Chapter 4

Anna sat staring at the screen during the FaceTime call, her hands still trembling as she paced her bedroom. Neither of them spoke, but Naomi’s knowing smirk on the screen sent a heatwave rushing up Anna’s neck, clashing violently with the cold dread pooling in her stomach. She looked away, her cheeks turning a deep crimson.

“I still can’t believe this,” Naomi finally broke the silence, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and awe. “You actually slept with Anthony Jeffery.”

Anna felt like she was burning up. She covered her face with her hands, but the blush peeked through her fingers.

“You have to tell me everything,” Naomi urged, leaning closer into the camera. “Is the rumor true? Is he really… well, you know. Is he big?”

“Naomi, let’s not… okay, yes,” Anna whispered, a nervous giggle escaping her tightly wound chest. “It was massive. And he... he was so commanding.”

Both women erupted into squeals like teenagers sharing a forbidden secret. Anna leaned back against her headboard, a dazed smile briefly replacing her anxiety. “I haven’t been touched like that in so long. It feels like my soul and my body finally woke up.”

“I can see that. You’re literally glowing, girl,” Naomi said, propping her chin on her hand.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget that night,” Anna sighed, her gaze drifting to the ceiling before the reality of her morning crashed back down on her. “I won't call it magical—that’s too much—but it didn't feel like just a one-night stand. It felt like… more. But it’s too bad I’ll never experience it again.” Her smile faded, replaced by a heavy shadow.

“Why not? You’re in an open marriage now. Technically, the world is your oyster.”

“Not with a man like him,” Anna said, her tone sharpening with bitter reality. “You said it yourself—he’s Anthony Jeffery. He’s powerful, elite, complicated. I’m sure he has a line of women out the door, and I won’t just be another temporary plaything. Besides, I have much bigger problems right now.”

Anna gripped her bare left ring finger, a cold sweat breaking out on her skin. "Naomi... I left my wedding ring in his hotel room. Jake noticed it was missing. He went feral."

Naomi’s expression shifted instantly, becoming uncharacteristically grave. “Oh my god, Anna. If Jake finds out who you were with—"

“That’s not even the worst of it,” Anna interrupted, her voice cracking. “There had been no fumbling for a wrapper, Naomi. No pause in the heat of the moment. We didn't use protection.”

The blood drained from Naomi's face through the screen. “Girl, don’t tell me…”

“I’m dead,” Anna choked out, burying her face in her hands. “What was I thinking? What if I caught something? Or worse… what if I get pregnant with a stranger's baby?”

“Listen to me, Anthony Jeffery doesn't look like the type to carry diseases, but you need to go get Plan B right now. You still have time,” Naomi urged, her tone frantic. “And what about the job? The corporate position you applied for? Have you heard back? You need your own money to get away from Jake.”

“I haven't heard back, and Jake is already using my mother's hospital bills to punish me," Anna whispered miserably. "If I don't get this job, I'm completely trapped."

The heavy thud of the front door echoed through the house, cutting her off. Anna’s stomach tightened with a familiar, weary dread.

“Jake’s back. I’ll call you later,” she hissed, ending the call just as the bedroom door swung open.

Jake didn’t storm in this time. The explosive rage from earlier was gone, replaced by a look of disappointed patience—a calculated manipulation Anna knew all too well. He stood in the doorframe for a long beat before walking toward her, stopping just shy of her personal space.

“I know you didn’t actually go through with it, Anna,” he said, his voice dropping into that soft, soothing register he used when he wanted to break her spirit and end an argument. When she didn't look at him, he sighed heavily. “I know you’re hurt. I know my words last night were harsh, but you’re my wife. You’re better than some cheap revenge fling.”

He stepped closer, reaching out to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. Anna flinched away from his touch.

“I’m sorry for the way things have been,” he continued, entirely ignoring her recoil. “I’ve been under incredible pressure at work, and you’ve been so… distant lately. I looked for a connection elsewhere because I couldn't find it here. But that’s over now. I’m choosing us.”

“Choosing us?” Anna’s voice was sharp, brittle, and dripping with disbelief. “You demanded an open marriage, Jake. You insulted my looks, my age—”

“I was frustrated,” he said smoothly, speaking to her as if she were a hysterical child. “I said things I didn't mean just to wake you up. And look, it worked. You’re finally showing some fire again.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, heavy velvet box.

