Hello everyone! I hope you are doing alright!

First of all, happy Christmas to everyone who celebrates it, and happy holidays to the ones who don't celebrate it such as myself.

Here is a new chapter!

Enjoy!

**********************

Anna was enjoying the hot water that was cascading her back and relaxing her aching muscles. She never knew that living with the Black family would be that hard. Jacob was a very demanding man. He had a lot of rules and wanted everything to go his way. Weirdly enough, Anna liked her relationship with him. He was willing to teach her new things and treated her like his own children. He was even having conversations with her and giving her pieces of advice. Anna stepped out from the shower and started drying her hair.

Twenty minutes later, Anna stood in front of her vanity mirror. She was satisfied with her final look. Her hair was styled in big black curls that reached below her shoulders. Her make-up was kept to a minimum, which consisted of eyeliner and lip-gloss. Anna made sure her appearance was simple but elegant at the same time.

Choosing her clothes was the hard part and took most of her time. But the final result was satisfying for the girl, as she opted for a green blouse and a short black skirt with black heels.

As always, breakfast was a silent affair at the Black residence, but it didn't bother Anna anymore. She felt comfortable and enjoyed the quietness that surrounded her especially in the morning. Matt was the first one to speak after finishing his meal.

"Someone is looking beautiful today."

Anna rolled her eyes and chose to ignore his teasing.

"She has to look beautiful since Hunter would arrive today from his trip, and she would meet him later." Aiden decided to join his brother's teasing.

Before Anna could say something in retort, Jacob spoke.

"Aiden, you will be Anna's driver today."

Those words were enough to catch the boy's attention. He looked at his father like he was crazy.

"What? Why should I be her driver? Isn't Carlos available today?"

"No, he is not. And I think my orders were clear, so don't question me." Jacob spoke sternly.

"But I am going to visit Noona today, and I promised to keep her company all day." Aiden attempted to change his father's order one last time.

"Take Anna with you then and spend time with your Noona as much as you like, and when the time comes, go and take her to meet Hunter." Jacob paused for a few seconds letting his words sink, then spoke again in a hard tone "It is strike one Aiden, don't push me and especially today."

With that, Jacob left the room leaving behind him a fuming Aiden. After awkward moments of silence, Karen smiled brightly and patted her son on the shoulder.

"Don't be upset, you know how he becomes when stressed with work. Just take Anna with you. I am sure Gabriella will love her."

Aiden sighed and faked a smile for his mother's sake.

"Okay mom, I will tell her you said hi."

Anna nodded at Karen and followed Aiden. At some point, she had to run to catch up with his long strides. Once in the car, Anna tried her best to cope with the silence, but the tension kept growing and it was impossible for her to stay silent.

"I am sorry Aiden. I didn't want to be a burden on you," she spoke softly.

"It is okay Anna. It's not even your fault. He decided I would take you before our teasing. I am sure he has a hidden agenda, and quite frankly, I am afraid to find out."

"What do you mean?" Anna asked confused with his words.

"Look Anna my father is not a man who does things without purpose, and you going with me isn't normal, but forget about it and think about your date with Hunter later." Aiden winked at her.

Anna shook her head and leaned against the car's window. She missed Hunter so much and was eager to see him. It was two weeks since the last time they met, technically since their outing with their friends. That day, he promised her to take her to a date the next day, but he called her and canceled their plans. He told her that he had to fly with his father to France for an emergency that he would explain when the time comes. They didn't contact each other in his absence duration so to say that Anna missed him would be an understatement. It was the first time they were separated for such a long time.

Aiden reached the Don's mansion gates and after the usual security protocols, the guards let them pass. Anna's eyes widen when she saw the front door of the mansion coming to view. She turned her gaze to Aiden and spoke in a panicked manner.

"What are we doing here?"

"We are here to visit Noona, remember?" Aiden asked with a quirked eyebrow.

"And your Noona lives in the Don's mansion?"

"Well, she is his wife, so she lives here."

