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
The day of reckoning had arrived. In a few minutes now, Anna and her troop will be taking Edgar and his men by surprise. The stage had been set with everyone working together to end Edgar’s tyranny.Under the cover of the night, Anna, Mark, Jack, and their allies positioned themselves near Edgar’s main hideout. Zach had fed them crucial information about the hideout's layout and where Edgar and George would likely be during the operation. Armed and ready, they moved swiftly, slipping through shadows and avoiding detection.As they closed in, Anna felt a mix of fear and exhilaration. She knew this confrontation would determine everything—her role in The Circle, her fate, and Mark’s future with his family. She glanced at him, catching his gaze, and a silent understanding passed between them. Finally, they reached the inner sanctum, silently taking down Edgar’s security guards, until they reached where Edgar and George were having a conversation. The two men looked surprised but quickly
As Mark prepared to find his brother, Zach, he couldn’t help but feel a mixture of fear and hope. Although he had agreed to work with Anna, he wasn’t convinced she understood just how deep the roots of The Circle ran or how much any of this had affected him. However, seeing how resolved she was to take down Edgar had swayed him, and he knew that, for his brother’s sake, he had to give her plan a chance.Meanwhile, after Anna walked out of the room, she now decided to contact Jack. As soon as he picked up, she explained her suspicions about The Circle and how their influence might reach farther than even she had initially thought, informing him that she needed him now more than ever. A few hours passed and Mark arrived at a small, dimly lit bar where Zach was known to spend his evenings. Immediately he walked in, he spotted Zach sitting at the far end of the bar, looking troubled. Mark approached him slowly, and as soon as he sat down, he placed a firm hand on his brother's shoulder.
Author’s POV“So you’re telling me that you are not just a part of an evil organization that has been around for years, but you are also the head?” Mark asked, staring at Anna in disbelief. “I know this is difficult to process, but it is the truth. But we are not all like Edgar.” Anna said.“Right…” Mark scoffed.“No, I mean it. We don’t all want the same thing. The Circle has been in operation for years, working to maintain the balance and smooth operation of the surface world. Edgar and his associates are the only ones with the ideals that things need to change, and that for some reason they are the ones to affect that change. That’s why we are fighting them. We are trying to retain order and balance in this world.”“And how do you do that, huh?”“Tell me, Anna, does it involve letting the people up here decide for their lives or does your organization plan out the course of their lives?” Mark asked with a pruning look.“I don’t know about that, I’ve not been a member for long.” A
Author’s POV“What?” Mark recoiled in shock.“Who could have done that?” Anna hesitated for some moments, afraid of how he would take the news. “Tell me, Anna.” He demanded.“Zach!” Anna blurted. “Your brother Zach did.”Mark staggered for some time, trying to process what I had just said. “Are you serious?” He asked, still in disbelief.“I am,” Anna said softly. Mark remained frozen in place for some time, deep in contemplation. I could imagine how difficult this was for him to hear. Zach was a lot and had caused a lot of problems, but at the end of the day, he was still his brother. “I can’t believe this,” Mark muttered and immediately started searching through his drawers.“What are you doing?” Anna asked, to no reply.“What are you doing Mark?” She asked again. “What does it look like I’m doing?” Mark snapped irritably.“I’m going down to have a conversation with my brother and give him the chance to explain how he almost got me killed.” He raged and grabbed his car key.Ann
Author’s POVThose words filled Anna with a sudden dread. She hoped that somehow Mark would not ask her that because she still wasn’t sure who the father of her children truly was. There was that stranger from that night, and then there was Luke. For all she knows, it could have been either of them.Seeing how hesitant she was, Mark asked again,“Is the father still in the picture Anna? What happened with him?” At that point, Anna quickly turned around, “He’s not in the picture and that’s all that I can say. I don’t really like to talk about him.” She said, her heart beating out of her chest.Much to her surprise, Mark did not ask anything concerning him again. He waited for some time and then his lips curved into a smile,“I’d like to meet them.” As soon as she heard these words, Anna’s eyes widened in shock.“I’m sorry. You want to meet…”“Your children,” Mark interjected. “Is that okay with you?” He added.Anna remained frozen for some moments, her thoughts running wild. This w
Author’s POVUpon hearing that, Mark’s face reddened with humiliation. He didn’t think she would figure it out, but she was right, he was afraid. After Lydia died in that car accident, Mark had spent his entire life afraid of being abandoned, and that fear resurfaced when he learned of Anna’s children.“No Anna, the issue here is that you could not trust me. I’ve already been down that road once with Mia, and I don’t want to be in another relationship where my girlfriend is keeping secrets from me.” He argued.As much as he had a point, Anna was still not convinced. She knew Mark was trying to change the course of their conversation and she would not let him.She shot him a soft gaze and slowly walked toward him, “I know it’s not easy to admit Mark, and I know that I shouldn’t have kept this away from you for so long, but I am afraid too.” Anna said and Mark’s eyes shot up with curiosity.Anna heaved a deep sigh and continued, “When I first came into town, I didn’t know what I was goi
Anna“Who’s there?” Mark’s voice sounded through the door.I hesitated to answer. One word from me and he’d be calling the guards to throw me out, or at least that’s what I thought, so I knocked again and waited a while for his answer. This time he did not bother to say anything, and after waiting for a while, I knocked again.“I already told you, Rita, I don’t need anything!” His voice echoed in annoyance as he approached the door, and unlocked it.As soon as his gaze met mine, he froze in shock for some moment, unable to find the words to say anything.“Anna?”“Wh-what are you doing here?” Mark asked, and immediately his brows creased into a deep frown.“Mark, I just want to talk…” I started to say, but he rudely cut me off.“I don’t have anything to say to you.” He replied coldly and tried to close the door, but I quickly put my feet through the doorframe, stopping him.He shot one look at me and sighed heavily, turned his back, and walked inside the room, leaving me at the door.
Anna“You want my advice? Go for it.” I said, encouraging Jack. Deep down I knew it was a selfish act. As much as I hoped that he’d find love somewhere else, a part of me wanted to believe what it told him about Anna, that deep down she did not still harbor any feelings toward Mark. I’d hate to be in competition with my sister over a man we both wanted. Jack seemed flustered when I said that. I could tell he hoped that no one would spot his feelings toward Chloe, especially not the girl he was just trying to get over.Still, he managed to keep his composure and quickly tried to change the focus,“You should try taking your own advice with Mark. I know I’ve not always made your relationship with him easy, and I apologize for the part I played in that. But whatever this thing is between you and Mark, it’ll be a shame if you both fall out.” He said.“Jack, what happened between Mark and I is not because of you. He just couldn’t stand the honesty he wanted.” I said, pushing the bangs on
“Mark and I used to date.” The words echoed in my head like I was reliving a nightmare. I froze in shock, not sure what to say or how to even react. Deep down, I couldn’t help but dismiss the thought that this was the relationship Chloe and Mark shared, but I always tried to convince myself it wasn’t anything like that. Mark never talked a lot about her even after we met at that party, and I just assumed there was nothing much to say about an old friend.Now I see I was just trying to keep my thoughts away from a fear I didn’t want to have to face.However, I couldn’t understand why Chloe chose to tell me at this point and why Mark never said anything. Was he hiding something about their relationship? I didn’t know Chloe was my sister then, and I’m sure he didn't know either. Certainly, I wouldn’t have minded much about a girl he dated in the past, and at this point, I was convinced he was hiding something.As much as it should have felt good that I now had something to call him out