Chapter 36

Chapter 36:
Anna's eyes sparkled with excitement as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. She combed her hair neatly, letting it cascade down her shoulders like a golden waterfall. She changed into a comfortable pair of jeans and a bright yellow sundress, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin. A swipe of pink lipstick completed her look, and she smiled, feeling carefree.
With no one to answer to, Anna decided to venture out of the mansion. She slipped on her sneakers and stepped out into the bright sunlight, feeling a sense of liberation wash over her.
As she approached the gate, she remembered Fernandez's instructions to the securities. But she was determined to enjoy her freedom, no matter how brief. One of the guards asked, "Ma'am, are you going out?"
Anna nodded, her smile faltering for a moment. "I just want to stroll around the area."
The guard hesitated, then asked, "Should I prepare the car?"
Anna shook her head, her ponytail swishing behind her. "No, I'll just walk. I don't need a car."
To her surprise, the guard nodded and opened the gate. Anna stepped out of the mansion, feeling like a caged bird set free. She took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air and the silence of the affluent neighborhood.
As she strolled down the street, Anna snapped pictures of the beautiful gardens and ornate fountains. She plucked flowers of different kinds – lilies, roses, and sunflowers – and breathed in their sweet fragrance. The world seemed vibrant and full of life, and Anna felt alive.
For the first time in months, Anna felt genuinely happy, unshackled from Fernandez's suffocating presence. She shrugged her shoulders, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin, and whispered to herself, "I'm free."
Anna's stomach growled, reminding her that it was past two in the afternoon. She spotted a restaurant that caught her eye, "A. F", with its elegant facade and inviting atmosphere. The sign above the door read, "Fine Dining Experience", and Anna's curiosity was piqued.
As she pushed open the door, she was greeted by the maître d', who welcomed her with a warm smile. "Good afternoon, madam. Right this way, please."
Anna's eyes widened as she took in the opulent decor - crystal chandeliers, white linen tablecloths, and plush velvet seats. She felt like royalty as she was led to her table by the window.
When the waiter presented her with the menu, Anna's eyes scanned the list, her mouth watering at the culinary delights on offer. She ordered the most expensive dishes, including the pan-seared foie gras, lobster thermidor, and truffle risotto.
"I'll have the champagne cocktail to start, please," she said, smiling sweetly at the waiter.
As she waited for her food to arrive, Anna couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She had stolen one of Fernandez's black cards from his drawer, and she was determined to use it to treat herself to a luxurious lunch.
When the waiter returned with her cocktail, Anna took a sip, savoring the bubbly champagne and sweet fruit flavors. She felt like she was living her best life, free from Fernandez's suffocating grasp.
"Enjoy your meal, madam," the waiter said, bowing slightly as he departed.
Anna smiled, feeling like a queen, and replied, "I certainly will."
Anna savored the last bite of her truffle risotto, feeling satisfied and content. As she gazed around the restaurant, her eyes landed on a familiar face - Laila, accompanied by a rough-looking man adorned with flashy jewelry. Anna's eyes widened in surprise, realizing Laila had moved on from Jason.
Laila caught Anna's gaze but pretended they were strangers, her arm linked with the man's. Anna shook her head, disgusted by Laila's materialistic nature.
The man, however, couldn't take his eyes off Anna, his stare making her skin crawl. Laila noticed and grew irritated, pecking his cheek and saying, "Sweetheart, let's proceed inside. You promised to treat me to all the delicious food here, no matter the cost."
Anna felt a surge of disgust and regretted befriending Laila without knowing her true nature. As she watched, a commotion erupted from Laila's table. A woman grabbed Laila's shirt, slapping her and scratching her face.
"You whore!" the woman shouted. "You think you can snatch my husband from me?"
The restaurant patrons watched in awe, snapping photos and taking videos. The man begged his wife for forgiveness, kneeling on the floor.
"Please, don't divorce me! I'll be a pauper without you!"
Anna's eyes widened in shock, realizing Laila was dating a married man who was dependent on his wife's wealth. She quickly paid her bill and left the restaurant, eager to escape the drama. As she walked out, she heard Laila's embarrassed screams and the man's pleading apologies.
Anna sat in stunned silence, her eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding before her. Laila's face was red with shame, her expensive makeup smeared from the woman's scratches.
"You think you're so special, don't you?" the woman spat, her voice venomous. "Snatching my husband with your fake beauty and cheap tricks!"
Laila's eyes darted to Anna, a flash of jealousy and embarrassment crossing her face. "This has nothing to do with you, Anna!" she shouted, as if trying to deflect attention.
But Anna just raised an eyebrow, her expression unimpressed. "I'm just here for the show," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
The man, still on his knees, begged his wife for forgiveness. "Please, darling, don't leave me! I'll do anything!"
The woman turned to him, her eyes blazing with anger. "You'll do anything? You'll do anything to keep your hands on my money, you mean!"
The restaurant patrons were in an uproar, some trying to intervene while others snapped photos and took videos. Anna watched, fascinated, as Laila's perfect facade crumbled before her eyes.
Finally, the woman stormed out, leaving Laila in tears and the man groveling on the floor. Anna shook her head, feeling a mix of disgust and pity for Laila's predicament.
As she left the restaurant, she heard Laila's embarrassed sobs and the man's pathetic apologies. She couldn't help but think, "Karma's a bitch."
As Anna left the restaurant, she trekked back to the mansion, lost in thought. She got to the living room and decided to watch a movie, hoping to take her mind off the drama she had just witnessed. But just as she was about to settle in, a knock on the door broke the silence. Anna's heart skipped a beat as she wondered who it could be. She wasn't expecting anyone, and Fernandez was still away on his business trip. The knock came again, this time more insistent. Anna's curiosity got the better of her, and she slowly got up to answer the door...