Anna’s POV
The following evening, the hostess led me through the elegant dining room of La Belle, one of the city's most exclusive restaurants. I scanned the tables, my eyes immediately landing on the familiar faces of Caden and Jessica.
With their heads hunched over each other, they were laughing and talking animatedly while sitting at a tiny cozy table at the corner.
Jessica's hand was resting lightly on top of Caden's, their fingers locked in a way that was too personal.
I felt my annoyance rising as I watched Jessica throw her head back, her laughter ringing out.
What could possibly be so goddamn funny?
As if sensing my presence, they suddenly looked up, their smiles vanishing the moment their eyes landed on me. Caden's brow creased as he noticed the small bandage on the side of my head from the car accident yesterday.
"Anna," he called out with surprise and...was that concern? "What happened? How did you get hurt?"
"Oh my God, are you alright?" Jessica asked in a tone that was faker than her hair extensions. "I hope you didn't... you know, try to kill yourself or something because of the news."
I scoffed, feeling the anger stirring up inside me. "Try to kill myself?" I repeated. "Please. You know I love my life far too much to give it up, even for a backstabbing friend and a cheating bastard of a husband."
Caden's eyes widened, and he raised a hand, as if to calm me. "Anna, please, let's not make a scene here. I know this is a delicate situation but please, just hear me out. As you know, as the CEO of Weston Beauty I have certain obligations that include ensuring the company has a suitable heir."
I turned my gaze to Jessica, my eyes narrowing. "I suppose she just happened to be the most convenient, right?."
Caden sighed, raking a hand through his dark hair in frustration. "I've been trying with you for years, but you just couldn't... you know." He gestured vaguely, and my blood boiled.
"So it's my fault, isn’t it?" I snapped. "Because I couldn't give you the child you so desperately wanted, you had to turn to my best friend?"
"It's not like that," he said, his voice suddenly lower than before. "I care about you, Anna, but the company needs an heir. Also, it's not just about the child. I-"
"Spare me the bullshit," I interrupted harshly. "We both know this is about a lot more than just the company. You're in love with her, aren't you?"
He went silent and leaned forward. "I know this is a lot to take in, but please, try to understand. I never wanted to hurt you, but-"
"Understand?" I scoffed, cutting him off. "How the hell am I supposed to understand any of this? You've been cheating on me with my best friend, and you've gotten her pregnant. That's not something I can just 'understand'."
Jessica placed a hand protectively over her belly and lifted her chin squarely. "I didn't force Caden to do anything. We fell in love, and that's not something either of us can control."
I felt the anger bubbling up inside me, threatening to boil over. "How do you feel being a home wrecker and blaming it on stupid love?."
Caden was quick enough to defend her. "Anna, that's enough. I won't have you speak to Jessica that way, especially not in public."
I chuckled without amusement, shaking my head. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I offend your beloved mistress?"
Caden exhaled and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Just stop. Listen, given the...circumstances, I'm going to need you to step down as Vice President of the company."
I was shocked that I was temporarily unable to speak. "You want me to do what?" I finally managed to spit out.
"I need you to resign your position, Anna," Caden repeated in a calm voice that irritated me. "Jessica and I will need to focus on the baby, and I can't have you undermining our authority or causing disruptions within the company."
I fixed him with a gaze, my head spinning like crazy. "You're joking, right? You've got to be fucking kidding me."
He shook his head. "I'm deadly serious. This isn't just about you and me anymore. It's about the future of the company."
I couldn’t believe my ears. It was his non chalant attitude that got on my nerves the most. "So now you're asking me to give up everything I've worked for, just to accommodate your little family?"
He had a grave look on his face. "I'm not asking you, I'm telling you. You will resign your position, effective immediately. And you will make peace with Jessica. I won't have you putting our child at risk with your...actions."
"And if I refuse?" I challenged, raising a perfectly arched brow.
He gave an indifferent shrug. "Then you can kiss your shares in the company goodbye. I'll make sure you're completely cut out, Anna. You won't see a single penny."
I felt my face growing hot with rage, and my hands shaking with anger.
Grabbing my glass of wine, I hurled it at Caden’s face in one quick motion. The red wine splattered everywhere, staining his expensive shirt and dripping down his shocked face.
