Chapter 33
Anna POV
"...and that's why I never date guys who describe themselves as 'entrepreneurs' on dating apps," Jessica finished, making a face.
I laughed, enjoying the rare moment of lightness as we approached the entrance to the bar. My smile felt genuine for the first time in days as we paused on the sidewalk.
"It's nice to see you laugh," Jessica said, nudging me with her elbow. "Freedom looks good on you."
"To new beginnings," I replied, raising an imaginary glass. The cool night air felt refreshing, and for a moment, I allowed myself to feel hopeful.
Then I saw him.
Edward stood near the entrance, tall and imposing even in the dim streetlight. My smile vanished instantly. Next to him—of course—was Vera, looking perfect as always in her designer outfit.
"Anna?" Jessica followed my gaze. "What's wrong?"
"Annaaaa!" Vera's voice cut through the night air as she spotted me. She practically skipped over, her designer heels somehow navigating the uneven pavement with perfect balance. "Sister! There you are! Where have you been these past two days?"
"Sister?" Jessica looked between us, clearly confused. "You never mentioned having a sister."
"She's not my sister," I said flatly. "We're not related by blood. She's just someone my family took in."
Vera's eyes widened with practiced hurt. "Anna, how can you say that? We grew up together! Mom and Dad have been so worried about you."
"Mom and Dad?" Jessica whispered to me. "I thought your parents were—"
"Richard and Irene Parker," I explained quietly. "My biological parents. But they've always preferred their perfect little replacement."
"Replacement?" Jessica's eyebrows shot up.
"She's nothing but a stand-in," I said, loud enough for Vera to hear. "A convenient fraud when they thought I was gone for good."
Vera's face crumpled. "That's not true! I've always considered you my sister!"
"Tell Irene and Richard I'm not coming back," I said, turning away. "I'm done."
As I turned to leave, Vera lunged forward, grabbing for my arm. She missed, lost her balance, and tumbled dramatically to the ground.
"Oh my God!" she cried out, clutching her ankle.
I stood frozen, watching as Edward immediately moved to help her. Of course he did. He crouched beside her, all concern and attention—something I'd rarely received during our entire marriage.
"That's enough, Anna," Edward's voice was steel as he helped Vera to her feet. "There's no need to be cruel. Whatever issues you have with your family, Vera came to express genuine concern."
"Genuine?" I scoffed. "Nothing about her is genuine."
"I see the divorce hasn't improved your temperament," Edward said coldly. "Perhaps some distance from you is what your family needs right now."
Without another word, he guided Vera away, his hand protectively at her elbow. As they walked off, I noticed Edward discreetly pull out his phone and make a call, his voice too low for me to hear.
"Wow," Jessica breathed. "That was intense. And that was your ex? He's... intimidating."
"Welcome to my life," I muttered, watching them leave, feeling the familiar ache spread through my chest. He was still protecting her. Always her.
---
My phone rang the moment I walked into my Williamsburg apartment. The caller ID showed my publishing house's main line.
"Hello?"
"Anna, it's Martin." My heart sank at the tone of the editor-in-chief's voice. "I'm afraid we have a situation with your graphic novel series."
"What kind of situation?"
"We've received a cease and desist letter. Apparently, the male protagonist in your series bears too much resemblance to... a certain real person. They're claiming invasion of privacy and defamation."
My fingers tightened around the phone. "Edward."
"I didn't say that," Martin replied carefully. "But we need to put your contract on hold until this is resolved."
After hanging up, I collapsed onto my couch, trying to process what had just happened. How did Edward find out about my graphic novel character so quickly? Then it hit me—he must have had someone follow us after our encounter. The timing was too perfect to be coincidental. He'd moved fast, hitting me where it hurt most—my work.
I stared at the ceiling, my mind racing. Edward Frost had connections everywhere. Of course he could mobilize his legal team at a moment's notice. I'd underestimated how vindictive he could be.
Eventually, I dragged myself to bed, falling into a restless sleep filled with dreams of falling from tall buildings.
---
The next morning, my phone jarred me awake. Unknown number.
"Ms. Parker? This is Riverside Care Center. We're calling about Helen Wilson's care."
My foster mother. The one person who'd truly loved me.
"There seems to be a problem with the payment arrangement," the woman continued. "The previous account is no longer active, and we need this month's payment by Friday."
"What previous account?" I asked, though I already knew.
"The Parker family trust has withdrawn financial support. They've informed us that you'll be handling all payments going forward."
I gripped the phone tighter. Vera must have gone straight to Richard and Irene last night, twisting my words into something far worse. I'd told her I was done with the family, and now they were done with me—including cutting off Helen's medical support.
"I understand," I said, keeping my voice steady. "I'll make the payment before Friday."
After checking my bank account, I calculated I had enough for about three months of Helen's care if I was extremely careful. But with my publishing contract on hold, my income stream had suddenly dried up.
I stood at my apartment window, looking out at the Williamsburg morning. The city skyline seemed to mock me with its indifference. I felt like I was standing on the edge of a Manhattan skyscraper—everyone pushing me closer to the edge, wanting me to fall, to shatter into a million pieces.
My throat tightened, but I refused to cry. I'd been through worse. Much worse. I wasn't going to break now, even as the walls closed in around me.
But I was running out of reasons to step back from the edge.