Chapter Six

Anastasia

As I descended the stairs, nothing prepared me for Matthew. He looked as handsome as ever, Matthew could always feel out a suit beautifully.

"Hello Matthew," I said casually, trying not to sound bothered or flustered by his presence. I could see that Harry was as surprised to see him as I was.

"Hello, Ana," Matthew replied with a coy smile.

The door swung open, and Harry's parents entered.

"Welcome Mom, Welcome Dad", Harry said as he walked over to his parents. He kissed his mom on both cheeks and shook hands with his dad.

"Sorry your nephew had to tag along," Herbert said, and Harry waved it off, "it's ok, Dad, Matthew is family."

It was not okay by me, I could feel his eyes all over me, and whenever I raised my head, I would find him looking at me. I lowered my eyes and tried avoiding his gaze, 'I just have to get through this evening', I reminded myself. 'How hard can that be?', I asked myself.

"You look fantastic, dear," Harry's mom said as she walked over and enveloped me in a hug. The hug was so sudden, but I found myself enjoying it. Harry's mom smelt of spring and lilies.

"Our cook has a variety of dishes all ready. So shall we, "Harry said as he gestured to the dining area.

We were all seated and enjoying the food in companionable except for a few compliments on the food when Matthew dropped his spoon suddenly and the chicken soap he was having splashed on his shirt. Harry directed him to the closest convenience, but Matthew requested that I show him the way to the convenience. I politely obliged even though I didn't want to be too close to him, let alone in a bathroom with him.

In the washroom, I took out a towel, switched on the tap, and proceeded to pump some liquid soap on the towel. I handed it over to him and was about to step out when he held my hand, preventing me from leaving.

"Let me go," I demanded, but Matthew wouldn't let go of me.

"Tell me what I did wrong. You disappeared on the morning of our wedding. Last I checked, you are the one that broke my heart. "Matthew said.

I shook my head, I couldn't believe what I was hearing, Matthew was calling me a heartbreaker.

"I can't believe you are saying I broke your heart. Matthew, you betrayed me, you were cheating on me, "I blurted out.

Matthew drew me closer to himself, i tried to break free, but he wouldn't let me.

"I never cheated on you. Is that why you hate me so much, "he asked as he drew me closer.

"Is that why you ran away from me and then showed up here with my uncle?", Matthew whispered into my ears.

His breath on my ears sent a shiver down my spine.

"Come see me tomorrow evening. Let's talk.

I still love you, Ana. I never stopped. "Matthew said as he turned my face so that we were staring into each other's eyes.

My face was just a few inches from his, and I found myself lost in arms, trapped there, and I hated myself for loving it.

In the bathroom trapped in Matthew's arms, my brain was batting with my emotions. And my emotions were winning, Matthew was my weakness. After all this time, his charm was still very effective.

"Anastasia, I am so happy you're back in my life," Matthew said as he planted a kiss on my lips. His action took me by surprise, and I used all my strength to push him away. I picked up the towel that had fallen from my hand and dropped it on the towel rack. I opened the door and there was Harry, I was suddenly tongue-tied.

"You took so long dear," Harry said and took my hand, and we walked back to join his parents. Not long after we were seated, Matthew came out. I tried all through dinner to keep my eyes away from Matthew and Harry.

A little while later, the dinner came to an end, and I was more than grateful to retreat to my room.

I had to make a decision fast, I had to decide if I would be going to see Matthew or not. A part of me wanted to stick to my plan of revenge, but another part wanted to hear what he had to say.

I woke up the following morning with a splitting headache, I had a difficult night. My mind kept on drifting to the kiss. The floodgate opened, and memories of my nights in Matthew's arms kept me awake.

While I was tossing and turning, at the other end of town, I knew Matthew was sleeping soundly with a smile on his face. That evening, l couldn't hold myself back. I quickly put on a blue Jean and a silver top, I let my hair flow down my back, and in minutes, I was in a cab to Matthew's house.

I only rang the doorbell a few times when the door swung open and there stood Matthew. He looked as handsome as ever, and I couldn't help running my eyes all over him.

"I am here to hear what you have to say and nothing else," I blurted out.

A smile spread across his incredibly handsome face, "Come right in," he said as he stepped away from the door.

"Sit," Matthew said and gestured me to a couch.

I sat down, but my head was telling me to flee.

"Let me get us some wine, then we can talk," Matthew said and walked over to his wine bar.

The doorbell rang, disrupting the silence, "pls help me get that," Matthew said.

I got up and walked over to the door, I opened it, and there was Harry, my husband.