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Chapter 12
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When love strikes    Chapter thirteen
AnneMy face still burned from the unexpected encounter with Davis earlier. Images of the not-so-subtle display of his anatomy replayed in my mind. It was hard to shake off the memory – quite literally. I mean it was so hard. Why was I even thinking about that? I scolded myself, attempting to divert my attention. I needed to focus on class. Economics is undoubtedly better than… well, you know.It was a meeting of the top five student. A project in economics. I needed to handle. After this i know I would not be coming back to this school again. I immersed myself in the lecture, desperately trying to bury any distracting thoughts beneath the weight of economic theories and graphs. The complexities of supply and demand were far more important than any personal distractions, or so I tried to convince myself.But still I can't help but reason that thick hard… oh God. Just as I began to regain some semblance of focus, my teacher disrupted the lecture with a question that snapped me bac
When love strikes    Chapter fourteen
DavisYet, as I observed her, an unexpected surge of protectiveness welled up inside me.However, why? She could handle her battles.I shook my head, attempting to remove the lingering sentiments. Ours was a marriage on paper, a deal sealed for appearances and family expectations.Yet, as Anna confronted the harsh realities of her world, I found myself entangled in emotions I hadn't thought I would be capable of.The air in the room grew heavier as I grappled with reconciling my logical detachment with this newfound concern for her wellbeing.She was my wife term that carried more weight than I initially acknowledged. Was it the responsibility that came with the title, or was there something else, something beneath the surface, that bound me to her?I couldn't pinpoint the source of this unexpected connection, but as she spoke about the challenges she faced, a subtle empathy emerged."I can't argue with the fact that it's a marriage of convenience," I shrugged, my tone carrying a hint
When love strikes    Chapter 15
AnnaWeary, I stumbled into our shared space, my mind cluttered with the weight of overdue assignments.A groan slipped out, evidence of the fatigue from juggling university tasks and this newfound marriage.Opting to wash off the stress, I shuffled to the bathroom.The water's calming flow offered a temporary break, but upon emerging, a subtle realization hit me. One room had transformed, stripped down to just a bed and a note.Approaching cautiously, curiosity got the best of me. The note, unmistakably Davis Howard's, had its share of quirks."This ain't a master's bedroom, but it's doable. Paint it, however - D."Reluctance pulled at my lips, a forced smile forming. His unexpected gesture had a hint of consideration, a quiet nod to my existence, an effort to make this setup a tad more bearable. Still, the messiness of our connection lingered.The smile vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by a lingering weariness. Davis Howard, a name synonymous with charm and schemes. I couldn
When love strikes    Chapter 16
Anna."Henry…" I said, my words laced with unease. Encountering my ex in front of me during this drunken moment was not the best idea.My heart skipped a beat as he stumbled closer, his intoxicated gaze fixating on my masked face. "Anna, damn… you look so beautiful with a mask on," he slurred, his words punctuated by the pungent scent of alcohol.A wave of discomfort washed over me as he pulled me into an embrace, holding me against his unsteady chest. "I miss you.""Henry, let go," I insisted, attempting to disentangle myself from his grasp.The weight of him being close to me felt suffocating, and the memories of our past together resurfaced in an unwelcome flood.He tightened his hold, his movements fueled by alcohol-induced recklessness. "Anna, don't you get it? I need you," he declared, his breath hot against my face."Henry back off!! we're over. You can't just show up like this," I protested, my voice carrying a mixture of frustration and fear.His grip on me tightened, and he
When love strikes    Chapter 17
AnnaThe Howard home exuded opulence, a blend of modern luxury and classic elegance. I found myself surrounded by plush furnishings and high ceilings as I entered the grand dining room, adorned with crystal chandeliers. The aroma of a lavish meal filled the air."Welcome to our humble abode, Annabella," Davis greeted, his tone masking any hint of discord. The table was set impeccably, a stark contrast to my usual modest lifestyle.I smiled in response, my eyes scanning the elaborate spread. My father, trying to maintain a composed demeanor, whispered an apology for the unfamiliarity of the setting.Mrs. Howard, a woman of refined tastes, observed me closely. The awkwardness was palpable as I, unused to such formalities, fumbled slightly with the cutlery. Mrs. Howard, attempting to conceal her disapproval, couldn't hide the slight tightening of her lips."Anna, dear, the fork goes on the left," Davis whispered discreetly, a flicker of amusement in his eyes."I-I knew that," I stammered
When love strikes    Chapter 18
DavisI didn't know why I suggested this. Such closeness between her and me. The night air was cool, the moon casting a gentle glow on the landscape as our horses meandered towards a peaceful stream. The rhythmic sound of hooves and the soothing rustle of leaves created a tranquil melody, a stark contrast to the chaotic world we were part of.Reaching the stream, the horses bent down to drink, their movements graceful in the moonlight. I couldn't help but steal glances at Annabella, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow. The night held a certain magic, and for a moment, I forgot that I did not want to care about her or the problems that surrounded us.Her hair was flowing in the wind. Her side profile is majestic.As we sat by the stream, gazing at the stars reflecting in the water, an impulsive idea struck me. "Want to dance?"Annabella's eyes widened in surprise. "Dance? Here?"I simply nodded. "Why not? It's a beautiful night, and I'm in the mood."She hesitated for a moment
When love strikes    Chapter 19
AnnaMy hand shook as I looked for the lighter. The room was filled with the soothing fragrance of incense, a familiar ritual to honor Mum's memory. I lit the incense, the flame dancing before settling into a steady glow. As the room filled with the subtle aroma, my father entered, his eyes catching the flicker of sadness in mine."You seem upset, sweetheart," he observed, his tone gentle.I sighed, sinking into the chair. "My day was ruined. Mrs. Howard, she... I don't think she likes me much."My father chuckled a warm sound that carried a lifetime of understanding. "You never used to care about what people thought. Why now?"I looked away, the weight of the day settling on my shoulders. "I'm just doing this for Mum. It's important to her memory."He reached out, wrapping his arms around me, and kissed my forehead. "Always for Mum. But remember, you don't need to please everyone, especially if it compromises your happiness."I nestled into his embrace, finding comfort in his words.
