TWISTED ROMANCE

A NEW VENTURE

Chapter 4

The aroma of home-cooked dinner filled the air as we sat around the dining table. Uncle Austine had already shared the story of my encounter with Mister Charles at the café, and Mom's expression was a mix of concern and frustration.

"Anna, are you sure you won't quit that job?" Mom asked, her voice laced with worry. "I don't want you to go through this again."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked down at my plate. "Mom, I can handle it. I just need to focus on my work and ignore him."

“It hasn't gotten to that jenni” Austine chipped in his face full of guilt. “ You don't have to worry about Anna , she's all grown up and I've got her back ,okay?”p

But Mom's words had struck a chord. I excused myself, feeling overwhelmed, and retreated to my room.

Later that evening, Mom came into my room with a gentle smile, she told me not to feel hurt about what she said during our dinner before she excitedly said "Anna, I have an idea I've been thinking about. I'd like to start my own fashion business."

My curiosity was piqued. "Really, Mom? That's amazing!"

Mom's eyes sparkled. "Yes, I've been thinking about it for a while now. I have some contacts with wealthy wives who might be interested in my designs. With some savings, I could open up a shop and make it happen."

We discussed the idea further, and I could see the excitement building up in Mom's eyes. Maybe this was the fresh start we both needed.

The next morning, Mom came to wake me up, but her expression was worried. "Anna, you're burning up with fever!"

I felt dizzy and disoriented as Mom helped me take medication and rest.

The first day, Johnny stopped by to check on me, bringing some soup and a warm smile. "Get well soon, Anna! You're missed at the café."

The next day, Sandra visited, chatting about her day and bringing some magazines to pass the time. "I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. I've been thinking about you."

As I slowly recovered, I realized I'd been so focused on my own struggles that I'd forgotten about my friend Rachel back at the mansion. I decided to call her, and she answered on the first ring.

"Anna! Oh my god, I'm so sorry to hear you're sick! Your mom told me what happened. How are you feeling?"

We chatted for a bit, catching up on each other's lives. Before we hung up, Rachel mentioned that Nanny had been asking about me.

Just then, my phone rang again. It was Nanny. "Anna, sweetie! I'm so glad you're feeling better. I've missed you so much! Your father...well, he's been working late nights a lot lately."

I listened, feeling a mix of emotions. Despite everything, Nanny's concern touched my heart.

With my health improving, I knew it was time to get back to reality. But I was grateful for the love and support of those around me.

I carefully stood up from my bed, watched myself in the mirror in front of me and noticed that I've leaned down .

“ Before a week with eating good fruits and food I will gain back my weight “ I said determined .

My mum had already prepared a bath for me I went into the bathroom had my bath and headed to the sitting room with some fried chips to watch my favourite show.

“Anna ! Anna ! My mum called out rushing to the sitting room. “ Are you not happy with the way you're getting better? . She asked.

“ I am ,mum. what's the issue?” I asked my face filled with concern.

“ The chips Anna , the chips” .she said snatching it from my hands .

“Mum! I yelled, what's wrong with me having chips?” I was just __..

“ No Anna ,this chips won't help with your recovery at all , I've warned you to be careful when it comes to your health but you don't listen. You're always acting like a child “ she yelled while cutting me short.

My face turned red followed with goosebumps fulling my skinas it's been long my mum yelled at me.

“I'm sorry mum, I would be cautious next time” I said as I quickly left the sitting room not wanting her to see the tears I've been struggling to control.

“Anna! Anna ! Anna darling I'm sorry “. She said. But I didn't even turn to look at her .

I locked my door behind me as I bursted out crying. I wasn't crying because I was corrected rather it was the manner she used in yelling and I happened to be very an emotional person.

“I thought mum sees me as a grown up now but no! She thinks I'm still her six year old daughter “ I said crying.

I wiped my tears went to my bed and dozed off.

Austine was seen at the kitchen helping my mum wah the dishes as they had already eaten dinner.

“Good evening uncle , good evening mother “ I greeted them politely taking my seat at the dining table .

“ Mum what did you prepare for dinner?” I asked smiling as if nothing happened between us.

“Sweetie, we just ate spaghetti Bolognese with boiled eggs, I will dish yours out now”she said as while dishing my portion out and serving it to me.

I enjoyed the food and headed to the sitting room afterwards.