Chapter 16: What Lies Ahead

Anna's POV

I was back into my crappy apartment since no one in their right mind would want such a place to live in.

I tossed my suitcase in a far corner in the bedroom and opened the windows. The fresh air blew in but that didn't eliminate the foul scent which the apartment held.

Ignoring it all together, I flipped through a newspaper I picked up from the vendor stall outside. I needed another job and to save as much as I possibly can.

I knew I would have to move to another state or even another country because if Melissa and Antonio find out about the real truth, my life would be over.

My cellphone chimed from the suitcase pocket. I retrieved it and looked at the screen. It was a text message from Elizabeth. I deleted it without reading and scrunched against the door. Tears build up in my eyes and as if a dam had been broken, they spilled out.

To my utmost surprise, a knock came on my door. No one ever knocked on my door.

I picked myself up and made a beeline for the door but before opening it, I looked through the stained glass window. I saw a figure. His figure.

I opened the door slowly and he walked in with roaming eyes. He squished his nose and creased his eyebrows together.

"You actually live in this....?" he asked without giving my place of residence a bad name.

"It's home," I simply said.

"Oh come on Anna. You could do much better than this."

"What do you want Antonio? I was busy."

"Busy doing what, looking for mice? Just look at this place."

I folded my arms and glared at him. He noticed I was angry and turned his attention to me. "You forgot this at the house."

He handed me my sheer night wear. I took it silently and shook my head.

"You followed me to give me back my underwear when you could of throw it away?" I was puzzled.

"It could have been your most favorite pair so why would I do such a thing?"

"What do you want?" I asked with a raised of my tone.

He made two steps towards me. "Now that I see, I still want to get you that house Anna."

"I don't want it. I'm good on my own."

"You're obviously not that good Anna. Look at your house and your life."

"And what business is it to you anyways?"

"Because I know for certain that you're pregnant with my child and you lied to get away from Melissa. I went along with it but you don't have me fool as well Anna. I want to help you so let me help you!"

I was shocked from his discoveries. He saw right through me and my act.

"How did you know?" I asked as my hands went down to my stomach.

"Prank shop? Like really Anna?" he asked with a small chuckle.

"I'm sorry but I had to do something to get away from your wife. She's the devil. I can't hand over my child and I know she would make me do it."

"Melissa is persistent on the things she wants but I'm on your side. She doesn't have to know about a thing between us but I want to help you. Please allow me to do that."

"Okay."

He hugged me tightly and kissed my forehead. "I'll call you later on in the week. Take care of yourself and the baby."

He left.

______________

**Two Days Later**

I was having a meal when my phone started ringing on the table. I answered.

"Be ready at noon." He hung up.

At noon, I was ready and waiting by the door. I heard his car pulled up on the broken up pavement outside.

I opened the door and walked towards the car. I got in the passenger's front seat and fastened my seat belt.

"Hi," I greeted him.

"Hi," he answered back.

He stepped on the accelerator and drove us to his desired location.

We arrived in a quite beautiful neighborhood. It was quiet and only expensive looking houses lined the street.

"They're all vacant except for those two," he said and pointed at two houses very close to each other.

"Okay."

"See any you like?" he asked.

My eyes landed a very luxurious house.

"This is it!" I squealed with excitement which earned a laughter from him

"This is it!" I squealed with excitement which earned a laughter from him.

"The Realtor should be here any minute now." And as if on cue, a car pulled up on the driveway.

"Hello hello," a friendly woman with a Jamaican accent greeted us.

"Hi," I answered.

She ushered Antonio and I to the yard.

"No need to showcase. She likes this one," Antonio told her as he looked down at his Rolex.

"Very well," she answered as she handed him the keys. He signed two documents and allowed me to sign one. The woman got back into her car and drove off.

I was amazed. "That's it?" I asked.

"I'm Antonio Kissle." He gave me the keys. "Want to do the honors?"

"Yes please," I answered quickly and took the keys and ran for the front doors. I opened the door and I felt like I was in heaven.

Everything looked polished and expensive. From the floors to the chandelier in the ceiling. I loved everything in my new house.

"I love it. Thank you so much Antonio," I said as turned towards him.

"You're welcome. But remember, you should keep a low profile. If Melissa finds out you're in such a house, she'll know I gave it to you and she'll on your ass like a tick."

I sighed and I became sad.
I still held feelings for Antonio but it was clear that he wasn't leaving his wife for me.

"Hey, cheer up and enjoy your new house. I'll see you around, okay?"

I nodded my head yes. He hugged me once again but instead of kissing my forehead this time, he kissed my cheek.

I watched from the top bedroom window as he got into his car and drove off.

That late evening, he came back with stocks of groceries for the kitchen.

"I'll be leaving in two days. Melissa and I are going to The Maldives for our honeymoon."

"Okay. Have fun."

"You'll be okay?"

"I'll try my best to be but before you leave, I want you to know that when you finally come to your senses and you see Melissa isn't the right woman for you, I'll be waiting."

He smiled a big smile. "Goodnight Anna."

"Good night Antonio."