It was 3 a.m. when Anna jolted awake from a nightmare.
Her chest heaved as she tried to steady her breathing. The same dream… again. She was always running along a seashore she didn't recognize, the waves chasing her like they had a will of their own. And behind her—always behind her—was Tom. Chasing. Reaching. Stabbing her again and again in her fear.
She swallowed hard.
Tonight, she reminded herself, was the day Tom would be engaged to his fiancée, Mildred.
"It's just a dream…" she whispered shakily. "Just a dream."
But her hands were trembling.
Anna dropped to her knees and prayed quietly, clinging to the silence of the night as if it could calm the storm inside her.
After a while, she stood and went downstairs to the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of water. The cold liquid didn't ease the heaviness in her chest, but she drank anyway.
When she returned to her room, she sat on the edge of her bed and reached for her phone.
A message lit up the screen—Chairman Yang inviting her to the party.
Her fingers paused.
Without replying, she deleted it.
She set the phone down, lay back, and pulled the blanket over her face. Eyes shut tightly, she forced herself to sleep again.
Anna woke up at 9 a.m.
Morning light spilled softly into the room. The house was quieter now—her siblings already at work, Sarah at school.
She went downstairs and headed straight to the kitchen, searching for something to eat. Soon, the sound of a pan filled the space as she cooked for herself, turning on music that played softly in the background.
For a moment, she even smiled—stirring her spoon like a microphone, singing under her breath as if the world was lighter than it felt.
Before eating, she made herself coffee, set the cup down, and sat at the table. She bowed her head briefly, whispering a quiet prayer of gratitude for the food in front of her.
A few minutes passed in calm silence.
Then—the doorbell rang.
She frowned slightly and walked to the main door. Opening it carefully, she peeked outside.
Her eyes widened.
Daniel stood there, waving casually at the gate.
"Wait… what are you doing here?" she asked, surprise clear in her voice.
She stepped out and opened the gate wider.
"Come in…" she said, inviting him inside.
"I called you so many times," Daniel said as he followed her inside.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I left my phone in my bedroom," Anna replied. "What's the matter?"
Daniel smiled and held out an elegant envelope.
"I came here because I wanted to give you this," he said.
Anna accepted it and carefully opened the invitation card.
The card was black and sophisticated. On the front was a white ring printed in the center. Inside the circle was the silhouette of a man and a woman. The man was kneeling on one knee, holding the woman's hand as she stood before him.
For a moment, Anna simply stared at it.
A smile slowly spread across her face.
"Wow… finally," she said softly. "I'm really happy about this."
"Me too," Daniel agreed. "So, are you coming? My cousin wants you to be there."
The smile on Anna's face slowly faded.
Her curved lips straightened.
"I would love to come," she said quietly, "but I can't."
Daniel narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"Tell me why."
Anna gave him a sweet smile.
"Promise, I really want to come… but I can't."
"Saaaad," Daniel replied dramatically.
He placed a hand over his chest.
"I was hoping you'd be my date tonight," he teased.
Anna burst into laughter.
"Seriously?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "That's exactly why I don't want to attend."
She pointed toward the couch.
"Please, sit down."
Daniel chuckled and dropped onto the couch.
"Alright, alright. I changed my mind. I was just kidding," he said quickly. "But seriously, please come. They'll be happy if you're there."
Anna shook her head.
"We have an upcoming quiz this Monday, so I need to study," she explained.
Then she glanced toward the kitchen.
"By the way, what would you like? Coffee, water, or juice?"
"No thanks," Daniel replied.
"Alright."
Anna walked over and turned off the music that had been playing in the background. The house suddenly felt quieter.
She looked back at him, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"Tell me," she said. "How did Lolo change his mind?"
She held up the invitation card.
"My gosh... this is unbelievable."
A smile tugged at her lips as she shook her head.
"I honestly thought he would oppose this until the very end."
She sat down across from Daniel, still staring at the elegant black card in her hands.
"Seriously, Daniel... what happened?"
