"Wakey, wakey, it's bakery time Anastasia!"

Chloe's excited voice rang through Anastasia's small bedroom. Before Anastasia even had the chance to open her eyes her bed dipped, Chloe jumping and bouncing on it like a child.

The sunlight shone through the thin curtains, giving the walls a pleasant glow. The clock showing 7:30am.

Anastasia groaned pulling the blankets over her head. "It's still too early Chloe, and get down from my bed" she mumbled. She wasn't able to get a proper sleep because of last night. The slow and deliberate way that car had passed by her window, as though the person inside was watching her. she had tried convincing herself that it was nothing but the unease was still heavy in her heart

Craig knocked on her door and walked in with a grin. "Come on sis, we've got work to do. Freshen up and let's start our day"

Anastasia sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes "fine, I'm up you guys" she said forcing a little smile, although she still felt tired "let's begin our day"

They dressed quickly. Anastasia tied on her apron which was still wrinkled from yesterday while Craig wore his worn jacket and Chloe pulled her hair into a ponytail.

"Let's race, first to get to the bakery" Chloe shouted, already running towards the door

"Not fair, you tricky little sister of mine!" Craig laughed, chasing after her.

Anastasia smiled following them at a slower pace. The refreshing morning air brushing against her face, the street was still so quiet with only few shopkeepers sweeping their storefronts. She kept her thoughts on the day ahead hoping for only positive things to happen.

Immediately they got to the bakery Craig took out the keys from his pocket, the metal lock clicking loudly in the still air. They stepped inside, the faintest smell of yesterday's bread and pastries still lingered

"Let's start with the dough" Anastasia said, after they finish cleaning the bakery.

"Alright" Chloe said, clapping her hands together. She moved to the counter taking out bags of flour and sugar.

Craig lit the old oven they had been managing, thankfully the repairman was coming back tomorrow. The slow warmth of the oven began to fill the kitchen "Need help with the mixing?" he asked Anastasia

"Yes please, thank you" Anastasia said, handing a bowl to him. Soon the sound of spoons scraping metal and flour puffing into the air filled the kitchen of the bakery

"Be careful Craig" Anastasia shouted when he almost spilled the cookie dough on the floor.

"Oops, sorry" Craig replied with a guilty grin.

Chloe laughed as she rolled the dough. "You two are impossible"

"Let's make more pizza" said Chloe "you know Mr. James always likes your pizza and asks for extra whenever he comes sis"

"Yeah that's true I'll make more"

"Good morning children, are you guys open yet" Mrs. Justine elderly familiar voice called, she lived close to the bakery.

"Morning to you too ma'am, we aren't open yet for customers since we are still baking more pastries and cookies but come in" Anastasia replied unlocking the door.

"Okay that's fine, but I hope croissants are available right?" she asked with her usual kind and motherly smile.

"Yes ma'am it is" Anastasia said while she wrapped and packaged the croissants giving it to the elderly lady.

"Thank you child, by the way it smells so good in here" Mrs. Justine said while paying for the croissants and then leaving the bakery with a wave.

When Chloe went to check the pantry, her cheerful face dropped "Uh... Anastasia we are almost out of baking powder and baking soda"

"What?!" Anastasia frowned, walking over and she saw the nearly empty container and what is left wouldn't even carry them to make even as little as a single cookie. They had just little savings left for their upkeep. She sighed, "Alright let me run to the market and go get it, you two keep going"

"Hurry up" Chloe said, saluting playfully "we've got pizza to make"

Anastasia faintly smiled, grabbing her small bag and stepping into the street. The sun was brighter now and the market buzzing with the chatters of sellers and their customers.

She immediately headed to the store selling baking ingredients.

"Baking soda and baking powder" she murmured to herself finally spotting where the baking soda and baking powder are being kept. The prize made her wince "we will have to make this last" she thought, paying the vendor.

As she turned to leave she collided into someone, her bag slipping from her hand and the baking soda falling to the floor

"Gosh I'm so sorry" she quickly said, crouching down to pick it up.

