The next morning, Anika woke up feeling as though every muscle in her body had been thoroughly dismantled and reassembled. A deep, sweet ache throbbed through her hips, making even shifting in the tangled sheets a breathless task.
The suite door swung open, and Tessa stepped in, freezing at the sight of torn clothing and utter chaos scattered across the floor.
"Holy hell," Tessa gasped, picking up a shredded shirt collar. "Did a hurricane hit this bed?"
Anika pulled the duvet tightly over her bare chest, her cheeks burning as vivid flashbacks from the night rushed in.
The wheelchair by the wall had suggested a physical handicap, but the man had been anything but helpless. His legs might lack motor mobility, but his core, his grip, and his untamed, ferocious virility were mind-blowing. He had dominated the night with ruthless stamina, leaving her completely wrecked until the early hours of dawn.
"Did you... you know?" Tessa’s jaw dropped. "With the guy in the wheelchair?"
"It was an accident," Anika croaked, her voice still raspy from the night before. "And trust me... his injury doesn't affect his physical capability in the slightest."
Tessa shook her head hard. "No way! My parents would lose it!"
Anika eyed her, half amused. "You’re always checking out guys, acting all bold."
"I just like to look. I’m not about to dive in," Tessa shot back, brushing off the tease. "By the way, what’s up with Evan?"
Anika shrugged. "He’s with Lorelai Wells now."
Tessa’s jaw dropped. "…Seriously?"
It was baffling. What could he possibly see in her? She needed more details.
"Lorelai used my account for her livestream last night. I’m pretty sure your brother realized his so-called 'idol' was actually her, and that’s what sparked the breakup. Doesn’t matter though—that’s their mess, not mine, and you don’t need to console me. I’m not bothered." Anika’s indifference was real; she never wasted time on people who weren’t worth it.
Tessa was speechless.
"But that account is yours!" Tessa insisted. "Technically, Evan’s idol should be you. You were about to reveal your secret identity, and instead he dumps you? My brother’s gonna be so pissed when he finds out the truth!"
"Stay out of it," Anika warned.
"Aren’t you upset, though? There’s major backlash online. Fans are accusing you of faking your whole 'not in it for the money' thing. They’re saying you won’t get your followers back if you keep posting under that account." Tessa’s tone was full of sympathy.
Anika just smiled. "I can start fresh with a new account."
Fame and followers didn’t matter to her. She was in it for the passion.
**
Tessa took Anika out for breakfast. Mid-bite, Anika’s phone buzzed—her mom, Myra Knight.
"Mom."
Myra’s voice came through in a shaky, tearful rush. "I’ve told you—no matter how hard it gets, you have to endure it. Why did you leave again? Mrs. Powell is livid this time. Go back to the Powell house and apologize. Don’t make her angrier."
Endure it. Always endure it. Why did her mom keep pushing this?
"Mom, I’m not going back. That place isn’t my home, and they don’t deserve to be my family," Anika said, her voice steady. Not even her mother’s pressure could shake her resolve.
Myra’s frustration hit its peak, and she laid down an ultimatum. "Either come home now, or forget you have a mother. You want to cut ties with the Powells? Fine. Try cutting me off first."
"Mom." Anika struggled to understand. "Why are you forcing this? What’s so amazing about the Powell family? We’d be fine on our own."
"No." Myra’s refusal was hard, her words weighted with hard-won experience. "Only as the Powell family’s daughter will you marry well. I won’t let you end up like me. Please, sweetheart, just come back."
Anika got it—her mom wanted a good life for her, a good marriage—but Anika was done letting anyone call the shots.
"Sorry, Mom. I’m not listening this time." She ended the call.
"Sweetheart, please don’t hurt your mother like this…"
Anika powered down her phone and went back to her breakfast like nothing had happened, glancing over at Tessa. Surprisingly, Tessa was the one who looked furious. "Why does Aunt Myra always tell you to just take it? You’ve already been through enough!"
"Well, your dear friend is officially homeless," Anika hinted.
Whenever she was down, Anika crashed at Tessa’s place, where Tessa’s family absolutely adored her. Especially her gift for mimicking any sound or emotion—she could entertain everyone for hours. Anika was like a real-life soundboard, bringing the fun wherever she went. Tessa always loved having her around and secretly wished she’d never leave. But today, Tessa hesitated.
"Is there a problem?" Anika asked.
Tessa nodded. "Not really, but Adrian is back in the country—my father's younger brother. He’s super into his privacy and has a seriously short fuse. You’re totally welcome to stay, just… steer clear of him. Even I avoid him. I’m too scared to say a word."
Anika lifted an eyebrow. Was it really that serious?
"And my brother. He texted earlier—he’s bringing his girlfriend home. Probably Lorelai Wells. I’m just worried you might…" Feel hurt.
Anika had dated Evan for two years and visited his family often, but they’d never gone public with the relationship, afraid of family pushback. They’d planned to announce it at twenty, but the relationship ended first.
"Why would I care? Your brother is just a blip." Anika’s coolness impressed Tessa, but it also tugged at her heart.
"Exactly. My brother is nothing. Even if Lorelai’s with him, she’ll never be my sister-in-law. You’re the one I call family," Tessa declared, picking her side.
"Cheers to that." Anika gave her a thumbs-up.
**
At the Murphy family estate.
"Hey, Forest." Anika greeted him warmly; she’d long been part of the family’s inner circle.
Forest Young helped with her bags, gushing over her generosity. "Miss Knight, you always bring so much! You’re way too kind. And by the way, the ringtone you made for me is amazing! Do you have time to make one for my wife?"
"Let me see your phone."
As they walked, Anika recorded a new ringtone. Her voice was captivating, smooth as a gentle stream, slipping into the listener’s ears and making them feel completely at ease.
"Does this work, Forest?" she asked.
He nodded eagerly, completely charmed by her sweet voice. "Thank you, Miss Knight."
"Miss Knight, can you record something for us, too?"
"Miss Knight, my son’s store is opening—could you record something?"
"Miss Knight, I’d love one as well."
"Me too."
Surrounded by staff like always, Anika took it in stride. Her voice drew them in every time. Her talent was just that irresistible.
"I’ll take care of it later, when I’ve got some time," she promised.
The staff made way, and Tessa grabbed her arm, steering her toward the mansion. "Girl, you draw a crowd everywhere you go. Everyone’s so jealous of you! Please stop being so freaking perfect—my parents just might trade me in for you!"
