed as she couldn't even meet my eyes, rushed out, leaving Daniella and me alone.“Why are you here?” was the question she thought was important, “an hour ago you were enjoying your series looking all miserable, and now you're here all… dressed? What's this? A comedy? Are there hidden cameras I don't know about?” She started looking around, making me shake my head. “Ana, you—”“Do you know she's married?” I cut her off with a question, sure, after what William made me go through, Jimena cheating on him shouldn't be my concern; in fact, it should make me happy, but I wasn't a fan of cheaters, so this disturbed me.“Excuse me?”“Jimena and I didn't know you liked women, but to do it in my office? Now that's unacceptable.”“Wait, wait, wait, did…” She lau
WASHINGTON, SEATTLE 2022~ANASTASIA~Most stories open up in pleasant settings, but mine started in a prison cell. Never did I imagine I’d end up here, especially for the man I loved. God, life is unpredictable!I was staring at the dirty ceiling, watching the spiders scurry around. How had I ended up here? Then I heard a voice, snapping me back to reality.“Mrs. Rogers?” A guard's voice snapped me back to reality. “You're going home,” she said as she unlocked the cell. A smile tugged at my li-ps. Finally, I was going home—my husband was here for me. I had feared he’d forgotten about me.A few months ago, he had begged me to take the blame for hitting someone while speeding. “You’re just a housewife; it won’t affect you,” he’d said. He promised to pick me up when I got out.As we walked to the reception, my heart sank. The man waiting for me wasn’t my husband. My bail had been paid by someone else. “Of course, it’s not him,” I muttered under my breath.The officer asked if something
I was speechless. Sure, the marriage never worked out, and I expected this after his grandfather's death, but today? How could he do that when I sat in that cell for his crime?“I will have my lawyer start with the process,” He brushed his fingers across his mouth, removing lipstick, the sight of it made my heart ache.“W-what… What are you saying, William, I-”“Aren't you tired of crying?” He spoke over me. I looked up, seeing the frustration in his face as he raked a hand through his hair. “Listen, you tricked me, and your time is over, or what made you think Grandpa would never die?”“But...why now?” I whispered, trying to understand, “We can talk about this, William; we can’t just…”“Just what? Get a divorce? God, you’re such a headache.” He started rubbing his temples; he always did that and always complained about how unhappy he was, but I knew marriage wasn’t easy; I knew he wasn’t himself, so I stepped closer and tried to touch his hands, but he flinched away.“What the fck? W
My head spun as I stumbled back to the bed, clutching my chest against the stabbing pain.“I did you a favor packing your bags. I could’ve just thrown your things everywhere,” Jimena sneered, her words slicing through the silence. I ignored her, desperately trying to steady my breath.“You… you can’t be pregnant. William won’t accept it.”“Are you calling me a liar?” she snapped. I held her gaze, refusing to show how much she was hurting me. I was William’s wife. She was just his mistress. It didn’t matter if he loved her—by law and to the world, I was Mrs. Rogers.“Yes,” I said firmly, rising from the bed. “You’ve always wanted my husband. I’m sure you made this up.”“No, Anastasia,” she said, stepping closer with a wicked smile. “Liam has always loved me. You’re the one who tricked him. You came between us—”“It doesn’t matter,” I cut her off. Her expression faltered. “I’m his wife, and that’s all that counts.”“He’s going to divorce you,” she said in a confident voice. “He loves me
I was shocked. Why didn’t William allow me to leave, and most importantly, what made him think I would listen to him?I knew I was still in love with him, but I knew when to stop. I broke eye contact and freed my arm from his grip.“You’re not leaving here, Anastasia.”“Why?” I sounded confident. “Why should I not leave?”“Because I say so.”“God…” I couldn’t believe him. I shook my head as I couldn’t find the words to respond. He was full of himself.“Now go back to the guest room before I lose my patients.” He commanded. I looked at him and then at Jimena, who was as shocked as me as she left the magazine she was pretending to read and fixed her eyes on us now.“I don’t know what’s wrong with you; I mean, sure, I was a fool to fall for you but to think you own me.” I hysterically chuckled.“I own you. I don’t know if your father told you, but the situation his company is in is not good, and without me, it wouldn’t be a company.”“Wait, you’re threatening me with my father's company?