When she looked up she froze

He was one of the most handsome men she had ever seen, if not the most handsome. she couldn't stop herself from checking him out

The man was tall wearing a black coat that fit perfectly over his broad shoulders with his jet black hair and sharp jaws. He had the face that could make heads turn, unfortunately his expression was as unwelcoming and cold as winter. The most beautiful features on his face was his eyes, it was as though he could look into someone's soul with those eyes and the color of his eyes was a beautiful ocean blue. Immediately something made her pause in her observation

'Wait, this eyes look familiar, where have I seen them' she thought while still staring at his face, and that's when it clicked. She widened her eyes when she remembered he was the same guy she bumped into the other day. She couldn't recognize him immediately because it was late in the night that day and she was also nervous, so she didn't get the time to really study his looks that night.

The man frowned at her "Do you always stare at all strangers like that or are you just some kind of pervert" the voice deep and edged with mockery just like that day.

His words stunned her. Anastasia wasn't someone who was quick to anger, she was known and liked for her peaceful nature but today for the first time and for some reason someone was riling her up and it was a stranger.

"Hey!" she said, standing upright while balancing her bag on her shoulder and also holding the packaged baking powder and soda tightly. "I said sorry you don't have to be so rude sir"

He arched one side of his eyebrow "I am rude? you're the one gawking. Maybe try learning how to control yourself" he took a step closer, his gaze unflinching "or at least learn how to walk without bumping into people"

Her cheeks burned in embarrassment "It was an accident okay? so stop acting like such a jerk!" she snapped, and without waiting for a reply she turned sharply and walked away, her steps quick and heavy. The man still stood there staring at the back of Anastasia as she walked away.

By the time Anastasia got back to the bakery she was still fuming, she set the baking powder and soda down harder than necessary.

"Whoa" Chloe jumped back "why the face sis, what happened?"

Craig glanced up from his phone "yeah, you look ready to explode, what's the matter?"

Anastasia took a deep breath "I bumped into that cold and arrogant guy again, the one from the other night, and this time not only was his expression so unwelcoming but he also called me a pervert and that I'm someone who can't control myself just because I stared at him"

Chloe's mouth hung open "No way, that's twice now someone and same person has gotten under your skin in just one week. You rarely get mad at people no matter what they do to you but look at how you're getting mad at a stranger" she laughed, "but why is the guy so rude though?"

Craig smirked "I guess he's got a special talent for getting under her skin"

"Not funny Craig and did you guys even listened to anything I said? I said he call me a pervert" Anastasia said, although the corners of her lips betrayed a small smile. She sighed when they still said nothing but instead were giving a mischievous smile. "Let's just forget that" and immediately she said that, they both laughed.

The tension slowly lifted as they worked and the atmosphere was lively again, filling the bakery with the delicious smell of pizza, croissants and bread.

The bell above the door jingled and Crystal walked in, her bright red pants a lovely contrast to the white tiled walls.

"Good morning everyone" she said giving Anastasia a hug

"Good morning to you too bestie, I'm surprised to see you coming to my bakery so early this morning" Anastasia said with a grin.

"Thought I could help you guys out with some stuffs here at the bakery" Crystal replied "hi there Chloe, hi there Craig" she greeted

"Hello Crystal, good morning" Chloe greeted back, then she pointed to the dough, "here, would you come join and role this with me?"

"Sure" Crystal tied on an apron, chatting easily as she worked.

On the other hand Tom kept sneaking glances at her, though he quickly looks away whenever their eyes meet. Anastasia noticed it but just smiled and didn't see anything.

before long everything was ready.

"They smell amazing" Crystal said excitedly, reaching out for one

"It's still too hot" Anastasia said, laughing at Crystal 's pouts as she pulled the tray away.

By the time the customers arrived, the shelves were full and the bakery was lively with warmth.

Outside the bakery at a secluded area parked far enough not to draw attention was a black car, its windows tinted and its engine silent. From the inside a shadowed figure watched them through the glass. The car was there till night time, and when the bakery finally closed the car rolled away slowly leaving behind an uneasy feeling that it won't be peaceful for long.

