🌹ᴰᴱˢᴵᴿᴱ ᴬᴺᴰ ᴸᵁˢᵀ 🌹
{°°ᶠᵒʳᵇⁱᵈᵈᵉⁿ ᵈᵉˢⁱʳᵉ°°}
🥀 ᴸᵃⁿᵃ'ˢ ᴸⁱᵇʳᵃʳʸ 🥀
🌺 ᴮᵃᶜᵏᵍʳᵒᵘⁿᵈ ˢᵒⁿᵍ'ᴺᴱᴱᴰ ᴵᵀ' ᴮʸ ᶜʰʳⁱˢ ᴳʳᵉʸ 🌺
🔞ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳ ⁷³&⁷⁴🔞
The car pulled away from the hospital, .
Clara remained silent beside her brother, arms folded tightly.
Mr. Kings stared straight ahead, jaw clenched, his knuckles white on the steering wheel.
The silence was thick.
**
At the same time, Anna sat in the backseat of the car while Antonio drive her home.
Her eyes blank as tears silently streamed down her cheeks.
She didn’t say a word the entire ride.
Her mind kept replaying the moment.
“Are you still interested in marrying me?”
It echoed like a cruel joke.
She didn’t understand.
He looked her in the eye before going into that room.
He kissed her cheek.
He stood up for her..
And then… that.
That announcement.
That betrayal.
Her chest tightened, the lump in her throat too painful to swallow.
Antonio parked outside her building, .
He turned to speak, but Ana had already stepped out, wiping her cheeks quickly and walking to the door.
“Miss Evans!” he called gently.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
Ana paused, forcing a smile that didn’t touch her eyes.
“Yeah. Thanks for the ride.”
Then she disappeared inside.
**
Back in Mr. Kings's car, Clara finally spoke.
“You know I'm sure she cried the entire way home, right?” she said coldly.
Mr. Kings didn’t respond.
“I hope whatever reason you have is worth it,” she added, opening the door as they pulled into the driveway.
“Because right now? You just lost the only person who truly cared for you.”
She slammed the door shut.
Mr. Kings sat there alone for a while.
Staring at nothing.
Then he closed his eyes and whispered to himself:
“I’m sorry, Ana.”
✨ Ana's House ✨
“Ana, are you okay?” her mom asked gently.
Ana sniffled, trying to compose herself.
“What do you mean?” she said, voice soft and shaky.
“You’re crying, baby,” her mom replied, patting her back with concern.
“You said you missed us, but… this seems like more than that. You’re worrying me.”
Ana wiped her tears quickly, forcing a smile.
“I’m fine, Mom. I just missed you. That’s all. It was boring not seeing you for all those weeks.”
Her mom studied her face carefully but didn’t push.
“Alright. If you say so.”
“Where’s Alvin?” Ana asked, eager to change the subject.
“He’s in his room ,with that girl… what’s her name again? Liana.”
Ana nodded and stood up. “I’ll go check on him.”
She walked away, her mom watched her go with a worried look.
Inside Alvin’s room, laughter filled the air.
“Are you serious right now?” Liana asked, laughing at something Alvin had just said.
Alvin grinned. “I mean… just touching you won’t get you pregnant, right?”
Liana rolled her eyes, smirking.
“Alvin, you’re so dumb sometimes. Of course not. But if you had unprotected sex, yes, I could get pregnant.”
“Whoever told you that lied,” Liana said, playfully smacking his arm.
“We’re in college. I can definitely get pregnant. It doesn’t matter how young you are.”
“So if I sleep with you without protection, you’ll get pregnant?” he asked, raising a brow.
Liana shook her head, laughing.
“Yes, genius. That’s how it works.”
Ana stood quietly by the door, listening without meaning to.
She blinked, shook her head, and backed away, heading to her room.
The last thing she needed right now was to hear about someone else’s confusing love life..
She already had enough pain of her own
to deal with.
✨At Samantha's House ✨
"Oh my God, Sam. I can't believe that he's marrying me. I'm so happy!" Fatima squealed, twirling around with joy all over her face.
But the person she was with didn’t share that happiness.
Samantha stood still, , a deep frown settling on her face.
"Are you not happy for me?"Fatima asked, her smile faltering.
Samantha stared at her coldly.
"Should I be?" she replied sharply.
"I mean, how can Charlie suddenly want to marry you out of nowhere? Just a weeks ago, he didn’t even want to talk to you. Then our mom ends up in the hospital, and suddenly he’s announcing an engagement? That’s not love, Fatima. That’s something else."
Fatima blinked.
"What are you trying to say, Sam?"
Samantha stepped closer, her tone cautious but pointed.
