Chapter 21
Anna’s POV:
I tried to push those thoughts out of my mind.
Sitting at the desk, I stared blankly at my laptop screen, trying to focus on my future job. But my mind felt foggy.
Last night’s confrontation had left me feeling wounded, like I’d been stabbed and was still bleeding
out emotionally.
With a sigh, I navigated to my phone’s settings and removed Seth from my blocked contacts list.
My finger hovered over his name for a moment, but I couldn’t bring myself to message him. Instead, I decided to contact Henry directly. He responded quickly, inviting me to EcoMarine Group to discuss
matters in person.
As I prepared to leave, I changed into a black V–neck blouse and high–waisted black pants –
professional but with an edge. I applied heavier makeup than usual, trying to hide the pallor of my
face and the dark circles under my eyes.
The woman in the mirror looked put–together, but her eyes were hollow.
I was about to grab my purse when a soft knock interrupted my thoughts. Before I could respond,
the door opened, and Claire peeked in.
“Anna.” Her voice was small and tentative. She stepped into my bedroom, eyes red–rimmed. “Did you
and Blakey have a fight? I’ve missed you so much since you moved out of Seaside Manor.”
I forced a smile. “No, everything’s fine between me and your brother.”
“But…” she hesitated, twisting a strand of hair around her finger, “last night Blakey smashed your
wedding photo in his study.”
“Did he? Well, that’s his business,” I replied, keeping my voice neutral.
Claire’s lower lip trembled. “You two should talk things out. When you fight, I feel like I have no home.”
I sighed, checking my watch. “Claire, I need to go to work now.”
“Work?” Her eyes widened. “How can you go to work? Blakey was so angry… I’ve never seen him like that. Can’t you just go talk to him? I hate seeing him unhappy.”
I felt a flare of irritation but kept my expression controlled. “He is a grown man who can manage his
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Chapter 21
own emotions. I need to go out today, Claire. Everyone needs their own space. This is between me
and Blake. If staying here makes you uncomfortable, maybe you should head back to the theater.”
“Are you telling me to leave?” Her voice cracked, tears welling up.
“I didn’t say that. You have legs – go wherever you want. Besides, I don’t even live here anymore.
Yesterday was just… unexpected.”
What a performance, I thought as I watched her lip quiver.
I knew she was just fishing for information, trying to gauge what happened between Blake and me. Claire was transparent that way – manipulative but predictable.
After Claire left, I confirmed Blake had already gone to work. I walked to his study, curiosity drawing
me to see the damage he’d done.
Our wedding photo lay in the corner, its glass cracked and splintered. I picked it up carefully, my chest tightening as I looked at our younger selves. It had been my favorite photo – one of the few
where I’d managed to coax a small, genuine smile from Blake.
*What is he so angry about?* I wondered bitterly. He’s the one who betrayed me. What right does he have to be destroying things?
I slipped my wedding ring off my finger, the platinum band catching the light one last time before I
placed it squarely in the center of his desk. Then I took the broken frame and walked outside, dropping it unceremoniously into a trash bin on the street.
It felt both liberating and devastating.
EcoMarine Group’s offices were quieter than I expected when I arrived. Most employees seemed to be out on fieldwork or at lunch. I made my way to Henry’s office, only to find Seth lounging in one of the chairs opposite Henry’s desk.
Their conversation stopped abruptly when they saw me. Something about the way they looked at each other made me feel like I’d interrupted something important.
“Anna,” Henry smiled, standing to greet me. “Perfect timing. It’s lunchtime – let’s go eat while we
talk.”
Seth stretched lazily. “Annie, whose car are you riding in? If you beg me, I might condescend to give you a ride.”
I rolled my eyes. Just being in the same room with Seth made me feel like we were repelling each other like opposing magnets.
How did I ever think he’d matured? He’s exactly the same as when we were kids.
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“I’ll ride with Henry, thanks,” I replied coolly.
Seth’s smirk faded slightly.
In Henry’s car, I tried to steer the conversation toward work.
“Did Emily give you a tour of the company?” Henry asked as he navigated through traffic.
I shook my head.
“No problem. I can show you around this afternoon,” he offered.
Taking a deep breath, I decided to be direct. “Henry, which area of your project needs additional help?”
Henry was quiet for a moment. “You know, when we first met, I could tell you were actually smart. But I think you can see that Seth still cares about you. Trust that his choices for you are for the best. Anna, you need experience first.”
My heart sank. “So that’s a polite rejection?”
“Talk to Séth about it,” he said, not meeting my eyes.
A slumped back in my seat, deflated. “What kind of “caring” is it when he made me drink two bottles
of whiskey? My enthusiasm evaporated, and I remained quiet all the way to the restaurant.
At the restaurant, Seth was still sulking because I hadn’t ridden with him.
“Anna,” he said as we were being seated, “if this is the attitude you bring to meals, you won’t succeed at anything.”
I was about to retort when my phone rang. Blake’s name flashed on the screen. Reluctantly, I answered.
“Anna!” His voice was urgent, speaking rapidly. “What the hell did you say to Claire? She’s in trouble. Get to Dawnlight Theatre right now!”
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