Chapter 34

Chapter 34
Ever since they'd gotten home from work, Fernandez had been acting strange, as if he'd been injected with a serious sedative. He'd been quiet and withdrawn, leaving Anna to her own devices. She didn't mind, though - it was better than dealing with his possessiveness and jealousy.
Anna lay on the bed in their lavish bedroom, feeling bored and restless. She decided to check her phone, but there was nothing to do on it. No messages, no calls, no notifications. She couldn't call the people she called her parents, nor her ex-boyfriend, Jason, who was still threatening to win her back after his betrayal. She felt naturally alone.
As she scrolled through her contacts, Anna remembered someone she had met last year - a woman named Reyna. They'd met at a restaurant, where Reyna had left her handbag behind. Anna had returned it to her, and they'd struck up a conversation. Reyna was lovely and talkative, with a bubbly personality that drew Anna in.
"I'm so glad you returned my bag," Reyna had said, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "I would have been lost without it."
Anna smiled, remembering Reyna's warm smile. They'd exchanged numbers, and Anna had enjoyed their conversations. Reyna was a rich girl, with a flair for drama and a passion for acting.
As Anna thought about Reyna, she remembered their conversations about Reyna's stepbrother. "He's arrogant, selfish, and irritating," Reyna had said, rolling her eyes. "He thinks he can control everyone and everything."
Anna sighed, feeling a pang of sympathy for Reyna. She dialed Reyna's number, but it went straight to voicemail. Again.
Just as Anna was lost in thought, a soft knock on the door broke the silence. "Come in," Anna called out, not bothering to get up.
The door opened, and a maid in a crisp uniform entered. "Good evening, ma'am. Dinner is ready."
Anna nodded, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. "Thank you. I'll be right down."
Anna hadn't changed out of her office wear, still dressed in her sleek black pantsuit and white blouse. She headed to the bathroom to rinse off her makeup, revealing her natural beauty beneath. After a refreshing shower, she changed into a comfy short and hoodie she found in the closet, feeling cozy and relaxed. She packed her hair into a bun, a few stray strands framing her face.
As she entered the dining room, she expected to see Fernandez, but to her relief, he was nowhere to be found. She let out a silent sigh and took her seat, picking up the cutleries in her hand. The table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, a beautiful centerpiece of fresh flowers adding a touch of elegance.
As she lifted the lid off the serving dish, the aroma of freshly baked pancakes wafted up, making her stomach growl with anticipation. Alongside the pancakes were scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a side of fresh fruit salad, including juicy strawberries, blueberries, and grapes. A small bowl of creamy whipped butter and a pitcher of pure maple syrup sat on the side, waiting to be poured.
Anna's eyes widened as she took in the spread before her. She hadn't expected such a feast, especially since Fernandez wasn't even there to share it with her. She shrugged, deciding to enjoy the meal anyway, and began to serve herself.
As Anna reached for the strawberries, a large, firm hand clamped around her wrist, stopping her mid-motion. She hissed angrily, her eyes flashing with irritation, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "Who the hell are you?" she shouted, trying to shake off the hand, her voice echoing through the dining room.
Fernandez let out a deep, dark chuckle, his eyes glinting with amusement, like a predator toying with its prey. "It's your husband," he replied, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down Anna's spine.
Anna's eyes widened as she came to her senses, snatching her hand away from his like a hot potato. He slipped his hand into his pocket, his eyes never leaving hers, his gaze burning with intensity.
"What's wrong with you?" Anna demanded, her voice rising, her cheeks flushing with anger. "Can't you see I'm trying to eat?"
Fernandez's gaze lingered on her body, his eyes roving over her exposed fair thigh and tiny, beautiful leg, like a man starving for a glimpse of paradise. Anna felt a shiver run down her spine, her skin covered in goosebumps, as if his gaze was a cold winter breeze.
"You look...distracting," Fernandez said, his voice low and husky, his eyes flashing with heat.
Anna whispered under her breath, "Pervert," her lips curling in disgust.
Fernandez growled angrily, his eyes flashing with heat, like a beast awakened from a deep slumber. "What are you wearing?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing, his words dripping with possessiveness.
Anna hissed, her eyes flashing with anger, like a snake defending its territory. "I'm wearing a short and a hoodie, can't you see properly?" she spat, her voice venomous.
Fernandez stepped closer, his presence making Anna feel intimidated, like a mouse cornered by a cat. She retreated back into her chair, her heart racing, her breath coming in short gasps.
"You shouldn't wear such a little outfit ever again," he said, his voice firm, his eyes burning with intensity. "Male workers are around. I won't have them ogling my wife."
Anna's eyes flashed with defiance. "Why would I listen to you?"
Fernadez's smile was cold and calculating. "Maybe you've forgotten who owns you," he said, his voice dripping with possessiveness.
"That's me. And I can decide whatever to do with you."
Anna's eyes welled up with tears as she felt a stinging pain in her heart. She smiled sadly, her lips trembling, as she spoke in a barely audible whisper. "Just because you're rich and powerful, doesn't mean you can call human beings your possessions."
Fernandez's expression remained unyielding, his eyes cold and unfeeling.
Anna's voice cracked as she continued, "I'm not a thing, a toy you can own and control. I'm a person, with feelings and dreams."
She pushed her chair back, the legs scraping against the floor, and stood up, her eyes brimming with tears. "I've lost my appetite," she said, her voice shaking.
Fernandez's gaze followed her as she walked away, his eyes narrowing slightly, but his expression remained impassive.
Anna felt a lump form in her throat as she left the dining room, the sound of her heels echoing through the silence. She felt suffocated, trapped in a gilded cage, with no escape from the man who claimed to own her.
As she walked away, she whispered to herself, "I'm not yours. I'll never be yours."
The door closed behind her, and Fernandez was left alone, his eyes fixed on the empty chair across from him, his expression unreadable. But for a fleeting moment, a glimmer of something akin to regret flickered in his eyes, before he masked it with his usual stoic demeanor.