Chapter 248
Anna’s POV:
My blood ran cold the moment I realized Blake was behind Sett’s marriage. The car tide back to the hotel was painfully silem after our brief confrontation
Ive already come back to you! I’d said, my voice breaking with emotion.
Blake merely stared straight ahead, his jaw tight. “Anna, I don’t want to discuss this with you.”
That was it. He called for a car and then said nothing more, his silence weighing heavily between us. I stole glances at his profile, trying to understand what was going through his mind. How could he orchestrate Seth’s marriage and act like it was nothing? Like it was just another business transaction?
Back at the hotel, I wasn’t surprised when Claire immediately dragged Blake out again, leaving me alone. Though I’d expected it, seeing then’t leave together still stung. The room felt empty and oppressive.
My phone rang. Emily.
“Your jerk of a husband is out shopping with that little vixen, leaving you alone in the hotel?” Her voice was indignant.
I sighed, sinking deeper into the armchair. “God, Em. Just go have fun with Ethan. I’m really not in the mood.”
“Anna, don’t overthink this. Maybe Seth’s marriage isn’t such a bad thing. Have you seen who he’s marrying? She’s actually a good match for him.”
“You think this is a good thing too?” I couldn’t keep the disbelief from my voice.
–
‘Seth deserves his own life,” I continued, feeling the frustration build. “He should’ve found someone naturally met her, gotten to know her, fallen in love, and then gotten married. Not had it all arranged by someone else without caring what he wants.”
“He might not be against it,” Emily reasoned. “He’s a grown man. If he really couldn’t accept it, he would’ve fought back. I’m sure he thought everything through before choosing this path. Don’t take his burdens on yourself, Anna. Relax. Seth’s marriage has nothing to do with you.”
But that wasn’t entirely true. I knew Blake had orchestrated this marriage to keep Seth away from me. And I couldn’t shake the image of Seth’s eyes – there was no happiness there, no excitement about getting married.
After hanging up, I lay on the bed with a pounding headache, thoughts swirling. How was I supposed to face Seth at his wedding tomorrow?
The doorbell startled me from my thoughts. Assuming it was room service I hadn’t ordered, I dragged myself to the door.
Standing there was a strikingly beautiful woman in designer clothes, holding an elegantly wrapped gift box.
“Anna Anderson?” she asked with a polished smile. “I’m Isabelle Morris. Seth’s fiancée.”
My mouth went dry. “Yes, um, hello. Would you like to come in?”
She swept past me. ‘Anna, I don’t have any sisters in my family,” Isabelle said with a smile. “I was wondering if you’d be my bridesmaid.”
“I’ve already prepared the dress.” She held the box up to my face. “I know you’re Seth’s friend, but I think it would be… uncomfortable for you to be near him during tomorrow’s ceremony.”
I could tell she probably knew about the almost–relationship between Seth and me–something that ended before it really began.
I tried to be kind when facing her. After all, what bride wouldn’t be concerned about her future husband’s former flame hanging around?
‘Come in and sit down,” I said, taking the box/from her hands.
As I poured her coffee, I recognized her true intentions. The bridesmaid invitation was just a facade–she was really here to mark her territory.
I blinked in surprise. “I’m sorry, Isabelle. Blake has made it clear he doesn’t want me to be Seth’s fiancée’s bridesmaid.” The lie came easily. “Of course, I’ll
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still attend the wedding
Her smile didn’t falter, but something shifted in her eyes. “Really? But I heard you’re just Blakes… bedmate. Clahe told me
Bedmate..
I almost didn’t process what she’d said. This was the first time since I’d returned to Blake that someone had so bluntly exposed my status,
Previously, Blake would drape me with the “Mrs. Wright title. Even if others saw me as nothing more than his mistress who didn’t belong in high society, they wouldn’t dare gossip out of respect for Blake’s position.
But she hadn’t said anything wrong.
“Anna, don’t mind me. These arrangements are common in the circles,” she said with a dismissive wave. ‘Actually, that’s partly why I’m here. The reception will give you and Seth a chance to talk.”
I nearly choked on my drink. “Excuse me?”
“Seth told me he’s liked you since childhood. Is that true? Do you have feelings for him?”
The conversation was veering into dangerous territory. “Isabelle, you’re marrying Seth tomorrow. Stop joking around with me. And that’s just rude.
“It’s a family business arrangement,” she replied, leaning forward conspiratorially. “Seth told me about your history together. I think you two are meant to be. I’m willing to provide cover for you both.”
I stared at her, speechless.
She continued, To be honest, my feelings for Seth are more like friendship–we’re basically business partners who signed a contract. Even though Seth and I are getting married, I’m willing to look the other way whenever you want to be with him. I could even arrange a place for your… meetings. I promise I wouldn’t say a word to anyone.”
I was so shocked by her outrageous proposition that coffee sloshed over the rim of my cup. “What exactly are you playing at? Even if you don’t love each other, nobody is this accommodating about infidelity. And secrets always come out. Have you considered the consequences for your family, his family, Blake and me if this ever got exposed?”
Isabelle lowered her head with a calculated smile. ‘It wouldn’t be a long–term arrangement. I’ll be direct–I’ve got my eye on Blake. I’ve always been attracted to powerful men like him. This way, you could have Seth, and I could have Blake. Once my family discovers my relationship with Blake, they’d certainly support my divorce. Then you could be with Seth without any complications.”
For a moment, I stared at her, convinced the woman sitting across from me had completely lost her mind.
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