Chapter 11: Destined Fate

When Charles and Anna rolled up to the Percy family estate, it was already pushing eleven.

Alice had given the staff the day off. It was Anna's first time here, and having a bunch of servants around would just make things awkward.

Alice had prepped all the lunch stuff ahead of time and was waiting for them in the entrance hall.

At the gate, Charles tossed the car keys to the butler and led Anna into the courtyard.

The butler parked the car and headed straight to the servants' quarters in the back.

The Percy family estate was a swanky villa. The courtyard was decked out with flowers and smelled amazing. After strolling through a fancy corridor, they hit the main hall.

Alice was there at the entrance, grinning from ear to ear, and came over all excited. "Finally, you guys made it. Come on in, come on in."

Charles felt a bit taken aback. Alice being this nice to him was a rare sight.

Just as he was about to step in, Alice nudged him aside and warmly welcomed Anna in. Feeling a bit forgotten, Charles looked at his empty hand and then locked eyes with Cedric.

Cedric gave Charles a once-over with a smirk. "I thought getting hitched would bump you up the family ladder above me."

Cedric adjusted his cuff and shot Charles a glance. "Looks like you're still at the bottom of the totem pole. I've been stressing for days, but now I can chill."

With that, Cedric strutted into the house, totally ignoring Charles. Charles rubbed his forehead, once again wondering if he was really their biological kid.

Inside the hall.

Alice had Anna sit on the couch. "Anya, you and Charles tied the knot pretty quick. Is he treating you right? You settling in okay at Regal Retreat?"

Hearing Alice call her "Anya," Anna paused for a sec. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Charles stroll in with his hands in his pockets. He glanced around and then plopped down on the couch to Anna's left.

"Everything's cool, Mrs. Percy," Anna replied. "I'm getting used to it."

Alice patted her hand.

"That's good. But since you and Charles are married, shouldn't you start calling me something else now?"

Anna instinctively looked at Charles.

She met his deep eyes.

Charles had a faint, almost invisible smile on his lips as he looked at her steadily.

Anna looked away, her lips parting slightly as she said, "Mom."

Alice responded with a warm "Yes" and then pulled out a gift she had ready.

In a velvet box was a fancy bracelet.

Alice took Anna's hand and was about to put it on her.

"Mom, I can't take this," Anna quickly said.

She didn't know how long her marriage to Charles would last, and getting too involved wasn't a good idea. Otherwise, things would get messy when they split.

Alice was persistent and, ignoring Anna's refusal, put the bracelet on her wrist.

"Anya, this was a gift from my mother-in-law. Today, I'm giving it to you. It's not super valuable, just a token of my affection."

She added, "Of course, this bracelet is old and could be considered an antique. It might not be your style, but if you don't like it, I can take you to buy a new one another time."

At this point, if Anna turned it down again, it’d be like dissing Alice.

Checking out the smooth, see-through bracelet on her wrist, she smiled softly. "No need, Mom. I really like it."

Seeing her accept it, Alice finally relaxed.

This bracelet had been in the Percy family for ages. It was like the family's way of saying, "Welcome to the club," and it meant Anna was the next big deal in the Percy household.

Alice's gift was a family treasure. Cedric's gift? Way more straightforward.

He just shoved a stack of property deeds in front of Anna.

"Anya, I don't have much to give. I got loads of cash and houses."

He shot a look at the quiet Charles and kept going.

"As for money, Charles has plenty, so I won't compete with him."

He pointed to the stack of property deeds on the coffee table.

"Keep these houses. If you ever get bored of Regal Retreat, you can crash at one of these villas for a change of scenery."

Was this how the super-rich roll, just handing out villas like party favors?

Anna looked at Charles, totally floored.

If she hadn't needed a cover and hooked up with Charles, just this stack of nearly twenty luxury villas would’ve made her loaded!

Seeing her shocked face, Charles's smile got bigger, and there was a hint of warmth in his eyes.

"Dad's being super generous, Anya. Aren't you gonna take them?"

Anna's mouth twitched a bit. She looked back at the stack of property deeds. "Thanks, Dad."

After the gift-giving, Anna asked Alice. "Mom, how did you know my nickname is 'Anya'?"

"That's a long story," Alice said, holding Anna's hand, her eyes getting all nostalgic.

"One night, twenty-three years ago, Charles suddenly got a high fever, and Cedric and I rushed him to Radiant Life Hospital. While Charles was getting an IV, I bumped into your mom, who had just come out of surgery. I always wanted a sweet little girl, and when I saw the adorable baby in the nurse's arms, I followed them. In the hospital room, your mom named you 'Anna' and then gave you the nickname 'Anya.'"

Back then, when Alice saw baby Anna, she felt this weird, strong affection. In the hospital room, she even held Anna herself, looking at the sweetly sleeping baby in her arms, feeling her heart melt.

Since Wesley and Odette were just temporary doctors at Radiant Life Hospital, they soon left Crystal City. After that, Alice never saw Anna again.

Until eight years ago, when Wesley and Odette died in the line of duty, causing a big stir at Radiant Life Hospital and all over Crystal City.

Seeing the familiar names in the news, Alice remembered the soft baby from years ago.

In recent years, Alice hadn't heard much about Anna.

Anna had spent most of her time abroad, and even when there was news about her in Crystal City, it was mostly about her relationship with Michael.

Every time she saw those reports, Alice felt it was a shame.

And she got more and more disappointed in her only son.

Such an amazing Anna, yet Charles couldn't win her over.

Now, thinking back, maybe the weird affection she felt when holding Anya twenty-three years ago was a sign of destiny.

Love Unforced
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