Chapter 9. Encounter with a stranger

Days passed and Anna's life grew more painful. She was now a maid in the mansion and Ava became Michael's mistress.

She endured the torture quietly and suffered in silence.

Anna prepared dinner and after setting the table, she went upstairs to inform Michael and Ava. The door to their bedroom was slightly ajar and through the space, Anna could see Ava and Michael tangled up in bed and having fun.

Her breath hitched and she whispered her words before turning to leave but before she could, Michael gripped her hand and slapped her hard.

"How dare you interrupt us" Michael growled and Anna shrank back in fear. Michael was getting more and more aggressive these days and she could tell he would kill her soon.

"I'm… sorry " Anna whispered and Michael scoffed before pushing her away.

Anna clenched her fists, tears welling up in her eyes. Michael and Ava's maltreatment was driving her Crazy. Every night she was locked in a small dark room and she ended up having nightmares.

Ava knew she was afraid of darkness and she was using it against her. She sighed wearily and hid in the kitchen while waiting for them to finish their meal.

She sat down quietly when she heard Michael call her. She scrambled to her feet and made her way to the dining room. Ava clutched her Tommy, her face contoured in pain and Anna wondered what was going on. 

"What did you put in her food, why is her tummy hurting" Michael growled, his dark face looming over Anna and she trembled all over.

"I d..don't do anything….." she stammered and Michael smirked before lashing his belt on her and from the corner of her eyes she could see Ava smiling widely at her. 

She was pretending just to get Michael to hit her. Anger welled up within her and she stood up, her gaze fierce.

"Enough, I've had Enough, let's end everything tonight, I will leave and never return" She declared defiantly as she made her way out of the mansion.

Her steps were quiet and tears spilled from her eyes. She should have left long ago but she held onto a tiny hope that maybe, just maybe her sister would come to her senses and appreciate her.

She endured their torture quietly but now she couldn't take it anymore. She felt if she stayed any longer she would lose her mind.

Michael and Ava watched her back in shock, they never thought she would be brave enough to leave and they wanted to stop her but remembering she had nowhere to go they decided to leave her, she would come back anyway.

Ava smirked as she planned to get a few goons to make her life miserable outside. She has always wanted to deal with her but due to Michael's presence she hasn't been able to.

Michael furrowed his brows as he thought of Anna's departure but he quickly brushed every thought away and picked up Ava.

 Anna stepped out of the mansion's grand entrance, the heavy wooden doors creaking shut behind her. The cool evening air enveloped her, filled with the sweet scent of earth and ozone.

Rain poured down from the dark sky, drumming a relentless beat on the pavement. With no clear destination in mind, Anna began to wander, her feet carrying her away from the mansion's oppressive grandeur.

Raindrops stung her face, mingling with the tears she'd been holding back. She felt lost, alone and utterly disconnected from the world around her.

She had no one, no home, no job, no clothes, no money. The cold wind brushed against her, seeping into her bones and she shivered. The street was empty and her tattered dress stung to her body.

Anna's feet slipped on a slick stone, sending her tumbling to the ground. She landed with a splat in a puddle of muddy water, the cold liquid seeping into her clothes.

As she struggled to sit up, a pair of black shoes appeared beside her. Anna's gaze traveled up, past the shoes to the umbrella that loomed above her, its red canopy a vibrant splash of colour in the dreary rain soaked scene.

Slowly, she raised her head, her eyes locking onto the stranger's. His eyes were dark piercing pools that seemed to bore into her very soul. His chiseled features were set in a cold detached mask, his handsome face devoid of any warmth or emotion.

As Anna gazed up at the stranger, her mind played a trick on her. For a fleeting moment, she mistook him for Michael. The similarities were striking, the chiseled features, the piercing eyes, the strong jawline. But as she looked closer, she noticed subtle differences. 

This man was more handsome, his features more refined, his eyes darker and more intense. An Aura of danger surrounded him, like a dark cloud that threatened to consume her.

Yet as Anna gazed up at him, she felt no fear, instead she felt drawn to him, like a moth to a flame.

Without a word, he extended his hand offering her a lifeline out of the mud and darkness. Anna's heart skipped a beat as she reached out, her hand closing around his in a warm, firm grasp.

For a moment, their eyes locked, the only sound, the rain pouring against the umbrella above them. Then with a slight tug, he pulled her to her feet, his gaze never leaving hers.

Anna stared quietly as he led her into his car that was parked nearby.

The car zoomed off and silence enveloped the car. Anna gazed out the window trying to clear the new emotions that were bubbling up inside her but from time to time she stole glances at him.

His eyes were closed and leaned his head against the seat, looking utterly breathtaking that Anna fought hard to prevent herself from reaching out and brushing her fingers against his features that seemed unreal.

They arrived at a hotel and as Anna stepped out of the car and took a few steps, she felt her feet hanging in the car and she gasped only to find herself In his arms. She could feel his chiseled chest and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

She rested her head against his chest and was enveloped by the sweet intoxicating scent of lavender and vanilla that blended together. The fragrance was subtle yet potent, filling Anna's senses and calming her frazzled nerves