"I’m saying… do you have anything to do with my mom being in the hospital?"
Fatima’s eyes widened.
"What? Sam, how could you even say that?"
Samantha didn’t back down.
"You’re the one who visited her just before she collapsed. You told me yourself that you went to see her. Then, less than 24 hours later, she’s rushed to the hospital with a panic attack. What did you say to her?"
Fatima's smile slowly faded.
“Wait, wait right there, Sam. This is me you're talking to, right?” she said, pointing at herself, her voice now firm.
“You really think I’d hurt Auntie just so I could get married to Charlie?”
Samantha folded her arms.
“I don’t know, Fatima. But everything just feels too convenient. One minute, he’s not interested. The next minute, my mom ends up in the hospital, and boom he wants to marry you again? Don’t you think that’s a bit strange?”
Fatima took a deep breath, trying to keep her cool.
“I went to visit Auntie that day to apologize for everything. That’s it. I didn’t plan anything. I didn’t say anything that would hurt her.”
“Then what did you talk about?” Samantha pressed.
Fatima hesitated.
“I just... told her I still loved Charlie. That I never stopped. That I regretted everything that happened in the past.”
Samantha’s eyes narrowed.
“You didn’t think that could overwhelm her? You know how much she cares about Charlie’s future. You made it sound like she had to fix everything.”
Fatima sighed.
“Look, I didn’t ask her to do anything. I just spoke from the heart. Whatever happened after that... I didn’t plan it. I swear.”
Samantha looked at her long and hard, then slowly shook her head.
“I don’t trust you, Fatima. I never have. And if I find out that you did anything to manipulate this situation, you’ll regret it.”
"Seriously, I don't understand why you're so mad about this. I thought you'd be happy. This is what you always wanted, Sam, so why are you acting like this all of a sudden?"
Fatima asked, frustration showing in her voice.
"If this didn’t involve my mom, maybe I would be happy. You know what, Fatima? We can play all the games you want to play, but when it comes to my mom, my dad, or Clara they don’t get to be part of it. They should never be dragged into this. Understand?"
She took a breath and continued, voice firm.
"So if you somehow involved my mom in this if you used her to get what you want I will not be part of it. Whether Charlie truly wants to marry you or Mom forced him, it won’t end well. I never wanted Mom dragged into any of this."
Fatima sighed.
"Look, Sam, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I swear I didn’t involve Auntie in anything. And honestly, I don’t even know why Charlie suddenly wants to marry me. Maybe you should go ask him yourself."
She paused, then added,
"You wanted this, didn’t you? So why are you flipping now? What’s this attitude for?"
Samantha shook her head.
"I'm not flipping. I'm just not trusting any of this. Even if he marries you, that girl Ana will still be in his life. He has to choose, and it has to be real. Do you understand that?"
She stepped closer.
"Even if he’s marrying you because Mom told him to, his heart is still with Anna. And when it comes down to it, you know who he'll go back to. I saw how he looked at her at the hospital. He’s in love with her, Fatima. That’s not fake."
Fatima’s face tightened.
"Whatever, Sam. If you’re not going to support me this time, fine. But I’m still going to marry your brother whether you like it or not. You better start being happy for me. You’re his sister, not his keeper."
She grabbed her handbag.
"I don’t get why you're trying to create problems out of nothing. This is so annoying."
Then, without waiting for a response, Fatima added,
"You know what? I’m leaving. Tomorrow we’re going to pick the ring. If you won’t support me, that’s on you. I don’t care anymore. Bye."
She walked out, slamming the door behind her,.
Leaving Samantha standing there, stunned and angry.
✨ Two Days Later At the Restaurant ✨
"Are you okay?"Anna asked Joyce.
Joyce smiled softly and nodded.
"I should be asking you that. Are you okay? I heard Charlie is getting married… What’s going on?"
Anna sighed and pulled out a chair before sitting down slowly.
"I don’t want to talk about him. I’m here for work. I just want to focus on that. I don’t want to talk about Mr. Kings or anything related to him."
Joyce reached out and gently held Ana’s hand across the table.
"Ana, it’s okay to talk to me. I’m here for you. But what really happened? One minute things looked good… then suddenly, he’s back with that witch? I don’t understand."
Ana took a quiet breath and turned slightly to give the waitress her food order, .
Clearly trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"Let’s not talk about that," she said with a faint smile.
"Let’s talk about you. Why didn’t you tell me you’re pregnant?"
Joyce rolled her eyes, clearly seeing through the attempt to change the topic.
"Come on, Anna. Don’t switch this on me. I’m fine. I’m more concerned about you."
Ana gave a soft laugh, but her eyes stayed clouded.
