12. The invitation

"My daughter is safe," Anna uttered. Only she knew how relieved she was to hear that. Although her mother would still make attempts to do something to her child, it wouldn't be as life-threatening."Thank you for this piece of information, Willow. Now I know Julia's life is not at risk anymore."

Willow blinked. Did she hear it correctly? Looking through the rearmirrow again, she saw Anna now relaxed. Her back was leaning on the seat, and her eyes closed. It was as if all of the burden that weighed her down had been elevated from her. Her face looked serene, and the soft smile on her lips made her features appear even softer and charming.

"We are here, ma'am," Willow announced after a few more minutes of driving in silence.

Anna opened her eyes and looked outside. She had been so excited that she failed to take note of the neighborhood. But the penthouse did look good, and the premises seemed pretty good. "Thank you," Anna said and opened the door for herself.

"This way, ma'am," Willow beckoned.

Taking the elevator, they soon arrived at the penthouse, and Willow unlocked the door. Anna walked in first. From up here, she could see far ahead, and from what she saw, the neighborhood was indeed a descent. At one glance, she could tell that not just anyone could afford a property here.

"This is lovely," Anna said. Forget about the neighborhood. It had beautiful scenery. "This place would be perfect to watch the sunset," she pulled the curtain aside and took a deep, long breath.

"Yes, it is quite beautiful," Willow said. She stood beside Anna, basking in the warm light of the sun. It was still a bit early, and there was still much time. "Would you like to eat anything? I can have it prepared," Anna shook her head. "I'll order some new fit for you then."

Anna nodded, and she was about to leave when Anna called her. "Willow," she stopped

"Yes, ma'am."

Anna looked at her and could at once tell that she had many questions to ask but was stopping herself. She could make it easier for her by asking her about it and just telling her, but Anna wanted to see just how long it'll take before Willow opened up. "The wedding, I want to know when and where. I would like to go there. Can you make this possible?"

"Yes, of course," Willow said, and Anna smiled.

"Thank you, Willow." Anna said, truly grateful to her. Although she was being paid to work for her, Willow was dedicated, and one of the fee people she could trust not spill her secrets to her mother.

Once Willow left, Annawent ahead to make herself comfortable. This marked the new beginning for her. Whatever happens from here on, she would face it with a single purpose in mind, getting her man and baby back. It didn't matter who she would have to hurt and what she has to do.

***

While Anna was busy trying to make connctom with her daughter, Evelyn had long received an invitation to the said wedding, inviting Evelyn and her family.

Evelyn stared at the invitation, as happy as she would have been about it, she wasn't. It has been days now and her daughter had not come home and neither has she been to the office. Her phone number was not reachable and she didn't know who to go to ask for her whereabouts.

Anna didn't have many friends. At least not around Eastgate. There was only one place that Evelyn could think of but she didnt want to believe that Anna would be so foolish as to go there. But then what if she was wrong and Anna was truly there?

If that is the case then…

"Carl," Evelyn called and Carl appeared before her in minutes. "Prepare, you are coming with me to Empire City. I would need your help conducting the search for Anna," she paused before she added, "We will leave immediately."

Carl, although confused and taken off guard by the order agreed to it without question. "Yes, Madam," he said with a bow.

Once Carl was out of sight, Evelyn's eyes stared at th invitation again. "Wherever you are, Anna, I will find you." Evelyn rose to her feet and went inside to get what she would need. She was certain that Anna would be at the wedding, invited or not and Evelyn knew why she would be there. The thought alone annoyed her but there was nothing she could do about it now. Not yet. The time was coming and she time it right.

Minutes later, Evelyn was seated in the car. Her expression was stern and her gaze sharp, reflecting the many thought that swirled in her mind. Carl sat next to the driver after closing the door to Evelyn's side.

"To the airport," he said to the driver who seemed terrified of the lady seated behind.

**

"Everyone is talking about the wedding ma'am. If they could they'll all be in attendance," Willow said as she walked inside the room to deliver Anna's lunch. Her steps paused seeing Anna already dressed and putting on her makeup.

"Of course, the two big houses in Empire City are coming together in marriage. Don't forget that Melody is a mafia lady. So most of the mafia families across the world will be present. Including mine," her voice dropped at the last sentence but she didn't allow it deter her mood. "Damian is no different either. So this is mostly mafia wedding."

Willow swallowed but couldn't deny the facts. "I think you are still better as a business woman. The mafia is word dangerous. Although it has its benefits, it's risk are much too high. But I guess Miss Nova amd Mr Frost can be considered an exception. They are successful in business as well."

"Don't think too much about it. You should get ready too. I am almost done here," Anna said, a soft smile on her lips as she accepted the snacks from Willow.

"It's still early. We might…"

"I know, there's just some things I'll like to do before others arrive," Anna said and Willow nodded.

"Okay, I'll get ready immediately."