She kept on faking herself that she moved on, but just a picture of him made her burst into tears.
Anna was sitting in the bedroom of her grand mansion, Villa Ferinze. For others, it was one of the top luxury properties of USA but for her, it was an abode of love that Ashton gifted her with the dream of settling down there and making their own small family.
It was a ritual of years that she reverently practised. No matter how small or big her achievements would be, she made sure to come there and relish them with his memories as they had once planned together.
Even that day she came to celebrate her achievement of being awarded the youngest, successful business woman of the year but she was blank, void of words and feelings to express. She had finally fulfilled one of his dreams that put her heart at a little ease but time and again, her mind was drifting to the memory lane from where it all started. She badly wanted to stop herself from going into that abyss of memories which were the evidence of the happiest part of her life, but then it was equally dark and she was sceptical with her fragile heart and emotions that were all over the place, anxious on the fact if she could pull herself out of that darkness.
The weather outside matched her gloomy self as the dark clouds that earlier veiled the sky turned into big drops of rain followed by a heavy downpour. As the earthly scent wafted the air marking a new beginning and freshness, Anna's legs subconsciously moved towards the way that took her to the big garden in the mansion. She stood at the door, initially contemplating if she should feel the wetness of the pouring water but then subconsciously extended her hand that got drenched under the stormy weather and thick shower. Her legs thoughtlessly moved away from the roof as she went further under the open dark sky. Her dainty figure got drenched in no time and she closed her eyes when a tear slipped from her eye mixing with the pouring water. Her little frame wrecked with sobs as she covered her face with both of her hands and fell on the grass below her. She cried on her fate, she cried for him, she cried for herself and she cried for them. No matter how much she stopped herself, her heart took her in the time when she met him the first time. That night, she laid awake with his memories flooding through her eyes with the hope to be with him when sleep would arrive.
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Anna's nineteen year old self couldn't fathom the upcoming mayhem of emotions, turmoil, struggle and loss that were going to shape her present self then. She was an elfin creature who was unusually tiny than the other women around her. Although she could easily be overshadowed by the towering figures of people, her radiant personality that always shined through her entire being especially her eyes couldn't be concealed thrusting her into the limelight wherever she went. She resembled an angel in beauty and purity, with porcelain skin, long chestnut hair, dazzling, gentle, ocean blue orbs that were the window to her innocent soul.
She had finally adapted and learned to find tranquility around her that had been lost in the previous years due to the deprivation and grief she experienced with the demise of her parents.
That day was a special day which was going to mark a new beginning for her. The beginning of a journey to pave a way for herself in the vast world. She was shielded from the atrocities of the world not only by her late parents but also by the other people in her life who she now considered more than her family.
It was still the early hours of the morning when Anna has just come out of her room to head towards Watson Corporation for the first day as an intern. As soon as she came out she was squished in a bear hug by Emily Watson who wanted to be the first to wish her luck for the new journey. Not sisters by blood, they were sisters by heart who stood beside each other in every thick and thin from the past three years. If not for Emily, Anna didn't know if she could take the brave step and decision of approaching Richard to convince him to let her out of her comfort bubble.
Richard Watson, albeit being a great father was too protective of his daughters, especially Anna. He wanted to shield her from every possible person or danger that could lay a threat on her well being. He didn't intend to cage her, but the condition that he found her in and later the circumstances in which she had to undergo several therapies and sessions to overcome her loss and trauma were something that never allowed him to let Anna be on her own, particularly in his presence. However, amidst his wariness, he forgot to let her live a regular life that every girl of her age lived. But eventually, he agreed. He agreed when Emily took upon herself to make him realise that their little Anna was not a little girl anymore and he need to set her free and give her the wings to fly for all the good things awaiting for her.
"I am so anxious." Pulling herself away from Emily, Anna mumbled looking down. "Have I taken a right decision Em? Will I be able to make dad proud? What if I would mess up?"
"Babygirl....."
"Princess....."
Emily and Richard spoke simultaneously. He couldn't wait for Anna to come down, so he went upstairs to her room where he heard her pouring out her meaningless concerns. He took steady steps towards her and called her again.
Holding her little hands in his, he assured her, "I am already so proud of you princess. So stop worrying about these meaningless things. You are stepping into a new phase of life and you are bound to make mistakes, but they are never going to hold you back Anna, instead they will teach you something and help you to become a better version of yourself. And how can you doubt your dad? You can always count on me. I am and will always be there for you. Okay?"
She nodded her head feeling better and tucked her hair behind her ear.
"Oh My God, Anna! Just look at you babygirl. You look gorgeous in this professional attire. A perfect example of a beauty with brain." Emily said to distract Anna taking in her exquisite appearance.
It was her first day in the business world, in Watson Corporation. She was never much into getting explicitly ready for any occasions or events as she was more of someone who liked to keep it to herself. However, that day, she put some extra efforts to look beautiful and presentable to make Richard proud. She was dressed in a black, sleeveless top tucked in a cream skirt that reached her ankles with a subtle makeup that enhanced her natural beauty. Her long hair were pinned to perfection taming them to naturally lay at her back. She looked elegant and classy which gave her a little more confidence. Her timidness and social anxiety never allowed her to make comprehensive interactions with new people. But she knew that now that she wanted to step into a world where communication was the key to conquer and confidence was a major asset, she was armed to change her ways. It wasn't going to be smooth or untroubled, but she diligently wanted to learn, accept and adapt the new life as it was her dream to re-establish her father's event management company.
Thanking Emily and further getting lots of advices and suggestions, she left with Richard to embark on a journey that didn't only changed her professionally but also personally.