"All I know is that when Tom told me about it, Lolo had already talked to him," Daniel said. "He told Tom that he and Mildred would finally have a proper engagement party because of his outstanding performance in the company over the past few months."
He shrugged.
"I don't know all the details, and honestly, it doesn't matter how it happened. What's important is that Tom and Mildred are now officially engaged."
A smile appeared on his face.
"And I would really love it if you joined us tonight."
Anna lowered her gaze and sighed softly.
"Please understand me," she said. "I can't... Even though I want to, I can't."
Daniel studied her face carefully.
"Are you sure?" he asked seriously.
"Uh-huh." She nodded and forced a smile.
A few moments later, Daniel's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen before answering it. It was the event organizer.
Anna quietly listened as he discussed several last-minute arrangements. After a few minutes, he ended the call and slipped his phone back into his pocket.
"Anna, I need to go. They need me at the venue," he said.
He held up the invitation card and smiled.
"If you change your mind, the address is written there."
Anna nodded.
"Bye."
Daniel waved before heading toward his car.
Anna followed him to the gate. She watched as he drove away, then slowly closed it behind her.
The house suddenly felt quieter.
She looked down at the invitation card still resting in her hands.
For a moment, her chest felt strangely heavy.
Then she shook her head and went back inside to finish her breakfast.
Meanwhile, Daniel arrived at the hotel.
The grand ballroom looked like something out of a dream.
Everything was draped in white.
Magnificent silver chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their crystals sparkling under the warm lights. Round tables were covered with shimmering white and silver tablecloths accented with touches of gold. Every table displayed elegant bouquets of roses and lilies arranged in tall glass trumpet vases.
Small scented candles surrounded each centerpiece, their soft flames flickering gently.
The transparent glass chairs, trimmed with gold, added a luxurious touch to the room.
A saxophonist played soft music in the background, filling the ballroom with a romantic atmosphere.
Wine glasses sparkled under the lights, while silver forks and spoons were perfectly arranged beside each plate.
Everything was ready.
Everything was perfect.
Daniel smiled in satisfaction.
Just then, he saw Tom walking toward him.
"Why are you still here?" Daniel asked.
Tom slipped both hands into his pockets.
"I just wanted to check everything one last time before going upstairs."
Daniel laughed.
"Dude, stop worrying. I already talked to Abby. She said everything is fine."
He patted Tom's shoulder.
"Trust me. I know Abby."
Tom finally relaxed.
"Alright then."
"Come on," Daniel said. "Let's go change. Mildred told me the makeup artists are already waiting for us."
"Okay, I'm coming."
They started walking toward the elevators.
"Oh, by the way," Daniel added casually, "Anna isn't coming."
Tom glanced at him.
"Really?"
"She's busy. But I already gave her the invitation card."
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside.
Tom looked down for a moment.
"It's okay," he said quietly. "Maybe she's busy. Let her be."
A few seconds passed.
Then suddenly, he turned to Daniel.
"What was her number again?"
Daniel blinked.
"Anna's?"
Tom nodded.
"I'll try to convince her."
Daniel smirked but handed him the number anyway.
Tom immediately dialed it.
The call didn't go through.
He tried again.
Still nothing.
After the third attempt, he lowered the phone.
"Looks like she turned her phone off."
"Maybe," Daniel replied.
The elevator doors opened.
The two men walked toward their hotel suite, where the makeup artists were already waiting.
Their formal suits hung neatly inside the closet.
Tonight was supposed to be a celebration.
A perfect beginning.
Neither of them knew that before the night ended, everything would begin to change.
********************************
Anna's POV
It was already four o'clock in the afternoon, and Anna was reading her textbooks in the living room when the doorbell rang.
She stood up and peeked through the window.
Her eyes widened slightly.
It was David, Chairman Yang's driver, standing outside their gate.
Anna let out a deep sigh before stepping outside. She walked toward the gate and opened it.
"Miss Anna," David greeted respectfully.
