The Girl He Was Promised

Chapter 2 — The Woman Behind the Name

The Smith residence slowly returned to normal after Alexander's unexpected announcement.

But Anastasia remained where she stood, staring at him.

"You really mean it?"

Alexander's answer came without hesitation.

"Yes."

"You were determined to cancel this engagement less than five minutes ago."

"I changed my mind."

"That fast?"

"I recognized you."

Anastasia folded her arms.

"That's not exactly a reasonable explanation."

Alexander stepped closer.

"For me, it is."

She studied him carefully.

Six years ago, he had been twenty.

Even then, there had been something intimidating about him.

Now, at twenty-six, Alexander was far more dangerous.

He was the youngest CEO in his family's history, known throughout the business world for his ruthless decisions.

But Anastasia wasn't impressed.

She turned toward the elders.

"I think we should talk privately."

Her father nodded.

Alexander followed her.

"You're not invited."

He stopped.

His eyebrow rose.

"This concerns me."

"It's about my family."

"And our engagement."

Anastasia sighed.

"You really are annoying."

"So I've been told."

She almost smiled.

Almost.

Inside the study, Anastasia sat across from her father.

"Papa, what exactly happened?"

Her father looked at Alexander.

"He came here intending to cancel your engagement."

"I know."

"But now he wants to marry you."

"I know that too."

Anastasia leaned back.

Her father smiled.

"Are you unhappy?"

She was silent.

The truth was complicated.

She had known about the engagement since childhood.

But she had never expected Alexander to actually want it.

Especially after hearing about his reputation.

"I don't know him anymore."

Her father nodded.

"Then take your time."

Outside the study, Alexander stood beside his grandfather.

"You've lost your mind," the old man said.

Alexander looked at him.

"Why?"

"You were the one demanding the engagement be cancelled."

"I was mistaken."

His grandfather sighed.

"Because she is the girl from six years ago?"

"Yes."

"You've been searching for her all this time?"

Alexander didn't answer.

He didn't need to.

His grandfather understood.

Then his expression became serious.

"There is something you should know."

Alexander looked at him.

"What?"

"Anastasia isn't an ordinary young woman."

A faint smile appeared on Alexander's lips.

"I already noticed."

His grandfather shook his head.

"You don't understand."

Before he could explain, a loud crash came from the garden.

Everyone turned.

A vase had fallen from the second-floor balcony.

Anastasia suddenly stepped out of the study.

She looked toward the garden.

Her expression changed.

Alexander noticed immediately.

"What is it?"

Anastasia didn't answer.

She was staring at the broken vase.

Then at the surrounding trees.

Her eyes narrowed.

"Someone was there."

Alexander's entire demeanor changed.

"Where?"

Anastasia pointed toward the eastern wall.

"Behind the trees."

Alexander immediately signaled his security team.

But when they reached the area, nobody was there.

Only a small black device lay hidden beneath the bushes.

Alexander picked it up.

His eyes became cold.

"A surveillance transmitter."

Anastasia looked at it.

"Someone has been watching this house."

Alexander looked at her.

"How did you know?"

She smiled faintly.

"Instinct."

He didn't believe that.

Not completely.

Anastasia turned away.

But Alexander noticed something else.

Her movements were too precise.

Her eyes had already scanned every possible escape route.

And when she thought nobody was watching—

she quietly slipped a tiny blade from her sleeve and hid it again.

Alexander's eyes narrowed.

Interesting.

The girl he had fallen in love with six years ago had secrets.

A lot of them.

And for the first time, Alexander Go wasn't interested in uncovering someone's weakness.

He wanted to uncover hers.

Because something told him—

Anastasia Smith was far more dangerous than anyone knew.