The Williams mansion's grand living room dance in the soft morning sunlight getting in through the windows at exactly 9:00 AM. Lady Veronica, wife to Victor Williams, one of the most prestigious man in the city sat upright on an embroidered armchair, a sleek dress draped flawlessly around her. At 50 she still carried herself with grace, her aura that of strength and screaming old money, her hair styled to perfection

"We need to find a wife for my son, I am not getting younger any more" she lamented her voice cutting through the silence "did you do what I asked you to?"

"Her young assistant Jane, stood beside her with a notepad and some photos "yes ma'am I have gathered some photos of some young girls from good and wealthy families for you to look at she held up the first picture carefully "this young lady is from the brunt family-"

"Definitely not!" she shouted, cutting her assistant off "just the name of that family is already enough to scare me away, who names their family brunt huh?? I don't want a girl from such a family bearing such family name before my son starts suffering consequences without knowing why he is suffering them. Next!" she whimpered us though the thought alone was unbearable.

The assistant, Jane, quickly flipped to another photo "how about this one? she's from the Jeremy's family-"

"No she looks too materialistic, she will spend all my son's money in a year, next"

Jane sighed, flipping to the third photo "ma'am take a look at this girl, she's so pretty from the Richard family. She's -"

"Don't go further, the Richard family as a whole are nothing but trouble. Always wanting to compete with my family. I don't want any one from my family to have anything to do with any one from that family" Lady Veronica said in a dismissive tone.

"My nephew is already married and I'm sure very soon the wife might get pregnant and my son Charles is even yet to settle down, "I want a grandchild while I am still young enough to hold him or her" she whined like a child.

"But you're already old" the assistant muttered

"Hmm? Did you say something?"

Jane bowed her head respectfully, lowering her eyes " Absolutely not ma'am" She quickly said.

Lady Veronica eyed her suspiciously but decided not to push further "Alright"

"But ma'am we have gone through most of the prominent families, what kind of girl exactly are you looking for?"

Lady Veronica leaned backward into the chair "An honest and a virtuous woman, someone not blinded by money and power" she paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face "Ah, I just remembered my friend Mrs. Justine. She recommended a small bakery for me to try out called Peterson's bakes, she also said the owner of the bakery is a young lady that is very hard looking, kind and down to earth. Mrs. Justine told me about the girl when I told her I was looking for a partner for my son

Jane looked up a little surprise "An ordinary baker ma'am? that would be unusual for the Williams family"

"Unusual is exactly what Charles needs" Lady Veronica said, a little bit excited to meet the girl at Peterson's Bakes. "but first call my son, tell him I want him to take me out today, I want to go to the bakery to go see the girl myself"

In an office far away from the Williams mansion, Charles Williams sat on a large desk, papers neatly arranged, the morning light reflecting on his well defined face. His phone rang and he picked it up with his usual calm voice "yes?"

"Son it's your mother" came lady Veronica's excited voice "I want you to take me somewhere today.

He faintly smiled, already having a feeling where this was leading to. "I have an important meeting with the board this morning mom, can it wait?"

"No it can't son, it's really important to take me out to where I want to go. If you don't come I promise to call you every two minutes"

"A quick chuckle left his lips "all right, I promise to be there in an hour"

"that's my boy" she said before hanging up.

At exactly an hour later Charles arrived at the Williams mansion. Lady Veronica was already waiting at the entrance of the door tapping her foot impatiently.

"You came late" she said, narrowing her eyes. "you should be faster for your mother"

"I came as quickly as I could mom" he replied with a helpless smile

"Hmph" she muttered, grabbing her purse "come on let's go we shouldn't waste more time"

In the car Lady Veronica wasted no time in launching into her mission "Son don't you have any intentions of getting married" she said sadly, my nephew who is your cousin is already married and sometimes I envy my brother because he might soon become a grandpa while I'm here and my son is even yet to get married" she sniffed dramatically

He kept his gaze on the road but there was a certain glint in his eyes that came fast and went away "let's not rush things mother"

She shook her head but decided not to say anything more.

