I reach out, my hand steady as it brushes against Anastasia's cheek. "Anastasia, I want to be with you, to love you fiercely and unconditionally, without anyone or anything standing between us. And I’ll make that happen, I promise." She smiles, unshed tears shining in her hazel eyes. Before she can respond, I lean forward, my lips capturing hers in a tender kiss that speaks of promises yet to be fulfilled, of dreams waiting to be materialized. As we part, a soft smile plays upon my lips, my gaze has an intensity that matches the fire burning within my soul. But disappointment comes to me after acknowledging the fact that our desires aren’t achievable… just not yet.With a heavy heart, I gently take Zachary from Anastasia and say, “We gotta go. Yvanna is waiting. The longer I stay here, the more I’ll give them reason to suspect me about your absence.”Anastasia nods, drying her eyes. “I understand. Be careful.”“I will.”Driving through the city streets, my mind races with thoughts
I remain calm, my jaw set in defiance as I roll my eyes at Yvanna's accusatory glare. Her question hangs in the air like a dagger, sharp and unforgiving, demanding a response that I’m unwilling to give. Instead of answering, I reply, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "Even if I say no, you still won't believe me, will you?" Yvanna grunts, and with a swift motion, she slaps her clutch against my chest before storming out of her seat. The sound of her departure echoes in the silence that follows. I don’t even spare her a glance as she leaves, my gaze fixed on some distant point in the garden as I wrestle with my own conflicting emotions. Dwight finally concludes his announcement, and Evelyn steps onto the platform to embrace him. The other guests gather around too, offering words of comfort and support, even mom and dad joining in the display of familial solidarity. But I remain rooted to my seat, my feet unwilling to move, my heart still heavy with the weight of my own guilt. I can
DWIGHT’S POV: I prowl with the simmering fury of a tempest about to break. My lupine form, muscles rippling beneath my black fur, echoes the storm raging within me. Hugh, a cousin turned betrayer, stands opposite me with a snarl etched on his muzzle. Anastasia, my reason for existence,... I’m sure he stole her and is hiding her, no matter how much he denies it! The betrayal cuts me to the core, leaving a raw, gaping wound that festers with each passing moment. I can't bear the thought of Hugh's dirty hands on her, his scent mingling with hers!As we circle each other, growls rumbling low in our throats, my mind churns with thoughts of vengeance - to kill! I’m desperate to tear Hugh apart, to rend flesh from bone until there’s nothing left but a memory!Just as I prepare to launch myself, the noise of the rain is suddenly overshadowed by the sound of hurried footsteps and panicked voices. My attention flickers towards the intrusion, and there they are - the pack, rushing to Hugh's a
ANASTASIA’S POV: It has been a week since I’ve made the daring escape from my unwanted wedding to Dwight, and my life has taken on a new rhythm—one of clandestine planning and quiet determination. Each day brings new challenges and revelations, but none quite as impactful as the constant stream of information flowing in from Hugh about his own wedding with Yvanna. Hugh has promised to keep me informed of every detail of his upcoming wedding to Yvanna, and true to his word, he delivers. My week begins much like any other. I spend my days meticulously piecing together my plan, drawing on every resource at my disposal to ensure its success. But as the days pass and Hugh's updates roll in, my focus shifts, seeing the perfect opportunity to strike back. Gallery by Chele: Yvanna has contracted the owner of the prestigious restaurant to cater the food and drinks for her wedding—an extravagant affair befitting of her extravagant tastes. And as I pour over the details of the arrangement,
I sit on the edge of the mattress, my n.aked body wrapped in a thin blanket, my eyes fixed on Hugh as he dresses himself in silence. The room is filled with a heavy, palpable sadness, a weight that presses down on us both. Hugh's movements are deliberate but tinged with an undeniable sense of urgency. His shirt slips over his broad shoulders, his trousers pulled up over his toned legs. Each motion seems to push him further away from me, widening the chasm between us. I can't tear my gaze away from him, can't help but feel the sting of tears threatening to spill over. This clandestine love we share, it’s a flame that burns bright but is always on the verge of being extinguished. As Hugh fastens the buttons of his shirt, he finally glances down, his eyes meeting mine. There’s a flicker of regret there. He crosses the room and kneels before me, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. I flinch at his touch, my heart aching but grateful for the effort and time he’s given me today. “We’
Armed with a stack of books on hospitality, customer service, and etiquette that I bought in a book’s store, I delve into my studies with fervor. I pore over each page, absorbing the intricacies of table setting, the art of suggestive selling, and the importance of a genuine smile. But it isn't just books that fuels my education; YouTube grants me a wealth of resources at my fingertips. The video tutorials become my nighttime companions, guiding me through the finer points of wine service and the graceful ballet of tray carrying. As the days pass, I apply myself tirelessly to my newfound knowledge. I greet each customer with warmth, navigate the bustling restaurant floor with poise, and execute orders with precision. I watch as my confidence grows, mirrored in the approving nods of my coworkers and the satisfied smiles of the patrons I serve. A week has slipped by in a blur of activity when Marcus, the restaurant supervisor, summons me to his office. My heart flutters nervously as
I struggle to form a coherent response, my mind racing with a million unspeakable truths I dare not utter here. Panic claws at me, threatening to expose the delicate facade I’ve meticulously crafted. Before I can gather myself, Hugh speaks again. "Can I have a glass of the wine you're holding instead?" he pauses, his gaze fixed on my trembling hands. "That's one of my favorites."I nod, still anxious though. The cork protests softly as I twist it free, the sound echoing. Pouring the wine into a glass, I dare not meet Hugh's gaze, my eyes fixed on the crimson liquid as it cascades into the crystal vessel. As I extend the glass to him, my hand brushes against his, and in that fleeting moment, he slips a note into my trembling palm. Startled, my gaze flickers to his, finding a smirk dancing upon his lips before he winks and turns away, disappearing into the crowd.My heart races as I scan my surroundings, my senses on high alert for any prying eyes. Relief floods through me when I re
HUGH’S POV: The vineyard lies bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the rows of grapevines. I stand at the makeshift altar, my hands clasped tightly together, my gaze on the distant horizon, flickering sometimes at the window of the room where Anastasia and Zachary are hiding. Behind my calm composure, anticipation and dread swirling within me. Before me stretches a red-carpeted aisle, flanked by rows of chairs filled with expectant guests. Their murmurs and whispers form a distant hum in my ears, drowned out by the pounding of my heart. My gaze scans the horizon once again, searching for any sign of movement. The vineyard offers ample cover for potential assailants, its twisting rows of vines providing perfect camouflage for those who seek to disrupt the proceedings. My body twitch with the urge to transform now, but I force myself to remain still, to project an image of calm in the face of impending peril. Yvanna glides down the aisle, a visi