"I just want to move on, Joyce. For now… I don’t want to think about it."
Joyce squeezed her hand gently.
"Alright. But I’m here when you’re ready."
"So how far along are you?"Ana asked.
Joyce smiled gently.
"Just two months. My tummy isn’t really showing yet, so I wasn’t even sure at first. That’s why I didn’t tell you sooner. I was actually going to tell you last week while you were still in Paris."
Ana nodded and smiled.
"I’m so happy for you. You really deserve this. I’ll be waiting for your wedding invitation."
Joyce glanced at the ring on her finger and laughed.
"I didn’t even expect that fool to propose!"
Anna chuckled and lightly nudged her arm.
"Come on! You can’t call your fiancé a fool."
"Well, he is!" Joyce said, still laughing.
"But I love him..... with his foolishness. I just… I love him so much. Things have been going really well for us lately. Except…"
She paused, her smile fading slightly. "There’s always some foo.....or should I say, useless people, who pop up right when things are finally good in your life."
Ana looked at her with concern.
"Is it about your sister? Are you still struggling with what happened?"
Joyce sighed and nodded slowly.
"Yes, Anna. I don’t know if I can forgive Julie. People keep telling me that holding onto anger means I haven’t moved on. And maybe they’re right. Maybe I haven’t. But how do I just forget what she did?"
Ana stayed quiet, listening as Joyce continued.
"I was supposed to marry Kelvin, you know. I was so in love with him. And she knew that , Julie knew. But she still went behind my back and fuck him ....l. I try to move on, I really do, but…" Joyce’s voice cracked slightly.
"I don’t know how to let that go."
Ana held her hand.
Joyce hadn’t told her the whole story, but from what she had shared, it wasn't easy to.forget even if it was her.
"Sometimes, we have to let go of the past to really heal," Ana said softly.
"If we don’t, we end up hurting ourselves more than anyone else. Even those around us. Like with Mr. Kings… I don’t think he’s let go of whatever’s holding him back."
She paused, trying to hold herself together.
"I don’t want to stress you with my drama, but… I wish he could just be honest with me , we were fine,Then out of nowhere, he walks out of the hospital and suddenly announces he’s marrying Fatima."
Ana shook her head slightly.
"I don’t understand him, Joyce. And I wish he could just let go of his past… Maybe then, he’d be able to move forward. But now? I don’t think I can forgive this. Or forget it."
Joyce held her hand tighter, looking into her eyes.
"Ana… I don’t think he’s marrying her because he wants to. Maybe Auntie forced him. Maybe he’s doing it out of guilt or duty. But not love."
"No, Joyce," Anna said firmly, chuckling bitterly through her pain.
"He’s not a baby. He’s a grown-ass man. He can decide whatever the hell he wants. No one is holding a gun to his head."
Her tone sharpened as she continued, .
"If you’re a man and you let people bully you into decisions, let people dictate your life, then what are you? Just weak. Weak and useless."
Joyce looked at her quietly, trying to calm her down.
"I understand, Anna. But maybe… maybe it’s because he loves his mom. Maybe Auntie told him to marry Fatima and he felt like he had no choice."
"I don’t care, Joyce!"
Anna snapped, her voice breaking.
"I don’t give a damn what the reason is. I don’t care if she begged him or threatened him,
if he loved me, he would’ve fought for us. But he didn’t. He let me fall… and now he’s leaving me hanging like I was just some fling."
Tears welled in her eyes, her voice trembling as she spoke.
"You know what hurts the most? He made me believe I was the one. I asked him, Joyce. I asked him if he was sure. I knew this would happen. I felt it."
She paused, took a shaky breath, and
swallowed her pain.
"But he made me feel safe. He made me feel like for once… I was enough. These past two weeks, I felt like I was his whole world. But it was all a lie. Just another temporary moment in his life."
Joyce reached out and held her hand.
"Maybe he’ll explain, Anna. Maybe there’s a reason you don’t know yet. I mean, I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He doesn’t look at Fatima that way. There’s no love in his eyes when he sees her."
Ana pulled her hand away, shaking her head.
"Then why can’t he just tell me? Why can’t he fight for me? I’m not asking for him to shout it on the rooftops. I just… I wanted him to be real with me. To stop hiding me. To stop treating me like a secret."
Joyce opened her mouth to say something, but then stopped as her eyes drifted behind Ana’s shoulder.
"Ana…" she whispered.
Ana turned slowly, her heart skipping a bea as she saw Mr Kings walking into the restaurant… with Ryan beside him.
He paused when he saw her.
His eyes locked with hers.
The air between them grew thick.
Frozen.
