Ana's POV
I slammed the phone on the bed in frustration. I have been trying to get through to Daniel since last night, but it's all to no avail.
He mentioned he would be returning home though late. But he didn't return at all, and now he's not picking up his call.
I can't help but worry. Even though we've been going through some rough patches in our relationship the past few months. I still love and care deeply for him.
I'm sure his outburst last night was due to the recent stress he has been going through. The company is getting bigger and gaining major grounds in the industry of late.
The market value and stock has blown up through the roof the past month, and I have Fred to thank for putting the company at the forefront.
I also have been pulling strings with investors and companies, getting them to partner with our company. Sometimes, I would have to use the Sterling name to open some doors.
I work anytime Daniel is away, and make sure he doesn't suspect anything once he returns.
I heaved a deep sigh and made way out of the room. I need to prepare something for Daniel to eat, so when he comes back, we can talk. Good food is one great way to start a conversation.
I've been watching a lot of videos online, so I have learned how to cook and do most things by myself. I had to adjust to this new life because of love, and I don't regret it.
At least I was able to prove that mom and dad were wrong. Daniel is now a top leading CEO.
Immediately, I got downstairs, I heard Daniel's voice, and I turned towards the door in excitement. But to my surprise, he wasn't there. I heard his voice again and looked around for him.
"Oh!" I exclaimed as soon as I saw him on TV. My eyes beamed with Joy. I can't believe this is my man and very soon, I'm sure we are going to start our own family.
My phone rang, and it was Fred. I was so excited that I connected the call instantly.
"Congratulations on your company turning a year today." Fred said, and my eyes widened with shock.
"What!" I exclaimed and paused for a while.
"Don't tell me you have forgotten that you have a company you started one year ago and begged me to invest in. You also asked me to sign your mansion to this man and also give him one of your most expensive cars." Fred reminded me, and I shook my head.
"Of course not, I'm just impressed that you kept such little detail to heart." I lied and bit my lips.
"Why would I?" He chuckled.
"Uhmm Fred, I have to go. I need to prepare for the event." I said and disconnected the call
"How could I have forgotten such an important day? That must have been the reason why he was so cranky. He must have been making so many preparations, and I didn't do anything to help him." I scolded myself and quickly headed upstairs.
I stopped in my tracks as soon as I heard something.
"A surprise announcement?" I muttered under my breath as I paid attention to what Daniel was saying to the press.
"I have a very important announcement to make, and I would love for everyone to hear me." He said and everywhere turned into a frenzy with lights and camera all flashing.
"I am engaged to be married." Daniel said, and I froze. I stood there trying to comprehend what was happening. I looked at my empty finger and frowned.
"What is he doing?" I asked.
"And I present to you my fiancee. The beautiful Chloe Smith." Daniel announced, and a beautiful woman appeared in front of the screen. The diamond ring on her finger was shining, and she kissed Daniel on his lips.
"Congratulations Mr Daniel, but when you started the company. You made reference to a woman. Was that Miss Smith?" One of the reporters asked.
"Of course not. That woman is no one to me. Besides, she's out of my league now. The only befitting woman for me is Chloe." Daniel announced, and the two newly engaged couple kissed each other, and the crowd cheered.
Tears trickled down my tears as I stared at the TV screen in a daze. My mind immediately became foggy, and my head spinned.
My legs trembled, and I slumped on the floor, unable to hold myself up. I could feel my chest tighten, and my throat burned.
"No…" I whispered, unable to come to terms with what I had just heard.
I curled up on the floor with my arms wrapped around me. More tears streamed down my face as I remembered how I had given one year of my life to him.
What I had to sacrifice and give up just to make him who he is now.
"No.." My lips trembled as everything dad said to me came flying down my head.
"No!!!!" I screamed hot tears pouring down my face.
******
I lay there on the floor, feeling utterly shattered. It's already night, and I'm yet to find the strength to move an inch away from here.
I sniffed back the tears hanging in my eyes and wiped the tears off my cheek. But it was of no use.
The door of the living room creaked open, and I instantly stood up, and there he was, marching towards me arrogantly.
"Daniel…. What was that… What…. On TV." I mumbled words unable to form a complete sentence.
"I can see you have heard. That makes it easier for us both. As you can see, I'm already engaged. So I'm giving you a month to find a job and move out of the penthouse." Daniel said, and my eyes widened in shock.
"You heard me right because I will be bringing Chloe to live here with me." Daniel concluded.