toyin_writes

"In the novel 'Shattered Illusions,' Anna's world crumbles at a glittering party where betrayal unfolds before her eyes. Struggling to cope with the heartbreak, she confides in her stepmother, Vivian, only to face a harsh slap. In her shattered state, Annanarrowly escapes tragedy when a stranger intervenes, rescuing her from an oncoming car. As she awakens in a hospital, a journey of self-discovery begins. Venturing to a distant land, Anna finds solace, friendship, and a newfound passion for art. Through resilience and creativity, she rebuilds her shattered life, ultimately returning home transformed. 'Shattered Illusions' explores the depths of betrayal, the power of resilience, and the transformative journey to rise from the ashes."

Crushed hope

As Anna stepped through the front door of her family's home, a wave of tension washed over her, even before she entered the sitting room. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to the sitting room, where her family sat in stern silence, their expressions a mixture of disdain and resentment.

Where have you been? Vivian her step mother asked. Anna did not answer and proceeded to go upstairs to her room,'' I'm talking to you, is that how you behave to your mother?'' Vivian said, and Anna stopped, and she shifted her gaze to Evans, her ex who refused to meet her eyes, lucy her stepsister remained in her seat beside Evans not feeling any remorse. Anna felt a pang of betrayal and hurt, but also a sense of determination. She wouldn't let them get away with this.

Anna continued going to her room, her eyes fixed on the stairs leading up to her bedroom.

''I'm still talking to you Vivian said'' making Anna stop in front of her room. ''what is it?'' Anna asked, not turning around, she did not want to give her stepmother the satisfaction of seeing her face.

''I just want to remind you dear, that you are not welcome to stay here if you are going to cause trouble. You are lucky we are willing to take you in, considering your father's..... generosity''. Vivian said her voice laced with venom.

Anna's grip on the door handle tightened as she opened the door to her room and got in without giving Vivian an answer. She closed the door behind her with a soft click. The silence of her room enveloped her, a temporary relieve from the poisonous atmosphere downstairs. Alone in her room, she sank onto her bed, and reached for her phone to dial her best friend's number when the call connected after the third ring, '' hey how are you?'' Ella said from the other side of the line,

''I called you yesterday night but you didn't pick your calls hope all is well'' Ella asked

I was at the hospital yesterday night.....Anna continued telling Ella everything that happened yesterday night, to the unknown man that saved her on the roadside, and how she does not know the man, and didn't get to thank him.

''So you mean Evans cheated on you with your stepsister!'', Anna said

''Wow I knew he was not to be trusted, so what did he do''

''he behaved like he did not care, when I came back from the hospital I met him in the sitting room with Lucy sat beside him ,and he looked at me with disgust in his eyes.

I'm sorry, you deserve someone better'' Ella told her friend

Now we are both single, ella added.

''Hey when are you resuming school'' ella asked

I'm not sure yet Anna replied her mind still reeling from the confrontation with her family.

I need to figure out some things first, I still need to confront Evans

Okay girl I get it but you can't put your life on hold forever. What about your internship applications have you decided where you are applying? Ella asked.

I'm actually thinking about will enterprises and smith and co. but I'm not sure yet, I'll summit my applications to the two companies.

Will enterprises?'' Ella repeated, her tone curious. ''isn't that the company owned by the reclusive billionaire, Williams wellington?

''No reason, just wondering. Well good luck with your applications you'll get in, no doubt.''

Anna smiled feeling a sense of determination wash over her. Little did she know she was entwined with Williams wellington the man who saved her life.

CHAPTER THREE