Waves of Betrayal

03

Chapter 03

Months has passed like a blur and my life had been focused on collecting evidence and being an undercover, each one bringing me closer to the truth and justice for the real Anastasia. Tonight was no different. I adjusted my mask and blend with the crowd, each was busy showing off and impressing each and everyone. My heart is pounding beneath the luxurious dress I’m wearing.

Dressed in an elegant black gown, I manage to deceive them that I belong here. The ballroom was full of laughter, clicking glasses, the guest wearing glittering gowns and tailored suits. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume but beneath this party was secrets and hidden agenda that I will shed light… not now but soon.

I scan the room for the target, the possible mastermind of the chaos Anastasia got tangled but my eyes landed on a familiar face… my heart skipped a beat from the rage left inside me.

I momentarily forgot that she could be here and there she was standing between the crowd radiating false charm and elegance. The woman who caused my miserable life was there having the life she always dreamed of, mingling with the elite as if her hands weren’t stained with blood. I took a deep breathe, focusing back on the reason why I came here… I have to get close to the mastermind… known as Troy Vergara.

I sigh heavily and spotted him not far away from my step-sister. I took a deep breathe, and was about to went to his way when I bump into someone. “Oops, I apologize.” His voice was familiar and when our eyes met it made me froze.

His eyes were wide with surprise and something else… relief, maybe. He smiled at me and look around before dragging me away from the crowd to the corner while I look at Troy’s way who was surrounded with associates that made me sigh.

I look at my accomplices and gesture to make their move and I was about to blend in with his crowd but I was stopped by a hold on my arm. My brows creased and heart beating fast with the familiarity it holds… but at the same time the nervousness that I might get caught.

I have no business of being here and this people don’t know but… but that’s the least of my concern especially when my eyes landed on a pair of brown eyes.

“Anastasia.” My name escape in his lips in a breathless whisper.

We stood there, the world around us fading into the background, his presence stir emotions and memories of our night together crashing over me… but this wasn’t time for a personal reunion… I have to stay focused.

“You need to leave.” I hissed, glancing around to make sure we weren’t drawing attention. “It’s not safe here.” I whispered that made him frown.

“I’m not leaving without an explanation.” He hissed, clearly not understanding the situation.

Before I could argue, a familiar voice was heard. “Harrison, there you are!” My step-sister enthusiastic tone made my skin crawl… wait they know each other? And most importantly, she doesn’t recognize me, right? I sure hope that’s the case.

I needed to escape but my feet felt rooted to the spot. I think she doesn't recognize me especially that her attention is fixed on Harrison. She slip her arms through his, smiling sweetly at him with familiarity that made me gulp.

“Harrison, introduce me to your friend.” Her gaze turned to me and her brow creased for a while but she smiled later on while I remain stoic… not knowing how to react.

His eyes were fixed to mine, filled with unspoken apologies. “This is… Ana.” He said, stumbling over a lie.

I sigh and forced a polite smile, my mind wandering around and heart beating fast. “Nice to meet you.” I said, barely managing to keep my voice steady.

“Likewise, I’m Harrison’s wife.” She replied, her smile not reaching her eyes.

Harrison was looking at me with regret, I sensed that he wanted to speak but choose to keep his mouth shut… sealing the secrets between us. I don’t want to make a scene especially that it will ruin all my plans… and he’s not worth the risk… I said to myself despite me wanting to risk everything if he just said so.

She was already pulling Harrison away, her grip possessive. As they moved through the crowd, I watch them go, my heart sinking with a betrayal and anger… and her words confirmed my speculations.

I have so many questions that I know that can’t be answered… so I already made a conclusion, he’s a lying bastard who’s probably bored with his married life… and of all people he choose to play with… is me who’s a step-sister of his wife.

I turned my attention back to my mission and saw that Troy was in the corner drinking his champagne in the corner and I made my way with a drug on my pocket.

He raised his brows while I smile sweetly as I grab myself a champagne from a waiter serving… who’s also my accomplice.

We talked, he was flirty and was touchy that it didn’t took me long to put the drug on his suit without him noticing. I smiled feeling accomplished with what I did.

“Wanna get out of here?” He whispered slowly pulling my face to his but I smirk and tap him in the chest slowly detaching from his touch that made his brows creased.

“That’s a shame though, I have to leave.”

“Huh?”

“If we’re meant to see each other again, then we will.” I wink at him.

He grab me by the hand to stop me from leaving. “I don’t want you to leave.”

“You’re being clingy.” I smirk and my accomplice gesture me that my work here is done and that I should leave. Slowly slip away though his touch, and wink before leaving.

As I walked out of the ball upon realizing the time, I smiled with a sense of accomplishment, and when I arrive at the parking lot I thought of Harrison and the chaos that’s about to come their way inside moment from now but I shook my head, I shouldn’t care about him.

“Ana.” My eyes widen when Harrison found me in the parking lot, his face showed concern.

“Don’t call me that.” I snapped, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you mention her? You had the time! You deceived me!”

“It’s complicated.” He began, but I cut him off.

“Complicated? You’re married, Harrison! And to her, of all people.” My voice broke, the hurt piercing through me.

He reached for my hand but I pulled away. “I didn’t know how to tell you.” He said, his voice filled with regret. “I’m stuck in a marriage that’s nothing but obligation and duty. But what I feel for you… it’s real.”

The sincerity in his eyes made me soft… but before I could respond, a gun shot was heard from a distance. Sirens wailed in the distance drawing closer. I gasp, realizing that I forgot about my mission.

Harrison on the other hand stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body that made me stiff with eyes wide open.

“Stay down.” He ordered, his voice firm. I could hear his heartbeat and momentarily forgetting the chaos around us and I just want to stay like this with him.

His protectiveness touched something deep within me.. but thenm just as quickly, reality crashed back. He had a wife, a life tied to the very person that I was trying to bring down.

As police arrived, Harrison pulled me to safety behind a car. His face was inches from me, his breath warm on my skin. “I want to be with you, Anastasia.” He said, his voice raw with emotions.

My heart skipped a beat, confusion and hope warring within me. “We can’t… not like this,” I whispered, the words tasting bitter.

“We can figure it out.” He insisted. “We can run away, leave all of this behind.”

His words were tempting, a chance at the freedom I had longed for. But was it real, or a desperate fantasy? Before I could respond, a police officer approached us, urging us to leave the area.

Harrison looked at me, his eyes pleading. “Say yes. We can escape together.”

Torn, I stared back at him, the weight of my decision pressing down but before I could respond multiple gunshots were heard that made him spaced out and when he came back to his senses he let me go like burnt upon touching me.

“Isabella.” he whispered and before I could speak he run to back to the ballroom. Police were stopping him from going inside but he was persistent screaming like a madman… and before he entered the room he looked my way.

“Anastasia…”

I bit my lips and shook my head. “Harrison… leave with me.” I said but the silence as I wait for his answer is slowly killing me.