Joyce looked between them and whispered,.
"See? This isn’t over."
"I think I should leave," Anna said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
She wasn’t in the mood to pretend today, she was relief when she didn't see him in the office in the morning.
Joyce tilted her head, concerned.
"Anna, you can’t just keep running away."
Before Anna could respond, .
Ryan called her name already making his way toward her with that familiar spark in his eyes.
"Hey, Ana," Ryan said, his voice filled with warmth.
Ana blinked."Ryan? When did you get here? What are you doing in New York?"
"Business with your boss. Thought I’d surprise you."
He smiled and looked over his shoulder,.
Ana followed his gaze, and her breath hitched.
Mr. Kings.
Standing a few feet away.
Hands tucked in his pockets.
Eyes locked on hers, intense, unreadable, like he was trying to search her soul.
Ana quickly looked away, forcing a small smile for Ryan.
"Well, I’m glad you came. I honestly thought you were bluffing when you said you’d visit."
Ryan laughed lightly, then pulled out a chair next to her.
"Mind if I sit?" he asked.
Before Anna could reply,.
Mr. Kings’ s voice cut in, deep, and laced with restrained anger.
"This isn't why you're here, Ryan. You have a meeting. Don't forget that."
Anna swallowed hard. Just his voice was enough to shake her inside.
Why do I still feel this? she thought bitterly.
Why can’t I hate him?.
Ryan turned and answered coolly,
"You can go to your meeting. I’m here to talk to Ana. We’ve got things to catch up on."
Mr. Kings’s jaw clenched.
His eyes never left Anna.
Then, coldly, he said,.
"Ms. Evans, you’re supposed to be working."
Joyce, annoyed, raised a brow and muttered near Ana’s ear,.
"Isn’t it lunch break? What’s with this guy acting like a jealous ex?"
Ana almost smiled but kept her focus.
She turned to Ryan.
"I need to head back to work. You have my number, so if you still want to do lunch sometime… call me."
She smiled at him, just enough to feel like she still had control.
But out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mr. Kings’s face harden.
His clenched fists.
His narrowed eyes.
She was provoking him and she knew it.
"Joyce, I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?" Ana added before walking out.
She didn’t look back.
Outside, the cool air kissed her cheeks.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside her chest.
But then she felt it, his presence.
Right behind her.
Thick tension wrapped around them like smoke.
Her body tensed.
She could feel him standing close.
Too close.
His voice was low, rough, and dangerously close to her earp
"You really think I’m going to stand there and watch you flirt with another man… like that?"
Her breath caught.
She turned slowly to face him,and their eyes met, heat pulsing between them.
“What are you trying to do, Anna?”*Mr. Kings asked, his voice deep and serious.
Ana pressed her lips together.
Was this man crazy?.
How could he ask her that?.
And who exactly did she flirt with? .
What was wrong with him?
“Do you need something, sir?”she asked calmly.
Mr. Kings chuckled, stepping more closer to her.
“Why are you pretending?”
“What?”she blinked at him.
“I’m asking you, why are you pretending, Ana?”
“I’m not pretending. I just asked if you needed anything before I head back to the office. Maybe you want something?”she said, .
“Are you trying to flirt with Ryan to get to me? Is that what this is?” Mr. Kings asked, eyes narrowing.
Anna scoffed and laughed in disbelief.
“What are you talking about? And for the record, this is my personal life. If I flirted with Ryan or any man, it shouldn't concern you, right sir?”
“Can you stop with that shit?” he growled.
“What?”
“I said, stop calling me ‘sir.’”
“Then what should I call you? Are you not my boss? Didn’t you just speak to me a moment ago like I was some random staff, asking why I wasn’t working?” Anna snapped back.
“Look, Anna…”
“No. Don’t come closer to me,” she warned, stepping back.
“What’s this nonsense you’re trying to pull acting like nothing happened? It’s been two days, Charlie. Two fucking days since you announced your fucking engagement right in front of me. You told someone else you wanted to marry her right in front of me! And then I left. You never called. You never came after me. And now you’re here asking me if I’m flirting with someone else?”
Her voice was raised now, shaking with emotion.
“Did you want me to come after you?”Mr. Kings asked, his voice slightly hoarse.
Ana stared at him,.
Disbelief written all over her face.
“You left, Anna. You didn’t wait. I told you to wait for me..that I’d go back home with you. But you didn’t. You just left. And now you’re blaming me?”
“Are you serious right now?” she shot back.
“You know what? I’m done wasting my time talking to you.”
She turned to leave, but Mr. Kings grabbed her wrist, holding her back.
Without thinking, Ana turned and slapped him hard across the cheek.
The sound echoed.
