Anna's pov.
I returned to the party and tried to act as normally as possible. But in reality, a storm was thundering inside me, awakened by Matteo’s filthy accusation. Why did he care? Why couldn't he stay out of my life? Why did he always interfere? Maybe he liked to torture me.
I took a deep breath to calm myself down. I was angry, very angry and so turned on. Why did he have that effect on me? He hadn't even touched me properly, and my body was aching and burning with desire.
I needed to keep my distance from him. I would ignore him as much as I could. I would even pretend as if he didn't exist for me. I knew it wouldn't be easy. But I knew I could do this, as I had been doing throughout my life, pretending to hate him.
"ANNA!"
Two familiar voices reverberated in my ear. I knew immediately who had come.
Enzo and Lorenzo.
They had both shifted to Los Angeles to pursue their career in pop music. They both had their own band, and had become very famous pop stars. So I managed dad's company and business, as Enzo and Lorenzo weren't interested in business.
But I was really proud of them, and they were genuinely talented. I was glad they also came to meet me despite their busy schedule.
“Enzo! Lorenzo! I am so happy to meet you both. It's been a long time. I missed you so much,” I hugged them.
“We miss you too, Anna,” they both said together and laughed.
They wouldn't change. I rolled my eyes at them.
“Where is our future brother-in-law? We don't think we are late enough not to meet him,” they seemed excited about meeting Adam.
“Of course not. Come, I'll introduce you both to my fiance,” I said and I took them to meet Adam.
They were both happy to meet him. Adam had such a charming personality. He had an effect on everyone. I was pleased that my family accepted him wholeheartedly. After the party was over, Adam left for his hotel, and I went to my dad’s house.
Just when I reached home, I got a call from Xavier. He wanted me to meet him immediately. I already had an idea why he would be calling me back after the party.
Adam has told me that Mia and he were at the same school. She might have told him something about Adam. That's why Xavier wanted to meet me. I didn't know what she would have filled him with. I had to meet him to give him the true information. So I picked up the car keys and decided to drive to his mansion immediately. I reached there in a few minutes because the road was clear and traffic had slowed down.
When I entered Xavier's mansion, I found Xavier pacing around in the hall with his wife, Mia. Matteo was also there.
“What happened, Xavier? You called me here to meet you so late at night. We just met at the party,” I asked him, furrowing.
He must have known I was also not in a good mood.
“Yes, Anna. I want to discuss something very important that cannot wait till morning,” he said.
I already knew what was coming.
“And what is he doing here?'' I asked, pointing towards Matteo.
“What do you mean? He is an important part of our family, and he also cares for you. That's why we are all here,” Xavier replied.
“No, Xavier, he is not a family member, and, please, if you want to discuss family matters in front of an outsider, I am not interested. I am leaving,” I said, and began to head towards the exit.
“Wait, you stay here," Matteo said, looking at me. " Xavier, I should go. It's your family matter. You don't need me on it. I will see you later,” he muttered, and before Xavier could say anything, he walked out of the room.
Xavier looked at me in annoyance.
“What was that, Anna?” He asked in an intimidating tone.
“Exactly! Are you going to tell me what THAT WAS?” I asked back with a challenge.
He shook his head before saying, “listen, Adam is not a good man.”
“Why? What had happened in two hours? You were very impressed with him, remember? What happened after the party so that you certainly changed your mind and opinion about him.” I mockingly retorted.
“Anna! Mia revealed a secret about him that he used to work for the Russian Mafia,” he informed him.
“So, what's the big deal? I know about it,” I shrugged. “Adam has already told me everything about himself. He hasn't hidden a single thing about his life,” I admitted.
"He was involved in Mia's kidnapping," Xavier said, gritting his teeth.
"It's obvious, Xavier. He worked under the Russian Mafia at that time. He was helpless. He did it because they forced him. It doesn't mean he shouldn't get a second chance," I retorted.
Xavier's eyes widened, and a shocked expression took over his face.
“What? You know it already, and you still agreed to marry him. Are you out of your mind?” He scolded.
I didn't mind him scolding me. He could because he had the right. But this time, he was doing this under the influence of his wife, Mia, and now I was sure that she was a really manipulative woman.
“No. I am not out of my mind. It's you. You are not thinking straight. You are saying that, and you always think under the influence of your..." I refrained myself from cussing, "... you and your wife cannot see the truth.”
“Really? And what is the truth? Tell me,” he insisted, frowning.
“The truth is that Adam has told me everything about his past life. Why did he have to work for the Russian Mafia, and why did he run away from there? He told me that he was indebted to the Russian Mafia boss and when the Russian Mafia was scattered as their boss was killed, he ran away to Rome and started his business. You know how hard he is working to establish his business to the height in a short period,” I said proudly.
“Anna, you are making mistakes. Everything is not like it looks,” he scowled.
"Exactly, Xavier, everything is not like what it looks,” I said, looking at Mia, and she gave me an innocent look.
God! This girl was so good at pretending.
"You dare to insult my wife, Anna. She cares about you. That's why we want you to stop this wedding. You are going to make a wrong decision which you will regret throughout your life,” he gritted out.
“So you trust her more than me. Wow! That is enough for me, Xavier. If you trust her, I trust Adam. Because I have also spent a whole year with him, he is so perfect and can get any girl. But he accepted me with my flaws. He was persistent with me, giving me space and time,” I said, looking between Xavier and Mia.
“And you know what? Adam was right about Mia when he said she wouldn't like my relationship with him because she had a crush on him back in school. But she chose the richer one. She chose you over him.” I revealed the truth that Adam had told me.
“That's rubbish, Anna, and you still haven't recognised Mia. She is a very pure and innocent soul. And now, when Adam falsely accused Mia, I am very sure that he is not the right guy for you. I won't approve of your marriage,” he announced, making my blood boil in anger.
“I don't need your approval, Xavier. You are not my father.” I fought back.
I knew it was very rude of me. But I was too hurt to mind anything.
“You dare to go against my decision,” he threatened.
Mia came forwards and placed a hand on Xavier’s shoulder to make him take a deep breath as if he was trying to calm himself. What an actress she was! She spoiled my family reunion.
I threw my hand in the air. I was frustrated and very angry.
“I can't believe you chose her over my happiness. After so many years, I found a man who is exactly what I want. But no! You guys are not happy to see me happy. I don’t need you all. I don't need anyone in my life,” I scre.amed, and my voice shook due to the hurt and pain in my heart.
My eyes became wet, but I didn't want them to see my tears. I turned on my heel and began to leave. I didn't need anyone's advice, and I knew what I was doing.
“Anna, I won't let this happen. You cannot marry him. He is not good for you,” Xavier shouted behind me.
“I don't care what you think. I will marry him,” I shouted back, and left Xavier's mansion.
Sitting in my car, I let my tears roll down my eyes. But I quickly wiped my eyes with the back of my palm. I needed a drink to make me forget this horrible evening. I came here to take the blessings of my family. But now, they were all against Adam and my relationship. I wouldn't let anyone have power over me to rule my life. This was my life, and I would live it as I wished. I turned my car towards the club. I definitely needed a drink.