Chapter 299: Set My 302 - Set My

Chapter 302

Anna’s POV

I need to get away from Maks. I need to breathe.

I hurried through the hallway, my heart pounding against my ribs. As I rounded the corner, I nearly collided with Seth. I pulled up short, geping for breath, and glanced behind me to make sure Blake hadn’t followed.

Seth stood with his fists clenched, his eyes a storm of emotions. ‘You saw him?” he asked, his voice tight.

1 hesitated, then nodded.

Seth’s jaw worked as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words. His expression shifted between anger and concern. ‘Go to the second floor terrace. I’ll meet you there.”

“There are too many people downstairs, and it’s chaotic,” I said, grabbing his arm. ‘Let’s go to the terrace together. I could use some fresh air.”

The terrace was deserted, bathed in moonlight. I walked to the railing, letting the cool night air calm my nerves.

Without warning, Seth turned and pulled me into a tight embrace. His arms locked around me with an intensity that left no room for escape.

Annie,” he whispered, his voice low and raw. “Is it because I’m divorced? Is that why you’re hesitating? I know I’ve made mistakes, but everything I have- my heart, my life–it’s all yours.”

His body trembled slightly against mine. “I’m scared you’ll fall back into the same trap. I can’t trust him with you. Not again.”

I tensed, trying to create space between us. “Seth, don’t do this,” I said, my voice shaking. “Blake and I–there won’t be anything between us again.”

Seth slowly released me, his eyes searching mine with desperate hope. “Let me drive you home tonight,” he said. “You’re planning to leave the country soon. Once we’re away from America, we’ll have time.”

I looked at him–really looked at him. Seth Price was everything a woman could want: successful, loyal, handsome. He’d been there for me during my darkest moments. Yet something felt… off. The connection we’d missed years ago couldn’t be manufactured now. The courage to love someone completely–that kind of bravery only comes once in a lifetime.

“Emily’s planning to study abroad,” I said quietly. “I’m taking Nora with me. It’ll be better for her continued treatment. Once I finish my affairs here, we’ll leave. I paused, meeting his eyes. “But I won’t be going with you, Seph.”

His expression froze. “Annie, I’ve waited for you all these years. Don’t push me away now.”

“Seth,” I whispered, my eyes flickering away from his intense gaze. “I’ve wasted enough of your time. I won’t waste another year.”

Seth’s pupils contracted sharply. “Anna Anderson!” he shouted, my full name echoing in the night air. “Do you even know what you’re saying? Did Wright threaten you? Is that what this is about?”

I shook my head firmly. “No. This is my decision.”

Watching Seth’s face crumble was unbearable. Tears welled in his eyes, and my own vision blurred in response. The pain in my chest was physical, like someone had thrust a knife between my ribs.

I couldn’t give Seth what he deserved–what he’d waited for. The emotional turbulence I felt around Blake dwarfed anything I experienced with Seth. moved on, not really.

“I think of you as a brother, a friend,” I said gently.

“Stop, Seth cut me off, slamming his fist against the railing. His knuckles turned white. “Annie, haven’t I been good to you? Haven’t I given you everything? And you’re just going to cut me off completely?”

His voice rose in frustration. “What kind of bullshit excuse is that? The ‘let’s just be friends‘ card? Really?”