And she gaspered moving away from himo her heart pounding.
{°°ᶠᵒʳᵇⁱᵈᵈᵉⁿ ᵈᵉˢⁱʳᵉ°°}
🥀 ᴸᵃⁿᵃ'ˢ ᴸⁱᵇʳᵃʳʸ 🥀
🌺 ᴮᵃᶜᵏᵍʳᵒᵘⁿᵈ ˢᵒⁿᵍ'ᴺᴱᴱᴰ ᴵᵀ' ᴮʸ ᶜʰʳⁱˢ ᴳʳᵉʸ 🌺
🔞ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳ ⁷³&⁷⁴🔞
The car pulled away from the hospital, .
Clara remained silent beside her brother, arms folded tightly.
Mr. Kings stared straight ahead, jaw clenched, his knuckles white on the steering wheel.
The silence was thick.
**
At the same time, Anna sat in the backseat of the car while Antonio drive her home.
Her eyes blank as tears silently streamed down her cheeks.
She didn’t say a word the entire ride.
Her mind kept replaying the moment.
“Are you still interested in marrying me?”
It echoed like a cruel joke.
She didn’t understand.
He looked her in the eye before going into that room.
He kissed her cheek.
He stood up for her..
And then… that.
That announcement.
That betrayal.
Her chest tightened, the lump in her throat too painful to swallow.
Antonio parked outside her building, .
He turned to speak, but Ana had already stepped out, wiping her cheeks quickly and walking to the door.
“Miss Evans!” he called gently.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
Ana paused, forcing a smile that didn’t touch her eyes.
“Yeah. Thanks for the ride.”
Then she disappeared inside.
**
Back in Mr. Kings's car, Clara finally spoke.
“You know I'm sure she cried the entire way home, right?” she said coldly.
Mr. Kings didn’t respond.
“I hope whatever reason you have is worth it,” she added, opening the door as they pulled into the driveway.
“Because right now? You just lost the only person who truly cared for you.”
She slammed the door shut.
Mr. Kings sat there alone for a while.
Staring at nothing.
Then he closed his eyes and whispered to himself:
“I’m sorry, Ana.”
✨ Ana's House ✨
“Ana, are you okay?” her mom asked gently.
Ana sniffled, trying to compose herself.
“What do you mean?” she said, voice soft and shaky.
“You’re crying, baby,” her mom replied, patting her back with concern.
“You said you missed us, but… this seems like more than that. You’re worrying me.”
Ana wiped her tears quickly, forcing a smile.
“I’m fine, Mom. I just missed you. That’s all. It was boring not seeing you for all those weeks.”
Her mom studied her face carefully but didn’t push.
“Alright. If you say so.”
“Where’s Alvin?” Ana asked, eager to change the subject.
“He’s in his room ,with that girl… what’s her name again? Liana.”
Ana nodded and stood up. “I’ll go check on him.”
She walked away, her mom watched her go with a worried look.
Inside Alvin’s room, laughter filled the air.
“Are you serious right now?” Liana asked, laughing at something Alvin had just said.
Alvin grinned. “I mean… just touching you won’t get you pregnant, right?”
Liana rolled her eyes, smirking.
“Alvin, you’re so dumb sometimes. Of course not. But if you had unprotected sex, yes, I could get pregnant.”
“Whoever told you that lied,” Liana said, playfully smacking his arm.
“We’re in college. I can definitely get pregnant. It doesn’t matter how young you are.”
“So if I sleep with you without protection, you’ll get pregnant?” he asked, raising a brow.
Liana shook her head, laughing.
“Yes, genius. That’s how it works.”
Ana stood quietly by the door, listening without meaning to.
She blinked, shook her head, and backed away, heading to her room.
The last thing she needed right now was to hear about someone else’s confusing love life..
She already had enough pain of her own
to deal with.
✨At Samantha's House ✨
"Oh my God, Sam. I can't believe that he's marrying me. I'm so happy!" Fatima squealed, twirling around with joy all over her face.
But the person she was with didn’t share that happiness.
Samantha stood still, , a deep frown settling on her face.
"Are you not happy for me?"Fatima asked, her smile faltering.
Samantha stared at her coldly.
"Should I be?" she replied sharply.
"I mean, how can Charlie suddenly want to marry you out of nowhere? Just a weeks ago, he didn’t even want to talk to you. Then our mom ends up in the hospital, and suddenly he’s announcing an engagement? That’s not love, Fatima. That’s something else."
Fatima blinked.
"What are you trying to say, Sam?"
Samantha stepped closer, her tone cautious but pointed.
"I’m saying… do you have anything to do with my mom being in the hospital?"