The young lady looked at him, already having a feeling why he was there. Her smile slowly faded, and her lips straightened.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, already knowing the answer.
"Chairman Yang asked me to give this to you," David said as he handed her an invitation card.
Anna took a deep breath before accepting it.
"But I can't come, Mr. David," she said gently. "Please tell Lolo that I have an upcoming quiz this Monday. I still need to read four or five chapters."
David's expression immediately turned troubled.
"Miss Anna, you should come..." he said helplessly. "Or else, I might lose my job."
Anna stared at him in shock.
"What do you mean?" she asked. "You're kidding, right?"
"No, Miss Anna," David replied with a bitter smile. "You know Chairman Yang."
Anna frowned.
"No. That's not going to happen, Mr. David. He would never do that," she said firmly.
David lowered his head and sighed.
"I hope so, Miss Anna. But Chairman Yang specifically instructed me to bring you to the engagement party tonight."
Anna looked down at the invitation card in her hands.
She suddenly felt a headache coming.
Why was everyone so determined to make her attend?
She had already decided not to go.
Not because she hated Tom.
Not because she was jealous.
But because she knew her place.
Tonight was Tom and Mildred's special day.
She didn't want to be there and feel like an unnecessary guest watching someone else's happy ending.
"Mr. David..." Anna said softly. "Please tell Lolo that I appreciate the invitation, but I really can't come."
David looked as if he wanted to cry.
"Miss Anna, please don't make this difficult for me."
Anna blinked.
"You're serious?"
"Very serious."
The driver scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"If I return without you, Chairman Yang might make my life miserable."
Anna couldn't help but laugh.
"You're exaggerating."
"I wish I was."
For a moment, silence settled between them.
Anna looked at the invitation card once more.
The elegant gold lettering shimmered under the afternoon sunlight.
Tom and Mildred.
Soon, they would officially announce their engagement.
A strange feeling tugged at her chest.
She immediately pushed it away.
No.
She was happy for them.
Very happy.
At least, that's what she kept telling herself.
Anna sighed heavily.
"Fine," she said at last.
David's eyes instantly brightened.
"But I'm not promising anything."
The driver looked as if he had just won the lottery.
"Thank you, Miss Anna!"
Anna shook her head and laughed.
"You're unbelievable."
And for some reason, as she stared at the invitation card in her hands, the nightmare she had the night before suddenly flashed across her mind.
The seashore.
The moonlight.
Tom's face.
And the sharp pain beneath her ribs.
A chill ran down her spine.
She tightened her grip on the invitation card.
"Maybe it's really just a dream..." she whispered to herself.
Mr. David sighed.
"That's okay, Miss Anna. I understand how you feel. I have a daughter too, and she's studying hard to reach her goals." He smiled warmly. "She's in high school now. Someday, she wants to become a teacher."
Anna looked at him.
Mr. David was already a middle-aged man. Strands of silver-white hair had begun appearing among the black, signs of the years he had spent working hard for his family. He had a loving wife who also worked for the Yang family as a maid. Their only daughter, Beng, would sometimes help her mother in the kitchen whenever she visited.
"I think you've met her already," Mr. David said.
Anna frowned in confusion.
"Have I?" she asked.
Mr. David nodded.
"It's alright, Miss Anna. You don't need to worry about us." He smiled, though there was sadness hidden behind it. "Maybe we can just go back to the province and start over there."
Anna immediately shook her head.
"Haaaiiissst, Mr. David, that's not going to happen," she said firmly.
She looked at the invitation card once more and let out a defeated sigh.
"Alright. I'm coming."
Mr. David's eyes widened.
"Miss Anna?" he asked excitedly, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard.
Anna nodded.
"But I only need to show myself to him. Then I can go home right after... right?" she asked hopefully.
Mr. David scratched his head awkwardly.
"Maybe, Miss Anna."
Anna narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
That answer did not sound convincing at all.
"Please call me Anna," she said humbly.
Mr. David smiled.
"Of course."
Then he glanced at his watch.