"oh.....oh.....oh, so you mean we are here to visit the Don's wife."

"Yes, exactly," Aiden confirmed patiently, he was confused with Anna's reaction. Her face turned white like a sheet of paper, and her hands were shaking. "Hey, Anna is there something wrong?" Aiden asked with concern.

"No, it's nothing. I am okay, let's go." Anna lied and reached for her door, she was terrified from the upcoming hours. Meeting the Don was a scaring experience and she was sure that meeting his wife would be the same.

Aiden knew something wasn't right. Anna didn't visit the mansion just once when they were going to the camp, so her scared reaction was very confusing. But he decided to let it go for now. He will question her later. He followed Anna's steps and climbed out of his car.

Henry, the mansion's butler greeted them in the front door and led them to the living room.

"Make yourself at home, lady Gabriella will arrive shortly."

Anna sat on the sofa beside Aiden. She was playing with her hands nervously waiting for the woman's arrival. True to Henry's words, the woman arrived in no time. And once again Anna was shocked by the woman standing in front of her. She appeared in her first sixties. She was a short woman with silky black hair and striking blue eyes. Unlike her husband, her blue eyes were warm and welcoming, not icy and cold.

After hugging Aiden tightly in her arms, which were a bit funny since her short frame was a contradiction with his tall one, her eyes fell on Anna, and she smiled warmly at her.

"Welcome to my home dear, Karen told me so much about you, and I am honoured to finally meet you."

"All the honour is mine. Thank you, madam." Anna said with a smile on her face.

Anna was relieved that the awkward introductions were over, and she was satisfied with just watching and listening to Aiden and Gabriella talking. But something wasn't right; Anna could feel it in the air. The woman looked harmless and seemed like any grandmother, who didn't see her grandchild in a long time, but the moment her eyes would catch Anna's, they turn almost black, as if she was giving her warnings, which sent chills down Anna's spine.

"Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom," Anna said and stood up from her seat on the sofa when she couldn't take the woman's stares anymore.

"Okay darling, I will call one of the maids, and she would take you."

"No, it's okay. I will find it on my own." Anna declined Gabriella's offer. She needed a little time alone and searching for the bathroom will give her the amount of time she desired.

"Like you wish darling, just take the stairs, and you will find the first bathroom to your left," Gabriella explained, and Anna could swear she heard worry in her voice, but she decided to stop her paranoia and nodded instead.

Anna sighed in relief when she was out of earshot. She took her time climbing the stairs, and as the woman said, she turned to the left. Like the last time, she was amazed by the mansion designs and style. It was like a house from an architecture magazine.

She was about to open the door to which she suspected would be the bathroom when she heard a familiar laugh. She was sure it was Lillian laughing. She took a step towards the sound, then two steps until she found herself in front of a familiar door. It was the Don's office. She could never forget that door, the door that changed her life forever. She knew it was impolite to eavesdrop, but the moment she heard her name spoken in the conversation, her curiosity took the best of her, and she stood there listening to the conversation.

"Good job Hunter. Your plan worked perfectly. Thanks to you, Anna is safe and in the position we want her to be." The Don praised his grandson.

"It was a last-minute idea. The moment I saw her standing alone, I knew she wouldn't be able to survive our world so to protect her, I decided to be her boyfriend, and thankfully she was innocent enough to buy it. Now she trusted me blindly and that will work in our favour through the mission."

Anna heard the first crack in her heart when she heard Hunter's words. He knew from the beginning who was she, he knew and he played her for their mission.

"Good, now I can't forget my favourite niece who was able to get Anna to trust her and be her best friend. Good job, my dear. I expect you to continue your amazing job in the upcoming events. We aren't even halfway in the mission, and what coming is more difficult."

"Yes Uncle, Anna trusts me infinitely, and I am sure I can convince her with anything I want."

Another crack in Anna's heart, her friend who she thought was her shield in this dangerous world was also a part of their schemes. How stupid can you get, Anna? You believed them and gave them your trust, and now you will pay the price.