Fatima’s eyes widened.
"What? Sam, how could you even say that?"
Samantha didn’t back down.
"You’re the one who visited her just before she collapsed. You told me yourself that you went to see her. Then, less than 24 hours later, she’s rushed to the hospital with a panic attack. What did you say to her?"
Fatima's smile slowly faded.
“Wait, wait right there, Sam. This is me you're talking to, right?” she said, pointing at herself, her voice now firm.
“You really think I’d hurt Auntie just so I could get married to Charlie?”
Samantha folded her arms.
“I don’t know, Fatima. But everything just feels too convenient. One minute, he’s not interested. The next minute, my mom ends up in the hospital, and boom he wants to marry you again? Don’t you think that’s a bit strange?”
Fatima took a deep breath, trying to keep her cool.
“I went to visit Auntie that day to apologize for everything. That’s it. I didn’t plan anything. I didn’t say anything that would hurt her.”
“Then what did you talk about?” Samantha pressed.
Fatima hesitated.
“I just... told her I still loved Charlie. That I never stopped. That I regretted everything that happened in the past.”
Samantha’s eyes narrowed.
“You didn’t think that could overwhelm her? You know how much she cares about Charlie’s future. You made it sound like she had to fix everything.”
Fatima sighed.
“Look, I didn’t ask her to do anything. I just spoke from the heart. Whatever happened after that... I didn’t plan it. I swear.”
Samantha looked at her long and hard, then slowly shook her head.
“I don’t trust you, Fatima. I never have. And if I find out that you did anything to manipulate this situation, you’ll regret it.”
"Seriously, I don't understand why you're so mad about this. I thought you'd be happy. This is what you always wanted, Sam, so why are you acting like this all of a sudden?"
Fatima asked, frustration showing in her voice.
"If this didn’t involve my mom, maybe I would be happy. You know what, Fatima? We can play all the games you want to play, but when it comes to my mom, my dad, or Clara they don’t get to be part of it. They should never be dragged into this. Understand?"
She took a breath and continued, voice firm.
"So if you somehow involved my mom in this if you used her to get what you want I will not be part of it. Whether Charlie truly wants to marry you or Mom forced him, it won’t end well. I never wanted Mom dragged into any of this."
Fatima sighed.
"Look, Sam, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I swear I didn’t involve Auntie in anything. And honestly, I don’t even know why Charlie suddenly wants to marry me. Maybe you should go ask him yourself."
She paused, then added,
"You wanted this, didn’t you? So why are you flipping now? What’s this attitude for?"
Samantha shook her head.
"I'm not flipping. I'm just not trusting any of this. Even if he marries you, that girl Ana will still be in his life. He has to choose, and it has to be real. Do you understand that?"
She stepped closer.
"Even if he’s marrying you because Mom told him to, his heart is still with Anna. And when it comes down to it, you know who he'll go back to. I saw how he looked at her at the hospital. He’s in love with her, Fatima. That’s not fake."
Fatima’s face tightened.
"Whatever, Sam. If you’re not going to support me this time, fine. But I’m still going to marry your brother whether you like it or not. You better start being happy for me. You’re his sister, not his keeper."
She grabbed her handbag.
"I don’t get why you're trying to create problems out of nothing. This is so annoying."
Then, without waiting for a response, Fatima added,
"You know what? I’m leaving. Tomorrow we’re going to pick the ring. If you won’t support me, that’s on you. I don’t care anymore. Bye."
She walked out, slamming the door behind her,.
Leaving Samantha standing there, stunned and angry.
✨ Two Days Later At the Restaurant ✨
"Are you okay?"Anna asked Joyce.
Joyce smiled softly and nodded.
"I should be asking you that. Are you okay? I heard Charlie is getting married… What’s going on?"
Anna sighed and pulled out a chair before sitting down slowly.
"I don’t want to talk about him. I’m here for work. I just want to focus on that. I don’t want to talk about Mr. Kings or anything related to him."
Joyce reached out and gently held Ana’s hand across the table.
"Ana, it’s okay to talk to me. I’m here for you. But what really happened? One minute things looked good… then suddenly, he’s back with that witch? I don’t understand."
Ana took a quiet breath and turned slightly to give the waitress her food order, .
Clearly trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"Let’s not talk about that," she said with a faint smile.
"Let’s talk about you. Why didn’t you tell me you’re pregnant?"
Joyce rolled her eyes, clearly seeing through the attempt to change the topic.
"Come on, Anna. Don’t switch this on me. I’m fine. I’m more concerned about you."
Ana gave a soft laugh, but her eyes stayed clouded.
"I just want to move on, Joyce. For now… I don’t want to think about it."
