WASHINGTON, SEATTLE 2022

~ANASTASIA~

I was shocked. Why didn’t William allow me to leave, and most importantly, what made him think I would listen to him?

I knew I was still in love with him, but I knew when to stop. I broke eye contact and freed my arm from his grip.

“You’re not leaving here, Anastasia.”

“Why?” I sounded confident. “Why should I not leave?”

“Because I say so.”

“God…” I couldn’t believe him. I shook my head as I couldn’t find the words to respond. He was full of himself.

“Now go back to the guest room before I lose my patients.” He commanded. I looked at him and then at Jimena, who was as shocked as me as she left the magazine she was pretending to read and fixed her eyes on us now.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with you; I mean, sure, I was a fool to fall for you but to think you own me.” I hysterically chuckled.

“I own you. I don’t know if your father told you, but the situation his company is in is not good, and without me, it wouldn’t be a company.”

“Wait, you’re threatening me with my father's company?”

“Yes. If you leave, I will pull out my investments and tell him you made me do it.” He wasn’t even ashamed to say that. How the fuck did I end up marrying him?

"William, what’s wrong with you?” Jimena asked, but he ignored her as he was focused on me.

“Now be a good wife and go back to our room; we will sort this out peacefully." William sounded like he was trying to manipulate me, as his voice was softer than ever.

I shook my head and smiled at how stupid I had been; he really had me for a fool because, on a normal day, I would simply obey and do whatever he says but today isn't that day.

"Good,” he smiled. I don't know what made him think I was doing what he asked, but as I turned and dragged my bag to the door, he immediately stopped me once again and held me back by my arm.

“Let me go.”

“You're making a big mistake.”

“The only mistake I made was to marry you, William.”

“You better listen while I'm being nice, Anna; you know what will happen if I let my devil take control,” he threatened.

“I don't care what happens; let go of my arm now, or I will call the police.”

“You're joking.”’

“You don't know me, William, now...” I forcefully freed my arm and walked to the door without saying another word.

“Don't say I didn't warn you, Anastasia; I'm going to ruin you!” He shouted, but I didn't care; what's the worst that could happen?

Reaching the door, I quickly opened it, afraid that he would stop me, but luckily he didn't. I walked out, and warm tears rolled down my cheeks. I sniffed and held in my cries as I couldn't cry outside.

I didn't have a car and didn't want to go back in there to ask for his car keys because it would just give him and his mistress another reason to look down on me, so I walked out of the gate as I planned to get a cab.

I placed my heavy bag down and reached for my phone, and just when I got it, the same guy from earlier—the one who bailed me out of prison—came.

“Ms. Anastasia?” He called out, and I quickly wiped my tears. “Are you okay?” He asked, and I cleared my throat to speak but could not find the words. I was tired of lying.

“Please go,” I tried to sound okay.

“You know I will be punished if I leave you here.”

“I'm fine, Scott, please.”

“I insist, at least let me give you a ride to where you're going.”

“No, I'm–”

“Please don't make my job difficult, Ms. Anastasia. I promise it's just a ride, then I'll be out of your sight.” He insisted, and somehow it brought a smile to my face as he kept saying this, but it never happened.

I looked down the road. I knew cabs rarely came to this side as most people had their cars, and I didn't want neighbors to find me stranded on the road; they would suspect something and start a rumor on social media, so I nodded and walked to his car while he picked up my bag.

I got in the backseat, my eyes on my phone, as I tried to text Vivienne, my best friend, the one I called earlier, to meet up.

“Oh my god, I've been waiting for thirty minutes now; are you still coming?” Vivienne asked, hearing her voice triggered the tears I was holding in, so I covered my mouth to stop myself from whimpering, “Are you deaf? I said I'm waiting for my friend!” I heard her raise her voice–probably to the waitress; that was Vivi; she was very difficult to handle.

"Yes, I'm fine,” I cleared my voice.

“Are you sure?” She sounded worried.

"Yes, I'm sure I just have the flu. I'm sorry I'm not coming.”

“What? Do you want me to come?”

“No. I… I will speak to you tomorrow.” I was quick to respond.

“Alright, I have to take lunch for Harriot anyway; I will talk to you later,” she said, and I nodded, holding in the tears.

She was taking lunch to Harriot, her husband. Vivi’s life was so easy; she had a good family and a husband who loved her.

I just wondered what she did in her past life that I haven't done because, unlike her, my family disowned me and my husband; well, I couldn't even call him that.

“Do you want to stop by somewhere?” Scott's voice shook me out of my thoughts; I shook my head. “Alright; so–” The ringing of my phone stopped him; it was William.

I canceled as I had nothing to say to him, then it started ringing again and I canceled, then a notification of a message popped up.

‘You have nowhere to go, I called all the hotels. No one will allow you to spend the night at their hotel.’ I read the first message and ignored it.

‘Get back home and let us talk.’

‘I'm only doing this for my daughter. You are the mother of my child, and it will be bad if you spend the night outside and get sick.’ I read the third but shook my head, still not responding.