They passed through the buzzing streets, the city lively with midweek energy

"Where are we headed" Charles finally asked

"To Peterson's bakes, it's a new bakery in town or more like a bakery we never knew of since we always ordered everything and never went out to get them ourselves, Mrs. Justine said they make the best pastries so I want to go try it out"

Charles shook his head "Mum you should really cut down on your sugar intake, don't you think so?"

"Hmm, maybe I will when you also promise me to finally get married" she said stubbornly

He sighed, getting tired of the conversation "Mother you know I'm just twenty six right?"

"Yes I know but the earlier you get married the better it is so I can carry my grandchildren".

He became speechless and didn't know what else to say.

A few minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up outside Peterson's bakes, the simple little shop stood at the side of the street.

Inside Anastasia was cleaning the counter, her apron dusted with flour. The morning had been so busy and stressful but now she finally had a moment to breathe. The bell at the entrance of the door jingled and she immediately looked up expecting another customer.

Instead two prominent figures walked in, one was a tall handsome man in a crisp dark suit who was Charles Williams, the other a woman whose bubbly energy filled the small shop instantly, Lady Veronica.

Anastasia straightened up nervously, not knowing who they were but sensing their importance "um good afternoon, welcome to Peterson's Bakes, how may I help you"

Lady Veronica's sharp eyes swept over the shelves of bread, cookies and pastries and finally landed on Anastasia, she quietly studied her for some minutes before speaking "Are you the one who owns this place dear"

"Yes ma'am, my mother started it but I take care of everything now"

Something softened in Veronica's gaze "that's good, I love it when I see the younger ones of today working hard"

Anastasia blinked unsure of what to say. She glanced at Charles who was watching her with a calm unreadable expression, the subtle tremor of her hands didn't escape his notice.

"Can I get some croissants please" Lady Veronica continued "my friend Mrs. Justine tells me your pastries are the best in town, I'm sure you know her"

Anastasia smiled a little "yes ma'am I know her, she's one of my regular customers"

"That's good, I really can't wait to taste your croissants"

Anastasia glanced at the tray smiling apologetically "Croissants is one of our most rushed pastries, so sorry ma'am we have just one left. If you don't mind I could give it to you, you don't have to pay" she said carefully placing it on a plate.

"Aww, you're such a lovely young lady". Lady Veronica took a bite and her eyes brightened "this is really delicious" she said "you definitely have magic in your hands child, what's your name?"

"Thanks for the compliment ma'am and my name is Anastasia" she replied softly smiling.

"What a nice name you have there, and how old are you?"

"Twenty One ma'am"

Lady Veronica's face lit up "that's a perfect match!"

Anastasia brows knitted slightly in confusion, she didn't understand what this elegant stranger was talking about.

Charles finally spoke, his voice low and steady, so only his mother could hear "Mother you should perhaps let her breathe, she doesn't know who we are"

"Well not for long" she whispered back.

Charles sighed, not knowing what else to say to his mother. As they sat at a small table, Anastasia served them some juice. The bakery was quiet but soothing. The hum of the refrigerator the loudest sound.

Moments later Craig and Chloe came in through the back door "Need a helping hand" Craig asked already tying his apron

"Nahh, not really, but thanks for asking" Anastasia continued "and yh, we have got guests" she nodded toward Lady Veronica and Charles

Craig and Chloe walked towards them "Good day sir and ma'am" They both greeted.

"Good day to you also" Lady Veronica smiled warmly at them. "If I'm guessing correctly then you are both Anastasia's siblings right?"

"Yes ma'am" Chloe answered smiling.

"What are your names"

"Chloe ma'am"

"Craig ma'am"

"Such lovely names, and I must say you both have such a talented sister"

"Yeah I know right, thank you" Craig said with so much pride for his sister.

Anastasia's face flushed a little.

