Chapter 14
Chapter 14
A few steps away, Tanya was looking Anna over with searching eyes.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked. “I mean… I know how much you cared for Sam. This isn’t exactly the dream wedding you imagined.”
Anna let out a short laugh. “Dream wedding? Tanya, that man was my nightmare in disguise. I thought I loved him… but now, I feel like I dodged a bullet.”
“You really mean that?”
Anna’s eyes softened. “I do. For the first time in my life, I feel… chosen. Protected. I didn’t expect it to come from Henry, but it did. And I’m happy. Genuinely happy.”
Tanya smiled, but her brows still furrowed slightly. “I just want to make sure you’re not rushing into this out of gratitude.”
“I’m not,” Anna said firmly. “He told me we’ll have a proper wedding in a month or two. He said girls my age like grand things, and he wants to give me that. Can you believe it?”
Tanya squealed. “Okay, I officially take back everything. You really hit the jackpot.”
Anna nodded with a grin. “I know. Life just kicked out the trash and handed me treasure.”
Tanya hugged her tight. “You deserve it, Anna. Every bit of it.”
Just then, Henry and Colby returned. After brief goodbyes, Henry opened the car door for Anna. As she climbed in, she glanced down at the small folder in her lap—their marriage certificate.
This was real.
On the ride back, Henry said, “I’ll get you new clothes soon, but you’ll need your things for now. We’ll stop by your place.”
Anna nodded.
True to his word, he drove her back to her adoptive parents’ home. The house was silent—no one was there. Anna moved quickly, gathering everything she could call her own. Her entire life fit into two suitcases.
When she returned to the car, Henry took one look at her tired expression and said, “Don’t worry. They’ll be informed in due time. You’re with me now.”
She gave a quiet nod. “I trust you.”
“Good. I have to head to the office,” he added. “So I’ll drop you off at home first. You’ll be fine.”
Home.
She didn’t know what that meant anymore. Her nerves kicked in again. “I don’t know what to expect…”
He glanced at her. “Don’t overthink it. It’s just a house. And it’s yours now, too.”
When they arrived, Anna stepped out of the car, and her breath caught in her throat.
This wasn’t just a house. It was a palace.
The estate was sprawling and pristine. A white marble driveway curved between tall, manicured hedges. The mansion itself stood three stories tall, wrapped in elegant glass balconies and stone columns. A turquoise pool shimmered beside a lush garden. Fountains arched water high into the air, and the sunlight glinted off golden detailing on the gates.
Anna could hardly move. “This is where you live?”
Henry smirked. “And now, so do you.”
As they reached the grand doors, twelve maids appeared—six on each side—stepping out in perfect formation, heads bowed respectfully.
Behind them came the gardeners, security personnel, and drivers, all standing in line.
Anna stared, stunned.
She wasn’t used to being served—she had always been the one serving. In her childhood home, she was the girl scrubbing floors and cleaning dishes while others went to birthday parties.
Henry cleared his throat and addressed the staff.
“This is my wife,” he said. “Her name is Anna Duke. You will treat her with the same respect and obedience you give me. Am I clear?”
“Yes, sir!” they chorused in unison.
Anna blinked, unsure if she was dreaming.
Henry turned to her. “I’ll be out for a few hours. These two,” he gestured to a pair of young maids, “will help you settle into the master bedroom. Rest. Eat. Make yourself at home.”
She nodded, and the maids took her luggage.
As she reached the entrance, she glanced back. Henry was buttoning his jacket, preparing to leave.
She raised her hand and waved.
He p
aused. For a moment, something in his expression softened.
Then he nodded. “Goodbye, Anna. I’ll see you later.”