*Aster
By the time we left the Smith villa, the tension was suffocating.
The moment the car door closed, Chloe turned, eyes sharp. "Start talking. I saw you coming out of Anya's room."
I sighed, leaning back. "I'm in love with her."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
"I don't care if she's Pia's stepsister. I don't care about the engagement. I love Anya."
Chloe stared, stunned into silence.
His PA, Kim, spoke quietly. "Ma'am, Miss Anya has had a hard life. She lost her mother at birth, grew up unloved in that house… treated like an outsider."
My chest ached hearing it.
"I didn't know she was a Smith," I admitted. "But I don't care anymore. I want her. Even if she hates me."
Chloe studied me for a long moment before exhaling. "Then stop acting like a fool. Win her over."
I turned to her, shocked. "You'll help me?"
Her lips curved into a rare, tender smile. "Anything for you."
I let my head fall against her shoulder, whispering, "Thank you."
But my heart was already racing ahead—toward the one woman I couldn't stop wanting.
Anya, you can run all you want. But I'm not letting you go.