"I am Lady Veronica Victor Williams, and this is my son Charles Victor Williams. We actually came here because I wanted to see you, Anastasia, with my own eyes"

"Both Anastasia and her siblings mouth hung open. Who doesn't know the Williams family, the second most prestigious and powerful family in the city, and yet here they are standing in her small bakery.

"Me?" Anastasia asked softly, not understanding the part of her saying she wanted to see her with her own eyes. She was just an ordinary girl who ran a bakery.

"Yes dear, don't worry and you don't have to think too much about it, as time goes by you will understand why I said that. But just know this" she paused then continued "you are very unique and different from other girls your age that I have seen"

"Thank you ma'am" Anastasia replied, although she was still a little bit confused and nervous.

Charles pretended to focus on his drink but his eyes kept darting toward Anastasia as though trying to read her thoughts.

Lady Veronica finished her croissant, totally satisfied "I would really love to come again some time, I wish to taste your bread fresh from the oven"

Anastasia nodded "that's no problem ma'am" she said, thankful that her oven was finally fixed and in a perfect condition.

"Alright then see you next time" she said, smiling at Anastasia.

Anastasia simply nodded again "you too ma'am, have a great day"

Charles just nodded at them, and after that, they both left. Anastasia sank into her chair totally exhausted, Craig pulled up beside her "you okay?"

She exhaled slowly, totally ignoring the weird visit of Lady Veronica and her son. "Just thinking, we really don't have much money left with us, our house rent utilities, I haven't paid the repairman and suppliers also. Chloe's school will soon be resuming and there is no money for her fees. The little money we make can only let us to feed ourselves and run the household.

Chloe's smile faded but she still comforted Anastasia "we will definitely figure something out"

Craig nodded "yeah we will, we are all in this together"

"Thank you guys" Anastasia said, smiling appreciatively. They all enveloped themselves in a warm hug.

***

That evening at the Williams estate, Charles stood by his window with a glass of wine in hand, deep in thoughts.

Lady Veronica walked into his room, radiant with certainty "She's perfect Charles, don't you think you should give it a try?"

He gave her a small smile "Let's not get ahead of ourselves mum, besides you might even scare the poor girl away with how fast you are taking everything and we can't just conclude about someone's character or personality just by one day meeting" he chuckled

"Well you can't blame me, hurry up because girls like that are rare to see and another guy might approach her while you are taking your sweet time trying to get everything slow"

Charles chuckled again but said nothing else, his mother shook her head and decided to leave his room.

"Goodnight son, think about what I said"

As soon as his mother left his room his smile dropped, a certain glint of determination in his eyes.

"Anastasia your phone's been ringing ever since" Craig voice cut through the noise in the bakery.

Anastasia wiped her hands on her apron and took the phone from the counter "hello?"

A sharp professional voice came through "This is Mr. Brandon, secretary to the heir of Michaelson's enterprise, Mr. Jake Michaelson. "Am I speaking with Miss Anastasia?"

She furrowed her brow, Jake Michaelson? that name was impossible not to know. If the Williams family is the second most prestigious family then the Michaelson's family are the number one most powerful and wealthy family in the city. Jake Michaelson, heir to the Michelson's enterprise, people say he's very ruthless when it comes to business. He was the kind of man people whispered about in every corner of the town. Even though she was one to always mind her business and not involve herself in gossips or talks of the town, it couldn't change the fact that she didn't know one or two about things going on in town. Even young college girls that come to relax in her bakery talk about him, always talking about how handsome he was. Men respected him while some envied his sharp business mind and the older people called him a rare genius. She had never seen him before, only heard stories that grew with every retelling.

But the question now is, why would the powerful Jake Michaelson secretary be calling her and for what? and how did he even get her number? except it's a wrong number. But the secretary mentioned her name.

"Yes you are speaking to Anastasia" she said trying to keep her voice calm.

"We are organizing Mr. Jake's birthday celebration tomorrow evening" the voice continued "we need a baker to supply all pastries, cakes, and baked goods. Can you handle it?"

