Anonymous
941 Words
Anna didn’t go home that night.
She didn’t trust herself to be alone with her thoughts, she was scared
Instead, she sat in the backseat of Triston’s car, her mind replaying everything that had happened.
Victor’s words.
“I know a lot of things about you” she remembered those words.
Her chest tightened.
If he exposed her past… the investment… the loss…
Everything would fall apart.
Her job.
Triston’s trust.
Triston sat beside her, he looked at her like he could read every thought in her mind.
I’m not thinking about him, she said quietly.
You’re lying again.
I just don’t understand why he’s back.
Triston’s voice was calm.
Because you matter now, that’s why he’s here
Anna frowned.
I always mattered.
Not like this, he said.
His eyes moved over her face, slow and deliberate.
You’re my wife now. That makes you visible.
Her heart skipped.
There it was again.
That word.
Wife.
It wasn’t supposed to mean anything.
And yet…
It was starting to.
The car stopped
Anna looked up and realised they weren’t outside her apartment.
They were at his penthouse.
She turned to him.
I thought you were dropping me off.
You are home.
Her stomach flipped.
This isn’t my home.
It is for the next fifty-seven days.
Anna hesitated.
Everything about this felt too fast.
Too overwhelming.
But before she could argue, the driver opened the door.
Triston stepped out first, then turned back toward her.
Come.
It wasn’t a request.
Anna stepped out of the car.
Minutes later, they were inside the penthouse again.
The place was quiet.
Luxurious.
Too big.
Too empty.
Anna walked in slowly.
I still have my apartment, she said.
You won’t be using it.
She turned.
That’s not part of the contract.
No, he agreed.
But it’s practical.
You really like that word.
I like efficiency.
She shook her head slightly, trying to hide the small smile that appeared on her face.
Then her phone buzzed.
Her heart jumped.
For a second, she thought it was Victor again.
But when she looked at the screen…
She froze.
Bank Notification.
She opened it.
Surprised.
Her account was updated.
Every outstanding payment…
Every debt…
Cleared.
Rent.
Loans.
Hospital deposits.
Everything.
Anna’s hands began to shake.
No…
Her voice was barely audible.
Triston watched her carefully.
What is it?
She looked up at him slowly.
You did this.
It wasn’t a question.
It was a realisation.
His expression didn’t change.
Did what?
Don’t do that, she said, her voice trembling.
You paid for everything.
Silence.
That was the answer that validated everything.
Anna took a step toward him.
Why would you do that?
Because it needed to be done.
Her chest tightened.
That’s not an answer.
It’s enough.
No, it’s not! She snapped.
Her voice echoed in the large room.
I didn’t ask for this!
Triston stepped closer.
Looking at her directly in her eyes.
You didn’t need to.
I don’t want to owe you anything.
His eyes darkened.
You don’t.
You just cleared my entire life like it meant nothing.
It didn’t mean nothing.
Their eyes locked.
Then what did it mean? she asked softly.
For a moment…
It looked like he was going to say something real.
Something honest.
But then..
It means you can focus on what matters.
The answer felt controlled.
Careful.
Not the truth.
Anna’s heart sank slightly.
She looked away.
Right. The contract.
Yes.
Sixty days.
Yes.
No emotions.
A pause.
Yes.
Anna nodded slowly.
But something about the way he said it felt… different.
Like even he didn’t fully believe it anymore.
They were interrupted by lightning.
Anna flinched.
Then the rain started.
Heavy.
Loud.
She got scared
I don’t like storms.
Triston noticed.
Of course he did.
He always noticed.
You’re safe here.
Anna felt her tummy twirl.
She hated this feeling.
The loss of control.
The fear she couldn’t explain.
She took a step back.
Then another.
Until suddenly..
She bumped into him.
She tripped, but Triston caught her.
Hands on her waist.
Firm.
Dangerous.
Time seemed to freeze.
Anna slowly looked up.
Their faces were inches apart.
Too close.
Way too close.
You’re shaking, he said quietly.
I’m fine.
You’re not.
He touched her cheek
Anna’s heart pounded loudly in her chest.
You’re breaking the rule again, she whispered.
His eyes darkened.
I know.
Neither of them moved.
The storm outside grew louder.
But inside…
Everything went still.
Anna should have stepped away.
She didn’t.
Instead…
She stayed.
And that was the moment everything shifted.
Because this time..
It wasn’t an accident.
It wasn’t fear.
It was a choice.
Triston’s hand moved slightly, pulling her closer.
Tell me to stop, he said quietly.
Anna bit her lips slightly.
But no words came out.
Her silence was enough.
His control snapped.
He kissed her.
Slow at first.
Not just a normal kiss, a deep one.
Then deeper.
Passionate
Anna’s fingers tightened against his shirt as he pulled her closer.
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
None of this was.
But she didn’t pull away.
She couldn’t.
When he finally broke the kiss, their breathing was uneven.
Heavy.
Real.
Anna whispered,
This isn’t part of the contract.
Triston’s voice was low.
No.
Then why are we doing this?
He looked at her
Dark.
Intense.
Unavoidable.
Because, he said quietly,
I don’t want to stop.
Anna’s heart betrayed her again.
Because for the second time…
Neither did she.
The lightning became louder.
But this time…
She didn’t flinch.
Because she wasn’t afraid anymore.
Not of the storm.
Not of him.
Not even of what this was becoming.
And that was the most dangerous part of all.
- Writer
