Chapter 5 Ghost of the past

Anita's breath caught. the world around her shrank until she could only see Harry's arrogant expression. His arrogant smirk made her shiver with disgust .Her stomach churned at the irony- of all people, why did her past have to be linked to Nathan's family?

Standing beside a tall tree, gorgeous woman, Harry titled his head, sweeping his look over her. " Well, this is.... unexpected", he remarked, amusement flashing through his eyes. " Uncle, I had no idea you were bringing a guest. And a very familiar one at that.

The subtle stress in his tone caused Anita's fingers to crul into fist. She forced herself to stand upright, her heart racing in ears.

Nathan, who had remained quiet until now, spoke calmly but with authority.

"She's my wife."

The world appeared to pause. A hush settled over the guest nearby, curious glance darting in their direction. Anita's throat felt drier. The word " wife" sounded foreign and unreal, like a script she hasn't yet memorized.

The woman standing next Harry let out a gasp, bringing a delicate hand to her lips.

" Your wife"? She repeated. " Nathan, are you joking?"

" Do I look like I'm joking?" Nathan's voice lowered slightly, a warning threaded into his words.

Harry's sneer flickered briefly before returning full force. His eyes Clouded as they shifted between Anita and Nathan.

" Well, congratulations," he drawled, though his voice carried no warmth. " This is quite the surprise."

Anita forced herself to meet his look, unwilling to hide under his scrutiny. She would not let him have that satisfaction.

Before she could say anything, another voice sliced through the tension.

" Nathan, is this true?"

Anita to see woman who appeared to be in her late forties or early fifties, standing just a few inches away. Her striking features bore a strong resemblance to Harry's-high cheekbones, sharp eyes and an aura of wealth power.

Eleanor walker

Nathan's sister

Anita recalled her instantly from the few business article she had skimmed when she first started dating harry. Eleanor was known for her cold precision in the corporate world and her ruthless social standards.

Nathan's expression remained emotionless. "Yes, Eleanor. I'm married".

Eleanor's eyes moved over to Anita with slow, methodical examination. The air bristles with unsaid judgement. then her lips twisted into a barely discernable smile.

" How ... charming," she murmured, her voice filled at polite scorn.

Anita clinched her hans. She knew that look. She had seen it before in the eyes of individuas who believed they were better than her, people who thought she was beneath them.

Harry chuckled quietly. " Uncle, you always manage to Surprise us. But, I must admit, Anita and I have quiet history together, don't we?"

Nathan's expression stiffened. He glanced to Anita, his piercing eyes looking for an explanation.

Anita swallowed the lump in her throat. This was the moment she had feared.

" Harry is my ex , " she explained, her voice steady but hushed. " He cheated on me ."

A collective murmur spread among the nearby guests.

Nathan's eyes darkened, and his jaw tightened just slightly. He returned his gf axe to harry, his demeanour suddenly emanating a quiet yet intimidating authority. " Is that so?" His voice sounded dangerously quiet.

Harry only shrugged, his attitude a combination of amusement and disinterest. " Things happen, uncle. You are aware of the complexities of relationships."

Anita wanted to slap him . The absolute audacity.

But Anita Before she could react, Nathan moved slightly closer to her. His presence was firm and constant, a subtle display of protection. " Yes," he answered. " And I also know that some men don't deserve second chance."

For the first time that evening, Harry's grin flattered.

Eleanor cleared her throat, detecting a shift in authority. " Well, this is all quite... Fascinating," she remarked, though her tight smile suggested otherwise. " Anita, was it? I hope you find our family inviting".

Anita caught Eleanor's stare, lowering her chin slightly. "I'm sure I will", she said calmly.

Nathan then turned to her and lightly pressed his hand the small of her back. It was a light touch, but the warmth sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.

" Shall we?" He asked, pointing his head toward the big staircase that leads to the main terrace.

Anita nodded and let him lead her away. She could still feel Harry's glare on her back.

As the moved through the crowd whisper followed them. Some were curious, while others were dubious. Anita felt like a spectacle, but she didn't let it show.

Once they were clear from the nearby mob, Nathan eventually spoke, his voice low. " You didn't tell me about Harry."

Anita exhaled. I didn't think it mattered.i didn't realize he was your nephew.

Nathan examine her for a long time, as if weighing her words. Yhen, to her surprise, he just nodded. "Fair enough."

She blinked. "That's it?"

" For now," he said. " But I'll have to know everything. If you are going to be my wife, I cannot afford surprises

His words shot an unsettling pain across her chest. It was a reminder of what this was- a contract, not true marriage.

" Right," she mumbled.

Nathan's gaze remained on her for a brief moment before he turned away. " Come." "We are not done yet."

Anita swallowed. No, this was only the beginning.

And she had the sinking feeling that harry wasn't done with her yet.