Chapter 2
Chapter 2
After Colby reassured Tanya that he’d be at the party with her, he gently let go of her hand and pulled out his phone. Tanya went to take a shower while Colby made the call.
“Henry,” he said as soon as the line connected, “about the meeting we were supposed to have tomorrow night... we might need to reschedule.”
Henry's voice came through loud and firm. “Reschedule? Colby, no. This collaboration can’t wait. You know it’s important for me to get back to my other partners on this project. Its one of the biggest ones yet.”
Colby sighed. “I know. I really do. But my wife has an engagement party to attend, and she wants me there with her.”
There was a pause before Henry laughed dryly. “Come on, man. You’re blowing off more than a billion-dollar opportunity because your wife wants company at a party? Seriously?”
Colby frowned. “It’s not just a random party. It means a lot to her.”
“Well, that’s cute,” Henry muttered sarcastically. “But this is business. You can’t keep mixing the two. Look, Colby, it’s not every day we get a clean deal like this.”
Colby ran a hand through his hair. “Okay, okay… what if we meet at the hotel? The engagement party is happening at my hotel tomorrow, and you can just get a room. We can finalize everything there. I’ll handle both—you and my wife.”
But Henry didn’t sound convinced. “Nah. That won’t do. I’ve already made my own plans for that night.”
“What kind of plans?”
Henry chuckled. “Escorts. Sexy ones as always."
Colby shook his head, not surprised. “Fine. Do your thing. I’m not trying to stop you. But Henry, aren’t you getting tired of this lifestyle? You’re thirty-eight. Isn’t it time to settle down?”
Henry scoffed. “Settle down? With who? Marriage was never meant for me. Look at you, you’ve done it twice already because it's your calling.”
Colby laughed quietly. “Touché.”
The next day, the campus felt unusually quiet for Tanya. Anna didn’t show up at all.
Tanya stood by the library window, her arms folded, staring out at the front lawn. She checked her phone again, still no text from Anna.
She sighed.
It made sense. Anna had a lot of things to handle. The engagement party was happening that night, and Tanya knew her friend was probably running around, making sure every little detail was perfect.
Without Anna around, the day felt dull. Tanya didn’t feel like hanging around alone. She picked up her bag and decided to head back home early.
Later that evening, as the clock ticked toward eight, Anna was already at the venue. The hall was beautifully decorated—warm lights, soft music playing in the background, and the scent of fresh flowers in the air.
Guests were arriving in elegant outfits. Anna greeted each one with a smile, her heart racing with both nerves and excitement.
Her grandfather was there, seated at a reserved table. Her adopted parents sat beside him, chatting with relatives. But it was the sight of her cousin, Michelle Briggs, that made Anna smile widely.
Michelle rushed over, hugging her tightly. “You look so beautiful, Anna.”
Anna hugged her back. “I’m so glad you came. I really needed you here.”
The two cousins had always been close—more like sisters than cousins. Michelle held her hand and smiled, her eyes full of warmth. “You’re going to be so happy. I can feel it.”
Anna nodded, holding back tears.
A few minutes later, Tanya arrived, her baby bump barely showing beneath her deep-blue gown. Colby was by her side, guiding her gently through the crowd.
As soon as they stepped inside, Colby leaned closer and whispered, “I’ll be right back. I have a quick meeting to attend in one of the rooms.”
Tanya frowned a little. “Now?”
“It won’t take long,” he promised. “Fifteen minutes, tops.”
She looked at him, and smiled. “Okay, darling. Please be quick. I don’t want to be without you for too long.”
“I won’t keep you waiting,” he said with a quick kiss on her cheek before turning away and walking toward the elevator.
After Colby disappeared into the elevator, Tanya let out a quiet sigh and turned back toward the party. She wasn’t about to let a short meeting ruin the night. She smoothed the sides of her soft blue dress, adjusted her gold clutch, and plastered a polite smile.
She moved gracefully through the crowd, greeting guests and accepting compliments on her glowing appearance. Her dress, a floor-length silk gown with thin straps and a small slit by the side, hugged her small baby bump perfectly, showing just a hint of her figure. Her hair was in soft waves, pinned loosely to the side, and her makeup was simple but elegant.
When Tanya finally spotted Anna near the main table, her face lit up. Anna saw her too, and screamed.
“Tanya!” Anna rushed over in her red gown, the sparkles catching the light as she moved. The off-shoulder dress cinched at the waist, flaring out like a dream. Her curls were styled into an elegant updo, with a few loose strands framing her beaming face. “You look gorgeous!”
“You look like a goddess,” Tanya replied, pulling her into a hug. “Is this what happens when people get engaged?”
They both laughed and twirled in place like little girls showing off their outfits. “I swear I don’t know whether to hug you or take notes,” Tanya teased.
Just then, Anna’s cousin Michelle approached.
Michelle wore a short, shimmery maroon dress that clung to her curves. Her lipstick was bold, her heels higher than anyone else's, and she carried herself like the room belonged to her. She wrapped her arms around Anna’s shoulders and leaned in close.
“Sweetheart, you look absolutely divine,” Michelle purred. “Sexy, glowing, perfect—Sam is a lucky man.”
Tanya’s smile faltered slightly. She shifted her weight to one leg and rolled her eyes without meaning to. Something about Michelle’s tone felt… off. Like she was trying too hard.
Michelle turned briefly to smile at Tanya, then disappeared back into the crowd.
Anna caught the expression on Tanya’s face.
“Okay,” Anna said, nudging her gently. “What was that about?”
Tanya raised her brows. “What?”
“You rolled your eyes.”
Tanya shrugged. “I don’t know. There’s just something about her. Michelle’s compliments were too much. Too many. It didn’t feel… real.”
Anna giggled. “Don’t say that. Michelle’s always been like that. She just has this big personality. Besides, you’ve been through a lot, Tanya. Maybe you’re just cautious now.”
“Maybe,” Tanya muttered. “But still. Something about her doesn’t sit right.”
Anna gently bumped her shoulder. “Try not to overthink it. She’s family.”
Tanya held up her hands. “Alright. I’ll behave.”
Changing the topic, Tanya looked around. “Speaking of which, where’s your mystery man? You still haven’t introduced me to him.”
Anna blinked, suddenly realizing. “Oh my gosh, you’re right. I haven’t seen him all evening.”
She began scanning the crowd, her brows furrowed. “Let me find him. I want you two to meet.”
Just then, her phone buzzed. She looked down and smiled.
“It’s him,” she said, tapping on the message.
“I’m in room twenty. I can’t wait for us to finally be married. And don’t forget your promise—you said tonight was the night you’d give yourself to me.”
Anna blushed and quickly typed back.
“Of course. Just come downstairs quickly. We’re about to begin, and there’s someone I want you to meet.”
Almost instantly, his response came in. "See you soon, my love."
She smiled softly and tucked her phone away.
“Found him?” Tanya asked.
“Yeah, he’s in room twenty. I told him to come down quickly.”
The two friends chatted a little longer, until Michelle returned, holding a glass of something fizzy.
“Here,” Michelle said, handing it to Anna. “You look nervous. This’ll calm your nerves.”
Anna hesitated for a moment, then took it. “Thanks, Michelle.”
She downed it in one go and passed the empty glass to a waiter walking past. “I needed that.”
As they stood chatting, the lights in the hall dimmed a little, and the emcee took the stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he called into the mic. “Please find your seats. It’s time for the couple of the night to make their entrance!”
Everyone turned toward the main door in anticipation.
Michelle leaned closer to Anna. “Uh-oh.”