Chapter 204

“That little tramp Anastasia-God knows what tricks she pulled to have your father singing her praises again!” Her mother’s smile was stiff, almost forced. “But you’re still the apple of his eye. Just give it some time, sweetheart.”
But Penelope was no fool. She knew perfectly well her mother was just trying to comfort her.
She lowered her head, eyes burning with resentment.
Anastasia!!!
Because Anastasia didn’t have morning classes the next day, the car took a detour straight back to Rosewood Manor.
“You’re back already?” Marcus Jackson looked up in surprise.
He’d already resigned himself to a lonely week until the weekend.
“Just wanted to check if you were still alive.” Anastasia stepped out from behind Harrison, her tone dry.
Marcus blinked.
Why did it feel like she couldn’t stand the sight of him? Had he offended her somehow?
“Don’t tease,” Harrison said, ruffling his wife’s hair.
His words sounded like a scolding, but his voice overflowed with affection.
“Okay!” Anastasia replied instantly, all sweet and docile.
Marcus choked, suddenly feeling rather pitiful.
Clearly, Harrison was a lost cause-he’d never take Marcus’s side again.
Just then, Harrison’s phone rang. He glanced at the two of them. “Play nice,” he said before heading upstairs to his study.
Marcus immediately fixed his gaze on Anastasia, narrowing his eyes. “Did I piss you off or something?”
Anastasia thought of that screenshot where Marcus had told her to get lost. Her voice was cool: “Nope.”
“Then why are you always on my case?”
“What do you mean I’m on your case? I’m just looking out for you, Marcus!”
Marcus was speechless.
Anastasia started up the stairs at her own pace.
But Marcus called after her, “Wait-”
She paused on the steps and looked back, sounding bored. “What now?”
“I did what you said, took that sachet out of my room, but nothing’s changed.”
He looked at her like she was a total fraud.
Anastasia rolled her eyes. “How long have you even had that sachet? You’ve only gotten rid of it for two days, and you expect instant results? Keep dreaming, Marcus.”
Marcus:…
Damn it. Next time he started a conversation with her, he’d eat his own shoe.
That night, Anastasia was out of sorts. Visiting the cemetery during the day had dredged up old wounds, and her mood hadn’t improved since she got home.
Before bed, she curled up in a chair on the balcony, sitting sideways with her legs draped over the armrest, idly kicking them back and forth in a rhythm that radiated melancholy.
Steady footsteps approached. Harrison came over.
“Babe—” she started, but before she could finish, Harrison scooped her up in his
arms.
“Feeling down?” his deep voice rumbled from above her. Updates are released by
“No,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck and nestling her head against his chest.
Harrison didn’t press her. He simply carried her to the bed.
“Time to sleep.”
Tonight, Harrison seemed especially patient and gentle. Anastasia inched closer and closer, burrowing into his arms, nuzzling his chest until she found her favorite spot. She closed her eyes-
And found herself wide awake.
Restless, she rolled away from him. Glancing back and seeing he was still asleep, she slipped right back into his embrace.
Still bored, she rolled away again-then back.
Just as she was about to make a third escape, a strong hand caught her.
Startled, she looked up and met his dark, fathomless eyes.
“Can’t sleep?”
Her voice was small, guilty: “Don’t really want to
His slightly callused fingers traced her ear and cheek, his eyes impossibly dark,
like a predator stirred from slumber.
“Not tired? Well, I did promise you a reward this afternoon. How about I give it to you now?” he coaxed softly.
Anastasia’s eyes lit up. She didn’t hesitate: “Yes, please!”
And then…