Mark"What are you doing here?" Anna asked, staring at me in shock."Shhh,” I quickly placed my finger on her lips, cutting her off. A few meters away, I could hear leaves rustling and knew those men were still around."I need you to remain quiet or we'll both be found," I whispered, staring directly into her eyes.After a short while, I peered over her shoulders, scanning the park to ensure those men were no longer in view. As I listened closely, this time, the park was quiet, and after a while, I was convinced there was nobody around.She was still staring at me in confusion when I shifted my gaze back to her."What are you doing alone in the park by this hour?" I demanded. "And who were those men?"Anna pushed me back, her eyes flashing with defiance. “I could ask you the same thing. What are you doing here?"For a girl who seemed timid, she now appeared quite fearless. I had to be cautious; I couldn't let her know I had been stalking her, especially not when she was being this fei
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
MarkEveryone turned to look at her. My father’s face twisted with confusion and irritation."Who is this?" Zach asked, staring at Anna in confusion. “What are you doing here?” I asked, equally shocked. Brenda, who was sitting next to me laughed lightly and commented, "That'll be Anna, Mark's new plaything and I believe the reason he's decided not to marry Mia anymore."I shot her a glare. I never intended to marry Mia, she was just something to get my parents off my back about marriage."What is she talking about?" My father asked in a somewhat uninterested way.Anna scanned the room, looking very uncomfortable, then shifted her gaze back to me, "I'm sorry Mr. Grayson, I didn't know you were with guests," she spoke hurriedly, bowed, and turned to leave the room."Hold on dear," my mother called just before she walked out. Anna froze in her steps.I could see she was anxious and for a reason. Though, she had not met my family before, anyone would be easily intimidated by them."You'
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
Mark"Sorry, would you all excuse me," I said, looking serene on the outside, but on the inside, I was seething. I knew my family was crazy, but I didn't think they'd push this so far. And then there was Jonathan. I mean why the hell did he even make me CEO if, at any given opportunity, he tried to remove me from office?"Where are you going?" My mother, Margaret asked curiously."I have some urgent business to attend to," I said, standing up and heading towards Anna."We need to talk. Come with me," I said, grabbing her hand."Don't forget, The Browns have invited us to their formal dinner tonight. We expect you to be there," Margaret added."Of course, Mom," I replied with a warm smile.Outside the dining hall, Anna shook her hand free, staring daggers at me,"Mr. Grayson, I didn't do it. I didn't steal her necklace," she said in desperation."I know Anna, that's not what I want to talk about," I replied briskly, walking down the hall."I need to show you something."I noticed she w
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’s POV6:45a.mThe sound of heavy traffic in the street woke me up a little earlier than I wanted. I blinked slowly and opened my eyes, the sun’s scorching rays settling directly on my face. My head was still aching from last night. I know I shouldn’t have been drinking, alcohol never mixed well with me, but it was a party and it was only right that I did.What happened last night? I remember drinking, but not that much, and then suddenly nothing. I must have blacked out. Nursing the throbbing pain in my head, I searched around the bed for my phone but unexpectedly, my hand hit a solid wall of muscle next to me. ‘Oh my God!’ I recoiled in shock but covered my mouth just before the words spilled out. He tossed and turned slightly, but then went back to sleep.I shakily laid back down and covered myself with the duvet. My eyes dilated fully from the shock and I realized then that I wasn’t in my bedroom, and not only that - I was also completely naked.‘What the hell? What happ
Anna’s POV8 years laterIt has been eight years since that tragic incident and my life has been on a constant downhill. I was now a twenty-eight-year-old woman, living in a crappy apartment, working a job I hated but couldn’t quit either. Every day, I’d throw on this embarrassing miniskirt at the car company, where I worked as a car model just to make a few bucks. But even though I hated my job, it was all worth it just to be able to afford the basic things for my children.I couldn’t give up now, I had to fight and give it my all “A few more hours Anna,” I muttered, pulling my mini skirt, hoping it was just a bit longer.“Anna, get on stage now!” Our manager, Remi called, clapping his hands in urgency.“God! I hate this job,” I groaned.Today was the highly anticipated car launch of the Grayson Enterprise Family, and unfortunately for me, our manager Remi, had organized a show for the event, reserving the center stage just for me.I heaved a deep sigh and turned towards the stage,