By the end of the conversation, Anna felt her heart shatter to a million pieces. All the tender words, smiles, kisses, and promises were lies. They were just means to arrive at a certain goal. From the start, they were deceiving her, and unfortunately, she was stupid enough to believe that they were honest with her. She couldn't believe her own ears. She wished that time would go back and give her a chance to just go to the bathroom and back downstairs, at least she wouldn't have heard these words. Words that will change her life forever, she was sure that after today, she won't be the same, Anna.

*******************

"If that's all, I think it's time I go. I have an important meeting this evening." Hunter said as he stood up from his seat, and smoothed his black jeans.

"I think we covered all the important points before the main meeting next Saturday." The Don spoke giving his permission to Lillian and Hunter to leave.

"Great, so five days from now and our mission will start, I am so excited to know what they are hiding," Lillian said with a dangerous gleam in her eyes.

Hunter shook his head at her antics and said.

"Goodbye grandpa, I will be here on time next Saturday. Have a nice day." The Don nodded his head giving them his permission to leave.

The two younger Salviatti made their way out of the Don's office and to the first set of stairs.

"How is it going with Jackson?" Hunter asked his cousin.

Lillian sighed and closed her eyes briefly before she started speaking.

"I don't know. Since the incident, we didn't talk much. Jackson can be very laid back with an easy attitude, but when he gets mad, he doesn't forgive easily. It is in his nature, so I am not blaming him. I know time will heal our scars, and we would be fine." Lillian gave him a tight smile hoping he would drop the topic, but Hunter being Hunter didn't get the hint or more specifically chose to ignore it and asked her another question.

"How is your dad? I wanted to come and visit him, but you know the last days weren't easy for us."

Lillian's face broke in a bright smile as talking about her father brought her happiness.

"Don't worry about it. I am sure he would understand the circumstances, and the hard time you went through with your family. Anyway, back to your question, my father is doing great. His wounds healed completely. Now, we are waiting for the okay from the doctor to remove the cast from his right leg, and he would be able to walk normally again."

"I am happy to hear he is doing fine. I will pass by tomorrow and wish him fast recovery myself."

"So, you are going out with Anna today?" Lillian asked changing the topic of their conversation.

"And from where did you know I am going out with her?" Hunter narrowed his eyes.

"when you said you have a meeting this evening, your eyes were shining and a big smile was plastered on your face, so I knew right away you are going to meet her. Because honestly, I don't think a business meeting can make you that happy."

"You are an observant woman, aren't you? God help the poor soul who will fall in love with you. The poor man can't even hide things from you." Hunter said sarcastically.

"So my assumption was true," Lillian spoke smugly then her voice turned serious. "Are you going to tell her the truth today?"

"Yes, I will tell her everything today. I can't start this mission with a lie. I need to tell her myself before she finds out from someone else. I don't want things to turn ugly between us." Lillian nodded in approval and patted her cousin's shoulder in encouragement.

"Do you think she will forgive us?" Lillian asked with uncertainty.

"I don't know, but even if she gets mad, I will give her all the time she wants to forgive me. I want our relationship to work."

Lillian smiled softly at him. She was happy for her cousin. For her, Hunter deserved the best and needed happiness in his life after all the hard times he went through. Finally, he found someone who can make him smile regularly and without reason, someone who can crack the ice surrounding his heart.

"Good luck cousin," Lillian said then made her way towards her parked car. She got in the passenger seat and drove away with two security cars in front of her and another two behind her.

*******************

At 7:00 pm that evening, Hunter pulled up in front of the Black's mansion door. He got out of the car and returned the nod of respect the butler gave him.

Karen was the one who greeted him with a smile on her face. The older woman radiated elegance and class as always.

"Good evening dear, how are you?" Karen asked gently.

"Good evening Aunt Karen. I am fine, thank you. How is it going?"

"Everything is splendid dear."