‘This is your last chance, Anastasia. Not even for Ivy’s sake will stop me from ruining you. You know leaving will attract public interest; now, for the last time, come back home!’ I could imagine his frowny face from the text, then a notification popped up, and it was a tag on social media.

I was curious to see who had tagged me so I quickly went to the post and was shocked to see the headline of the post.

“William Rogers, the CEO of the Rogers enterprise, proposes a divorce to his wife, Anastasia Rogers, the young disowned heiress of the Lancaster family.” I read out loud.

“The public is left with questions on why Mr. Rogers divorced his wife right after his father's death; now if you all remember how their marriage was fishy from the start...”

I quickly went down the comments, and most of them were tags. People were tagging both me and William; it was crazy, but I kept scrolling until a specific tag caught my attention.

My once calmed heart started beating faster again as I saw not only one but two more tagged with the name.

‘Mr. Lancaster,’ my father.

They had just tagged my father, and it must mean he saw it, and if he saw it then I was in trouble—serious trouble—and the last thing I needed was to upset him.

“Fuck!”

~ANASTASIA~

I slapped my forehead, which caught Scott’s attention as he turned to me with a curious look.

“Is-”

“Drive.” I cut him; I couldn't deal with him.

“Ms. Anastasia-”

“I'm not Ms. Anastasia!” I yelled, “I mean, I guess now—agh, just drive, please.” I rubbed my forehead and caught my breath. I had forgotten that I was not married to William anymore.

Scott nodded his head and then started the car. I took a deep breath as I tried to calm myself.

I rested my head on the seat and closed my eyes, as I knew it would calm me because I needed to be as calm as possible. I scratched my arms as they were a little itchy—I hadn't had a proper bath in days.

Even with my eyes closed, I didn't miss it when the car came to a stop, I quickly opened my eyes, and without waiting for Scott, I assisted myself out of the car.

“My apologies Ms Ana-Rogers…” I bumped into him as he was about to open the door for me.

“Just give me my bag.” I sniffed, and Scott without wasting time rushed to the trunk, and before I knew it, he was back with my bag in his hands.

He opened his mouth to probably ask but I didn't let him say the words as I grabbed my bag from his hands and without a moment to lose, I hurried to my apartment door.

When I reached the door, I stopped and stared at it for a split second. I used to live here before marrying William; it was my grandma’s apartment, but she left it in my name. Dad and I never got along, so on the bad days I spent most of my days here.

Taking a deep breath, I reached for my keys and then unlocked the door, ignoring its dust. I struggled for a few seconds because the lock was old; it had been like that even when Grandma was alive. I promised to fix it but never got a chance because, after marrying William, I became a housewife, talk of taking care of a baby who needed my attention twenty-four-seven.

When I got in, I threw the bag down and walked straight to my bedroom. I needed to wash my body as my skin was itchy.

My room was dusty, but I didn't have the time to clean, so ignoring it, I took off my clothes and went to the shower. I turned on the warm water and quickly washed my body. Whatever I was doing, I tried so hard not to think of anything at the moment; I had to be strong.

Of course, I will cry, just not now.

The shower didn't take time as I was quick; after that, I wore my comfortable pajamas and then walked to the kitchen. I luckily stocked my fridge with each chance I got, so there was food.

I took the bucket of yogurt and ice cream and placed it on the counter. I walked to the cupboard and tried to get a spoon. I struggled to get a hold of the glass jar that had the spoons, and before I knew it, the jar came flying and landed on the floor, crashing it into a million pieces.

“Fuck!” I cursed out loud, annoyed at why everything had to be so bad today. After sighing, I walked to the broken pieces, paused for a second before I bent, picked up one spoon, and then walked to the counter and took my two bowls in my arms, then walked to the living room.

My couch was dusty, but I didn't bother to clean it as I sat down and started mixing the ice cream and yogurt before I started eating.

I stayed silent, eating before I remembered my phone. I had to check it in case Dad called. I was not ready to deal with him, but I knew there was no escaping that old man.

“Maybe he'll not be too harsh on me when he hears that William and I are getting a divorce,” I said to myself before I stood up and almost walked to the bedroom but stopped at the knock on the door.

My heart started beating fast as I thought of the possibility of William following me here. I didn't have the heart to face him now, and I was not ready to even process the whole divorce thing now.

I took small steps to the door, and as I reached there, I peeped through the doorhole. I could see a person and with the clothes, I could tell it was a man.

I knew it couldn't be William, as when I left him he was in his home clothes. I thought it was Scott, so I slightly opened the door, but when I saw the person, I tried to close it, but they forced their way until they were in.

“Ana?”

~ANASTASIA~

“If you're here to make fun of me, then I advise you to leave now,” I said and walked back to the couch while he remained frozen.

“I know, yes, I was wrong, and yes, I'm in big trouble, but trust me, I know how to solve my problems, okay?” I said as I picked up my bowl and started eating, the person still didn't respond, and I, not wanting to force anything, ignored him and focused on my food.

"Ana?” he finally said after a long moment.

