The Unseen Battle

Is he the same Prince Charming that Bella is crazy about?

A smirk slowly appeared on his face. He didn't seem to feel any guilt after pouring a glass of water over Anastasia just moments ago.

Anastasia began to hear whispers around her, talking about them. Biting her lip and clenching her fists, she stood up and splashed a glass of water back on him.

"Apparently, having the upper hand means you can be disrespectful." She grasped her handbag, then turned and left.

Ignoring the eyes on her, she walked quickly, her mind questioning her decision to come.

"Woah…she's the badass one." Leo grabbed a napkin from the table and wiped his face. He stared at Anastasia's retreating back and wondered, "Why does her face look so familiar?" But after a few moments he threw the napkin back on the table, "Ah whatever." 

Leo walked out of the restaurant and headed toward the parking lot, where Daniel was leaning against the car, waiting for him.

"How'd it go? Oh, is it raining?" Daniel asked, glancing up at the sky with a smirk.

Leo shrugged. "She's tough. Didn't back down even after I played the bad guy. It was something."

"Really? Did you play the bad mother-in-law, splashing water around or what?" Daniel asked, chuckling as he imagined the scene.

"Yeah, we had a bit of a water fight, just like in the drama," Leo replied, shaking his head as he swiped back his wet hair. "Oh, and by the way, she's a real looker. I almost couldn't stay in character when she walked in. Are you sure you don't want to meet her yourself?"

Daniel shook his head. "I'm sure her beauty couldn't even match 'her'." He was referring to her first love.

"Then can I give it a shot?" Leo grinned.

"After you splashed water on her?" Daniel laughed.

"Ah, damn. I should've turned down your offer," Leo said, playfully acting like he regretted it. However, deep down, he was a bit concerned about Anastasia's well-being, having noticed the tears welling up in her eyes before she turned and left just now.

"Let's go..." Daniel opened the door to the car.

"Where to?" Leo walked towards the passenger's side.

"The offer that I mentioned this evening, let's get it now," Daniel replied, his voice firm.

Leo's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean you're actually going through with it?"

Daniel nodded, a serious expression on his face. "Yeah, I promised you the deal, and I always keep my word. Let's head to the studio. I've got a producer friend waiting to meet us."

Leo hesitated for a moment, then got into the car. "I should've become an actor instead," he said, sounding like he was joking but then a light sigh slipped from his lips.

"You should. Do you want to try?" Daniel chuckled as he started the car.

"But bro, I seriously think we went overboard. She looked like marrying you is their only hope." Leo leaned back in his seat, glancing slightly at Daniel to gauge his reaction.

Daniel's expression darkened. "You didn't see the message Bella sent me. Anastasia's in it for the money. There's a hefty sum on the table for this marriage."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "So, that's why you were so harsh? Because of what Bella said?"

Daniel nodded. "Yeah. It is never harsh, I'm just putting another gold digger in her place. I can't risk being played."

Leo sighed. "I get it. But sometimes people have their reasons. Maybe you should give her a chance to explain."

Daniel's jaw tightened. "Maybe. But I can't just let anyone walk all over me." His car sped away through the night.

Anastasia stared at herself in the mirror. Her long, wavy hair was wet, and her trembling hands were gripping the sink. Thank God there was no one in the toilet when she entered. Looking at her emotionless face in the mirror, she stood there thinking about everything that had happened since morning. Then, her phone rang in her bag interrupted her thoughts.

"Pfft…" The excited voice laughing on the other end reached Anastasia's ears.

"Enjoying your little water show?" Bella's mocking voice was unmistakable.

Anastasia's eyes narrowed. "How did you—"

"Let's just say a friend of mine happened to be at the same restaurant and gave me a full report," Bella interrupted. "Must've been quite the spectacle. How's the hair?"

Anastasia clenched her jaw, trying to steady her voice. "What do you want, Bella?"

"Just checking in," Bella replied sweetly. "Oh, and by the way, the guy you met wasn't Ethan. It was his best friend, Leo. You really should've seen your face. So desperate to marry someone you don't even recognize."

Anastasia's heart sank. "Leo?"

"Yes, poor step sister," Bella sneered. "You've been played. And to think you actually believed you'd be meeting Ethan. Pathetic."

Anastasia tried to control her anger. "Do you really think Mom and I would do something like this just to sabotage your future? I agreed to this marriage not because I wanted to, but because it was necessary."

"Necessary?" Bella scoffed. "Are you saying you're desperate to marry him just because he'll soon inherit the Drewnia Group? Your mom must be already planning for the future if Dad dies, right?"

"Bella! Mind your words!" Anastasia yelled, having had enough. "You know what? I give up. I give up! Go, get your Ethan or whatever his name is, and one more thing, I hope you can also save Dad's company!" She took a deep breath, then hung up the phone.

Looking straight into the mirror, Anastasia's teary eyes took in her dishevelled reflection. "Why…why did this happen to me?" Unable to hold back any longer, she fell to the floor, squatted, and covered her face with her left hand. The dam of tears she had been holding back burst, and she began to pour her heart out, crying uncontrollably.

Just as her sobs filled the empty restroom, her phone rang again. Startled, she wiped her tears and reached for it. Thinking it was Bella again, she was surprised when the screen displayed an unknown number. Confused and apprehensive, she hesitated before answering. "Hello…?" her voice trembled.

"Hello…is this Anastasia's number?" The unfamiliar woman's voice immediately piqued Anastasia's curiosity, her tear-streaked face reflecting a mix of confusion and sadness.