When love strikes    Chapter 20
0AnnaMy eyes widened, "Oh my goodness, it's not what you think. He drove me to work... oh goodness," I stammered, realizing the headlines must have painted a different picture.Davis leaned against the doorframe, a sly grin playing on his lips. "Well, the media seems to have a vivid imagination, doesn't it?"I sighed, feeling the need to explain myself. "Davis, it's a project for the fashion company. Josie and I were discussing strategies to boost its image. It's all about business."He arched an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on me in a way that sent shivers down my spine. "Business, huh?"The atmosphere between us shifted, a subtle tension hanging in the air. I tried to focus on the conversation at hand, but Davis's presence was undeniably distracting.After a moment of charged silence, he stepped closer, his voice low and intimate. "Annabella, you know you can tell me anything. What's really going on?"I hesitated, my resolve wavering under his intense gaze. "It's just a project, Da
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When love strikes    Chapter 32
AnnaI stood under the warm water of the shower, allowing it to cleanse not only the physical dirt but also the emotional residue from what I had gone through. The water cascaded over my skin, creating a temporary place where I could release my pent-up emotions. I let myself cry, the tears merging with the running water, as if I could wash away the fear and helplessness I had felt. In the solitude of the bathroom, I faced the truth – Davis was on his way to confront Alex. That was the way he looked like, as of he was going to grab Alex by the throat and strangle him to death. I don't think he knew I know that he was in the mafia just yet because of the way he acted y telling me nothing. I wonder if I should tell him I know. My heart ached with gratitude and concern for him. The image of him leaving, his face determined and masked with a stoic expression, lingered in my mind. I couldn't shake off the worry, but I had to believe he would handle it. He always did. Like this marriag
When love strikes    Chapter 31
31DavisInside the car, windows opened as Anna felt claustrophobic. She rested her head on the head rest and I watched her sleep. My hands were shaking as I picked up the blanket to cover her. She had lost some weight. I felt bad that I was not able to find her on time. That she had to find me before I found her. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. Anna was here, and she was safe now. As I pulled out of the barn's vicinity, I decided to make a call to Cameron, my trusted detective."Cameron," I said as he picked up, "I need information on an Alex, the one involved with Annabel's kidnapping. I don't have much to go on, but she mentioned the name. There is no surname so just find any Alex related to us or our business."Cameron sighed on the other end, "Alex is a common name, but give me a moment. I'll see what I can find."While waiting for Cameron to gather information, I glanced at Anna, her face serene in sleep. I felt a mix of relief and frustration, grappling with
When love strikes    Chapter 30
AnnaCool shadows wash over my sweaty skin, disguising me as I moved through the corners of the abandoned warehouse courtyard. The night sky was beautiful, stars danced and twinkled. I could have loved to enjoy something like this, happily lie under the stars and let the night air cleanse my tired body and overworked muscles. But unfortunately that was not it. I needed to escape. I do not know how much time I had left before Hades would notice that I was taking too long in the bathroom or when an alarm would sound. I scanned my surroundings of any sign of Alex or his guards. There was none. I sighed in relief before moving through the darkness again. Frogs sing in the distance as my feet crunch the sand. I had no idea where I was or where I was going, so I just followed the lamplights that illuminated the pathway ahead. The ominous shadows seemed to play tricks on my senses, making every rustle of leaves or distant creak an unsettling echo.As I cautiously advanced, the distant h
When love strikes    Chapter 29
AnnaHe was a psychopath. That's the only conclusion I could draw from the way he acts. Leaning on the table, cleaning his gun, all while I felt weak and disorientedThe room felt tight, I don't know what date or time it was. It felt like weeks though. I haven't seen the sun in a while, the only decency he had given me was to be able to use the bathroom but I was followed by one of his workers. A lady. There was no escape route though, just a right cubicle. The lady was strong muscular and always had a baton. I felt weak whenever I was with her. Weak and useless. My throat was parched, and my tongue felt dry. I muttered, "Thirsty. I am thirsty."Alex gave me a look then he mockingly laughed, his amusement evident, and he replied, "Sorry, darling, I can't hear you."I took deep breaths, gathering my strength. "I said I am thirsty."He looked at me with a twisted grin, saying, "Okay... so? You do know I won't give you anything until you accept my deal.""Why?" I croaked, my voice
