Pov Author
The morning light came through the curtains, falling across the bed in soft streaks. The world outside was already awake but inside everything felt quiet. Anna turned a little, reaching for the warmth beside her, but her hand only touched the cold side of the bed.
Her heart dropped for a second.
"Alex?" she said quietly, her voice still heavy with sleep.
There was no reply. Only the faint hum of the air conditioner.
She sat up slowly, her hair messy, eyes still half closed. That's when she noticed the note — folded neatly and placed right on the pillow.
She picked it up and smiled before even reading it.
"Good morning, my love.
Had to leave early for something important.
Don't ask what, it's a surprise.
Be ready by 7 p.m. The driver will pick you up and
Wear what's in the closet.
Alex : "
A small laugh slipped out of her. "Of course you did," she mumbled, shaking her head. That was just like him, never telling her anything fully, always planning something in secret.
She put the note back down and got out of bed, tying her robe around her waist. Her bare feet padded softly across the floor as she went to the closet.
When she opened it, her breath caught.
A beautiful dark blue gown hung there, simple but stunning. The fabric looked expensive, silky. On the small table near it, there was a pair of diamond earrings and the necklace Alex had given her last night.
She ran her fingers gently over the fabric and smiled. He always knew exactly what suited her.
After showering, she made herself a coffee and some toast, sitting quietly by the window. The morning felt calm and peaceful, just how she liked it.
Her phone suddenly buzzed.
"Happy anniversary, Mrs. Knight!"
"Derek!" Anna laughed, picking up the phone.
Her best friend's voice was loud and cheerful as usual. "So, how's the big day going? Has your husband already spoiled you with something fancy?"
"Not yet. He's being mysterious again," she said, rolling her eyes even though she was smiling.
"Ohhh, mysterious. That's romantic or suspicious. I haven't decided yet," Derek teased.
"You're impossible," she said, sipping her coffee.
"That's what makes me great. Anyway, am I invited to this fancy thing you two are having?"
"Of course. You're always invited," she said warmly.
"Perfect. I'll come early and embarrass you, just like old times."
Anna laughed. "You better not."
After hanging up, she sat there for a while, looking at the note again. Her heart felt light. She loved how Alex never forgot even the smallest things.
The day went by slowly. She cleaned the living room, did a little work on her laptop, and called her mom for a bit. Around evening, she finally started getting ready.
The gown fit her perfectly, as if it was made just for her. She wore only the diamond earrings and the necklace Alex gave her , nothing else. She didn't need to — the look was already enough.
When she looked in the mirror, for a moment she didn't recognize herself. She smiled softly. Maybe it was because she hadn't dressed up like this in a while.
At seven sharp, the driver arrived.
"Good evening, Mrs. Knight," he said politely. "Mr. Knight asked me to take you to the venue."
Anna nodded, her heart already starting to race a little.
The car ride felt long and quiet. She kept wondering what Alex had planned. The city lights passed by like fireflies, soft and golden against the glass.
When they finally stopped, she looked out the window and gasped.
The Celestine Hall:-
Of course. Leave it to Alex to book one of the most expensive halls in the city.
The entire place was lit with warm golden lights. Roses lined the stairs, and she could hear soft music from inside.
Anna stepped out carefully, the cool breeze brushing against her bare shoulders. She took a deep breath and walked up the stairs.
Inside, her eyes widened.
Everything looked perfect — chandeliers shining like stars, white and gold decorations, candles glowing in every corner. People in elegant clothes moved around the hall, chatting, laughing, holding champagne glasses.
She spotted her parents near the front, her stepfather talking with some business group she didn't recognize. Everyone looked classy, important, expensive.
She was still taking it all in when she suddenly felt arms wrap around her from behind.
"Miss me?"
She turned and found Alex smiling at her, dressed in a black tuxedo. He looked so effortlessly handsome that she forgot to breathe for a second.
"Alex," she said softly, almost laughing. "You scared me."
He grinned. "That wasn't the plan."
His eyes dropped to her necklace, and he smiled again. "You wore it."
"Of course," she said. "You gave it to me."
"Then it's perfect," he whispered, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
The rest of the evening felt like a dream. They talked to guests, posed for pictures, and laughed with their friends.
When Derek arrived, he immediately waved his hands in the air. "I'm here! Someone tell me where the cake is!"
Anna laughed. "You never change."
"I try not to," he said proudly.
Dinner was amazing, full of laughter and stories. Then came the cake — a tall, elegant one with "To Forever – Alex & Anna" written in gold letters.
They cut it together while everyone clapped. Alex leaned close to whisper, "One year down, forever to go."
She smiled. "You better mean that."
"I always do," he said.
Later, as the night went on, Anna stood with a few friends near the side of the hall, holding her glass and talking. She could still see Alex a few feet away, surrounded by business partners. The music was soft, the lights warm. Everything felt safe, happy, complete.
Until she heard it.
"Anna Brown?"
Just her name. Two simple words.
But the sound of that voice hit her like a wave.
Her smile faded instantly. She froze, her fingers tightening around the glass. That voice — she knew it. It had been years, but it still sounded the same.
Loud laughter. Mocking whispers. The sound of her name being laughed at down long school corridors.
The memories crashed into her before she could stop them.
Her hands trembled. Her chest felt tight. The music, the people, the lights — everything started to blur around her.
She was back there again. Sixteen. Small. Scared. Trying to hold back tears while people laughed behind her.
She swallowed hard, her throat dry.
Slowly, she turned around.
And there he was.
William James. Her worst nightmare .
End of this chapter