Chapter 20

Chapter 20
Fernandez left the house, his usual scowl etched on his face. Fifteen minutes later, Anna followed, her expression calm and collected.
At Smith & Co., Anna greeted her colleagues with a warm smile. But as usual, the lady who hated her, Rachel, had something nasty to say.
"Look at you, thinking you're so fancy in that dress," Rachel sneered. "Trying to impress someone, Anna?"
Anna ignored her, used to Rachel's venomous comments. She made her way to Alex's office, greeting him with a professional smile.
"Good morning, Alex. Here's your schedule for the day."
Alex nodded, scanning the list. "Thanks, Anna. Looks like a busy day ahead."
Anna nodded. "Yes, sir. And don't forget, the last meeting on your schedule is a birthday party for one of our shareholders. You have to attend."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "A birthday party? That's unusual."
Anna nodded. "Yes, sir. The shareholder is a major investor, and it's a gesture of goodwill."
Alex nodded, making a note on his calendar. "Okay, got it. Thanks for reminding me, Anna."
As Anna left Alex's office, Rachel's snide comments still lingered in her mind. But she pushed them aside, focusing on the tasks ahead. Little did she know, today's events would change everything.
The landline rang and Anna picked up the landline, her heart skipping a beat as she heard Alex's voice on the other end. "Anna, I need to see you in my office as soon as possible."
Anna's mind raced as she replied, "I'm on my way, sir."
As she left her cabin, Rachel swooped in, her voice dripping with malice. "Looks like someone's getting special treatment from the boss. What's going on between you two, huh?"
The other colleague, Sarah, shot Rachel a withering look. "Mind your own business, Rachel. Or better yet, ask the boss yourself."
Rachel's face reddened as she slunk back to her seat, embarrassed.
Meanwhile, Anna's heart was racing as she entered Alex's office. "What's going on, sir?"
Alex gestured for her to sit down, his expression serious. "I need a favor, Anna. My date for the shareholder's birthday party cancelled at the last minute, and I have no one to turn to but you."
Anna's instincts screamed at her to disagree, but Alex's pleading eyes made her hesitate. "I...I don't know, sir."
Alex leaned forward, his voice low and persuasive. "Please, Anna. I know this is a lot to ask, but I consider you a friend. Can't you do this for me?"
Anna shook her head firmly. "I'm sorry, Alex. I don't think it's a good idea."
Alex's face fell, but he quickly recovered. "Please, Anna. I promise nothing will go wrong. You're single, and it's just for a few hours. We'll be in a public place, surrounded by people. I just need someone to accompany me, and I thought of you."
Anna hesitated, her mind racing. She thought about Fernandez, already suspicious and possessive. If she went with Alex, she would be laying a trap for herself.
"I don't know, Alex. I have a feeling this could lead to trouble," Anna said, her voice laced with doubt.
Alex leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "I promise you, Anna, nothing will happen. We'll be in and out, and no one will even notice. Please, do this for me."
Anna sighed, her resolve weakening. She looked at the clock on the wall - 4:45 pm. Fernandez would be home soon, and she didn't want to give him any reason to suspect her.
"Okay, fine," Anna said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "But just for a few hours, and we have to be careful."
Alex's face lit up with a triumphant smile. "Thank you, Anna. I owe you one."
Anna quickly dialed Nanny's number, her heart racing with anxiety. Nanny answered on the first ring.
"Anna, dear, how are you?" Nanny asked, her voice warm and comforting.
"I'm okay, Nanny. I need to talk to you about something," Anna said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"What is it, child?" Nanny asked, her tone concerned.
"I'm going out with Alex tonight. He needs me to accompany him to a party, and I didn't know what to do," Anna explained, her words tumbling out in a rush.
Nanny's voice was calm and reassuring. "You're lucky, Anna. Fernandez just called and said he'll be working overtime tonight. He won't be home until late."
Anna felt a wave of relief wash over her, but Nanny's next words brought her back to reality.
"Be careful, Anna. Fernandez can't be trusted. He's been acting strange lately, and I don't want you to get caught in his web of lies. Hurry up and get back home as soon as you can."
Anna's heart skipped a beat as she processed Nanny's words. She knew Nanny was right - Fernandez was unpredictable, and she couldn't trust him.
"Okay, Nanny. I'll be careful. Thanks for looking out for me," Anna said, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Just be safe, child. I'll be waiting up for you," Nanny replied, her voice firm but gentle.
Alex approached Anna's desk, a sleek package in hand. "Hey, Anna. I brought you something to wear for the event tonight."
Anna's eyes widened as she took the package. "Oh, thank you, Mr. Johnson. You didn't have to do that."
Alex smiled. "I wanted to. You'll look great in it, I promise."
As Alex walked away, the other employees began to snicker and whisper among themselves. Rachel, who had always harbored a grudge against Anna, sneered loudly.
"Wow, look at that. The new girl gets to accompany the boss to an event. We've been working here for years, and we've never gotten that privilege."
The other employees nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with envy and curiosity.
"I know, right? It's like she's got some kind of special connection with the CEO," one of them said.
Anna felt her face heat up with embarrassment as she tried to ignore the whispers and teasing. She quickly opened the package to find a stunning black evening gown, complete with intricate lace and sparkling diamonds.
"Wow," she breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.
But Rachel's snide comment cut through her admiration. "Well, well, well. Look at that dress. I'm sure the CEO spared no expense for his new favorite employee."
Anna's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she bit back a retort, knowing it would only fuel the gossip and speculation. Instead, she smiled sweetly and said, "I'm just lucky, I guess."