Anastasia's eyes went wide with her mouth hung open "Me? why my bakery Sir?"

"Your name and bakery came recommended as one of the best in town" Mr. Brandon replied, "the contract is for three thousand dollars, all expenses covered. Delivery must be on time before the event starts, there should be no disappointments"

Her breath got caught. Three thousand dollars, it would be enough to settle the suppliers and restock, even paying off Chloe's fees when school resumes. This exciting news was enough to breathe again after weeks of suffocating debt and also enough to keep her and her siblings with the bakery running.

"Definitely sir, I will give you the best for this birthday event. Neither you nor Mr. Michaelson would have a reason to complain!" she almost screamed out of excitement, her face breaking into a wide smile.

"That's good to know. You will receive the remaining details by e-mail" he said ending the call with quick efficiency.

Anastasia lowered her phone down, pinching herself thinking it might probably be a dream but when she felt the pain she realized it was real. She knew it was silly but she couldn't help herself, excitement was an understatement compared to how she was feeling. She was too excited to even care or think about who the person was that recommended her bakery to such a huge company, a mistake that she might regret in the future.

"Her voice burst out in utter happiness "Craig we have got a contract!!"

"A contract? Really, from who?" Chloe asked

"From the Michaelson's enterprise, Jake Michaelson to be precise. His birthday is coming up tomorrow and his assistant was the one who called informing me that my bakery was recommended and I should be in charge of all the cakes, pastries, and baked goods and I will be paid three thousand dollars!!" she said, almost screaming.

Craig froze, the mixing spoon in his hand clutching against the bowl. Chloe gasped, her ponytail bouncing as she ran over to where Anastasia was standing.

"Jake Michaelson?!" Chloe asked with her eyes wide. "THE JAKE MICHAELSON?!!" she stressed each word screaming, "the most powerful and richest man in the city, the one whose face has never been seen but is called the most handsome man in the city or are you talking about someone else?"

Anastasia laughed at Chloe's reaction. "No Chloe, not someone else but the one you know. The one and only Jake Michaelson"

Craig laughed, putting his hands over Anastasia's shoulder "Who cares what he looks like, with three thousand dollars we can take care of every of our issues with that money"

Relief washed through Anastasia, her smile softening. Suppliers had begun refusing giving credits, sales dropped after she was forced to raise prices, she had even skipped her own meals to stretch supplies further. Now for the first time in a long time the burdens pressing down on her chest began to lift.

She straightened up "We need flour, eggs, sugar, butter and other ingredients" she said, already moving towards the counter.

Craig opened their little cash box and counted quickly "Fifty dollars" he muttered, frowning "not much to work with"

"Let me call the supplier" Chloe said quickly, already grabbing her phone. After some minutes she came smiling in victory "They said they would deliver today if we pay half up front"

The bakery quickly became busy. Bowls clattered, spoons hitting against metal and flour was in the air like snow. The smell of sugar and fresh bread filled the kitchen. Craig shaped the dough into doughnuts. Chloe was busy putting fillings on the cupcakes, and Anastasia focused on the centerpiece... a three tier cake that would stand out at the heart of the celebration.

They worked until their arms ached and their feet throbbed, but never stopped because they knew it was worth it even though the order came in at the last minute.

By evening trays of golden bread rolls, cookies, croissants and cupcakes cooled on the counter. The cake stood tall, its smooth frosting decorated with buttercream and fresh berries. Their hearts swelled in pride at their creation and hard work. They carefully loaded everything into their old van.

"Tomorrow" Anastasia whispered as she locked the bakery, preparing for them to go home, with a simple smile that promised a better tomorrow "this place will feel alive again".

***

The next day they arrived at the Michaelson's estate early to get everything down to the venue, where the birthday celebration was taking place in order to avoid late delivery.

The Michaelson's mansion looked like something out of a fairy tale. Creamy pillars lined the front, golden lights twinkling against the dusk sky. Inside the air smelled faintly of polished marble and roses.