~ANASTASIA~I slapped my forehead, which caught Scott’s attention as he turned to me with a curious look.“Is-”“Drive.” I cut him.“Ms. Anastasia-”“I'm not Ms. Anastasia!” I clarified, though I was choked up as I said this., “I mean, I guess now—agh, just drive, please.” I was choked up as I said this...It was hard to face the truth that I was not married to William anymore.Scott nodded his head and then started the car. I took a deep breath as I tried to calm myself.I rested my head on the seat and closed my eyes, as I knew it would calm me because I needed to be as calm as possible. I scratched my arms as they were a little itchy—I hadn't had a proper bath in days.Even with my eyes closed, I didn't miss it when the car came to a stop, I quickly opened my eyes, and without waiting for Scott, I assisted myself out of the car.“My apologies Ms Ana-Rogers…” I bumped into him as he was about to open the door for me.“Just give me my bag.” I sniffed, and Scott without wasting time ru
I mean, she is a cheater since she slept with Harriot too, but Daniella was new and a woman, so how did they already hit it off?I silently watched as she asked Jimena to excuse us—she even called her babe?…Well, Jimena, who looked ashamed as she couldn't even meet my eyes, rushed out, leaving Daniella and me alone.“Why are you here?” was the question she thought was important, “an hour ago you were enjoying your series looking all miserable, and now you're here all… dressed? What's this? A comedy? Are there hidden cameras I don't know about?” She started looking around, making me shake my head. “Ana, you—”“Do you know she's married?” I cut her off with a question, sure, after what William made me go through, Jimena cheating on him shouldn't be my concern; in fact, it should make me happy, but I wasn't a fan of cheaters, so this disturbed me.“Excuse me?”“Jimena and I didn't know you liked women, but to do it in my office? Now that's unacceptable.”“Wait, wait, wait, did…” She lau
I was waiting for Hudson to explain why I couldn't go, but he just swallowed his saliva, insisting that I couldn't just go. Well, I really wanted to see my company, so not listening, I told him I would be back before dinner.“Actually… I'm thinking the restaurant. Feels like I've been locked up here for years.” I added it before finally leaving.Outside I was glad to find Matt already waiting by the car.“Mrs. Frost.” He said as he held the door open for me, at least he was the only one who wasn't looking at me like I was a ghost or something.“Thank you, Matt,” I said as I got in, and after closing the door, he got in the driver's seat, and without saying a word, started the car.The ride to the company was quiet.I was wondering what was happening with Hudson, why he didn't want me to come to my company. Well, I was suspecting the part about Dad because he also asked that I not see him, but I didn't want to overthink it; it would just give me unnecessary stress.I was lost in my tho
~ANASTASIA~After the shower, I asked Juliette to leave as she was making me uncomfortable. I then realized the house decor, tulips on the coffee desk instead of the window stand, and coffee mugs on the coffee table, which made it look untidy. I quickly pulled my hair into a ponytail and started cleaning and organizing the place.It took me thirty minutes, and once that was done, I went to wash my face again and apply makeup because, with the way my face was feeling, it was like I hadn't worn makeup in weeks.After that I got in the kitchen and started preparing lunch; it was really confusing as I didn't remember when I got here or when Ivy and Hudson left for work, although Juliette insisted they left in the morning. All I remember was Dad losing consciousness and Trey asking me to get help. Speaking of Dad, I made a mental note to visit him after lunch; I was not sure if he was taken to the hospital or back home.I baked potatoes for Hudson and Ivy while I made salad; there was no s
She was my mother, the woman who gave me life. Megan asked that I hear her out, so maybe… Nah, she didn’t deserve a chance. Ending the call, I got in the car and drove back to the abandoned apartment.I found that William and Dahlia were both treated. William wanted to leave; now I didn't need him. If anything, I wanted him to be with Ivy, so I let him go while I set up my computer and tried to figure out Margot, why she would be interested in the Lancsters' downfall. Was she perhaps in love with Martinez? I mean, this can be the only explanation for this.“Put a tracker in the socket; she can't be fully trusted,” I told Dr. Luke, who nodded before doing as I asked.It was already the early hours of the next day, so I knew Daniella and Rowan were driving to D.C, and with the secret code, the president would surely let them in. Matt was still waiting for a perfect chance to get into Lancaster's mansion so he could get Margot.Well, Dr. Luke had left; it was just me and Dahlia. I could
