The Birthday Party

The rest of the week passed in a blink with Regan and Anna attending various business meetings for arranging and organising the other aspects of their hotel project.

Meanwhile, Anna discussed about the welcome party for Regan which he dismissed and proposed to postpone it. He didn't want to attract any unnecessary media attention towards him which seemed to be less annoying in New York than in Seattle. He was somewhat happy due to it as he was able to be himself without attracting the paparazzi continuously buzzing around him.

The same week, Anna came to know about Harrison Cullen's dismissal on which she was quite surprised. However, she had the slightest idea of the person behind his ugly fate. She didn't seem to understand the reason behind it, but she didn't mind it as well for she knew his reputation in the business circle against women. If not for herself, she was relieved for the other women who were saved by Regan. She wanted to talk about it to him, but his indifferent attitude since a couple of days tied her tongue. He seemed to be fine on the surface, but somehow she was able to see through the darkness and despair in his eyes which he always masked with his cold demeanor. Nevertheless, he didn't have her a single moment to question or blame him for his indifferent and cold behaviour as he was still as caring and gentle as always with her.

During that time, Anna also talked to Richard and made up to him by apologizing. Both of them understood that it was none of their fault and agreed on a settlement of Richard taking care of himself while still enjoying his life the way he wanted to and Anna supporting him if he promised to look after his health. She also planned a week long trip for him to their private island with his friends so that he could enjoy to the fullest to have the time of his life in his ways. However, Richard was hesitant to accept it initially as he did not want to leave her alone for a week as it never happened before, especially after Ashton's death. Nonetheless, Anna convinced him to go by stating that she was a big girl who could manage to take care of herself in his absence. Owing to her non stop requests, he finally left on Sunday evening with his old buddies.

It was a pleasant Tuesday morning. Anna was busy with Mia discussing about some other projects on hand. She was set for a busy day with a couple of meetings and a lunch reservation. Regan was also buckled up with loads of work in his share as he was constantly busy with the hotel project with the Watsons in New York and the LU Corporations in China. It seemed as if both of them were identical in dealing with their sorrows by drowning themselves in their work.

Regan was going through some files in his office when someone barged in and squealed joyfully.

"Surprise! Surprise!"

He lifted his gaze from the documents as he identified the source of voice. He was indeed surprised to see Stella, with Drake helplessly trailing behind her. Instead of getting annoyed, he chuckled and happily welcomed them with a friendly hug. Stella was one among the special people in his life who had the privilege to reach him at her will at anytime.

"Well... I am ecstatic to see you here, but all so suddenly.... Can I ask the reason?"

Stella rolled her eyes.

"You know what? Both of you are assholes. You really don't remember Regan? It's my birthday week. Drake promised to take me somewhere, so here we are. What can be better than to have the two most handsome hunks around you on your special day?"

"What made you think I would accompany you? All I know is that... you have a boyfriend who would happily follow you and do everything to make your birthday special. So please spare me."

"Oh common Reg! Don't be spoiled sport. I am going to be twenty-five this year and I want to have a blast. I have already invited my friends and Drake has done all the arrangements. All I want is your presence as you are are not only his but my best friend too."

Regan cocked his brow in amusement and gave a look to Drake to which he simply shrugged.

"Okay fine. I'll be there."

"Thank you so much Reg. Believe me this would be a memorable day for you too." She winked playfully.

Regan frowned on hearing her and was a bit mortified as he was aware that she was a girl who always had some kinky stuff up in her sleeves which always scared the shit out of everyone, especially Drake. However, it was the same thing which drove him crazy for her. Without giving it a second thought, he decided to wait for the day to see what was she upto which happened to be on Thursday.

They were still catching up when they heard a knock on the door. It was Anna who showed up to discuss some legal matters regarding the project. However, she was surprised to see Stella over there.

"Ummm... Hi! Sorry if I have interrupted something. I'll leave you guys. Excuse me."

"Oh My God Anna!" Emily instantly stood up to stop her. Before she could say anything, Emily enveloped her in a tight friendly hug as if she wanted to console her for all the losses that she suffered in her life.

She was still hugging her when she said, "I am so happy to see you again Anna."

Anna was bemused on her overwhelming greeting but somewhat knowing about her personality, She returned the gesture and retorted kindly, "Me too."

Regan and Drake stood there bewildered on their friendliness. Drake knew that Stella was quite emotional in spite of her outgoing personality and after knowing about Anna's past, she was definitely going to be more sensitive and caring towards her. However, he did not want to raise any suspicions regarding her conduct so he intervened in between.

"Hey Anna."

"Hi Drake."

Regan came towards her in a few strides. "Anastasia.... Did you need something? I mean what brought you here?"

"Nothing much important. I just wanted to discuss some legal matters regarding the land but that can be done later. You all carry on.... I'll see you later."

"Anna wait." Emily yelled on seeing her leaving. " My time with these two is over. Besides, I am sure they will drill holes in my head if I would stay here for some more time... you know with the business talks. I don't want to die out of boredom."

Anna chuckled on hearing her.

"Okay. So what about you come with me to look around... I can give you a tour of this place." She suggested with a smile.

"You will?"

Anna nodded. "Only if you want."

"Well... then let's go." She locked her hands around her arm and went outside closing the door behind before waving her hand and yelling, "See you later guys. Have fun."

They walked around the different floors of the building while talking about random things. They soon reached the cafeteria at the centre of the building which was generally crowded with employees during breaks and lunch time. However, then it was vacant as they were present there during the crucial working hours. When Stella insisted to sit there for sometime, Anna couldn't deny and both of them settled on a table in the corner.

"You know.... This is so different from Regan's office. I mean your working methods are quite similar but the working environment at both the places are completely contrasting. "

"Is it so?"

"Mmmm.....Hmmm...."

After hearing her Anna pondered over it and realised what she said was true. The very next moment, she became tensed thinking about Regan's inconvenience while working with her. Stella instantly noticed the changes in her expressions and reassured her.

"Hey! I was just stating the fact. It's not like he is not comfortable over here."

"How do you know what I was thinking?"

"God Anna! You are such a pure soul. I don't know how do you hide your emotions in your businesswoman facade because other than that you are just like an open book. I can easily see through you."

"Oh" was all she said not knowing how to react on her observation.

Stella held her hand that was laid on the table. "Regan is not only comfortable over here but happy too.... working with you. I think he is liking the change."

"Really?"

"Cent percent." She said and both of them giggled.

"Well Anna.... what are you doing this Thursday in the evening?"

"Nothing much."

"Great. So reserve a spot for me as its my birthday and you are invited to the party. We'll be going for clubbing with some of my friends. We'll have great fun over there." She clapped her hands excitedly.

"What? No Stella. I can't. Thanks for inviting me but parties and clubbing aren't my things. Please go ahead with your friends and have a great time."

"That's what exactly I'll be doing but with you. You are my friend too Anna. Please don't deny. It's my birthday after all. Please.... please....please."

She couldn't deny further and accepted the invitation with an "okay". Stella squealed and hugged her again.

"Trust me.... you won't regret and I'll make sure that you remember it for a lifetime." She mumbled the last part only for her own ears to listen and chuckled.