All Chapters of Don't Leave Me: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

MATTHEW After more than twelve years away, my uncle Harry Smith was finally coming back home, and my grandfather was throwing a ball to honour his return. I didn't really care because very soon, I would have a bigger celebration of my own. Dressed in a black velvet suit and trousers, my white shirt spoke volumes, and it made my rich maroon velvet bow tie stand out. I looked in the mirror, and I saw a man ready to command attention at the ball, I was a vision of sophistication. Entering the beautifully decorated arena a few minutes later, I observed men coming in, dressed in tuxedos, each accompanied by a woman in their arms. The ladies wore elegant evening gowns, their makeup meticulously applied, and their hair impeccably styled. Surprisingly, I was remarkably calm. A year ago, this situation would have sent me into a panic. My grandfather had declared that ninety percent of his shares in all his companies would be transferred to my uncle if he was able to get married bef

ANASTASIA "Anastasia," I heard my name again. I opened my eyes and found Harry in my room. "I am sorry," he mumbled and quickly walked out. I sat up and wiped the beads of sweat that had dripped all over my body. "It was a dream," I whispered to myself. Feeling aroused and a little bit ashamed, I descended from the bed and made my way to the bathroom. Glancing at the wall clock, I realized I had overslept; it was already eight o'clock. I ran a warm bath, adding my rose-scented shower gel and a few drops of my favourite essential oils. I removed my nightwear and slipped into the bathtub. An hour later, I was dressed and seated at the dining table, ready for breakfast. The maid, Maria, who had introduced herself earlier, informed me that Harry was in a virtual meeting and would be joining me soon. I wasn't looking forward to seeing him, not after what had just happened that morning in my bedroom. "Why did he even come into my bedroom without my permission?" I mumbled to myself.

HARRY The second Matthew said, "What is she doing here?", I knew there was some serious baggage between him and Anastasia. My parents looked at each other and I could see that there was a lot I didn't know. After Matthew walked out, I became even more confused. "Why did it have to be her?", My Dad muttered, "I don't understand," I said. Mom, ever the voice of reason, dropped a bombshell. "Son," she said gently, " didn't you know that Anastasia was engaged to Matthew? Your nephew." My jaw hit the floor. I whipped my head around to look at Anastasia, expecting some kind of explanation. But she wouldn't meet my gaze. The revelation hung heavy in the air, adding another layer to the already suffocating silence. The air grew thick with tension, and the car ride back home stretched into an eternity. I kept stealing glances at Anastasia, hoping she'd finally break the silence and explain everything. But she didn’t, I finally spoke up, "why didn't you tell me that you were

It was really Harry. Anastasia looked at him, and she couldn't speak. He just turned and walked out. Anastasia was confused, she was unsure whether to go after him or go back inside. A decision had to be made fast and just as she was still contemplating, she heard Matthew call, " Sweetheart,". "Who is at the door?" Matthew asked from inside. Anastasia quickly made a decision. "A lady," she answered and came back inside, shutting the door behind her. "Why didn't she come in?" Matthew asked. Anastasia continued her lie, "She just saw me and left." "That is strange," Matthew said. This was her chance to confront him. "Is it really strange that you're a cheat? That you cheated on me throughout our relationship? Or is it more strange that I'm here with you after how badly you treated me?" she said, pouring out her feelings. "Anastasia, I swear on my life, I never cheated on you. I love you dearly. You hurt me when you left without a word, no explanation, no closure," Matthew

"Yes, I am," Anastasia answered, and Harry's face fell. "I thought he cheated on me," Anastasia began to explain. She told Harry everything that happened, from the video she received showing Matthew sleeping with another woman to the discussion she had with Matthew at his house. "That day you saw me at his house. I only went there because he begged me to come over so that he could explain things to me. "Anastasia rambled on, but Harry kept silent. "I never set out to hurt you. I didn't know I was still in love with Matthew until I set my eyes on him. I regret running off and not talking to him after I received that video on the morning of our wedding. Now that I know that he was not the person in the video, I can't hold myself back from being with him, "Anastasia said. Harry sat really still, and Anastasia became worried, "Please say something," Anastasia begged. She went closer to him and took his hand in hers, "I never meant to hurt you..." "Cut the crap and say some