Anna’s eyebrows pulled together. “What is that?”

“A fresh start.” He flipped the lid. A diamond necklace glittered under the bedroom lights—too bright, too expensive. A heavy bribe in the shape of jewelry. “To remind you that I provide for you. That I care.”

He tried to step behind her to clasp it around her throat, but the sight of it made her sick. She shoved the box back against his chest. “I don’t want it, Jake. I don’t want your guilt-trip gifts.”

Jake’s loving-husband mask didn't just crumble; it shattered. The synthetic warmth vanished, revealing the absolute coldness underneath. He caught her wrist, twisting it just firm enough to serve as a painful warning.

“You are still my wife,” he muttered, his jaw tight, his voice vibrating with a dangerous edge. “And since you’re so fond of reminding me of my ‘obligations,’ remember yours. I just cleared your mother’s hospital arrears. Every single penny. The least you can do is put on the damn necklace and play the part.”

He released her wrist with a harsh shove. “There is an exclusive gala tonight. My company’s new billionaire CEO will be there, and my entire promotion depends on making a flawless impression. You’re coming, you’re wearing the diamonds, and you’re going to be the supportive, obedient wife I pay for you to be.”

He turned and strode away, slamming the door behind him. Anna’s fingers curled into tight fists, her nails digging into her palms until she nearly drew blood. Her mother’s medical bills were a mountain of debt she couldn't climb alone. She was a caged bird, locked inside a golden cage built by Jake's money.

The grand ballroom was a dazzling sea of silk dresses, sharp tuxedos, and clinking champagne flutes. But to Anna, the diamond necklace resting against her collarbone felt exactly like a heavy iron chain.

“Stay right here. Do not wander off. I need to greet the senior executives,” Jake commanded, tightening his grip on her elbow one last time before slipping into the crowd. Anna gave a stiff, robotic nod.

She scanned the opulent room, watching powerful women in tailored suits laughing and exchanging business cards. A sharp pang of regret twisted in her chest; if she hadn't dropped her studies to support Jake's career, she might have been standing there as their equal, instead of a purchased trophy on a toxic man's arm.

Suddenly, the air in the room felt incredibly thin.

Across the crowded ballroom, a towering figure parted the sea of guests.

It was Anthony.

Anna’s breath escaped her in a ragged gasp. Her stomach dropped into a bottomless pit, and she quickly averted her eyes, staring hard at the marble floor. How is he here? Why is he at a corporate gala? Terrified, she risked another glance through her lashes. Anthony wasn't looking at the executives flanking him. His piercing, dark eyes were locked entirely on her.

Her heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird. He began walking straight toward her, his stride confident, slow, and predatory. Anna’s legs felt like lead; every instinct screamed at her to bolt for the exit, but she was completely paralyzed.

“We meet again, princess,” Anthony said, a slow, dangerous grin spreading across his lips as he stopped mere inches from her.

Anna opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out. Before she could find her voice, Jake suddenly materialized at her side, practically vibrating with desperate corporate ambition.

“Mr. Jeffery! Sir! It’s an absolute honor,” Jake stammered, his voice dripping with forced, pathetic respect as he bowed slightly. “I never got the chance to thank you personally for taking over the firm and reviewing my promotion file.”

Mr. Jeffery. The room tilted. The billionaire from the hotel... the man whose scent was still on her skin... was Jake's supreme boss.

Anthony gave a short, chillingly cold nod to Jake, his intense gaze never shifting away from Anna’s pale face.

“Meet my wife, Anna,” Jake said proudly, grabbing her waist and pulling her forward with an oblivious, arrogant smile. “Anna, this is the new CEO of the conglomerate.”

Anthony’s gaze locked onto hers, dark, knowing, and heavy with a wicked amusement.

“So, Anna is your name,” Anthony murmured, his voice rough and dangerously smooth.

He slowly reached into his tailored tuxedo pocket. Jake stepped forward, extending his hand, eagerly waiting for a powerful corporate handshake.

But Anthony ignored Jake's hand entirely. Instead, he opened his palm right between them, revealing a sleek, polished gold wedding ring.

“You dropped this in my bed last night,” Anthony rumbled, his eyes flashing with dominant satisfaction.

Anna’s breath escaped in a sharp, horrified gasp, her eyes wide with absolute terror as Jake's smile froze.