Take it back

Anna sat in the passenger seat of Daniel's car, her fingers tapping against her knee as she stared out the window. The city lights blurred past, but her mind was far from the scenery.

"There will be a board meeting soon," she said, her voice firm with determination. "Maria may have gotten the company for now, but that doesn't mean she can keep it. She has no idea that I am the majority shareholder."

Daniel glanced at her, a small smirk playing on his lips. "So you're letting her enjoy her little victory before pulling the rug out from under her?"

"Exactly," Anna replied, her eyes gleaming with resolve. "She can laugh all she wants, but soon, she'll realize she's lost everything."

Over the past few days, she had met with key shareholders, many of whom had been on her mother's side when she was alive. Every meeting had been a success. They had all promised their support in the upcoming board meeting. Maria might have stolen her father's trust, but she would never win over the people who had built the company alongside him.

Daniel reached over, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You've done well, Anna. Your mother would be proud."

Anna exhaled slowly, the weight of everything pressing down on her. "I just want justice, Daniel. For my father, for my mother… for myself."

"You'll get it," he promised.

As they drove, Anna noticed something strange. Instead of heading straight home, Daniel turned onto a quiet road leading away from the city.

"Where are we going?" she asked, frowning slightly.

Daniel simply smiled. "You'll see."

After a short drive, they arrived at an open field. The sight before Anna took her breath away.

Soft golden lights were strung up in the trees, casting a warm glow over the grass. A path lined with candles led to the center of the field, where a small table with a bottle of wine and two glasses was set up. Fairy lights twinkled like stars, and gentle music played in the background.

Anna's heart pounded.

"Daniel… what is this?" she whispered, stepping out of the car in awe.

Daniel took her hand and led her toward the center. The moment they reached the spot, he turned to face her, his deep brown eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch.

"I know this might not be the best time," he began, his voice softer than usual, "but I couldn't wait any longer."

Anna's eyes widened as he slowly dropped to one knee.

Her breath caught in her throat.

"I've loved you for as long as I can remember," Daniel continued, holding her hand in his. "Through everything—your pain, your struggles, your victories—I've been by your side, and I want to be by your side for the rest of my life. Not just as a friend or a partner, but as your husband."

Anna felt her eyes fill with tears.

"Will you marry me?" Daniel asked, his voice steady, his gaze unwavering.

For a moment, she couldn't speak. The emotions overwhelmed her.

Then, with a joyous laugh, she threw herself into his arms, nearly knocking him over. "Yes! Yes, I'll marry you, Daniel!"

He chuckled, wrapping his arms tightly around her before pulling back just enough to slip the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly.

Anna stared at it, her hands shaking. It wasn't the most extravagant ring she had ever seen, but it was beautiful—simple, elegant, and perfect. Just like Daniel.

Tears streamed down her face as she looked at him. "I love you," she whispered.

Daniel smiled, cupping her face gently. "I love you more."

And with that, he leaned in and kissed her, sealing their promise under the soft glow of the lights.

For the first time in weeks, Anna felt like everything would be okay.

Setting the Date

The car hummed softly as they drove back home, the air between them filled with a comfortable silence. Anna stared out the window, lost in thought, before finally turning to Daniel, her fingers fiddling with the ring on her finger.

"When is the wedding happening?" she asked, her voice hesitant yet eager. "I know we should take our time, but if it's going to happen, then let's do it as soon as possible." She studied his face, searching for his reaction.

Daniel glanced at her and smirked. "How about in three days?"

Anna's eyes widened. "Three days?"

He nodded. "I know you want it to happen before the board meeting. It'll help you appear stronger, right?" he teased, patting her head affectionately.

Anna pursed her lips. "Yes, but that's not the reason I said yes. I—"

Before she could finish, Daniel gently touched her lips with his fingers, silencing her.

"I understand you, okay?" he said softly, his eyes warm and reassuring. "Tomorrow, we'll get the dress and make the announcement. The wedding will be on Thursday." He leaned in, his voice filled with sincerity. "I told you—I want to support you all the way, didn't I?"

Anna felt her heart swell as she looked at him. His bright smile, his unwavering support—this was the man she wanted by her side forever.

She exhaled and nodded. "Thursday it is."

Daniel chuckled and took her hand, intertwining their fingers. 

Daniel dropped Anna off in front of the house, giving her a reassuring smile before driving away. She stood there for a moment, inhaling deeply as she prepared herself for whatever lay beyond the doors.

As she stepped inside, the scent of expensive wine filled the air. Maria sat elegantly in the living room, a glass of red wine in her hand, her lips curled into a smug smile as if she were celebrating a victory.

Anna's stomach twisted in anger. The mere sight of Maria lounging in her house, acting as if she owned everything, sent waves of hatred coursing through her veins. Her fingers curled into fists at her sides, but she refused to give Maria the satisfaction of a reaction.

She straightened her back and walked past her, heading for the stairs.

"Little princess," Maria's voice rang out mockingly, stopping Anna in her tracks.

Anna turned slowly, her eyes burning with contempt.

Maria swirled her wine lazily in the glass, her smirk deepening. "I don't know what you're up to, but you'll always be just a little princess. You should accept your place, leave my company alone, and stick to what you're given." Her tone darkened, her eyes gleaming with a veiled threat. "Or else."

Anna clenched her jaw and took a step closer, meeting Maria's gaze head-on. "Or else what?" she asked, her voice sharp with fury. "Are you going to do to me what you did to my father?"

Maria's smirk faltered for just a second before she took another sip of her wine.

Anna didn't stop. "You don't scare me, Maria. And I promise you, I will take everything back." Her voice was firm, unwavering. "Enjoy your little victory while it lasts."

She turned to leave but paused, throwing one last dagger of words over her shoulder. "Oh, and by the way, I'll be getting married in three days. Please, do us all a favor and stay far away from my beautiful event."

With that, she strode up th

e stairs, leaving Maria gripping her wine glass tightly, her smirk replaced with a shadow of irritation.