Chapter 3 – Her Decision

It was almost 9.00 in the morning but still it was dark outside, snow was falling. Anna woke up, had a warm bath and went to the kitchen. She knew her step father has already left for the office work. She saw her meal was there on the table, It was hot, she ate all. She stood up and went to her mother's room. She was sleeping, so Anna didn't want to disturb her,when she was about to exit the room she noticed…. She noticed the blue marks on her mother's neck. "That bastard harassed her again, how could he ?" She was burning from anger…..

She left a note telling that she is going to visit Sherin and she went directly to Gregory's office,. Slamming the door she entered his office room, her rage burst as she saw he was kissing the secretary passionately. " You old ragged bastard, you lull the call girls in the office and harass your wife every night. You are a beast!"

Gregory frowned at Anna and gave a sign to the secretary and she tidied her clothes and left the office. He was angry as she entered the office and disturbed his wonderful moment, but what she said made him happy.

"So you know what I do with your mom." He chuckles. " I think she doesn't know that you know the truth. Oh… that poor lady doesn't even make any loud sound even I hurt her so much. Her effort was useless….. You know it now" he laughs loudly.

What a shameless man he is! No, he is not a human a Beast! Anna was furious.

" I will not allow you to keep your hand on her here after, I swear" She banged the table.

Gregory was still sitting on his chair comfortably, " I can do whatever I want with my wife. Remember that!" His words were firm, then he tapped the table with his two fingers, as his mind was busy planning something and added, " But….. if you are so concerned about your mother I will think about that. But you have to do as I say."

Anna knew she will not be able to protect her mother from this animal, but she can at least try, she was her mother….

"What do you want me to do?" She asked. Gregory saw the puzzled expression on her face.

"Oh, don't worry, It is not difficult. Simply you have to marry Mr. Frank. That's all ,then I will treat your mom better."

"How can I believe you?"

"You will never notice any bruises or marks on your mother's body. Isn't that enough for you my dear?"

"No, You have to divorce my mom on the same day of my marriage"

Gregory looked at Anna with a surprise, Wow this girl he thought to be silly and emotional has turned in to a business women bargaining with him. He stood up from his chair and put forward his arm for a handshake "Deal"

Yes, Anna won.

"Until then .....she is my loyal wife with whom I can enjoy" She froze for a second hearing the last words. Wicked man! She wanted to slap him, but she controlled her feelings thinking of her mom who will suffer more if she slapped him. Her nails dug in to her palms, that pain was nothing, Her heart was filled with so many emotional aches.

"Deal! Arrange the marriage as soon as possible" She told it and left the office. On the way she didn't notice anything else, some greeted her but she was so busy with her thoughts.

"Anna, are you O.K?" In front of her she could see Sherin. Sherin has joined the company 3 weeks ago as a Clerk. She was qualified, but only got that position. She was in need of money so she accepted the job. Finding a suitable job after high school was not an easy task, if they didn't have any connections.

"Ya…" She was still thinking about what had just happened in the office room. She came to her senses again when Sherin touched her shoulders.

"Can I have a chat with you?"Anna asked. Sherin didn't answer immediately, she was looking at the file she was holding. Anna wanted somebody to share her pain, She couldn't tell it to her mom. Sherin was her diary for more than 13 years as she was her best friend. They went to the same boarding school, shared the same room in the hostel, they were sisters more than friends. But Anna knew she is risking the job of Sherin by asking her for a chat within office hours.

"I'm sorry Sherin , let's meet in the evening."

" sure, I'll be at the coffee shop at 6.00. Thanks for understanding me" squeezing Anna's hand tenderly she hurried in to the manager's office. She had to take the sign and approval as soon as possible. She was in the contract period, she had a lot of work to be done and she had to be punctual and efficient. Most of all she has been warned once already for chatting with Anna during office hours.