Chapter 52

“There’s got to be a limit to your arrogance!” Anastasia shoved him away with
clear distaste, looking at him as if he were a pile of trash. “Who says I’m sulking at you? Do you really think I’m still that naïve girl, head over heels for you and blind to everything else?”
“Wake up, Aaron. I’ve seen the world now. My husband is incredible. Honestly, I feel like I’m hurting my eyes just by looking at you.”
With those words, the relief in her chest was palpable. She turned on her heel and left without a backward glance.
Aaron just stood there, dumbstruck, unable to believe what he’d just heard. Had those words really come from the same Anastasia who used to be so shy and gentle around him?
He stared, at a complete loss. What on earth had gotten into her? Was she possessed or something?
“Aaron!” A voice called out—it was Debby Zade Lancaster, hurrying over.
She paused when she saw her son, his face pale and beaded with cold sweat, frozen in an awkward posture. Concerned, she rushed to his side. “What’s wrong, darling?”
Aaron forced himself upright, wincing. “I’m fine. Just… not feeling too well, that’s all.”
Debby fussed over him for a moment, but she was clearly preoccupied. Scanning the area and seeing no one else around, she dropped her voice. “I heard you came here to meet Anastasia.”
“Aaron, you mustn’t be hasty. Just think-what’s that girl’s background? She isn’t nearly good enough for you.”
She sneered, her nose wrinkling in contempt. “That girl probably dreams of marrying into our family every night, but does she ever stop to think about her own worth? Honestly, she’d be lucky to marry some nouveau riche upstart.”
Then, with a smug smile, she continued, “But our family is different. Ever since your Uncle Harrison moved to Fairhaven last year, our status has soared. Look outside-see how many people are falling over themselves to curry favor with us? Who knows, maybe someday we’ll even move up to Riverton! With a pedigree like ours, do you really think Anastasia measures up?”
She gave him a little shove. “I heard your Uncle Harrison is here tonight. Go make yourself known—let him get to know his nephew better.”
“And remember, if some girl at the party tries to flirt with you, it’s fine to have a little fun, but don’t take it seriously. Your future wife will be someone from Riverton, someone whose family is worthy of ours.” Read full story at
But Aaron’s mind kept drifting back to Anastasia, to how much she’d changed. Irritated and distracted, he muttered, “I know, Mom.”
Anastasia strode through the side door, her steps light and unburdened, and entered the reception hall.
“Tsk, have you seen Mr. Lancaster? Old, ugly, and from what I hear, a complete maniac. Supposedly, all his previous wives either died mysteriously or went insane from his abuse
“He’s on his fourth marriage already, right? What do you think-how long before this one gets carried out feet first?”
She froze at the mention of Harrison’s name.
A small group of women and girls had gathered nearby, their voices dripping with sarcasm, faces animated with exaggerated expressions as they gossiped and snickered.
Narrowing her eyes, Anastasia changed direction and headed straight for them. The ringleader was still talking-
“They say he’s crippled… What, Mr. Lancaster must be what, fifty? Honestly, who cares about his money? I’d never let my daughter marry someone like that.”
A girl beside her pulled a face, clearly disgusted. “Mom, don’t even joke about it! There’s no way I’d marry some old man. Please don’t ever mention my name in the same breath as his-it’s just gross.”
Anastasia stepped up just then, her anger bubbling over, and let out a sharp, cold laugh. “Maybe you should worry about whether you’re even good enough first. Do you think Mr. Lancaster would settle for just anyone?”
The group fell silent at once, turning to stare at her.
Standing there, looking every inch the stunning beauty, Anastasia’s gaze was razor sharp as she glared right back.