Inside some staffs in uniforms hurried back and forth, their voices brisk and in whispers. A stern woman guided them towards a vast kitchen where bright lights glinted off spotless counters and golden trays.

"Set everything up here" she instructed, the guests will arrive at six.

With steady hands Anastasia arranged the cupcakes into neat towers, placing the bread rolls into baskets and also setting the towering cake proudly at the center. Craig fussed over the frosting, smoothing every line. while Chloe hummed cheerfully as she arranged the pastries.

Anastasia was so focused she didn't notice the two familiar figures until a warm motherly voice called her name

"Anastasia?"

She turned startled to see lady Veronica, elegant as always in a deep red dress and her son Charles standing next to her.

"Wow, good evening ma'am I didn't expect to see you here" Anastasia said with a surprised look.

"And I also didn't expect to see you as the pastry chef for my nephew's birthday, what a lovely surprise" she said, laughing.

Anastasia paused, her eyes wide "wait, you are related to Jake Michaelson?"

Lady Veronica chuckled at her reaction "yes dear I am, his father is my older brother and also Charles's uncle. You know I was once Veronica Michaelson before I became Veronica Williams" she chuckled, as though she was going down memory lane.

Anastasia surprised, could only whisper "what a small world we live in"

"Hi there Anastasia, it's good to see you once again" Charles said

"Good evening Mr. Charles, it's also nice to see you again" she smiled nervously. She still wasn't comfortable with him like the way she was with his mother.

By six the grand hall was filled with people, guests from different wealthy backgrounds. Music drifted through the air, glasses clinking and their laughter rising to the high ceiling.

From the kitchen doorway Anastasia peeked out, curiosity tugging at her. She wanted to see the man at the center of this glittering celebration since he never has his picture posted in news or magazines. She still felt as though no matter how handsome he was, he couldn't be as handsome as that stranger she had bumped into twice. She immediately reprimanded herself when she realized what she was thinking, 'why are you thinking about that annoying stranger Anastasia? When he was just a rude jerk, hmph' she muttered to herself.

The announcer's voice rang out above the crowd, distracting her from her thoughts "please let's put a round of applause and welcome the birthday celebrant, Jake Michaelson"

Jake Michaelson stepped into view, tall and broad shouldered under a perfectly well tailored suit. His hair was slicked back neatly, his chiseled jawline and sharp eyes gave him an air of authority. He smiled, charming the crowd instantly.

While others were still busy clapping on his entrance, Anastasia froze.

She recognized him as the same man she had bumped into twice, the one who spoke to her in such an underrated manner that made her angry for the first time and almost caused her to swear at him.

She barely had time to process everything when a beautiful woman stepped onto the stage, standing beside him. She was looking stunning, elegant and poised. Looking at her you would know she was also from a wealthy family. She slipped her hand through Jake Michaelson's arm with familiarity.

"And beside him is his beautiful wife Mrs. Cecilia Michaelson" the announcer declared.

Anastasia blinked in shock. married? none of the news, magazine or endless gossip had ever mentioned that detail. She was surprised for the third time this evening. First, finding out that Lady Veronica was related to Jake Michaelson. Secondly, the rude guy happened to be Jake Michaelson and thirdly, Jake Michaelson was married. How much more surprises can she take just for today??

Her gaze flickered to Jake who was already staring at her, thereby locking their gazes. She was startled by the intense way he was looking at her.

Jake's expression stilled, almost as though he had been expecting her. A faint smile left his lips that wasn't really noticed by anyone but held meaning.

The noise of the party faded around her, their laughter, chatter, and the music felt distant, like waves crashing far away. It felt like it was just the two of them at the event and no one else as their gazes held each other.

Then just as quickly as the moment had come Jake turned his attention back to his guest, his smile so bright that it was almost blinding. But beneath it held something disturbing.

Anastasia's heart tightened, she couldn't understand why her heart ached immediately that Lady was introduced as his wife. It was like a feeling of unease, curiosity, or probably something else that she couldn't quite describe.

All she knew was that, the sight of Jake Michaelson had left her more unsettled than she cared to admit.