Game of Deceit ✓

Chapter 37

After the dinner, Vincent and Anna found themselves in a quiet corner of the garden, away from the prying eyes of the party. The soft glow of the moonlight bathed them in its gentle radiance, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and intimacy.

As they stood there, a comfortable silence settled between them, their eyes locked in a gaze that spoke volumes. Vincent could feel the success of his revenge, his emotions swirling within him like a tempest. Despite that, he knew there was something different about Anna, something that drew him in. 'He had to be careful. Women were dangerous creatures. Especially this seductress.'

Anna's lips curved into a serene smile, her eyes reflecting the moonlight's glow. She took a step closer to Vincent, her breath mingling with his. The air was charged with a palpable tension, and yet, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Without a word, Anna reached out, her fingers gently caressing Vincent's cheek. His eyelids fluttered closed, her breath hitching as her touch sent shivers down his spine. Everything about the situation was pure. Slowly, ever so slowly, he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a feather-light kiss.

Time seemed to stand still in that moment, as if the universe itself had paused to witness their connection. The kiss was soft, tender, and full of unspoken promises. It held the weight of their present feelings, and the unknown future that lay ahead.

When they finally pulled away, their eyes met again, a mixture of emotions passing between them. Vincent's chest rose and fell with a deep breath, his heart pounding against his control. Anna's cheeks were flushed, her gaze a blend of vulnerability and longing.

"Vincent I.....I...," Anna whispered, her voice barely audible in the night's hush.

Vincent smiled, his hand still cupping her cheek. "Anna, don't say anything" he replied, his voice carrying a warmth that mirrored the unknown affection he felt.

However, as their fingers intertwined, unknown to Anna, Vincent's heart was not solely invested in this newfound connection. He had ulterior motives, motives that didn't align with Anna's best interests. His smile held a hint of secrecy, his mind already at work, weaving a web of his own desires and hidden agendas.

And so, as they stood there, side by side, the moon as their silent witness, Vincent's true intentions remained veiled, hidden beneath the surface of his charming exterior. The journey they were embarking on was not just one of love and discovery, but one fraught with deceit and calculated moves that would challenge their bond in ways they could never have anticipated.
------

Anna had just one more week until her wedding, and she wanted to make the most of her time with her sisters, Aubrey and Cassie. Cassie always enjoyed these moments, and Aubrey's playful jokes made it feel like Anna wasn't about to become a bride. Laughter filled the room as they shared their lighthearted banter.

During their conversation, Cassie brought up an interesting point. "Have you noticed, Anna, that there are no women in the Sterling family household?"

Anna, who had never really discussed Vincent's family dynamics before, was intrigued. She leaned in, curious to hear more. "What do you mean?"

Aubrey nodded, adding her input. "Yeah, there's only Vincent, his brothers, and their father. Their mother and sister don't live with them anymore. Their parents seperated a long time ago."

Cassie's eyes lit up with curiosity. "I wonder if their mother would come to the wedding?"

Anna was surprised. "I had no idea. Vincent never really talks about his family."

Aubrey spoke this time clearing the air. "Well, Blake was my best friend, so I do know a little."

Anna's eyebrows shot up. "Blake? But you never told me..."Anna said accusingly.

Cassie was less surprised. "Wait, you never mentioned that Blake was your best friend, Aubrey. I thought you guys just knew each other as classmates or something."

Aubrey shrugged. "It's not something that came up. Besides, we're catching up."

Cassie listened intently, absorbing the new information. She didn't want to pry too much, but it was intriguing to learn more about the people connected to Terrance and the Sterlings.