Chapter 129: I Want This to End

I Want This to End

Anna’s POV:

I stared at Blake's face, those familiar features I'd once found so captivating.

I stepped back abruptly, my body colliding with his chest. Blake stumbled backward, caught off guard.

"I need to leave," I said, my voice steadier than I expected.

Blake quickly regained his balance and moved to block my path. "Anna, wait. You can't just walk out like this."

"Watch me," I muttered, trying to sidestep him.

"I'm already dealing with my father's heart condition," he said, running his hand through his perfectly styled hair. "I'm stressed enough without you adding to it."

I froze, staring at him in disbelief.

"Just... bear with me a little longer," he continued, his voice softening. "Once my father is gone, no one will interfere with us anymore. I won't even pressure you about having children. All your grievances, they're based on misunderstandings. It's all fake."

A bitter smile formed on my lips. "Misunderstandings? Fake?" I shook my head slowly. "We're way past simple 'grievances,' Blake."

"What are you saying?" His blue eyes narrowed.

"I'm saying I want this to end," I whispered, reaching for the door and pulling it open.

Standing in the hallway were several young women in tasteful but revealing evening dresses.

"How did she get in before us?" A blonde frowned, eyeing me with obvious disdain.

"Probably just looking for someone else," her brunette friend replied with a dismissive shrug. "Don't worry about it."

They filed past me, lining up like merchandise on display, eagerly awaiting Blake's attention.

I couldn't help but laugh softly. Blake Wright doesn't lack for female company.

The blonde who had spoken earlier grabbed my arm before I could leave. "Hey, who are you anyway?" Her voice was sharp, her red lips curled in a challenging smile.

She looked me up and down critically. "Don't think dressing conservatively will get Mr. Wright's attention. He prefers girls like us."

"New here, right? Trying to steal our chance?" she mocked. "Save it. Mr. Wright wouldn't be interested in your type."

"Stand here and watch what really attracts him. Maybe you'll learn something," she finished with a smirk.

"You have no idea who I am, do you?" I replied, pulling my arm away.

"Should I?" she laughed. "You're nobody. Just another desperate woman."

For a brief moment, I wanted to stay and see how Blake would treat these women. Would the husband I thought I knew emerge, or would I witness yet another side of him?

I pulled away from the blonde's grasp and stepped outside the room, lingering just beyond the door where I could still hear everything.

"Ladies," Blake's voice carried clearly to where I stood. "First time at Elysium?"

"Yes," the blonde giggled. "It's my first time too. Maybe we could... keep each other company?"

"Do you drink?" Blake asked casually.

"We do," one of them answered eagerly, "but we're lightweights. Would you drive us home later?"

"No," Blake replied coldly. "But my place is nearby. We could go there."

Their excited squeals made me wince.

"You should call more friends," Blake suggested. "Make it a proper party."

"Oh my god, really? At your place?" The blonde's voice rose with excitement.

"Are you serious? That would be amazing!" another girl chimed in.

"I'll text the girls right now," a third voice added.

"Perfect," Blake said, his tone satisfied. "The more the merrier."

By then, I was smiling so hard my face hurt. This playboy version of Blake was nothing like the gentle, polite man I'd married.

I ran out of the club in one breath, suddenly finding myself in unfamiliar surroundings. The club's location was discreet – members-only. There wasn't a taxi in sight.

"Anna?"

I turned to see Seth surrounded by a group of people. His casual suit looked expensive but relaxed, his hair slightly tousled from the breeze. I recognized a few actors and directors from his circle, all clinking champagne glasses.

Seth quickly waved his companions inside. "You guys go ahead, I'll catch up."

He walked over to me, casually tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.

"Ms. Anderson at a place like this? Shocking. Let me guess – you got lost? Or did Wright finally realize how boring he is?" His tone was teasing, but concern flickered in his eyes.

"Not now, Seth," I said, my voice shaking slightly.

"You don't look well," he said softly, studying my pale face. "Do you need a hospital?"

"Could you take me to..." I started to ask, then stopped myself. Seth didn't know about my pregnancy or the problems between Blake and me.

"Just... take me to my Back Bay apartment, please," I choked out.

"Anna, what happened? Did Wright do something?" Seth's face hardened.

"I can't... not here. Please, Seth."

Suddenly, Seth tensed and turned, pulling me behind him and shielding me with his body.

"Shit," he muttered, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "Your husband and his... friends are coming out."

I tried to look, but Seth gently held my wrist. "Trust me, you don't want to see this."

I trembled and closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of Seth's hand on my wrist.

As I heard the girls' flirtatious calls of "Mr. Wright," Seth's arm slipped around my shoulders.