Pov Author
Anna stepped back, her eyes already stinging with tears. She didn't even think, she just turned and ran. Her heels clicked hard against the marble floor, echoing through the empty hallway as she rushed past the gold walls and soft lights of the venue. Her breath was short, uneven, the kind that hurt your chest. She didn't stop until she found herself standing outside, on a quiet balcony far away from all the noise and laughter. The cold air hit her face, sharp and biting.
She leaned against the railing, trying to breathe, but her chest felt too tight. Her hands went to her neck, clutching the diamond necklace Alex had given her last night. It dug into her skin as she held it, pressing too hard maybe, but she didn't care. She could feel her heart pounding beneath it, loud and painful, like it was trying to break free.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk…"
The sound came from behind her. Slow. Mocking. Her whole body went still. She didn't turn around, didn't move. Her head was low, her shoulders shaking a little.
"Well, well… the perfect wife isn't so perfect after all," William's voice came, smooth and cruel. "Can't even keep your husband satisfied, huh?"
Anna closed her eyes. Her throat felt tight, her lips trembling, but she said nothing. She knew if she opened her mouth, her voice would crack.
William took a few steps closer. She could hear the sound of his shoes against the floor. "You know," he said in a low voice, "there's a way to make him pay. Sleep with me. That'll teach him a lesson, won't it?"
Her eyes opened wide but still she didn't look at him. She shook her head, barely moving, her tears threatening to fall again.
He sighed, and his voice lost the fake sweetness. "You'll come to me one day, Anna. You'll see." Then his footsteps faded, slow and heavy, until there was nothing but silence again.
Her knees gave up then. She sank down, her hands covering her face as tears finally fell freely. They came fast and hard, her body shaking with each sob. Her chest hurt so much she thought it might actually break apart.
And then, the memories came. Her marriage. The vows. The look in Alex's eyes when he promised forever. The laughter, the late-night talks, the mornings where he'd kiss her cheek before work. It all felt like a movie she didn't belong in anymore. A story that had ended before she even realized.
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stop crying. Her makeup was ruined, her lipstick almost gone, but she didn't care. She just needed to leave. Just needed to get out of there before she fell apart completely.
Anna stood up, fixing her dress the best she could, brushing her hair back with shaky hands. She took one last look at the city lights below before turning back toward the hall. Her legs felt weak, like every step was too heavy.
Then suddenly she bumped into someone.
"Whoa, easy there," a voice said gently. It was Derek. He smiled automatically, but when Anna looked up, his smile disappeared. He saw her face, her red eyes, and the way she was trying so hard not to fall apart right there.
"Anna?" he asked softly.
She didn't say anything at first. Then, in a broken whisper, "Please… take me home."
Derek nodded without asking a thing. He placed a light hand on her back and led her away, through a side exit, away from the bright lights and fake smiles. The cold air outside stung her face, but it was better than the air inside.
The drive home was quiet. The only sound was the hum of the engine and Anna's soft breaths. She kept her head down, staring at her hands as tears silently rolled down her cheeks. She didn't even try to stop them this time.
When they finally reached the mansion, Anna stared out the window for a moment. That house had once meant love, warmth, laughter. Now, it just felt heavy. Empty. Like every wall was filled with memories that hurt to remember.
Derek parked the car and turned toward her. "Anna," he said softly. She didn't look up.
He sighed. "I don't know what happened tonight. And I can tell you don't wanna talk about it right now," he said quietly. "But… just know I'm here, okay? Whenever you need to talk. Or even if you don't. I'm here."
Anna gave a small nod, her lips trembling. She pushed the car door open and stepped out slowly, her heels clicking against the stone driveway. The night wind brushed her face, cool and gentle, but it didn't calm her.
She stood there for a long second, staring at the mansion she once called home. The lights glowed warmly inside, but all she could feel was cold. Her throat tightened again, her chest aching in a way words couldn't explain.
Everything she thought was safe, everything she thought was hers… it all suddenly felt like it was slipping away. And deep down, she knew it already had.
End of the chapter