Anna's POVTears streamed down my face as I reflected on the difficult choices I had to make. At that moment, I wished I was back with my ex-fiance Luke. Even though he never gave me a chance to explain myself, things would have been easier with him.Since I left Brigdon and started a new life in Delroy, we hadn’t communicated at all. It was probably for the best, it was easier to let go of him that way, but it didn’t make it hurt any less. Despite my curiosity, I'd never searched for him in the years we'd been apart. I didn't know anything about his life now, and the truth was, I didn't want to.The thought that he might be living his best life, and might have moved on with someone new was just so devastating. It would only hurt to see him happy knowing my life was shit.However, sometime last year, my curiosity got the best of me. I knew what I did to him was wrong, but I didn't even recognize myself or my thoughts that night. Somewhere deep down, I still wished he'd reach out to m

MarkMy hands were shaking as I pressed the ceramic tile on the bathroom sink. I breathed in and out deeply, trying to control my emotions.My mind was still fixated on what happened at the park. However, it wasn't Anna's refusal of my help that frustrated me now, although it annoyed me that she was being so difficult even when I was only trying to help.Shortly after Eric dropped me off at the mansion, I received a message from my father, Jonathan Grayson, reminding me of the annual Grayson family meeting.I'd almost forgotten it was today. I never liked these meetings. We weren't like your typical family.My family was very competitive, and these annual family events were more of a reminder that despite my accomplishments with the family business, my father was still not satisfied with them. With the board members on my neck about stepping down as the CEO of the company, I could already imagine how today would go.I closed my eyes tightly, trying to focus my thoughts. I needed to ta

Mark"Yes, I remember now. I saw you sneak into my room right after I left yesterday. I assumed you were there to clean it, but that's not why you went in there, was it? You were waiting for me to leave so you could steal the necklace""I didn't do it" Anna, her voice breaking."If you're so sure of yourself, then you'd let us search you. What's the fuss about darling?",Anna wiped her face and looked at Brenda intently, "Ms. Grayson, I promise, I know nothing about Ms. Ryan's necklace."Brenda held her stomach with a gasp and laughed, "It's always funny how they act so innocent when they know they're caught,"Soon, my family began to whisper amongst themselves. Although I didn't know Anna too well, I doubted she could have stolen the necklace.Brenda clapped her hands and started approaching her, her words sharp and accusatory.Seeing this, I immediately stood up and rushed towards her, stopping her in her tracks just before she reached Anna. I couldn't stand it any longer, I hated t

AnnaI felt a bit closer to Mark when he told me about Laura. I knew what it felt like to lose someone you loved. Even though our conditions were different, I felt he somehow had it easier. It was more painful knowing Luke, my boyfriend of nine years was somewhere out there, living his best life with my conniving adoptive sister, Sarah. Did he even try to find me?"Who are these people, Anna, and why have you been looking for them?", Mark asked curiously.I hesitated for a while, contemplating telling him. I found it unlikely that Mark could be one of The Circle, but the hooded man had instructed me not to trust anyone.I heaved a tired sigh and turned towards him, "I don't know much about them, but they have something I'm looking for. It is why I came to this city, and that man at the park is my only way of finding out who they are or what they want with me."Mark arched his brows curiously and adjusted his tie, "What are you looking for Anna?",I sensed there was an ulterior motive

Anna"Mr Grayson! My Grayson!""Mark! Mark!"The paparazzi quickly rushed towards us as soon as I stepped out of the car. I squinted my eyes, covering my face from the camera flashes as Mark took my hand leading me toward the entrance of the hotel,"Who is the beautiful girl on your arm tonight?","Are you two dating? What about Mia?"Mark ignored their questions and continued walking towards the entrance until we reached the bouncer.This was a high profile party and according to protocol, each person at the party had to check in their invite before gaining admission into the building.As we waited for the bouncer to check our names on the invite list, the sound of camera shutters made my head spin. I tried to shift my gaze away, but everywhere I turned, there was a camera crew taking pictures of us.As a heavy breath escaped my lips, I closed my eyes, trying to find an escape. I'd become so conscious of the whispers and murmurs from the other party guests, the girls who doted on Mar