Hunter looked at his Rolex watch then back to Karen.

"Is Anna ready? I don't want to be late."

Karen's smile turned to an apologetic one.

"I am sorry Hunter, but Anna is feeling under the weather, and she can't come with you today."

"What? why? What happened to her?" Hunter asked in concern.

"I don't know exactly what happened to her, but this morning she was okay. I think it's just a little cold, don't worry."

"I will go and see her before I leave," Hunter stated firmly.

"Go ahead, dear. If you need anything, just call me."

Hunter nodded and climbed the stairs leading to Anna's room. He knocked twice on the door and waited.

"Come in." Anna's voice was faint that if he wasn't paying close attention, he would have missed it.

With a deep breath, he turned the knob and entered the room. Immediately a frown made her way to Hunter's face when he saw Anna sitting on her bed with her back leaning against the headboard, and her arms hugging her knees against her chest.

Within seconds Hunter was by her side, and he sat on the edge of her mattress. But Anna didn't react, she just sat there unmoving. Her eyes were focused on nothing in particular, and her face was emotionless.

"Anna, are you okay? Are you feeling sick?" Hunter spoke gently and reached out to touch her forehead and make sure her temperature was normal, but before he could make contact with her skin, Anna swatted his hand away.

Hunter didn't expect that reaction, and he retracted his hand as if someone just burned him.

"Anna, what's going on? Talk to me. I need to know what's bothering you." Hunter tried once again.

"You," was her single worded answer.

"What?" Hunter's confusion was written all over his face. He didn't understand what was going on, and the person sitting in front of him wasn't the Anna he knew.

"You asked what's bothering me, and I answered. You are bothering me."

Hunter stood up from his seat on the bed and moved away from Anna. He was trying to create as much space between them as he can. Her words were cruel, and they hurt like nothing he experienced before.

"I will leave now, and I will call later so we can talk," Hunter said gently. He figured that maybe Anna needed time alone to think about things and recover from her cold, and he was ready to give her as much time as she wants. But before he managed to open the door, Anna spoke seven words that made his world collide.

"I want to break up with you."

"Anna, it's not the time for your jokes. Why would you say that?" Hunter asked in a low voice.

"I don't have any reason. I feel strangled with you. Our relationship isn't healthy for me. Go and find someone who wants to be dominated by you. I want to be free and do as I desire, and you are an obstacle in my way." Anna said coldly, all the time making eye contact with Hunter.

She saw hurt and confusion in his blue irises, but she couldn't bring herself to care at the moment. The pain in her heart was far greater than what was he feeling.

"What? Do you call my caring and showing affection, strangling?" Hunter asked in disbelieve as his tone changed from confusion to anger.

"Well, if choking someone and controlling them is caring in your books, I suggest you go and show it to someone else. Because I don't need it." Anna said dismissively as if the situation was insignificant.

Hunter stood there stunned. He didn't expect this from Anna. How can she say that without a care in the world? Yesterday when he called her, she was happy and eager to see him. She expressed how much she missed him, and now, she was acting like he didn't matter to her at all. Something wasn't right, and he was determined to know what changed in the last twenty-four hours.

"I know something happened in my absence. And I promise I will find out why you are ending our relationship. And I promise you will come back to me, ma belle."

Anna didn't say a word and laid her tired body completely on her bed with her back facing Hunter. She heard him sigh and listened as he opened the room's door to leave. She waited until he closed the door to let the first tear dropped on her pillow, then the second one and the third to end up sobbing hard. She never knew that heartbreak could be that hard.

You are the reason I am breaking up with you.......you are the one who is responsible for our end....you promised to never hurt me, but here I am broken beyond repair.......

***************

With a heavy heart, Hunter closed the door to Anna's room and took a deep breath. Something had happened in his absence, and he was determined to know it. They were happy and their relationship was perfect. It wasn't normal for Anna to break it like that without any reason. But for now, he needed some peace and calm. He had to sort out his emotions so he could deal rationally with the problem.