The woman ended the call before I could ask any questions. I mean, not like I needed to, because if she was telling the truth, then it meant Margot had been behind everything. Now Dahlia mentioned the woman had a team working with her, so she was not to be easily taken.Turning to Matt, I asked him to track the caller, as I wanted to still see the maid who called me.“Dahlia knows the woman; trust me, if I take her left eye, she will speak,” Matt said, I could tell he was bloodthirsty, maybe disappointed in her for going behind his back, but Dahlia was one of us. Sure, she had to tell me why she agreed to it, but for now, finding Margot was important.“I don't know how you'll do it, but I want Margot here within ten minutes.” I said to Matt, who nodded without question, “Rowan, get Gabriella and go to the president. He's back in D.C. Use the code, and they will let you inside the White House. I need him to send help, the Secret Service. We don't know what we are dealing with. Who real
~HUDSON~The past month has been tough. I’ve been working on Maddison; we still didn't know who truly hired her since it was obviously not the president—he was just used. I also didn't believe Martinez died of a natural death because he had a few months left.Trey was the one with him when he had an attack, and he explained he was asking him why he couldn't marry Vivi, and that's when they ended up arguing until he blurted that she was his sister. Well, he hadn't told anyone but me, and according to him, he believes he killed him.He was especially feeling guilty because he took him from Ana; he was blaming himself for his death and her condition.He entered into the gambling lifestyle. I knew that life well because it was what took my father, so I spoke to him, but he didn't listen, and since he was important to Ana, I asked two guards to keep an eye on him.He got into little troubles, but nothing my men couldn't handle. Well, until a woman started helping him. I did research, and s
~ANASTASIA~I woke up to an empty bed. I'm saying empty because Hudson usually wakes up after I do like I've been getting up earlier than both of them lately. So it was weird that he wasn't on his side of the bed today, but, well, I had no time; my series was starting soon.Walking to the bathroom, I brushed my teeth and then washed my face before I went to the living room.I thought I would see Ivy or Hudson, but instead, it was the other girl, not Dahlia. If I recall correctly, she was Trey’s girlfriend, Juliette.“Mrs. Frost, good morning.”“Hi,” I said as I sat down and then got the remote and switched on the TV.“Mr. Frost went to work early; Ivy did as well.”“At work?”“No, school.” She laughed, and I nodded, then turned my attention to the screen. She then told me she would be taking Dahlia's position, taking care of me like I was a baby.“Dahlia is on leave,” she said, and I wasn't really interested, so I nodded and asked if she wanted to join me in watching the series, but s
“So this is what you do?”“Listen, man, I don't have time for this.”“Why the fuck are you here? I asked you to stop seeing my wife.”“Ana is the mother of my daughter; her safety—”“Which I'm taking care of, so again, why the fuck are you here? Where's my daughter?”“She's not safe.”“Okay, I've had enough. Just because Ana is the mother of your child doesn't mean you get to come by my house anytime you feel like it.”“Like I said, Ana is not safe, your…” I stopped myself as I realized Hudson might be behind it. I mean, Dahlia worked for him, so it must be him. “I'm calling the police.”“Oh,” he didn't sound scared.“Just let me go in and take her, then I'll leave peacefully; no one will know.” I lied because from here I was going to let the police know. I mean, why haven't I thought of that? Hudson was a shady man; maybe he was planning something behind Ana's back.Maybe her humiliating him years ago was still haunting him, and he wanted to make it even.I mean, to be truthful, the
The video had finished downloading, so I played it. Right from the start, I recognized the woman; my heart started racing as I watched her take the bacteria.“Ana!” I panicked.She was not safe.I've seen this woman around that house; in fact, she was there; she was working for Hudson, and if I remember correctly, her name is Dahlia. She's been left with Ana multiple times, and God knows what she's been doing.Turning to search for my phone, which I had forgotten was in my hands, I rushed to the door when I realized my phone was with me. I needed to get there before anything; I needed to make sure Ana was safe.Reaching down, I went to the kitchen, and there I found my daughter making the dough.“Daddy, I'm going to make cookies with Grandma,” she said, and I nodded, then turned to Mom, who was putting the cookies she baked earlier away.“Come have some; they are delicious,” Mom said, but I shook my head and asked if she could watch Ivy for a few minutes. “Of course, it's not even a q