Anya's POV
Returning to my parents' villa for Pia's introduction felt like stepping into a nightmare. I had come a day early, yet every second of my stay was torture under my stepmother's scrutiny.
At exactly 5:00 p.m., the doorbell rang.
"The guests are here," my father said, casting a glance my way.
"Try not to ruin this for your sister," my stepmother snapped before tugging me toward the door.
The maids opened it slowly, and a well-dressed woman in her fifties smiled warmly.
"Mr. Smithfield," she greeted.
My parents fussed over her with kisses on the cheek. "Where's our future son-in-law?" my stepmother asked eagerly.
And then I saw him.
The stranger from the hotel.
My blood ran cold, my heart nearly collapsing inside my chest.
"Here's my grandson," the woman—Chloe—introduced.
He bowed politely. "Hello."
I tried to slip away, but my stepmother yanked me back, beaming. "Here's my eldest daughter, Anya."
Our eyes met. Aster froze. His breath hitched like he'd just seen a ghost.
"She's beautiful," Chloe said warmly.
"Not as beautiful as Pia," my stepmother replied quickly as they headed towards the dining.
I wanted to vanish. But Aster's voice cut through the chaos, low and sharp—"Look at me."
My gaze lifted to his. His eyes widened. "It's really you."
My pulse stumbled. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't play dumb," he whispered, lips curving into a mocking smirk.
He patted my head before walking away as if nothing had happened. "We'll talk later."
Later came too soon.
Dinner was tense, his gaze burning holes into me across the table.
"Pass me the casserole," I said stiffly.
He leaned in, that familiar smirk on his lips. "Should I stop?"
The words dragged me back to that night. Heat climbed up my neck. "Yes," I bit out.
My stepsister Pia raised a brow. "Do you know each other?"
"No," I snapped too quickly.
Aster swirled his wine, pretending to think. "Funny. I feel like I've met her before…" His eyes lingered on me like a cruel game. "Actually, I think I remember where—"
I shot up from my seat. "Excuse me."
His smirk widened as the blood drained from my face.
This can't be happening. Not him. Not here.