"So... can we go now?"
Anna blinked.
"As in... now?" she asked.
Mr. David nodded immediately.
"Don't worry, Anna. Chairman Yang prepared something for you. We need to go there first."
Anna stared at him suspiciously.
A dangerous feeling suddenly crept into her chest.
Something wasn't right.
She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.
"Looks like I'm a special guest there," she said jokingly.
Mr. David laughed nervously.
Anna pointed at him.
"You owe me this time."
Mr. David laughed even harder.
"Yes, I will remember this day, Miss Anna."
"Anna..." she corrected him with a playful glare.
Mr. David chuckled and nodded.
"Yes... Anna."
And for some reason, hearing the excitement in his voice made Anna even more suspicious about what Chairman Yang was planning.
A feeling deep inside her told her that tonight would not be as simple as attending an engagement party.
Not at all.
Anna went back inside and took a bath, she changed her dress, after half an hour Anna and Mr. David went to the salon for her hair and makeup, Anna didn't like it but she had no choice, she wanted to be simple so that she requested to make it simple. especially the makeup, after an hour Mr. David brought Anna to one of the luxury boutiques for her dress, and the manager welcomed her, she offered the dress, but Anna found it very attractive so she refused the dress that Chairman Yang choose for her, she preferred something nice and simple only, she chooses the black sundress, simple and plain for her but she's comfortable to that matching kitten heels.
It was already seven in the evening when Anna and Mr. David got into the hotel, A few people were there, Only family and close friends were invited, Media were not allowed, Chairman Yang advised the security that only family are allowed. He strictly closed the door to others. The people are busy talking about them and feeling excited for them.
Anna walked to the corner, no one saw her, no one knew her she felt out of place that time, she sat down on the chair and she tried herself busy, she sniffs the candle and took a picture for herself. Anna wanted to observe them, she looked at them secretly, when someone offered her drinks, The waiter gave a glass of champagne for her and She takes a sip.
"Don't try to drink all of that or else no one would be asked your number here" someone said from behind, Anna knew that voice and she slowly looked back.
"It's Daniel."
"How are you?" he asked.
Anna stood up and smiled at him.
"Well..." she replied.
Daniel stared at her for a moment before shaking his head.
"Wow!"
Anna raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"You're beautiful," he said honestly.
Anna laughed.
Daniel suddenly extended his hand dramatically.
"Miss, may I have your number, please?"
Anna chuckled.
"I'm sorry, Mister. I'm taken."
Daniel laughed loudly.
"Who is it?" he asked. "Tell me his name, or I'll kick his ass."
"They already ran away because they were afraid of you," Anna teased.
Both of them laughed before taking their seats.
Daniel glanced around the ballroom before sighing.
"I'm glad you're here."
Anna looked at him suspiciously.
"Really?"
"You're the only person I can talk to right now."
Anna didn't believe him.
"What about her?" she asked.
Daniel frowned.
"What her?"
"The girl who's been staring at you for the last five minutes."
Daniel immediately tried to turn around.
"Don't look back!" Anna warned.
Daniel froze.
"The lady wearing a black bandage dress?" he asked casually. "Talking to two petite girls? One wearing a maxi dress and the other wearing a black tie dress?"
Anna's eyes widened.
"Wow!"
She pointed at him.
"You are amazing."
Daniel smirked.
"I know."
Anna folded her arms.
"If you're truly observant, then tell me what color their shoes are."
Daniel glanced at his glass.
"The one staring at me is wearing black heels. The woman beside her wearing the maxi dress is Mildred's best friend. She's wearing brown wedges. The other one is wearing stilettos."
Anna clapped her hands dramatically.
"Bravo!"
Daniel bowed slightly.
"Thank you."
"Then why don't you go talk to her?"
Daniel immediately shook his head.
"She ain't you."
Anna hissed.
"Oh my goodness."
She rolled her eyes.
"You'll never get a girlfriend if you keep sitting here. Go talk to them."
Daniel reached over and messed up her hair.
