Ana
I closed for work and left the shop, eager to get back to my son Liam, and also relieve my sister so she could go for her music practice. As I stepped out the door, I noticed a black car that looked a lot like the one from earlier, parked a few blocks away from the entrance. A lot of people own black cars so I didn't worry about it. I didn't have a car of my own and I had to walk some distance to catch the bus. I hurried along but soon noticed the black car idling alongside me on the sidewalk. I swallowed hard and clutched my bag tighter. I increased my pace, looking back intermittently to see if I was still being followed. The car increased speed as it tried to keep up with me. Why would the man who tried to save me a few hours ago be following me? I've had enough of stalkers and wasn't interested in adding another to my list. I picked up speed and ran as fast as my legs could carry me. The car revved up too and sped along, nearly knocking down an elderly couple who were trying to cross the road. My heart raced violently against my chest as I ran. I thought about my son, and what would become of him if anything were to happen to me. I thought about it and decided that running into one of the shops on the sidewalk would probably be better. Once inside, I could wait it out until whoever was following me leaves. I yanked the door open and burst in, my heart threatening to explode from beating too fast as I clutched my chest. I leaned against the door and doubled down, struggling to catch my breath. The place was busy, as waiters milled around serving diners. I thought I was now safe until I looked back to see Tony getting out of the car, and walking towards the same door. Tony again? No surprise there. Quickly, I scanned the busy lounge and my eyes fell on the last person I expected to see, the man who'd saved me at the coffee shop. He was sitting alone, nursing a drink. Tony was gaining ground, getting to the door. I didn't think twice before I headed for the man. If he saved me before, he probably wouldn't mind doing it again. I went up to him but faced the door so I would be able to see Tony coming. “Hi, we meet again. What a coincidence.” I said, out of breath. I didn't look at him, as my eyes were busy looking out for Tony. I sat on the chair beside him, but this time I wasn't trying to be friendly. I understood he wasn't interested either, and I don't go where I'm not wanted. I just needed to make it appear like I was conversing with him so Tony would leave. He looked up from his glass and a look of recognition flashed across his deep blue eyes. I could tell he remembered me. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his tone emotionless. “I don't want to bother you,” I replied. “I just need to sit here for a minute.” He had an uninterested look on his face as he replied, “Then make it quick. I have an important meeting here in the next 20 minutes and I don't want you around when they arrive.” Wow, what an asshole. I opened my mouth to say something but thought against it. He was engrossed with texting on his phone and wasn't even looking at me. I bet that was his girlfriend. Only a woman can make a man lose his damn mind like this. It was time to get back to Liam, so I gathered my jacket and bag and turned to leave when I felt a warm strong hand grab mine. His grip was firm, yet gentle. I turned and gave him a questioning glare. A look that could kill, but his head was bowed, as he typed on his phone. “I think you can help me too,” he said, his eyes still fixed on his phone. Then, he looked up, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. His eyes were the sharpest, calmest shade of blue I'd ever seen. He was a very handsome man by all standards, especially when the glasses came off. My cheeks flushed red, and I looked away, trying to compose myself. “If you think I'm going to sleep with you just because you helped me once, think again,” I said in a firm voice, as I snatched my hand away from his grasp. He stared at me like I'd lost my mind. “It's nothing like that,” he sounded disgusted that I would even suggest such a thing to him. But I know rich guys like him. They have money and think that every woman would be fawning over them. “What is it then?” I asked, ready to walk out on him if he started to say something I didn't like. “I want to make you a deal.” He said, his blue eyes staring intensely at me. “A deal?” I repeated back at him, unsure where the conversation was headed. His gold wristwatch gleamed in the white light as he gestured to the seat. “Will you sit for a minute?” I reluctantly took my seat again. “I know you're running from something, someone. And you need protection from him. I can equally tell you need money, a lot of money probably.” He said, as he gave me a once-over. I ignored it. “And you want to provide me with all those?” I asked, doubt seeping into my mind. “Easily. I can guarantee you $50,000 every week, and a security detail to make sure that guy stays away from you forever.” He stated, while watching me carefully. My jaw dropped at the amount he mentioned. I would work consistently for years before I make such an amount. And Tony would be gone from my life? Forever? I could really use the money, for Liam and for myself. Even my sister Beth would benefit hugely from it. But it sounded too good to be true. If I learnt anything from my parents' marriage, it is that men are not to be trusted, no matter how nice they appear at first. “And why would you do it? I'm not some charity case to make you feel good about yourself.” I said, trying to draw out the ulterior motive hiding beneath the deal somewhere. He smirked, exposing a set of perfect white teeth, “I won't be doing it for free.” “What do I have to do in return?” I asked and waited for the hammer to drop. “Marry me.”Ana Now it was my turn to stare at him like he was crazy. “Are you crazy?” I asked genuinely, because I was expecting to get a direct answer to the question. Granted, he didn't look like someone who was crazy. He looked quite normal. But asking a stranger to marry him? That was crazy. “Quite the opposite," he said, his tone measured and calm. He slipped his hands into his suit pockets, retrieved a soft cloth, and began to meticulously clean his glasses. He didn't even look at me. He was sexy with the glasses on, and without it, he was simply a snack. When we met at the coffee shop, I was too distracted by Tony to even remotely take note of his features. A waiter appeared, carrying a tray with two glasses of wine. He took one and nodded at me, “drink?” “I don't drink.” I said, eyeing him cautiously. My father was an abusive alcoholic. Each night he stumbled home, reeking of cheap alcohol. He would descend on my poor mother and proceed to beat her mercilessly. My sist
