AnnaI felt a bit closer to Mark when he told me about Laura. I knew what it felt like to lose someone you loved. Even though our conditions were different, I felt he somehow had it easier. It was more painful knowing Luke, my boyfriend of nine years was somewhere out there, living his best life with my conniving adoptive sister, Sarah. Did he even try to find me?"Who are these people, Anna, and why have you been looking for them?", Mark asked curiously.I hesitated for a while, contemplating telling him. I found it unlikely that Mark could be one of The Circle, but the hooded man had instructed me not to trust anyone.I heaved a tired sigh and turned towards him, "I don't know much about them, but they have something I'm looking for. It is why I came to this city, and that man at the park is my only way of finding out who they are or what they want with me."Mark arched his brows curiously and adjusted his tie, "What are you looking for Anna?",I sensed there was an ulterior motive
Anna "Wow, you're beautiful," Mark uttered from a distance, his gaze fixed with admiration. A flush of embarrassment rushed my cheeks at his comment as I quickly cleared my throat, trying and failing to mask my cheeks turning red. I watched him as he moved with excitement towards me, his lips parted into a smile. He was dressed in a bespoke black suit, his toned body hugging firmly onto his muscles, the soft evening breeze ruffled his somewhat messy hair which caused me to bite my bottom lips as my eyes scanned his figure. Mark was far too breathtaking, and at that moment, I felt the urge to have him slam me against a wall and take me roughly. I didn't understand the rush of emotions he brought over me. I wasn't the bad girl type, and yet everything about him wanted to make me submit on my knees. 'Get yourself together Anna,' I scolded myself, quickly averting my gaze, trying to look anywhere but at him. I was anxious when he chose me to attend the party with him, afraid Mia wo
Anna"Mr Grayson! My Grayson!""Mark! Mark!"The paparazzi quickly rushed towards us as soon as I stepped out of the car. I squinted my eyes, covering my face from the camera flashes as Mark took my hand leading me toward the entrance of the hotel,"Who is the beautiful girl on your arm tonight?","Are you two dating? What about Mia?"Mark ignored their questions and continued walking towards the entrance until we reached the bouncer.This was a high profile party and according to protocol, each person at the party had to check in their invite before gaining admission into the building.As we waited for the bouncer to check our names on the invite list, the sound of camera shutters made my head spin. I tried to shift my gaze away, but everywhere I turned, there was a camera crew taking pictures of us.As a heavy breath escaped my lips, I closed my eyes, trying to find an escape. I'd become so conscious of the whispers and murmurs from the other party guests, the girls who doted on Mar
Anna"The girl that called you outside. She seemed to know who you are. Do you know her?" He repeated"No, I don't. Why are you asking me this now?" I asked, staring at him in curiosity.Mark shot me a warm smile "Nothing. Let's get a drink," Mark said and turned towards the bar.Stopping in my tracks, I stared at him quizzically, wondering what that was all about."You coming?" He asked, inviting me to the bar.Taking a moment to think about it, I sighed with a nod as I went against my better judgment. Since that night eight years ago, I'd avoided anything alcohol, but Mark was starting to act weird and this party was becoming dull quickly. I needed something to take the edge off."Fine," I muttered, following behind him.I had a feeling I might regret it later, but then I'd been making the wrong choices since I agreed to this thing. What was one more? Also, I'd never been able to refuse Mark's invite so far. I was seriously going to have to learn to say no to him.I took a deep brea
Anna"Why did you invite her here, Mark?" Brenda's sneered.As soon as her voice fell, the slow kick of the alcohol quickly went away. It was ironic cause I was usually the buzzkill, but hearing Brenda's voice now made my skin crawl.To say I was uncomfortable would be an understatement.I wasn't sure what to make of their arrival. I'd expected this to happen tonight, but strangely I found myself enjoying my time with Mark and hoped it would last for just a while longer."Hello Brenda," Mark said tiredly.Lifting my gaze, I noticed the rest of the family standing not so far away from us and I knew this night would only get worse."Why did you bring this tramp here? Are you so mad at your family, that you'd do anything to discredit and embarrass us?" She said with no regard for my feelings whatsoever. It was as if I was a mere spectacle sitting there and drinking free wine.As much as her insults had infuriated me, I tried my hardest to keep my composure. This was not the right place t
Anna"Well that was a little harsh", I managed to say."No, what is harsh is she insulting you to your face" Mark snapped.I appreciated his concern, but as much as I enjoyed it, I did not need a man to stand up for me, and he was still lucky to even have a family that cared for him, despite their twisted way of showing it.I nodded my head slowly, but one thing still confused me. He mentioned he didn't love Mia, which made me wonder if I stood a chance with him.Admittedly, being at this fancy party, wearing expensive clothes, and seeing how he stood up for me had somehow made me forget we were from two different worlds.At that moment, I felt like just maybe I stood a chance. I hesitated for a while and then asked the bartender to pour me my third glass of wine.I'd need all the encouragement for what I had to say next."What's that look?" Mark asked, glancing at me, which made me wonder if I was that predictable or if he was just good at detecting my expressions."What look?" I ask
Anna"We're back to this?" Mark groaned, raising his hand to order another glass of cocktail."Yes...I'm curious to know." I slurred. I know I said I would not get drunk, but somewhere along our conversations, I no longer felt the need to be guarded and one glass of wine had turned to two and then three.His eyes lingered on me for a moment as he picked up his cocktail, taking a sip. He seemed reluctant to tell me his reasons which only made me more curious."Alright, alright. Have you ever been with someone you don't have to try so hard to have a good time with?"I shook my head in response and he sighed again, "Well, ever since Luara, I'd never truly want to date anyone. But I was tired of the pressure from people who thought I should move on already. Mia is great, but she doesn't have what I need, and neither does Josie.""What's that?" I asked, my voice lingering with curiosity"Someone that sees me."I quirked my brows quizzically, confused by his statement."What do you mean by
Anna"I know some people who can trace this organization. They can find anything and anyone. There's an encrypted code registered on the back of that card. My assistant Eric has been trying to decrypt it. I'm sure that code will lead us to their organization, an address, another member, or anything that can give us information on what you're looking for.""We're going to find them Anna, for now just try not to put yourself in any more danger. Going after Brent will be dangerous." Mark spoke convincingly.I knew he was right. As much as I wanted to find my real family, I didn't want to risk putting my children in danger. However, at that moment, I'd lost all interest in this party.Staring at me, he could see my disinterest and asked, "Shall we head out? We can continue our evening back at the house, there's somewhere I think you'd like to see."I nodded my head slowly. We stood but didn't get far before a voice called out to me. It was a woman, and when I turned to look at her, I noti