"Hey!" Anna complained.
Meanwhile, across the ballroom, Tom and Mildred were busy entertaining guests and chatting with friends.
As Tom scanned the room, his eyes landed on Daniel.
More specifically—
On Daniel sitting beside Anna.
Tom smiled and immediately walked toward them.
"Daniel!" he called out.
The two looked up.
Tom placed a hand on Daniel's shoulder.
"Looks like you're busy."
"Yes," Daniel replied seriously. "Please meet my girl."
Anna immediately burst into laughter.
Tom looked around dramatically.
"Anna?"
He looked left.
Then right.
"Where's Anna?"
He placed a hand over his heart.
"Please bring back my little sister."
All three of them laughed.
Tom looked at Anna from head to toe.
His eyes softened.
"You're beautiful, Sis."
Anna blinked.
"I'm glad you made it."
For some reason, hearing those words made her chest tighten.
She simply smiled.
"Congratulations."
"Thank you."
Without hesitation, Tom pulled her into a quick hug.
Anna froze for a second before awkwardly patting his back.
When they separated, Tom looked between her and Daniel.
"What are you two doing here in the corner?"
"We like it here," Anna answered.
"No."
Tom immediately disagreed.
"Come sit with us."
Anna shook her head.
"No, I'm fine here."
"Come on."
Tom grabbed her wrist before she could protest.
Anna hissed.
"Tom!"
"You're wearing a nice dress, but you're still stubborn."
Daniel laughed.
"That's true."
"Mama would love to see you," Tom added.
Anna groaned dramatically.
"Fine."
Defeated, she stood up.
Daniel followed behind them.
Together, they walked toward the VIP table.
Anna greeted Mrs. Yang, Ms. Janeth, Chairman Yang, and the rest of the family before quietly taking her seat beside Daniel.
A few moments later, the party officially began.
The emcee stepped onto the stage and greeted everyone warmly.
He shared funny stories about relationships, making the guests laugh.
He spoke about love.
About trust.
Respect.
Commitment.
About the ups and downs every couple faces.
And how no matter how difficult the road becomes, if two people continue holding on to each other, they will eventually reach the end together.
"And above all," the emcee said with a smile, "God is always there, guiding every step of the journey."
The crowd applauded.
The emcee then turned toward Chairman Yang.
The old man nodded.
"Alright!" the emcee announced excitedly.
"Tonight is a very special night. We are all gathered here to celebrate two people deeply in love."
The crowd cheered.
The atmosphere became livelier.
"Perhaps," the emcee continued dramatically, "the future bride and groom who will be getting married next month!"
The guests erupted into excitement.
"What?!"
"Next month?"
"That's so soon!"
"Congratulations!"
Laughter and applause filled the ballroom.
The emcee chuckled.
"Yes, that's right. One month from now, we might all be gathered here again."
He turned toward Chairman Yang.
"Congratulations, Chairman Yang."
The old man smiled politely.
"You might even have grandchildren soon."
Everyone laughed and clapped.
"Now then," the emcee continued.
"Let's congratulate the future groom."
He raised his hand dramatically.
"Thomas Yang, please come up here."
The guests applauded loudly.
Tom stood up and confidently walked toward the center of the ballroom.
His smile was bright.
His expression excited.
He looked happier than ever.
The emcee stood beside him.
"And now..."
The room grew quieter.
"Please give another round of applause for our groom-to-be."
The crowd cheered once more.
Tom smiled and waved.
The emcee lifted the microphone.
"And now..."
He paused.
Everyone waited.
"May I please call the bride-to-be..."
Mildred sat up straight excitedly.
Her friends were already cheering.
The guests smiled expectantly.
Then the emcee spoke.
"Ms. Anna Rodriguez."
Silence.
The ballroom froze.
"Miss Anna Rodriguez?"
The emcee called again.
Anna's smile disappeared.
Her eyes widened.
And all at once—
Every single person in the room turned to look at her.
*********************
stay tuned for the next chapter