Joyce squeezed her hand gently.
"Alright. But I’m here when you’re ready."
"So how far along are you?"Ana asked.
Joyce smiled gently.
"Just two months. My tummy isn’t really showing yet, so I wasn’t even sure at first. That’s why I didn’t tell you sooner. I was actually going to tell you last week while you were still in Paris."
Ana nodded and smiled.
"I’m so happy for you. You really deserve this. I’ll be waiting for your wedding invitation."
Joyce glanced at the ring on her finger and laughed.
"I didn’t even expect that fool to propose!"
Anna chuckled and lightly nudged her arm.
"Come on! You can’t call your fiancé a fool."
"Well, he is!" Joyce said, still laughing.
"But I love him..... with his foolishness. I just… I love him so much. Things have been going really well for us lately. Except…"
She paused, her smile fading slightly. "There’s always some foo.....or should I say, useless people, who pop up right when things are finally good in your life."
Ana looked at her with concern.
"Is it about your sister? Are you still struggling with what happened?"
Joyce sighed and nodded slowly.
"Yes, Anna. I don’t know if I can forgive Julie. People keep telling me that holding onto anger means I haven’t moved on. And maybe they’re right. Maybe I haven’t. But how do I just forget what she did?"
Ana stayed quiet, listening as Joyce continued.
"I was supposed to marry Kelvin, you know. I was so in love with him. And she knew that , Julie knew. But she still went behind my back and fuck him ....l. I try to move on, I really do, but…" Joyce’s voice cracked slightly.
"I don’t know how to let that go."
Ana held her hand.
Joyce hadn’t told her the whole story, but from what she had shared, it wasn't easy to.forget even if it was her.
"Sometimes, we have to let go of the past to really heal," Ana said softly.
"If we don’t, we end up hurting ourselves more than anyone else. Even those around us. Like with Mr. Kings… I don’t think he’s let go of whatever’s holding him back."
She paused, trying to hold herself together.
"I don’t want to stress you with my drama, but… I wish he could just be honest with me , we were fine,Then out of nowhere, he walks out of the hospital and suddenly announces he’s marrying Fatima."
Ana shook her head slightly.
"I don’t understand him, Joyce. And I wish he could just let go of his past… Maybe then, he’d be able to move forward. But now? I don’t think I can forgive this. Or forget it."
Joyce held her hand tighter, looking into her eyes.
"Ana… I don’t think he’s marrying her because he wants to. Maybe Auntie forced him. Maybe he’s doing it out of guilt or duty. But not love."
"No, Joyce," Anna said firmly, chuckling bitterly through her pain.
"He’s not a baby. He’s a grown-ass man. He can decide whatever the hell he wants. No one is holding a gun to his head."
Her tone sharpened as she continued, .
"If you’re a man and you let people bully you into decisions, let people dictate your life, then what are you? Just weak. Weak and useless."
Joyce looked at her quietly, trying to calm her down.
"I understand, Anna. But maybe… maybe it’s because he loves his mom. Maybe Auntie told him to marry Fatima and he felt like he had no choice."
"I don’t care, Joyce!"
Anna snapped, her voice breaking.
"I don’t give a damn what the reason is. I don’t care if she begged him or threatened him,
if he loved me, he would’ve fought for us. But he didn’t. He let me fall… and now he’s leaving me hanging like I was just some fling."
Tears welled in her eyes, her voice trembling as she spoke.
"You know what hurts the most? He made me believe I was the one. I asked him, Joyce. I asked him if he was sure. I knew this would happen. I felt it."
She paused, took a shaky breath, and
swallowed her pain.
"But he made me feel safe. He made me feel like for once… I was enough. These past two weeks, I felt like I was his whole world. But it was all a lie. Just another temporary moment in his life."
Joyce reached out and held her hand.
"Maybe he’ll explain, Anna. Maybe there’s a reason you don’t know yet. I mean, I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He doesn’t look at Fatima that way. There’s no love in his eyes when he sees her."
Ana pulled her hand away, shaking her head.
"Then why can’t he just tell me? Why can’t he fight for me? I’m not asking for him to shout it on the rooftops. I just… I wanted him to be real with me. To stop hiding me. To stop treating me like a secret."
Joyce opened her mouth to say something, but then stopped as her eyes drifted behind Ana’s shoulder.
"Ana…" she whispered.
Ana turned slowly, her heart skipping a bea as she saw Mr Kings walking into the restaurant… with Ryan beside him.
He paused when he saw her.
His eyes locked with hers.
The air between them grew thick.
Frozen.
Joyce looked between them and whispered,.
"See? This isn’t over."