BenI glanced at my watch for the umpteenth time, the same old dreaded anxiety creeping up on me. Where was she?I hated having to wait on people. It was one of my pet peeves. Shirley had made sure of that.“Damn it.” I swore under my breath. If she doesn't show in the next five minutes, I would cancel the deal. To hell with the business.The door to the lounge opened and my business partners walked in. There were three of them; two men and a woman. I wasn't exactly comfortable meeting with them again, given that they'd witnessed my humiliation five years ago. But I had to do this for my father. He needed this deal to go through.I stood and came forward to meet them. We shook hands and I took them back to the seat where I sat with the woman not quite long ago.Dressed in suits, they looked like they didn't have time to waste, and I wasn't one to dally when it comes to business either. But my new wife - I didn't even know her name - was nowhere to be found.“We thought you'd be her
AnaThe text I'd received earlier from Beth was vague, but I didn't care. My baby was running a serious fever and was crying incessantly. Not even food could pacify him. I had to rush home and take care of him myself.I left the lounge and sprinted home, the only thought in my mind was my baby, Liam. I would've flown if I could.But then I remembered I had some money from the man, and immediately stopped a taxi.20 minutes later, I burst into my house and headed straight for Liam's crib. “Oh, my poor baby,” my throat tightened as I touched his hair. He cooed and turned on his side. He was sleeping peacefully, but his body was still warm. Beth was lying down close to the crib, sleeping. She looked exhausted.I tapped her, “Beth, wake up.”She opened her eyes, and on seeing me, she instantly sat up, rubbing her eyes.“Ana. Liam is sleeping now.”“Yes but I still need to take him to the doctor, he's still running temperature.” I said, searching round the room for his pacifier.Somethin
Ben “I'm sorry, wha–” I hung up on her, reclined in my chair and released a deep sigh of victory. What I wouldn't give to see the look of anger on her face right now. The woman was a complete piece of work, and she was stubborn. It was high time she got a taste of her own medicine. She was still trying to process the news and definitely start something when I ended the call; I wasn't going to give her the chance to protest. I didn't like the obvious mess I'd gotten myself into with this arrangement. I have no interest in being in anyone's space, especially not a woman's. But I'd do anything for my father, and for the company. So, unfortunately for me, I needed her. But I would never let it show that I really needed her that bad, or she would smell my desperation and use it against me. I didn't doubt that because she already showed me what she was capable of. This was a game and I know all about that too well. And I'd never be caught hands down. Never again. It was l
Ana When I woke up the next morning, I had an uneasy feeling. Ben's last words over the phone kept echoing in my head. I didn't exactly like the man so the thought of being his pretend wife for 30 days annoyed me. 30 whole days! What would I do about Liam? How would I take care of him and at the same time pretend he doesn't exist when I'll always probably be around Ben? I could hire a long-term nanny with the money he gave me but Beth needed new kits or they would kick her out of the music program. My life was a whirlwind of challenges that never seemed to end. I took a deep breath, wiped the sweat from my brow and continued to serve customers. The shop was already filling up with customers who either joined the queue or took a seat and waited for a waiter to come to them. I got busy serving and chatting with customers. However, the thought of making a decision about Ben skirted around in my mind still. While I was mulling it over, the door to the coffee shop opened and a man
Ana I entered the office to find two men seated and discussing. One was Ben, and the other was a man I'd never seen before. Ben gave me a strangely comforting smile and asked, “How was the ride over?” “You basically forced me to come here but sure, it was fine.” I glared at him. He ignored my retort and continued. “Ana, this is my lawyer, Remi Laurent. Remi, this is my wife, Ana.” Remi chuckled mischievously at the mention of ‘wife’ and Ben gave him a warning stare. I could tell that their relationship was more than that of lawyer and client. They were friends. Remi rose and came over to where I stood. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Please, call me Remi.” We shook hands. He was friendly, warm and courteous. He was so different from Ben's brooding personality and that was a welcome change. I liked him right away. Ben poured himself a drink from the bottle of whiskey standing on his desk. He got up, picked up the glass, and went over to stand at the window, his hands in
AnaLeaving Ben's office, I pondered over his demand to move in with him. I'd only known the man for 48 hours so he was basically still a stranger, but I took comfort in the fact that he was a well known figure in Los Angeles. A celebrity so to speak.Before leaving his office, I'd already resigned to fate. Ben has got me in a chokehold and there was nothing I could do but move in with him. I couldn't afford to go to jail, not when I had Liam and Beth to take care of.But I made a silent vow to myself: He would not get off lightly with deceiving me. I would pay him back in kind.Sooner or later.Riding down the escalator, I came across two women discussing with hushed tones. But they suddenly stopped and waved when they saw me. I was still agitated following my meeting with Ben so I ignored them and continued on my way.Getting to the revolving door, a voice called out near me, “Mrs. Pierce?”But I continued moving and was about to push the door when the security man stopped me wit
~Sunday, the day of Beth's Piano Recital~ “Hurry up, Ana! I can't be late to my own recital.” I heard Beth yell out from her room where she was probably struggling to wear her shoes. “What are you talking about? I'm literally out the door. You're the one who's gonna make us late.” I replied from the kitchen, chuckling lightly. I had a piece of bread dangling from my mouth, with Liam in my arms. I fed him and ate simultaneously, as I tried to hurry up for Beth's piano recital. Beth came out of her room and sighted me feeding Liam. “Oops,” I said. I gave her an amused look, with a raised eyebrow, a slight smile, and a hint of 'I've been caught and I know I'm in trouble, but I'm not going to try to talk my way out of it' written all over my face. She laughed and shook her head. “Where's my purse?” She asked, looking around for it. “Under the throw pillow. And come here for a minute. I want to look at you properly.” She found her purse and came to meet me where I sat. S