CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: Torn Between Mates

My phone rings and when I see Yvanna’s caller ID flashing on the screen, I don’t pick it up and just stare at it until the ringing stops. However, the phone rings again after a few seconds and knowing that Yvanna won’t stop calling me, I force myself to answer.

Yvanna's voice is cool, collected, masking whatever lies beneath.

-["Anastasia, I'd like to have a little chat about the wedding plans. Meet me at Hugh's parents' mansion in half an hour."]-

I purse my lips, trying not to draw a stiff breath.

Out of all the places, why there? Can we meet somewhere else?

My mind races with a million excuses, a million reasons to avoid facing Hugh and his parents. But then the thought of appearing weak, of allowing them, especially Yvanna, to see me falter, steels my resolve.

"I'll be there," I reply, trying my best to not sound hesitant.

After the call, I pace back and forth in the living area, my heart pounding like a frantic drumbeat. Once my heart calms down a little, I take a shower and s