Chapter 37

Chapter 37
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. But just as she proceeded, Ela, one of the maids, appeared out of nowhere.
"Let me get it, ma'am," Ela said, her eyes wide with a hint of excitement.
Anna nodded and returned to her seat, her eyes fixed on the door. Who could it be? She wasn't expecting anyone, and Fernandez was still away.
As Ela opened the door, her expression changed from curiosity to surprise. "Oh, miss!" she exclaimed, hastily collecting luggage from the person on the other side.
"Who is it?" Anna asked, her curiosity piqued.
Ela turned to her, a bright smile on her face. "It's the young mistress, ma'am!"
Anna's eyes widened in shock. Young mistress? Who was that? She didn't have any relatives that she knew of.
As Ela ushered the person in, Anna's eyes stayed rooted to the door, eager to catch a glimpse of this mysterious arrival.
Anna's eyes locked onto the lady, who exuded sophistication and elegance. Her long, curly hair cascaded down her waist, and her high-waisted jeans and crop top showcased her toned physique. The stiletto heels added to her statuesque frame, and the Hermes handbag and painted nails completed her polished look.
As their eyes met, Anna felt a jolt of surprise. Could this be Fernandez's real wife? She knew nothing about him, after all.
But as the lady approached, Anna's confusion turned to shock. The woman's face was familiar, yet she couldn't quite place her.
And then, it hit her. The lady was none other than Reyna, her long-lost friend.
Reyna's eyes widened in equal surprise, and she gasped, "Anna?"
The two women stood frozen for a moment, their eyes locked in disbelief. Then, they rushed into each other's arms, embracing tightly.
"Ela, what's going on here?" a servant asked, peeking into the room.
"It's the young mistress, Reyna!" Ela announced, her voice barely containing her excitement.
The news spread like wildfire, and soon, the servants were gathered outside the room, staring at Anna and Reyna in astonishment.
As they hugged, Reyna whispered, "I've been looking everywhere for you, Anna. I had no idea you were here."
Anna pulled back, her eyes brimming with tears. "I've been trying to reach you for months, Reyna. What are you doing here?"
Reyna's expression turned serious. "I'm here for Fernandez. He's my husband."
Anna's world spun around her. Fernandez, married to her friend? This was a twist she hadn't seen coming.
Reyna burst into laughter, "Oh, Anna, I'm so sorry! I was just joking! Fernandez is my stepbrother, not my husband."
Anna's relief was palpable, "Thank goodness! I don't think I could handle another shock today."
As they settled down, Reyna's expression turned curious, "So, what are you doing here? And why are you calling yourself Fernandez's wife?"
Anna sighed, "It's a long story, Reyna. But yes, unfortunately, I am his wife."
Reyna's eyes widened in confusion, "But wait, didn't you show me Jason's picture as your boyfriend? What happened to him?"
Anna nodded, "It's a long story, Reyna. Let's just say things got complicated."
Just then, the head chef approached them, "Excuse me, ladies. Can I get you something to eat or drink?"
Reyna waved him off, "No, thank you. I'm busy catching up with my friend."
The chef nodded and retreated, leaving the two women alone.
Reyna grinned mischievously, "I'm so happy you're my sister-in-law now, Anna! I get to see you every day! But I have to say, I'm sad you married that useless man."
Anna chuckled, "Well, let's just say it's a complicated situation."
Reyna's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "Come on, Anna. Tell me the whole story. I want to hear everything."
Anna smiled, "Let's have lunch first, and then I'll tell you everything."
Reyna nodded, and Anna helped her settle in, feeling grateful for her friend's carefree spirit and unwavering support.
Anna had already ordered Reyna's favorite dishes: grilled salmon with quinoa and steamed vegetables, accompanied by a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. Reyna dug in with gusto, savoring each bite. Anna, still full from her earlier meal, picked at a small salad, watching her friend with a smile.
After lunch, Reyna urged Anna to share her story. "Come on, Anna, tell me what's been going on. You can trust me."
Anna hesitated, feeling scared and vulnerable. She didn't want to be judged or pitied.
Reyna sensed her resistance. "Hey, if you're not comfortable, you don't have to tell me. I just want to be here for you."
Anna smiled weakly. "I'm just paranoid, I guess. I've never told anyone this before."
Reyna's expression softened. "Then I'm honored you're willing to share it with me."
Anna took a deep breath and began her story, recounting every detail, from her planned surprise for Jason to the painful discovery of his infidelity. She shared her subsequent marriage to Fernandez and his emotional torture.
Reyna listened intently, her eyes filled with empathy. When Anna finished, Reyna hugged her tightly. "Oh, Anna, I'm so sorry you went through that. Keeping your virginity isn't bad, you know. I'm a virgin too."
Anna's face grew hot with shyness. Reyna noticed and smiled mischievously. "Don't worry, I won't tease you about it. But I will say this: whenever I see Jason and Laila, I'm going to break their legs!"
Anna giggled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. She was grateful for Reyna's unwavering support and friendship.
Reyna's eyes sparkled with determination. "I've fulfilled Fernandez's wish by coming here, now it's time to fulfill mine - becoming an actress."
Anna's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean?"
Reyna's expression turned serious. "I'm not really the Antonio's biological daughter, I'm their adopted daughter. But I've always felt like I had to prove myself to them, to Fernandez."
Anna's eyes widened in understanding. "I get it."
Reyna's grin returned. "Now, I want to take down Fernandez, make him pay for what he's done to us. Are you with me?"
Anna's excitement matched Reyna's. "Absolutely, let's do it!"
The two women shook hands, sealing their pact. "Operation Torture Antonio Fernandez has begun," Reyna declared, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Anna chuckled. "I love it."
Reyna's eyes gleamed with mischief. "We'll make him regret ever crossing us. Let's start by gathering intel, finding his weaknesses."
Anna nodded, already thinking of ways to take down Fernandez. "I know a thing or two about his business dealings. Let's start there."
Reyna rubbed her hands together. "This is going to be fun. Let's take him down, Anna."
Together, the two women set out on their mission, determined to make Fernandez pay for his wrongdoings.