CHAPTER 5
ANASTASIA
Ana's heels clicked against the pavement as she walked briskly toward her house. The streetlights cast a warm glow, and the scent of baked bread from the neighbor's kitchen filled the air. It had been her first day at her new job- she was exhausted but proud. As she reached the door, she paused to smooth her blouse and fix her hair. She wanted to look as confident as she had tried to feel all day.
.The familiar sound of laughter and clinking dishes came from inside, making her heart swell. She opened the door, and the warmth of home wrapped around her like a blanket. In the dining room, her family sat at the table. Her dad was carving a roast chicken, her mom was pouring water into glasses, and her little sister, Lily, was sneaking bites of mashed potatoes.
"Ana!" her mom exclaimed, her face lighting up. "You're home just in time for dinner!"
Lily jumped up and ran to her. "Did you have fun today?" She laughed, setting her bag down. "Oh yes Lily. I did" Her dad grinned, pulling out her chair. "Come on, tell us all about it. First days are a big deal."
As they ate, Ana recounted her day—the nervous introduction to her colleagues, the challenge of figuring out the photocopying machine, and the surprising kindness of her coworkers. Her family listened intently, chiming in with encouragement and laughter.
Just then, a knock was heard from the door. "I'll get it" Margaret said and stood up. She discovered it was Lucy. "Good evening Mrs Smith" Lucy said giving Margaret a kiss on the cheeks. "Oh Lucy, it's been so long. How is Amelia?" Lucy smiled warmly and said "she's quite alright. She sent her regards"
"Lucy!!!" Lily shrieked. Lucy laughed and stooped down to hug her "Hello little princess. I've missed you" Lily answered in her little voice "I've missed you too.
Ana smiled at the scene of Lucy with her family. They all got along well with her. She stood up to give her a hug. "Hey Girlfriend" Lucy said. "Hey" she replied with a smile.
They both went into her room and Lucy couldn't stop complaining about Ana not being dressed yet. "I told you I came back not to long ago" she said in her defense. Lucy- ever so daring, was dressed in a figure-hugging black mini dress with a plunging neckline. The fabric clung to her in all the right places, shimmering faintly under the light. Her high heels, sleek and strappy, added a few inches to her already confident stride. She paired the look with a red bold lipstick and smokey eye makeup that made her dark eyes pop.
Ana took another look at her friend and said "Damn girl! You look hot" Lucy laughed and twirled "Of course. I told you we were going clubbing"
.Ana looked through her closet and put her hands up frustratingly "I can't even find anything to wear" Lucy shook her head "Oh come on, don't be so dramatic. You can wear this. It's gonna fit you perfectly"
Ana stood in front of the mirror after dressing up, admiring herself. She was dressed in a more reserved but equally stunning. She wore a deep emerald green satin dress that stopped mid-thigh. The dress had a thigh-high slit and an open back, the silky material gliding over her skin with every move. She wore a delicate gold jewelry- a thin necklace and hoop earrings- that caught the light as she walked. Her heels were nude and elegant, elongating her legs. She finished the look with soft waves in her hair and a touch of shimmering highlighters on her cheeks.
"Girl! You look incredible" Lucy exclaimed spinning her around.
"Speak for yourself" Ana laughed "We're definitely turning heads tonight. Oh, and I might get grounded for dressing like this"
Lucy laughed "Of course not, you're 24, not 17" They both left the house after promising Margaret to get home early.
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When they arrived at the club, the bass of the music hit them before they could even step inside. The dim lightning accents, and the packed dance floor set the person scene. As they walked in, they could feel the eyes on them, but they didn't pay much attention. They were both there to have fun and unwind.
"Come on, the dance floor is calling" Lucy yelled over the music already swaying to the rhythm.
Ana hesitated, scanning through the sea of swaying bodies. She wasn't much of a dancer and preferred a quiet corner. "You go ahead. I'll get us a drink" She shouted back.
Lucy shrugged, flashing a quick grin before disappearing into the sea of bodies. Ana sighed and made her way to the bar, weaving through the crowd. She perched on a stool, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she scanned the drink menu. "What'll it be?" the bartender asked, leaning forward to hear her over the music.
"A vodka soda, please," Ana replied, her voice barely carrying.
As the bartender prepared her drink, someone stepped up beside her. "Vodka soda? Not bad for a first choice," a smooth voice said.
Ana turned, her heart dropping into her stomach. Standing next to her was Lucien Grey- her new boss. His sharp jawline was highlighted by the dim glow of the bar lights, and his usual office attire was swapped for a casual blazer and open shirt blending perfectly with the club's vibe.
"Mr. Grey?" she stammered, caught completely off guard. He raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. "Lucien, outside the office," he corrected.
She gripped the edge of her glass when the bartender handed it over. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Neither did I," he admitted, his gaze sweeping over her. "But it's a pleasant surprise."
Ana felt her cheeks heat under his intense stare. This was the man who had interviewed her just last week with a professional demeanor. Now, he looked anything but professional. "I—uh—I came with a friend," she said quickly, gesturing toward the dance floor. "She's out there somewhere."
Lucien glanced toward the crowd, then back at her. "And she left you alone?"
"I told her to," Ana replied, feeling the need to defend Mia's absence.
Lucien ordered himself a drink, and their conversation flowed effortlessly. "I didn't peg you as someone who'd hang out at a place like this," Ana admitted, growing more comfortable as the minutes passed.
"Let's just say I have layers," Ethan replied, his smile softening. "And tonight, I'm glad I decided to come out. Otherwise, I wouldn't have run into you."
Clara sipped her drink, her heart racing. 'Damn! He's so hot' she thought swallowing hard. She found it hard not to notice the way his Adam's apple moves as he speaks. 'No wonder girls are dying to be with him' One drink turned into two, then three and before long, Ana felt her head spinning.
It was then Lucy came, bustling through the crowd. "Oh Ana, don't tell me you are drunk already"
Ana laughed out loud "Of course not. Am not close to being drunk"
"Let me take her home" Lucien offered.
It was then Lucy noticed him "And you are?"
"Lucien Grey. Pleased to meet you"
Lucy exclaimed loudly "So you are the hot boss Ana told me about"
This made Lucien smirk "So she said am hot. Then let her hot boss give her a ride home, she seems too drunk to go on her own"
Lucy hesitated a little "I guess that would be alright" and then gave him Ana's home address. "Come on, off we go" Lucien said as she supported Ana to her feet and leading her to his car.
When they arrived at her house, Lucien supported her as she stumbled upon the front steps. The door opened before it could knock, and her parents stood there, alarmed.
"Ana!" Margaret exclaimed.
"She's fine" Lucien assured them quickly, his voice calm and authoritative. " I'm Lucien Grey- her boss. I ran into her today and thought it was best to bring her home safely"
James eyed him wearily "Her boss?"
Margaret's voice softened "Thank you for bringing her home"
Lucien nodded, helping Ana to the couch. She murmed something incoherent, and he chuckled "I'll leave her in your care. She will need some water and sleep"
As Lucien left, James closed the door behind him and muttered " Well, that's not how I expected to meet her boss"