"I think I should leave," Anna said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
She wasn’t in the mood to pretend today, she was relief when she didn't see him in the office in the morning.
Joyce tilted her head, concerned.
"Anna, you can’t just keep running away."
Before Anna could respond, .
Ryan called her name already making his way toward her with that familiar spark in his eyes.
"Hey, Ana," Ryan said, his voice filled with warmth.
Ana blinked."Ryan? When did you get here? What are you doing in New York?"
"Business with your boss. Thought I’d surprise you."
He smiled and looked over his shoulder,.
Ana followed his gaze, and her breath hitched.
Mr. Kings.
Standing a few feet away.
Hands tucked in his pockets.
Eyes locked on hers, intense, unreadable, like he was trying to search her soul.
Ana quickly looked away, forcing a small smile for Ryan.
"Well, I’m glad you came. I honestly thought you were bluffing when you said you’d visit."
Ryan laughed lightly, then pulled out a chair next to her.
"Mind if I sit?" he asked.
Before Anna could reply,.
Mr. Kings’ s voice cut in, deep, and laced with restrained anger.
"This isn't why you're here, Ryan. You have a meeting. Don't forget that."
Anna swallowed hard. Just his voice was enough to shake her inside.
Why do I still feel this? she thought bitterly.
Why can’t I hate him?.
Ryan turned and answered coolly,
"You can go to your meeting. I’m here to talk to Ana. We’ve got things to catch up on."
Mr. Kings’s jaw clenched.
His eyes never left Anna.
Then, coldly, he said,.
"Ms. Evans, you’re supposed to be working."
Joyce, annoyed, raised a brow and muttered near Ana’s ear,.
"Isn’t it lunch break? What’s with this guy acting like a jealous ex?"
Ana almost smiled but kept her focus.
She turned to Ryan.
"I need to head back to work. You have my number, so if you still want to do lunch sometime… call me."
She smiled at him, just enough to feel like she still had control.
But out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mr. Kings’s face harden.
His clenched fists.
His narrowed eyes.
She was provoking him and she knew it.
"Joyce, I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?" Ana added before walking out.
She didn’t look back.
Outside, the cool air kissed her cheeks.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside her chest.
But then she felt it, his presence.
Right behind her.
Thick tension wrapped around them like smoke.
Her body tensed.
She could feel him standing close.
Too close.
His voice was low, rough, and dangerously close to her earp
"You really think I’m going to stand there and watch you flirt with another man… like that?"
Her breath caught.
She turned slowly to face him,and their eyes met, heat pulsing between them.
“What are you trying to do, Anna?”*Mr. Kings asked, his voice deep and serious.
Ana pressed her lips together.
Was this man crazy?.
How could he ask her that?.
And who exactly did she flirt with? .
What was wrong with him?
“Do you need something, sir?”she asked calmly.
Mr. Kings chuckled, stepping more closer to her.
“Why are you pretending?”
“What?”she blinked at him.
“I’m asking you, why are you pretending, Ana?”
“I’m not pretending. I just asked if you needed anything before I head back to the office. Maybe you want something?”she said, .
“Are you trying to flirt with Ryan to get to me? Is that what this is?” Mr. Kings asked, eyes narrowing.
Anna scoffed and laughed in disbelief.
“What are you talking about? And for the record, this is my personal life. If I flirted with Ryan or any man, it shouldn't concern you, right sir?”
“Can you stop with that shit?” he growled.
“What?”
“I said, stop calling me ‘sir.’”
“Then what should I call you? Are you not my boss? Didn’t you just speak to me a moment ago like I was some random staff, asking why I wasn’t working?” Anna snapped back.
“Look, Anna…”
“No. Don’t come closer to me,” she warned, stepping back.
“What’s this nonsense you’re trying to pull acting like nothing happened? It’s been two days, Charlie. Two fucking days since you announced your fucking engagement right in front of me. You told someone else you wanted to marry her right in front of me! And then I left. You never called. You never came after me. And now you’re here asking me if I’m flirting with someone else?”
Her voice was raised now, shaking with emotion.
“Did you want me to come after you?”Mr. Kings asked, his voice slightly hoarse.
Ana stared at him,.
Disbelief written all over her face.
“You left, Anna. You didn’t wait. I told you to wait for me..that I’d go back home with you. But you didn’t. You just left. And now you’re blaming me?”
“Are you serious right now?” she shot back.
“You know what? I’m done wasting my time talking to you.”
She turned to leave, but Mr. Kings grabbed her wrist, holding her back.
Without thinking, Ana turned and slapped him hard across the cheek.
The sound echoed.
And she gaspered moving away from himo her heart pounding.
Topic Live