“Just get over with it Trey, what are you going to say now? That you warned me? Well, I'm sorry for being-”

“I'm so sorry,” he said, surprising me. I turned to look at him, and he nodded his head and then came to me.

"Listen, I'm not interested in your pity.”

“I'm your brother; if I don't pity you, who will?” He asked as he sat next to me, and then he placed his arm on my back and started running it in a comforting manner, “This bastard hurt you so much. I'm sorry, sis. I really am,” he continuously said, but I didn't respond as I was still shocked. I thought he was going to make fun of me, but I didn't respond as I kept stuffing ice cream into my mouth without swallowing it. “And I promise you, William will pay for hurting you.”

“It's not his fault; I'm the one who accepted his marriage even when he told me he didn't love me.” I placed the bowl down and cleaned the tears that rolled down my cheeks.

“You shouldn't blame yourself for that bastard's crime, sis; it's not your fault he couldn't keep his dick in his pants.”

“It's not that, Trey..." I sniffed and shook my head. "I came between two people who love each other; you all warned me, but I didn't listen.” Thinking of it ached my heart as the emotions I bottled in earlier came crashing all at once. “It’s all my fault; I'm to blame," I sobbed as tears freely rolled down my cheeks. I felt so bad, "if I listened, all this would-”

"That's enough, sis!” Trey raised his voice, “Look at me.” He demanded, but I shook my head. I was embarrassed. How could I look him in the eyes after all I had done? He tried to warn me; they all tried to warn me, but I never listened. Now look at where my stubbornness got me. “I said, look at me, Anna!” I was forced to face him: “You didn't do anything wrong; you fell in love and gave yourself a chance.”

“Which didn't end well..." I sobbed.

“It doesn't matter how it ended; what's important is you realized it before it was too late,” he said, now caressing my cheek. Trey had a way of convincing people it was his gift, and here I was falling for it as I nodded my head. He was right; I didn't do anything wrong. Loving someone and hoping to be loved back isn't a crime. “Daddy will be so proud of you; now we can finally go home.”

"No," I quickly said and stood up. “Dad cannot know this; he will never forgive me.”

“What are you saying?” Trey also stood up as he faced me and said, "Dad has already forgiven you.”

"That's not true; I mean, if he did, why did he not try to find me? He hasn't spoken to me in four years, so how the hell did he forgive me?!” I yelled as I was also upset with my father; I was his daughter—his only daughter for that matter—why on earth would he disown me and take the resources from me just because I made one mistake?

“You say he forgave me, right? Then tell me one thing: with the news trending, I'm sure he saw it. Why didn't he come to look for me? Don't tell me he hasn't seen it because I'm sure you are here because you saw it too. If you, who is rarely online, saw it then...”

“This is what Mom said,” he said, running a hand into his hair. “She knew both Dad and you are stubborn, but how could she think I was the right candidate for this?” He spoke words that didn't make sense to me.

"What's going on with Dad's company? Why is William the biggest investor?” I asked, wiping my tears.

“You don't have to worry about that, sis; Santiago will be back soon; he will sort everything out.”

“Santiago? Is...is he coming with Ivy?” My voice trembled. Trey took my hands and led me back to the couch. "Answer me, Trey, is Santiago coming with Ivy? When are they coming?” I asked all at once without breathing: Santiago was my elder brother, while Trey was my twin. He behaves like this because he's a minute older than me.

Santiago lived in Sedona with his wife and son. Ivy, my daughter, also lived with them. William didn't care about her, and I also didn't want her to watch him mistreat me or experience him ignoring her, so I sent her away. She only came for holidays and sometimes weekends.

“Speaking of Ivy,” Trey pulled out his ringing phone, ignoring my question, “There is my angel; how are you?” He said as he picked up the call, the way he held the phone on his face made me realize it was a video call.

I quickly wiped my tears, as I didn't want her to suspect anything. Ivy was a little adult, so any mistake she would just notice.

"Oh, I'm with your mommy, sweetheart; do you want to speak to her?” Trey asked, and I quickly fixed my face and cleared my voice. Trey looked at me, and I nodded my head as he asked with eyes if I could speak with Ivy.

I took the phone from Trey with trembling hands. I didn't want to worry her; growing up without a mother or father was already tough for her. She always begged to return, but I kept making excuses.

“Mamma, is everything okay? I tried to call you…” She spoke so fast, but I didn't hear her last words as I was lost in my thoughts.

Ivy was William's copy; maybe it was because it was a one-time thing as her eyes, hair, and even nose were exactly William's, but in a female version, “Mamma?!” she screamed, which shook me out of my thoughts. “Is it Pappa? Did he say something to you? Are you two getting a divorce?” She asked, and my heart started racing at her question.

She might have seen the news, as Ivy was very smart; she might have searched for it online, but how was I supposed to tell her her daddy was going to have a baby with another woman?

I caught a tear that escaped my eye. I couldn't even imagine her pain. She loved her dad so much. Part of the reason I endured all those four years was because of her. Because I wanted to give her a family like others.

Is wanting the best for your daughter a crime?