When love strikes    Chapter 28
DavisMy phone's persistent ring pierced through the atmosphere, interrupting the hug Marie. Irritated, I picked up the call, a curt "Who is this?" escaping my lips."It's me, Josie. I really need to speak to you. Can we meet up?" Josie's urgent voice pleaded from the other end, and for a moment, I hesitated. Thoughts of Annabel clouded my mind, but I steeled myself against the potential storm of emotions."If it's about Anna, I don't want to hear any explanation," I asserted, my tone firm, attempting to shield myself from potential heartache.I was ready to hang up but then she quickly said, "Please, just listen to me. I have proof, and I tell you, that person is not Anna," Josie's words cut through the uncertainty, freezing me in place."Really?" I asked, pushing Marie's hand away that was touching my face. "Really Davis. Please let's meet up. I will show you everything" "Okay," I replied after a moment, my voice colder than intended. "Where do you want us to meet?"Josie relayed
When love strikes    Chapter 27
DavisI sat in my office, the bright daylight filtering through the windows, casting shadows across the room. My feet tapped incessantly on the floor as impatience gnawed at me. Anna had promised she'd come home last night, and I needed to clear the air between us. There were things that needed to be said, questions that begged for answers.And maybe tell her to stop involving herself in whatever she was doing and know why at least she had to involve herself in what she was doing. I glanced at my phone, frustration building as I tried calling her again, only to be met with the automated message that she wasn't reachable. Annoyance pulsed through me. Why say you're coming home and then disappear? Why leave me in this state of worry?Just as irritation crept in, my phone rang. I seized it, hoping to see Anna's name, but disappointment settled in when I saw it was Liam calling. I groaned and answered, "What is it?"Liam's voice carried a tone of urgency. "Have you seen what's trendin
When love strikes    Chapter 26
AnnaHe didn't pick up. My best guess was he didn't want to talk to me. Which I understand.I looked down at my phone, I had left him 15 missed calls just to explain myself. But nothing.I was in a hotel room. Too scared to face Davis. To face those judgmental eyes before I could even explain.I didn't know why I cared about what he thought of me. I mean, I shouldn't, right? Still, I can't get over the fact that he might hate me more.To him, I was just a girl trying to save her mother's company, but he didn't know my secret or my other job. Now he does, and I have to face his tune.No one knows of my secret. Nor even my dad or my best friend. Just me. Now I am frightened to know the way Davis woikd act knowing that this was who I was. My phone buzzed, breaking the silence in the room. It was Davis calling. I hesitated before answering, unsure of what awaited me on the other end."Annabel, where are you?" His voice carried indifference. "I... I needed some space," I muttered, avoidi
When love strikes    Chapter 25
AnnaI sat on my bed, my feet tapping anxiously on the floor. I found myself biting my fingers excessively, a nervous habit that betrayed the turmoil within. My father remained unconscious, his fate hanging in the balance, and the weight of the impending decision loomed over me.The fact that Davis had left without a word, perhaps without even seeing me, added another layer of complexity to the already tumultuous day. His absence resonated in the silence that enveloped the house, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the weight of the secrets I carried.The call I awaited would connect me to the clandestine world I had immersed myself in – a world of shadows and dangerous transactions. As I glanced at the clock, each passing moment heightened the tension, the unknowns of the impending mission casting a shadow over my already troubled marriage.In the solitude of my room, I grappled with the conflicting emotions – the sense of duty to my father and the clandestine life I led, against
When love strikes    Chanter 24
24AnnaI rushed through the white hallways of the hospital, the sterile environment a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions churning within me. My hands fidgeted nervously, the rhythmic sound of my footsteps echoing my anxiety."What has he done again?" I murmured to myself, the weight of past missteps haunting the present. I couldn't shake the fear that my father had delved into another bout of reckless behavior. I hoped against hope that it wasn't another borrowing spree to fuel a gambling addiction. I couldn't handle another debt from my father's end, especially not now.As I neared the reception desk, the tension in the air grew palpable. The nurse behind the counter looked up, her expression a mix of sympathy and formality."Mrs. Howard?" she inquired, confirming my identity.I nodded, my voice tight. "Yes. How is my father? What happened?"She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "He's in critical condition. The police are here. They would like to speak with you."Dre
