Anna's POV
Bonding with Hassan's grandma was the last thing that I thought would happen on our holiday in Paris because I was not even expecting to meet her. We returned to California after spending two weeks in Paris. I learnt from Hassan that the death of his grandpa still haunted his grandma after all these years, apparently he had died in her arms . He died from food poisoning.
I wondered if that was the reason for the sadness in her eyes even though she seemed really happy.
Back home in California, my parents and Leylah had gassed me up about Hassan. Everyone wanted to know the details of my holiday.
I returned to my apartment few days later to prepare for the launch of my beauty brand (Anna's secret) and my new workspace. My team worked endlessly while I was in Paris and I couldn't be more grateful .
The day of the launch came and it was a success. My family and friends made sure of that.
On a very busy Monday few months after the launch , I sat in front of my desk in my new office , my face buried in my computer.
It's been three months and my beauty store was doing quite well . My office was painted white with pink interiors, a flower vase sat at the left side of my chair giving the office a more lighter look. I preferred minimalist interiors and I didn't hesitate to extend the taste to my work space.
Solange had brought her wedding invite few days earlier and I was the bridesmaid, again . Of course I was happy for her because why not!
I thought about Hassan and I smiled , just like he could read my thoughts from where he was my phone rang .
I picked the receiver and put it on loud speaker.
"Baby…" he groaned .
"You sound tired" i said interrupting him.
"I am actually , it's been a long day" he said .
I imagined him rubbing his palm on his head the way he does anytime he feels exhausted.
I looked at the small clock sitting on my table. I didn't notice how much time had passed.
"Sorry babe …. Dinner at your place ?" I smiled
"Yes please. I would really love that" he answered with more enthusiasm.
I laughed "now you have energy"
"You're my source of energy" he whispered "see you later angel , I love you"
"I love you too" I grinned hanging up.
Our love was the pure and genuine type . The type that I had always prayed to have after I broke up with Theo.
I rolled my eyes at the thought of Theo. A pest in my life .
I felt guilty knowing fully well that Hassan should know about Theo because I was still getting series of messages from him, more like threats.
He had even tried to persuade my parent into talking me out of dating Hassan and taking him back. He said he was willing and ready to marry me.
My mom eventually told him to stop dropping by to visit them. She advised him to move on with his life and forget the past .
"He doesn't have any reason to come here anymore" she had said.
She probably felt having him around was one of the reasons why he was still holding on to false hope. She meant well.
I imagined how red his face would have turned at that moment. Knowing Theo well, he would have punched the wall when he got home.
I went to my inbox and read the last message he sent to me .
( my one true love , it's either me or nobody else. Tell that guy to back off . You're mine ! You belong to me and me alone ! I've been fair in my dealings all these while , don't make me lose my cool . You're the only one I love and want to be with. Think about it , so no one ends up regretting because you're being stubborn)
"Asshole!" I laughed .
The fear that gripped me when I read the text the day he sent it seem to have vanished.
I clicked on the reply button and hesitated for a while.
I started working my fingers on the keypads. Maybe he would listen if I reply just this one time and tell him to back off.
(You are an asshole , how dare you threaten me? You claim to love me . Then let me go. Have you not done enough already? Have you not made me suffer enough? It's been years Theo move on. If you ever think I'll forget what you did to me and just take you back then you're joking)
I pressed the 'send' button immediately before I could change my mind.
I closed my eyes and sighed heavily . I didn't even realize I was holding my breath.
I have tried to bury those ugly memories deep down by bottling them up and not telling anyone.
But one way or the other , that retarded bastard always open them up .
My phone beeped but I ignored it . I didn't have a business with whatever he had to say , I've given him a piece of my mind .
I looked forward to having dinner with Hassan, I tried to distract myself with the thoughts of Hassan's hand roaming my body.
I picked my phone to call him but Theo's text stared back at me. Written in capital letters.
(SINCE YOU WANT TO HAVE IT THIS WAY. I'M GAME . WATCH OUT ANNA)
Fear gripped me , the fear was so familiar that I had to steady my grip on the phone so as not to drop it.
My involvement with Theo had caused me nothing but headaches over the years.
I really wish there was a way I could get him out of my life for good, there had to be a way.
If he wants to have it this way then we can go ahead to have it this way.
It felt scary but at the same time , I needed to stand up for myself .
What exactly have I gotten myself into ?